Judging strictly by the calendar, then May in Italy would still have to relate to the off-season. Moreover, in most countries with a climate similar to Italian, it is. However, unfortunately, May in Italy in many places is already considered the beginning of the high season with all the ensuing consequences.
Weather in Italy in May
From the point of view of weather, it is easy to trace why May in Italy begins to be attributed to the high season. In recent years, May weather has become more and more reminiscent of summer, and the thermometer column especially often jumps to those temperatures that were once associated with July and August. At the same time, the climate in Italy in the beginning of May is still noticeably milder, while it pleases with warmth and sunny weather.
In the last month of spring, the sea in the south of the country warms up enough to begin to think about unpacking beach items. It should be borne in mind that Italy is a country stretched from north to south, and this, in turn, means that in its northern regions it is better to wait for a swim.
There are practically no rainy days in the south of Italy in May, so the trip will surely be remembered by a cloudless sky. In central and northern regions, the probability of precipitation is noticeably higher, although not as much as in central Europe. It should also be noted that, in summer, warm days are still replaced by very cool nights.
The average temperature of this month largely depends on the region of residence, but, in general, falls into the following ranges:
Temperature in Rome in May: + 13-21C
Temperature in Venice and Milan in May: + 10-21С
Temperature in Palermo in May: + 16-24C
May Holidays
May in Italy begins with International Workers Daycelebrated annually on the 1st. This day, Italians love to spend with families and friends in the fresh air, enjoying a festive weekend and good weather. Many attractions and shops are closed on May 1, so to have a good time, you can follow the example of the Italians themselves and go on a picnic.
May is also the time of flowering, which many local festivals are dedicated to on the Apennines. If you find yourself in Tuscany, be sure to visit iris garden in florencewhich is open to the public for only a few weeks in May. Iris is considered one of the symbols of Florence, and more than 2000 species are collected in their garden.
Italy still has fewer tourists in May than next June
Another highlight of this month is the traditional Giro d'Italia (Italian: Giro d'Italia) - the famous three-week cycling race, which, along with the Tour de France and Vuelta, is considered one of the most significant in Europe. Please note that the route for the Giro d'Italia changes every year, so it makes sense for cycling fans to check their schedule in advance when planning a trip.
As is the case with every significant event, a visit to the Giro d'Italia will give a unique experience to your trip. On the other hand, it can mean closed autobahns, crowded hotels, etc. difficulties. Therefore, familiarization with the route of cycling can even be very useful for you.
Being in any region of Italy is not too lazy to look into local tourist offices, you can always get comprehensive information about local holidays and events, which, although not officially recognized at the state level, can add bright colors to your vacation.
Italy in May. Summary
Once this spring month was considered a transitional season, today it is very close to the category of "high". Nevertheless, although prices and lines at tourist sites are already reminiscent of the Season, they still do not reach the peak characteristic of the summer months.
Thus, for a traveler counting on a budget tour, May still leaves some chances to “slip through” at “adequate” prices, but the closer to the last date of the month the tour is planned, the less likely this “slip” is.
Budget travelers who still want to visit Italy in May should turn their eyes to numerous hostels. Another “economical” option may be rental housing for a period of more than a few days. Finally, traveling to the southern regions will be cheaper than to the northern ones, since prices here traditionally grow more slowly at the beginning of the season.
If the "budget traveler" is not about you, then May in Italy is definitely a fantastic time to travel. The weather already pleases with sunny and warm days, and the crowds of tourists are still much smaller than in neighboring June.
Photo by Christopher Chan.
