The weather and climate in Italy temperatures Throughout the Year from the Italian Government Tourist Board

Italy is renowned for its generally favourable climatic conditions, due mainly to the warm waters of the Mediterranean sea. However, mountainous areas, particularly around the Alps in the north, can suffer severe, long winters, allowing a thriving skiing industry to have developed.

The moderating influence of the sea and the protection given by the Alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a temperate climate. Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains.

The winter is very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan coast and in Sicily.

The summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions, hiking, etc. Seaside and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season in the summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures are ideal in spring and autumn.

The country's varied climate is determined by three distinct geographical regions. In the north, cold Alpine winters are followed by warm, wet summers, except in the Po Valley, where arid summers contrast with freezing, damp winters.

Land close to the Apennines, the backbone of mountains running down the peninsula of Italy, can have snow during the winter months. Other areas that are protected by hills and mountains, such as Liguria in the north west, enjoy a mild climate all year round.

Indeed, most of the rest of Italy has a pleasant climate with long, hot summers and mild winters - go to the Amalfi coast in December and you'll be surprised to see lemons and oranges still on the trees, shrubs still in flower; Sicily, meanwhile, is becoming an increasingly popular winter sun destination.

Generally, the hottest month is July (where temperatures can reach 30°C/86°F); the coldest month is January; the wettest month is November, with an average rainfall of 129mm; while the driest month is July, with an average rainfall of 15mm.

REAL TIME WEATHER CONDITION IN ITALY

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