February is a month that gets a bad reputation. It can sometimes feel dreary in the northern hemisphere. However, February in Italy can be vibrant.
Most of Italy considers February part of its “low season” for tourists. I will explain why. Budget-conscious tourists will be happy to know that February travel in Italy can be relatively affordable and you won’t have to fight crowds wherever you go. It’s important to consider the weather when you plan your Italy trip.
Here’s everything you need to know about the weather and holidays in Italy if you plan to travel there in February.
February weather in Italy
February is cold and damp in Italy. This dampness can manifest itself in snow in the mountains and snow can also get down to the lower elevations. You should expect to be soaked or puddled up as you move from one attraction to the next. While you are likely to spend most of your time indoors, such as museums, churches, shops, or in shops, outdoor sites like Pompeii may be more appealing.
Snowboarders and skiers will continue to flock to mountain resorts. These include the Dolomites and northern Alps, the Apennine spine running through the middle of the country and the volcanic tip of Mt. Etna, Sicily. When it comes to skiing destinations, February is still a high season in Italy.
It’s possible that you will also experience some days that feel like spring. These are cold and clear days when the sun is shining, the sun is warm, but not too warm to make you shed your winter coat. Sometimes you may just need to wear sunglasses.
Below are some average temperatures for different regions of Italy in February.
- Northern Italy: 25-45degF (-4-4degC).
- Central Italy: 40-55degF (5-13degC)
- Southern Italy: 50-60°F (10-16°C)
As always, make sure to check the extended forecast for the place you are actually going before you leave. This will allow you to know in advance if it is unseasonably warm or cold.
Italy Festivals and Holidays February
There are few which follow the same dates each year as February. Valentine’s Day in Italy isn’t a huge deal, but you’ll still see it in shops windows. Younger generations will often give each other flowers and chocolates.
The Venice Carnival is one of the most important festivals in Italy. It’s usually held in February. Carnevale is the Italian name for this festival. It moves each year according to the liturgical Calendar, with dates that range from late January through early April. It’s possible that some Carnival celebrations in Venice may fall in February. This is an exception to the “low” season I mentioned earlier.
A famous Carnival festival is held each year in the Piedmontese village of Ivrea. The Carnevale d’Ivrea, also known as the “Battle of the Oranges,” sees revelers wear medieval costumes and pelt one another with oranges. Viareggio, Tuscany has its own carnival. There are huge marionette characters that parade through the streets.
Sanremo, a Ligurian town, hosts an annual song contest. The winner represents Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is usually held in February. This is a great opportunity to see some of the most well-known musicians in the country perform. The week-long Almond Blossom Festival (Sagra del Mandorlo, Fiore) in Sicily is held in February.
usually runs from mid-February to mid-February. It began in January and ends in February.
Why travel to Italy in February?
Only snowboarders and skiers travel to Italy in February for the perfect weather. It’s not the only problem. However, the main benefits are smaller crowds and lower prices, which are both very nice perks.
As I mentioned, Venice is the exception to “smaller crowds, lower prices” rule if Venice Carnival takes place in February. Venice is crowded with partygoers from all walks of the globe during Carnevale. Hotels are expensive and rooms can be booked months ahead of time. This is one spectacular show, so plan accordingly if you want to go.
The rest of the country may find February difficult to sell. If you have been unable to visit Italy because of financial constraints, February is a great option. The relative emptiness of February will entice those who can’t bear to be packed into the Sistine Chapel at Vatican Museum. For those who want to visit Italy, but aren’t able to bear the thought of walking through rolling green hills or soaking up the sun on famous beaches, February is not the right month.
If you haven’t been to Italy before, don’t feel pressure to rush from one site to the next; if your budget is tight; or if your goal is to spend your time in the mountains snow, February could be a great month.
