Are you planning a vacation in Italy and would need some help to choose the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
I have studied, worked, and gone back to Italy over and over again in the past 10 years, and I can safely say the Amalfi Coast is one of my favorite destinations. I would go back every year if possible, and I have already been there several times.
As with every destination, there are best times and worst times you can choose to visit, and not only because of the weather. By following this guide, you will be able to easily plan your vacation, depending on your season preference.
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What is the best time of year to visit the Amalfi Coast?
As I’ve mentioned, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, and the region won’t disappoint no matter the season you choose to visit.
In my opinion, the best time to visit would be in April or October. However, if you want to travel on a budget, late March or early November could also be a good option.
But let’s dive into the specifics for each season so that you can make an informed decision, based on your type of travel and desires.
SPRING ON THE AMALFI COAST
Spring is considered to be between March and May, but the tourist season starts in April – usually with the Easter holiday.
However, March can also be a good option when you don’t mind a little bit of wind and a little precipitation. The good part about traveling during March or April is the chance to skip the crowds.
On the other hand, bus and ferry timetables are different than the ones in peak season, with less frequent rides. You can still plan a day trip to Capri island, get the bus from Sorrento to Salerno, and explore some less known small towns, you will just have to be more rigorous with your plans.
Most hotels and restaurants will be open in March, but of course, there will be some that wait until April to open for the tourists.
By visiting the Amalfi Coast during spring, you will have the chance to catch the lemon trees in bloom so that your vacation will smell heavenly.
The average high temperature in March: 14.4°C (57.9°F)
The average low temperature in March: 8.3°C (46.9°F)
The average high temperature in April: 17.9°C (64.2°F)
The average low temperature in April: 10.9°C (51.6°F)
The average low temperature in May: 13.6°C (56.5°F)
The average high temperature in May: 21.3°C (70.3°F)
Other tips for visiting the Amalfi Coast during Spring
Avoid visiting during the Easter break or for Liberation Day (25th of April) or if you do, book your accommodation ahead of time.
Read also: Choose the best town to stay on the Amalfi Coast
Pack so that you have layers of clothing – mornings and evenings can get chilly, while during the day temperatures rise and you will need to take things off. Have a waterproof coat with you, comfortable shoes, and sunglasses.
Spring is the perfect time for wisteria and other stunningly beautiful flower displays. If you are visiting the region for a special occasion, no matter if it is for your honeymoon or an anniversary, you might want to book a photo session with a local professional.
While in March the weather might not allow you to go swimming, April and May will welcome you with nice temperatures for the beach. Moreover, you will get to enjoy some of the most popular beaches without the crowds.
SUMMER IN THE AMALFI COAST
While many people might say summer is the perfect season to visit the Amalfi Coast, I would add it to the same bucket as winter.
For me, summer temperatures are too high for exploring and actually enjoying the trip. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been to the Amalfi Coast both in July and August, but given the chance, I would always choose spring or fall over summer.
Prices get even 3 times higher than in the shoulder season, and places like Positano, Capri, or Sorrento are packed with tourists, thus making it hard to get the authentic Italian vibe you came here for.
Read also: Should you stay in Sorrento or Positano
The 3 months of summer on the Amalfi Coast are June, July, and August.
The average high temperature in June: 25.8°C (78.4°F)
The average low temperature in June: 17.6°C (63.7°F)
The average high temperature in July: 29.1°C (84.4°F)
The average low temperature in July: 20.5°C (68.9°F)
The average high temperature in August: 30.2°C (86.4°F)
The average low temperature in August: 21.6°C (70.9°F)
Other tips for visiting the Amalfi Coast during Summer
If you plan to rent a car and drive on the Amalfi Coast during summer, make sure to book your car ahead of time (months in advance) because prices will spike in peak season and availability will be pretty low.
My go-to car rental company is always Discover Cars. It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best option for renting a car during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good cancellation policy that would give you options in case your flight or travel plans change. You will most probably need a car to get to most of these places, especially if you want to keep a schedule. Get your best offers here!
Plan your budget accordingly for parking, especially when planning to stop in Positano. With a very limited number of parking spaces, the price for a day of parking here can rise up to close to 50 Eur.
Start your days early if you want to find parking spaces and not waste too much time stuck in traffic.
When traveling by public transportation, while buses and boats are more frequent, most of the time they are packed with people. I know from experience. Timetables are not respected to the point, and when a bus arrives, it might not even stop (if you are not in one of the big city stops) because nobody gets off and there’s no room for you inside.
After waiting for more than one hour for a bus, one of the drivers eventually stopped to take us, and we had to ride on the stairs. Of course, we still had a great time and absolutely loved Amalfi, but you might want to take all that time into consideration when planning your itinerary.
Hiking is one of the top things to do on the Amalfi Coast, but you will have to plan your trip for as early as possible because temperatures and humidity rise as closer you get to lunchtime.
Of course, during summer there will be the most festivals and celebrations in the region, and all the villages turn into vibrant places to be in.
Summer is also the harvest season for the famous Amalfi lemons – from May to October you can participate in lemon tours and learn how to make limoncello or use lemons in traditional dishes.
AUTUMN IN THE AMALFI COAST
Plan your vacation between September and November if you want milder temperatures and not so many crowds. While September is still popular with many, after the middle of November some of the hotels and restaurants close down, thus the area is no longer attractive to many tourists.
Autumn is the perfect season for wine lovers since they can participate in the harvest of grapes and can learn a lot more about wine production in the region.
Moreover, the weather is perfect for hiking on the Path of Gods or other breathtaking paths along the coastline.
If you haven’t tried roasted chestnuts before, head over to Scala slightly above Positano, and take part in the Chestnut Festival. The festival takes place every year in October and you will have one week to enjoy the delicious flavors.
The average high temperature in September: 25.5°C (77.9°F)
The average low temperature in September: 18.6°C (65.5°F)
The average high temperature in October: 21.7°C (71.1°F)
The average low temperature in October: 15.4°C (59.7°F)
The average high temperature in November: 16.9°C (62.4°F)
The average low temperature in November: 11.9°C (53.4°F)
WINTER ON THE AMALFI COAST
What is winter like on the Amalfi Coast?
Even though the region is set in the southern part of the country, and you most likely won’t find snow (even though Sorrent had some in 2022), you must still come prepared for a bit of wind and rain.
The months of winter are considered to be December, January, and February. During this period, a large part of the hotels and accommodation options close down, as well as many restaurants.
Positano, the most tourist town, is mostly closed, however, Amalfi or Sorrento still has restaurants and shops open.
The best part about visiting the Amalfi Coast during winter is the lack of tourists and the chance to have all these incredible places to your own. Getting around is not impossible, and finding a place to stay is doable as well.
With a little bit of planning, a vacation during winter is not so bad after all.
Have in mind the fact that most activities are for the outdoors, thus you will strongly depend on the weather – and it can sometimes get windy and rainy.
The average high temperature in December: 13°C (55.4°F)
The average low temperature in December: 8°C (46.4°F)
The average high temperature in January: 11.7°C (53.1°F)
The average low temperature in January: 6.8°C (44.2°F)
The average high temperature in February: 12.1°C (53.8°F)
The average low temperature in February: 6.8°C (44.2°F)
Activities to experience on the Amalfi Coast
From drives along the coastline to boat trips to the islands, food tastings, and much more, here you will find all the perfect activities for the Amalfi Coast, no matter the season.
Other Amalfi Coast Travel Resources
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Should you visit Amalfi Coast or Puglia? Or better yet see both with these itinerary options
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