Italy in April – Your 2024 Complete Guide (From Someone Who Lives Here) (2024)

Like March, April can be a fabulous month to visit Italy. Wildflowers are blooming, the temperatures are beginning to rise, and for most of the month, there aren’t many crowds – even though April is inching its way into Italy’s high season. The light and colors of the landscape are a photographer’s dream, spring events are just getting underway, and you may just get a moment alone with David at the Accademia in Florence (okay, probably not alone…).

Sounds amazing, right?
Before you get too excited, know that Italy still sees quite a bit of rain in April. If you’ve got a good umbrella and can be flexible with your plans, you’ll be fine. And if you’re coming to Italy for outdoor activities, April isn’t the best month – most skiing finishes around Easter, hiking trails tend to be muddy, and it’s not always fun to cycle in the rain.

The keys to having an excellent trip to Italy in April are to:

• Dress in layers
• Always have your umbrella with you
• Be flexible with your plans

In this post, you’ll learn…

• ifvisiting Italy in April is a good choice foryou
• whatweatherto expect in Italy in April
• whichholidaysItaly celebrates in April andwhich days things are closed
• ourrecommended places to visitin April in Italy, including where to gowith kids
• the bestactivitiesand eventsin Italy in April
• whichfoods to tryin Italy in April
• what to wearon a trip to Italy in April

First trip to Italy? 10th? Either way, check out our200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips!

Is April a Good Time to Visit Italy?

Trying to decide when to visit Italy? Check out our monthly guides:
Italy in January
Italy in February
Italy in March
Italy in AprilItaly in MayItaly in June
Italy in July
Italy in August
Italy in SeptemberItaly in October
Italy in November
Italy in December

6 Reasons You Should Visit Italy in April

1. Nature is on full display. One good thing about the spring rain – it hydrates the fields for Italian crops! Hillsides become gorgeous green and red poppies and other wildflowers are blooming (but not sunflowers – those come in the summer). Flower gardens are blooming and open.
2. There are fewer crowds (except for Easter). Although April isn’t as quiet as winter and early spring months, it’s still pleasant for visiting everywhere – even places like Venice and Rome. Keep in mind that Easter is a huge holiday here and with it comes an influx of international and national tourists. Most head to Rome and Vatican City, but others make their way to small cities and villages that have special Easter celebrations.
3. Participate in Easter celebrations. The Easter holiday is one of Italy’s most important holidays, and you can participate in the celebrations – whether by attending Easter mass with the Pope in St. Peter’s Basilica, watching a procession in a small village, or having dinner with an Italian family at your agriturismo.
4. It’s a good time to visit archaeological sites. Italy’s famous sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Agrigento are scorching in the summer heat and can be very crowded. Take a chance to visit at the beginning of the high season – it’s a special experience to see these sites when they’re not packed. Don’t forget to bring an umbrella and comfy shoes with good tread.
5. It’s less expensive than in the summer and fall months. Because it’s not technically high season yet, there are still plenty of deals to be had.
6. Kick off the sagra and festival season. As the sun comes out, join Italians and sample fresh produce like asparagus or the freshest ricotta cheese.

4 Reasons You May Not Want to Visit Italy in April

1. Iffy weather. Yes, the sun may be out when you start your walk around Florence. But, don’t forget your umbrella because you’ll likely catch some rain during April.
2. No beach time. Sure, kids will still enjoy playing in the sand, but the water is chilly. If you’re hoping for a beach vacation, come later in the year.
3. The skiing season is finished. While exact season-end dates depend on the location and the ski resort, a good rule of thumb is that they close up around Easter. If you’re dreaming of an Italian ski holiday, it’s best to book a winter trip.
4. Outdoor activities are limited. Ski season’s wrapped up, the seas are chilly, hiking trails are snow-covered or muddy, and rain is plentiful. With proper clothing and equipment, you can make it work, but there are better months for outdoor pursuits.

Weather in Italy in April

As with all seasons in Italy, you’ll find different weather depending on where you are in Italy:

Northern Italy is still chilly and sees snow at higher elevations in the mountains.Temperaturesrange from the upper 40s to the upper 60s (°F), or about 10–20° C.

Central Italysees similar temperatures as Northern Italy – temperatures in the upper 40s to the upper 60s (°F), or about 10–20° C.

Southern Italyhas warmer evenings but daytime temperatures are similar to the rest of Italy. Temperatures range from the low 50s to the upper 60s (°F), or about 12-20°C.

