Weather in Italy in February

Is February a good time to go to Italy?

Many people come to the ski resorts in the Alps, straddling Italy and France, for the last runs of the season; it is otherwise a wet, cold month for general travel. Despite the weather, however, people travel at this time of year for the cheap rates and quiet spaces.  Take a leisurely walk through the quiet halls of the Uffizi Gallery, see 21st Century art in the Maxxi Museum in Rome, or visit Michael Angelo’s David, in all it’s glory at the Gallery of the Academy of Florence. It is far more pleasurable to stand among the masterworks of the Renaissance without jostling for elbowroom and equally delightful to be served local food made for locals, rather than the tourist dishes of the peak season.

 

Climate in Italy in February

February is one of the last winter months, with 20cm (7.9in) of snowfall in the mountains it is ideal winter sports holidays, but cold and wet for general travel. It may drop as low as -12°C (10°F) high in the mountains, -2°C (28°F) in the northern and alpine foothills, and won’t reach much higher than 13°C (56°F) anywhere. Coastal regions are the wettest and northern areas are relatively dry. 

 

What’s on in Italy in February

Italy is the religious centre of Catholicism and has many religious celebrations in February, but Saint Agatha’s Feast Day in Sicily is one of the biggest in the world and is a good place to see a long-standing traditional religious festival in Italy. February isn’t only about the church, however, as it is carnival season in Italy; Venice and Viareggio host the most notable of them all– Carnival is 40 days before Easter, so dates change from year to year. For culinary enthusiasts, travel to Spello in Umbria for the Olive and Bruschetta Festival for a glimpse of Italian town life in the north.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Italy in February

The Italian winter can get very cold and wet so, synthetic, dark material is best, especially if travelling to the wet coastal regions. Layers are important and other than the usual suitcase of long sleeved shirts, jerseys and coats, thermals, gloves, scarves and hats will be a good investment for keeping warm. Don’t go to the Alps or alpine valleys without a thick coat and every warm item available because its not fun being cold and stuck in the snow. Unless going to ski or on journey into elevated areas, a light coat and raincoat is fine for everywhere else.