Since May is now part of the high summer season, when Italy welcomes a larger number of tourists, April is now the month leading up to the busiest times. The end of the spring season is the perfect period for visiting and making the most out of your holidays in Italy! It is likely that you’ll begin to have more sun than rain in April. The weather begins to become warmer in April and some days can be quite hot.
Isola d’Elba, Tuscany, Italy *
Even though April is a shoulder season, tourist areas can still be quite crowded and busy. The warm and sunny spring days and the famous Catholic holiday of Easter both draw tourists to Italy. But this is also exactly why you should book your trip during this period. Keep reading below to find out the main benefits of visiting Italy in April.
WEATHER CONDITIONS IN ITALY DURING APRIL
In April, the spring season is slowly changing to summer. This does not mean that it will be always sunny, since summer has just begun to set in. April’s weather can’t be predicted very accurately, as it’s a transitional month, but it is usually more sunny than wet. In the north, April often experiences a little more rain and cooler weather than in the south. So, it would not be a bad idea to pack a few items of rainy weather clothing, like a rain jacket or an umbrella.
However, you should also be prepared for sunny weather, so bring a pair of sunglasses!
In April, the average temperatures in different regions in Italy are:
– Southern Italy: 55 – 60°F (13 – 18°C)
– Central Italy: 50 – 65°F (10 – 18°C)
– Northern Italy: 40 – 50°F (5 – 16°C)
Before you leave for Italy, you should check the extended weather forecast of the places you will be visiting. It’s important to know whether you should be prepared for warmer or cooler weather.
FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS IN ITALY
Easter does not happen on the same date every year, but it usually occurs in April. On the Italian calendar, the week before April, or the holy week, as well as Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are major holidays. Many people love to enjoy their Easter holidays in Italy and typically want to visit the Vatican for the Easter mass.
In Italy, the 1st of April is April fool’s day, which is known as Pesce d’Aprile or literally “April’s Fish”.
WHY VISIT ITALY DURING THE “OFF-SEASON?”
Winters can be quite cold in Italy, and April is the perfect option for that mild weather in between seasons. Smaller crowds, mild weather, and cheaper prices are all benefits of the shoulder seasons. However, Easter is one of the biggest holidays in Italy and the period of the Easter celebration may be an exception in terms of crowds and prices.
That does not mean that you shouldn’t visit Italy during Easter, but you should make some preparations if you are coming during that period. You should book your accommodation well in advance, and you should try not to travel during Easter Sunday or Easter Monday. Also, book your train tickets and make your reservations in advance, since trains and other public transportation operate on limited holiday schedules during this period. Many tourist attractions will be closed or will run for limited hours during the Easter period. So you should check online to see which are open when you’re planning your trip.
While April could be sunny, there can also be seemingly spontaneous storms that could drench your summer outfit. So, you should always bring an umbrella or a rain jacket with you when you go out. If you are traveling on a tight budget, make sure you bring them from home. This way you’ll avoid having to buy them in Italy and spending extra money. However, if you’d rather visit Italy to relax on beaches and tan, then a summer trip would suit you best.
Although the weather conditions in April are a bit unpredictable, visiting Italy in April can still be excellent! People visiting the country for the first time get to see the biggest attractions without having to face the biggest crowds. Those making a return trip can also avoid the ordeal of facing crowds. And if it does rain, just make some time to sip hot chocolate as you wait for the storm to end – don’t be in a rush!