Even though rain often threatens, you should still see plenty of sunny days. But keep your umbrella handy, because April is one of the rainiest months in Italy. Make sure you dress in layers so you can deal with fluctuating spring temperatures.

Italy in April – Temperatures & Precipitation

Holidays in Italy in April

April 1st – Pesce d’Aprile

Translation: April Fool’s Day (literally: April Fish)
What it Celebrates: Like in your home country, it’s a day of practical jokes! While the origins are disputed, the purpose of the day is not.
Traditions: Play small (or big) jokes on someone, like trying to stealthily tape a paper fish to his or her back. Some media (print and online) play small jokes on readers as well.
National Holiday: No
Open/Closed: Everything is open, and as a traveler, you probably won’t even notice it’s April Fool’s Day.
Reserve in Advance: No need to reserve anything in advance.

April 25th – Festa della Liberazione

Translation: Liberation Day (literally: Liberation Holiday)
Also Known As: Anniversario della Liberazione d’Italia, 25 Aprile
What it Commemorates: The Italian holiday on April 25th commemorates the end of the Nazi occupation of Italy and the fall of the fascist regime.
Traditions: There are celebrations, processions, concerts and events to honor the day and veterans. Community leaders (of small villages and large cities) lay wreaths at memorials. Italians either stay home with friends and family, or more likely, head outside or into cities for festivities.
National Holiday: Yes
Open/Closed: Schools and government offices are closed. Some shops and private offices may close. More and more businesses are staying open.
Reserve in Advance: Many Italians ‘fare il ponte,’ or ‘make a bridge’ if the holiday falls close to the weekend – for example, if the 25th is on Tuesday, they’ll take Monday off and have a long weekend. For example, if the 25th falls during the week, our kids get the 24th and the 26th off of school. Others will also combine the holiday with another big Italian holiday – 1 Maggio, or Labor Day (on May 1st).
Italians will be out in droves, especially families. Tourists sites are busy, roads are clogged, trains sell out (and services are reduced on the holidays). My advice would be to avoid traveling on the holidays themselves and a day or two before. Find a place to settle in and check out the events.
Reserve beach destinations in advance (yes, Italians start heading to the beaches as soon as they open up around Easter), reserve trains in advance, and reserve any must-see activities and restaurants.

Date Varies – Pasqua

Good To Know: Easter occasionally falls in March.

Translation:Easter
What it Celebrates:The resurrection of Jesus Christ
Traditions:Easter is a huge deal in Italy, and Holy Week is celebrated throughout the country
National Holiday:Yes, along with the following Monday (Pasquetta)
Open/Closed:Some restaurants and shops close for the holiday, along with religious sites like the Vatican Museums (and the Sistine Chapel). Remember that many restaurants, shops, banks, etc. are always closed on Sundays.
Reserve in Advance:Rome and Assisi are both busy in the days before and after Easter, so make sure you’ve booked accommodation in advance. Book and ‘can’t miss’ activities or restaurants in advance, but don’t worry, you won’t go hungry!

Good To Know:Pasquetta(or little Easter) is the day afterPasqua. It falls on a Monday, and many destinations are packed as families head out to explore together. Trust me, don’t make big plans onPasquetta!

The 11 Best Places to Visit in Italy in April

Umbria in April

Italy’s ‘green heart’ is especially green in April, and the countryside is exploding in wildflowers. Towns are relatively quiet (except for Assisi during Easter), so be sure to visit some of the region’s picture-perfect towns and villages:

• Orvieto – see our guide to visiting Orvieto!
• Bevagna
• Cortona
• Spoleto
• Gubbio

Florence & Tuscany in April

Florence weather is iffy in April (like much of Italy), but there are plenty of museums to visit if the weather isn’t cooperating. Spend time in restaurants eating winter specialties like ribollita, or have a coffee on a piazza.

If you’re in town for Easter, brave the crowds and head to Piazza del Duomo for the Scoppio del Carro (explosion of the cart).

If the weather is pleasant, you can head to the countryside or take day trips to other nearby cities or villages:

• Lucca – cycle the city walls, climb the tower
• Montepulciano or Montalcino – taste their wines
• Pienza – sample the local pecorino and take in the views
• Soak in hot springs in the south (Saturnia, Bagno Vignoni, San Casciano dei Bagni)
• Val d’Orcia – take photographs of the gorgeous green hills of the UNESCO World Heritage site
• Siena – mingle with the locals and relax with a coffee on the Piazza del Campo
• San Gimignano – visit before the crowds arrive
• Chianti – visit the small villages and enjoy the views of the vineyards and countryside

Good To Know: Visiting the Tuscan countryside? At the beginning of the month, some small villages may still feel ‘closed’ up for the winter, so you won’t find all shops or restaurants open.

