Italy in May: Your guide to weather, events & travel

From January to December, there’s no bad time to visit Italy, but May is when the country truly peaks in many ways. Spring is in full swing, and everything feels fresh. The markets spill over with artichokes and strawberries, the piazzas are packed with outdoor café seating, and the sun lingers well into the evening. You'll still beat the peak-season surge, which happens in June, but the country already feels lively and exciting.

Italy in May also gives you the opportunity to witness local festivals and spend time traveling outdoors. Flower carpets bloom in stunning colors across towns like Noto and Spello, vineyard tours are back, with tastings under charming pergolas, and seaside towns like Positano reopen in full swing. An advisor on TravelJoy can help you plan the kind of trip that makes the most of this colorful month, pacing it so you catch local events, avoid the heat wave, and still get a breezy table at the best spots without any waiting time.

Absolutely. And it’s not just because the weather plays nice. Italy in May delivers spring at full tilt. The temperatures range from the high 60s in the north to mid-70s further south. Wildflowers cover the hills, you’ll catch the public fountains coming back to life in city squares, and outdoor dining becomes the obvious choice.

It’s also just before the summer crowds hit their stride. This means you’ll still need to book popular spots in advance, but you won’t be battling peak season traffic or tourist crowds. Some museums may start operating on their summer schedules, and ferry routes along the Amalfi Coast will reopen. If you want plenty of options without feeling overwhelmed by choice, this is the perfect time.

An advisor on TravelJoy can build your itinerary around the best parts of Italy in May. They can also help you avoid stumbling onto early-season surprises — like limited festival dates or closed hiking trails — and balance what’s open with what’s worth your time.