Italy in May: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 75°F High • 55°F Low

In May, Italy is dressed in perfectly balanced spring weather, ideal for comfortable and unhurried discovery. The sun casts a warm, inviting glow without the intensity of summer, and the air is pleasantly mild and fresh. The atmosphere is alive with renewal, as locals embrace the new season. The average temperature in Rome hovers between 75°F and 55°F, creating flawless conditions for exploring ancient forums and lush gardens from sunrise to sunset.

What to Expect

May’s conditions are ideal for everything from early-season swims on the Amalfi Coast to enjoying the blooming Tuscan countryside and exploring the serene canals of Venice.

• Southern Regions: In places like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, the sun feels gentle and revitalizing. Feel its pleasant warmth on your skin as you enjoy a morning cappuccino on a private terrace, the air carrying the sweet scent of citrus blossoms. The days are reliably sunny and the Mediterranean is just warm enough for a brave, refreshing first swim of the season, with stunning, crowd-free coastlines as your backdrop.
• Central Regions: When you visit Tuscany and Rome, you will find the landscapes at their most lush and romantic. Feel the gentle breeze flow through the open doors of a countryside villa, revealing hillsides carpeted in vibrant green. The cities are filled with the scent of blooming flowers spilling from window boxes, and the local markets are a feast for the senses with the arrival of spring’s first tender vegetables.
• Northern Regions: In Venice and the Italian Lakes, the air is crisp, clear, and invigorating. On a private water taxi navigating Venice’s canals, hear the gentle lapping of water against historic palazzos, a sound unburdened by summer crowds. Breathe in the clean, floral-scented air in the gardens of Lake Como, and feel the sublime comfort of your recently purchased cashmere sweater during a cool, peaceful evening overlooking the water.

With a fresh, blooming beauty settling over the land, May is the perfect time to experience Italy's iconic destinations at their most vibrant and serene. The gentle weather and smaller crowds create endless opportunities for discovery, immersion, and an unforgettable journey into the heart of spring.

Tuscany • Best Place for Countryside Beauty

Step into the Renaissance, where the legendary rolling landscape is at its most green and colorful, dotted with cypress trees and charming hilltop towns.

What to Expect

• Inhale the fragrance of wildflowers and damp earth as you stroll through a vineyard, the vines just beginning to show their first tender leaves.
• Gaze from the walls of a medieval town like Siena over a breathtaking panorama of lush hills and fields of brilliant red poppies under a clear blue sky.
• Taste the fresh, peppery notes of a new-season olive oil during an exclusive tasting at a historic countryside estate on our Immersive Couple’s Tour of Tuscany and Cinque Terre.

The Amalfi Coast • Best Place for Great Weather

Discover a breathtaking stretch of coastline as it awakens in the spring, its dramatic cliffs and charming villages basking in comfortable sunshine and blooming flora.

What to Expect

• Feel the gentle sun and refreshing sea spray on a private boat tour, admiring the rugged coastline and its tumbling, pastel-hued villages from the water.
• Wander through the magnificent, terraced gardens of Ravello, where the scent of roses and lemon blossoms mingles with panoramic views of the azure sea.
• Savor a leisurely seafood lunch at a tranquil, cliffside restaurant in Positano on our Rome to Amalfi Coast Food and Wine Tour. Enjoy the pleasant warmth and the serene atmosphere before the summer crowds arrive.

Rome • Best Place for Sightseeing

Explore the Eternal City in its glorious spring season, when comfortable temperatures and fewer people allow for an intimate and immersive journey through history.

What to Expect

• Feel the immense scale of history as you wander through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, able to pause and reflect in the pleasant spring air.
• Stroll through the lush Villa Borghese gardens, breathing in the scent of pine and blossoming flowers, with the sounds of the city providing a gentle backdrop to your Roman Villas and Renaissance Garden Tour of Italy.
• Enjoy an evening aperitivo in a charming piazza in Trastevere, feeling the authentic, relaxed rhythm of local life as the city transitions from day to night.

The Italian Riviera • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

Experience the classic glamour of this legendary coastline, where glamorous seaside towns and colorful fishing villages offer a perfect backdrop for romance.

What to Expect

• Stroll hand-in-hand through the chic harbor of Portofino, admiring the luxury yachts and colorful townhouses that line the picturesque bay.
• Hike a scenic path between the villages of Cinque Terre, where breathtaking coastal views are framed by vibrant wildflowers and terraced vineyards.

Feel the romance of an intimate, candlelit dinner at a waterfront restaurant when you embark on Zicasso’s Romance on the Italian Riviera: Getaway Tour for Couples. Savor fresh Ligurian seafood as you listen to the gentle waves.

May in Italy is a month for exploration and awakening, a time to engage all your senses with the beauty of spring. The perfect weather and blossoming spirit invite you to wander through legendary gardens, enjoy the fresh flavors of the season, and immerse yourself in timeless local traditions. It's a season for creating memories colored with the fresh and authentic spirit of Italy.

Explore Italy's Legendary Gardens

Lose yourself in a floral paradise as Italy’s most beautiful gardens reach their peak, showcasing centuries of horticultural artistry in the gentle spring climate.

What to Expect

• Wander through the magnificent Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este near Rome, listening to the soothing sounds of its hundreds of fountains.
• Behold the vibrant bursts of fuchsia and pink azaleas and rhododendrons that create a floral wonderland in the gardens of villas in the Italian Lakes.
• Inhale the heady perfume of citrus blossoms and roses at La Mortella on the island of Ischia during a Pleasures of Southern Italy: Rome, Ischia Island, and Amalfi Coast Tour. This is a stunning subtropical and Mediterranean garden.

Savor the Flavors of Spring

Delight in the fresh, tender, and vibrant flavors of the Italian spring, when markets are overflowing with the season’s first bounty and new wines are ready to be tasted.

What to Expect

• Taste the crisp, delicate flavor of white asparagus, a seasonal delicacy in the Veneto region, often served simply with eggs and Parmesan.
• Visit a local market to see the spectacular displays of fresh artichokes, fava beans, and sweet strawberries, the foundational flavors of Roman spring cuisine.
• Join a private cooking class on a 7-Day Food and Wine Tour of Tuscany to learn how to prepare these seasonal ingredients. Create a meal that is a true expression of the region in spring.

Witness Timeless Local Traditions

Experience the passion of authentic Italian culture as ancient festivals and celebrated events bring a unique and thrilling energy to cities and towns across the country.

What to Expect

• Feel the ground reverberate with pounding feet during Gubbio’s La Festa dei Ceri, a breathtaking folkloric race where locals carry towering religious relics through medieval streets.
• Hear the roar of the crowd and see the blur of color as the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s famed cycling race, winds its way through stunning countryside and historic towns.

On an Off-the-Beaten-Path Puglia Discovery Tour, enjoy a historic reenactment or neighborhood festival like Festa di San Nicola, which includes processions, concerts, and a parade of people in elaborate costumes.

Italy in May is captivating. Perfect temperatures are complemented by the beauty of blossoming landscapes, authentic cultural traditions are on full display, and the country’s wonders can be enjoyed with a sense of tranquility. Whether you wish to explore the art-filled cities or immerse yourself in the romantic scenery of the countryside, with Zicasso, you can create a journey that perfectly matches your preferences and travel dreams.

For more inspiration as you begin to plan your trip in May, explore our Italy travel guide or start putting your plans in motion with ideas from our featured Italy tours and trip packages.