Good To Know: It’s not yet time to visit beaches in Tuscany.

Rome in April

While Rome is fabulous any time of the year (true!), April is a great time to explore outdoor sites like the Roman Forum and Colosseum, and for walking around in general. When it’s sunny, sit at outdoor cafes, and if it’s drizzling, head inside to one of the city’s churches (like St. Peter’s Basilica) or museums (like the Vatican City Museums and the Sistine Chapel). I love visiting Rome in April because there’s plenty of sunshine and you’ll find wildflowers and greenery in parks and scattered in the ruins. Don’t forget to get gelato!

Good To Know: Enjoy walking around without crowds, but be careful if it’s just rained – Rome’s gorgeous cobblestones can be slippery!

Puglia in April

Visit Lecce and Puglia’s charming whitewashed villages:

• Alberobello – wander the trulli-lined streets of the UNESCO World Heritage site
• Locorotondo – Read my Guide to Locorotondo
• Cisternino
• Martina Franca
• Monopoli – relaxed Puglia living (make this your home-base); Read our Guide to Monopoli
• Ostuni – Check out How to Spend One Day in Ostuni
• Polignano a Mare – head down to the oft-photographed Lama Monachile; Read our Realistic One Day Itinerary for Polignano a Mare
• Trani – visit the best bakery in Italy (Lula)
• Grottaglie – shop for pottery

You may or may not have sunny beach time (to relax at the beach, not to swim), but you’ll have plenty to see in the area (the villages above) and the food (fresh produce, seafood, and mozzarella) in Puglia is incredible.

Matera in April

April is an excellent month to explore Matera and its sassi. The town is popular in the summer months (with Italians and international visitors) and it’s also very hot. The spring is also a pleasant time to visit the Natural Park that borders Matera, both visually (wildflowers) and temperature-wise (it’s not fun to hike in the park in the extreme summer heat).

Read more about
Visiting MateraMatera Cave Hotels

Emilia Romagna in April

I love taking people to Emilia Romagna any time of year. Soak up the best of this region by:

• Stoping in at some of Italy’s best car museums – especially the Ferrari museums and the Lamborghini Museum
• Sampling some of Italyl’s most iconic foods – like prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Modena’s aceto balsamico (balsamic vinegar)
• Exploring Italy’s foodie capital of Bologna
• Visiting smaller villages like Brisighella and Dozza

Venice in April

Venice is dreamy, and even though the city is already busy in April, you can still walk without rubbing elbows with everyone and the vaporetto lines aren’t too long. You’re bound to get some sunny days too! Check out some of our favorite things to do in Venice and the best things to do in Venice at night.

Read my Tips for Your First Trip to Venice

Sicily in April

Sicily in April is dreamy. It’s not quite beach season (although you will see people at the beaches on sunny days). It’s a nice time to visit churches and archaeological sites (without the heat) and explore markets and small towns. In April, be sure to check out:

• Palermo – wander the lively streets and markets and soak up the city’s history and cultures
• Siracusa – spend time on the small island of Ortigia
• Caltagirone – walk the ceramic staircase and browse the shops
• Modica – visit a chocolate shop to sample the town’s unique dolce
• Ragusa Ibla – wander the old town in the evening
• Scicli – learn about the town’s fascinating past

Pompeii & Herculaneum in April

If you want to see these sites without the sun beating down on you, April’s a prime time to visit. You could also combine your visit with a hike up Mt. Vesuvius! You may want to check out .

Friuli in April

Still off-the-radar, the Italian region of Friuli is chilly but pleasant in April. Explore some of its cities and villages and indulge in the area’s incredible cuisine. If you visit the area, don’t miss:

• Exploring the cities and villages of Udine, Pordenone, Trieste, Cividale del Friuli
• Sample wines in Cormons and surroundings
• Head to San Daniele for its famous prosciutto
• Visit the ancient Roman archaelogical site of Aquileia
• Get cozy in the mountain village of Sauris

Italian Lakes in April

You won’t want to jump in the water in April, but you can still explore the lakes by boat and visit the charming lakeside villages like Stresa and Orto San Giulio. This is also the time to see the spring flowers blooming in villa gardens. Don’t miss the gardens of Villa Carlotta (Lake Como), Villa Taranto (Lake Maggiore), Villa Monastero (Lake Como) and Isola Bella (Lake Maggiore).

Milan in April

Along with visiting classic Milan sites like the Duomo and The Last Supper, April has a a few special events events/celebrations like Easter, Liberation Day, and Fiori e Sapori (the Naviglia area is decorated with flowers).

And, if the weather isn’t so great, do some shopping or hop into a cozy cafe or world-class museum (like the Milan Museum of Science and Technology).

Destinations to Skip on an April Trip to Italy

Note: Of course, you can visit any of these places in April (many people do), and you’ll likely have a wonderful time. But, I’ve listed why you may want to think twice about a visit in the early spring.

Cinque Terre in April

If you’re set on hiking the area’s famous trails, know that heavy rain may force trail closures. And even if the trails are open, they become slippery and muddy in places after it’s rained.

But, you could also have gorgeous sunny days and lovely hikes! If you have some flexibility with your schedule, you can have a wonderful time in April in the Cinque Terre. If you have a fixed 3-day trip, you may be disappointed if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

April is also too chilly for swimming in the Cinque Terre.

Amalfi Coast in April

If you want to have a classic beach/sunbathing vacation, April is probably too early for a visit. It’s still a nice time to explore the small villages (Amalfi, Positano) and Capri.

Dolomites in April

If you’ll be visiting Bolzano or exploring the small villages, April is a great time to visit. But, if you’re interested in hiking, it’s not the ideal time. Almost all area chairlifts are closed and trails can be muddy and dangerous in the rain.

See our Guide to Visiting Bolzano!

Activities & Events in Italy in April

Activities in Italy in April

Soak in thermal baths – Bormio, Merano, Bagno Vignoni, and Saturnia are a few to check out.

Marvel at amazing art in Italy’s world-class museums.

Attend a theatre performance, perhaps at La Scala in Milan.

Sample Italian wines at a wine bar or visit a winery. Salute!

Go on a food tour! Sample balsamic vinegar, see how prosciutto is made, learn about Parmigiano Reggiano or mozzarella. Take to the streets of your favorite city with a local and learn about the local food (and best places to eat it!).

Attend aconcert or sporting event, like a Serie A soccer match. See our guide to Going to a Soccer Game in Italy.

Take photographs – the campagna (countryside) is especially stunning in April.

Events in Italy in April

What to Eat in Italy in April

Seasonal Produce in Italy in April

• artichokes – carciofi
• asparagus – asparagi
• beets – barbabietole
• fava beans – fave
• leeks – porri
• peas – piselli
• potatoes – patate
• flat peas in pod – taccole
• lemons – limoni
• strawberries – fragole
• cauliflower – cavolfiori
• kale – cavolo nero

Food Not to Miss in Italy in April

The Best Places to Visit in Italy in April With Kids

Depending on where you’re traveling, April may not be the ideal month to travel to Italy if you’re coming with small kids. Why not? In northern and central Italy, the playgrounds are often wet and muddy and many outdoor activities (like beach time and going for walks in nature) aren’t ideal or possible in April. You’ll likely have more luck in southern Italy (but still be ready for showers).

Even if the weather isn’t ideal, if you dress your kids appropriately (layers!) and take advantage of Italy’s indoor activities, you’ll have a memorable and fun trip with your little ones.

Good To Know: Italian children are in school for all of April except April 25th (Liberation Day) and the day before and after. If Easter falls during April, our kids get about one week off over the holiday. Other European countries also have breaks during the spring. Yes, you’ll run into more crowds, but you’ll also have more opportunities for your kids to interact with locals and other children.

You may want to check out
Spending Spring Break in Italy with KidsItaly with a Baby or Toddler
Packing List for Italy with a Baby or ToddlerItaly with TeensOur Italy with Kids Posts
Best Things to Do in Italy with KidsBest Places to Visit in Italy with Kids

Rome with Kids in April

Join in the Easter celebrations. Take a family tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum, eat pizza and gelato, throw your coin into the Trevi Fountain, attend Gladiator School, explore Rome’s children’s museum and Villa Borghese, and be entertained in Piazza Navona.

I love visiting Rome in April with my kids because the weather usually cooperates and the main sites aren’t overrun.

Read more about
Things to Do in Rome with Kids
Villa Borghese with Kids

Florence & Tuscany with Kids in April

In Florence, see David at the Accademia, visit La Specola (Florence’s quirky Natural History museum – reopening March 2024), climb a tower, and see what’s on at Palazzo Strozzi – the exhibits are often kid-friendly.

There are plenty of fun activities for kids in Tuscany.

You may want to read
70 Things To Do In Tuscany With Kids
Our Favorite Family Activities in Tuscany
Florence with KidsFlorence with a Baby or ToddlerFlorence with TeensLucca with KidsMontalcino with Kids
Montepulciano with Kids
Siena with Kids

Venice with Kids in April

Kids love traveling the canals on the little vaporetti (water buses), seeing a glass-blowing demo on Murano island, dining on tapas-style cicchetti, and getting lost on the small side streets.

Check out our guides to
Venice with Kids
Burano with KidsGoing on a Gondola with Kids in Venice

Sicily with Kids in April

You’ll need to skip swimming at the beach time (although you may have sandcastle-building weather). But, there are so many other amazing things to do with kids in Sicily:

• Explore the market in Siracusa (Ortigia)
• See the incredible mosaics at Villa Romana a Casale
• Hike on Mt. Etna!
• Sample the famous chocolate from Modica
• Learn about cave living in Scicli
• See a puppet show in Palermo
• Find your family’s favorite Sicilian sweet treat – cannoli or granite?
• Climb the ceramic staircase of Caltagirone
• Stroll the main drag and visit the Greek Theater in Taormina

Emilia Romagna with Kids in April

Rain or shine, your kids will love exploring this region of food and fast cars!

• Visit the car museums with your kids – the Ferrari Museums and the Lamborghini Museum are a few of our family’s favorites
• Walk through the bamboo labyrinth near Parma
• Climb the tower and do a balsamic vinegar tasting in Modena
• Explore Bologna’s porticoes and lively markets and try the real bologna

Check out our guides to visiting
Modena with Kids
Parma with Kids
Ravenna with Kids
Bologna with Kids

Puglia with Kids in April

You’ll likely be able to spend some time at the beach (just no swimming, it’s still chilly), and kids love exploring the small, unique villages in Puglia. Some of our favorite towns and villages to visit with kids are Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Monopoli.

See a mozzarella-making demonstration, taste some of Italy’s best produce, and explore the countryside and find your favorite olive tree!

Read more about
Puglia with Kids
Alberobello with KidsLocorotondo with KidsMonopoli with KidsOstuni with Kids
Polignano a Mare with Kids

Milan with Kids in April

Milan has plenty of things to keep kids busy and interested, including our favorite science museum – the Milan Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci. Go shopping in Italy’s fashion capital, walk on the rooftop of the Duomo, and visit San Siro soccer stadium (or see a game!)

You may want to read
Milan with Kids
San Siro Stadium Tips

Pompeii with Kids in April

Take the chance to see Pompeii (or nearby Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius) without the huge crowds and blazing temperatures.

Learn more about a visit to Pompeii with Kids

Packing for a Trip to Italy in April

Some helpful tips for packing:

• Wear layers – April temperatures can change in an instant and the evenings are cool
• A lightweight scarf is a perfect way to add some warmth and it doesn’t take up much space if you need to pack it away.
• If you’re planning on doing your own laundry, pack clothing made of quick-drying material. You likely won’t have access to a dryer.
• Bring shoes that can get handle getting wet. You’ll likely be splashing through a few puddles in April.
• Pack a compact, quality travel umbrella. Umbrellas are expensive here and you’ll want to have one with you while you’re out exploring.

You may want to check out
Italy Packing List
Italy Packing List for KidsItaly Packing List for a Baby or Toddler

Transport in Italy in April

Car

April is an excellent month to travel by car or go on a road trip in Italy! Driving through the Crete Senesi in Tuscany, driving along the coast, winding your through wildflowers in Umbria, and many more experiences are waiting for you by car in April.

Traveling by car gives you the most freedom, but can be pricey by the time you add up the rental cost, gas, tolls, and parking. If you’re looking to rent a car, it’s best to book as soon as you know you’ll be traveling.

Check out our post on Driving in Italy for info on Italian driving laws and norms!
Read our Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Italy!

Plane

If you’re traveling long distances, look into flying. Budget airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet begin bringing back more routes in April.

Train

It may not always be the fastest way and it may not get you from door to door, but taking a train is a beautiful way to travel around Italy in April and see the vibrant green countryside and colorful wildflowers.

Bicycle

If you’re interested in cycling in Italy in April, you’ll want to have proper rain gear. I’d stay further south, where you’ll still probably have some wet rides, but not in cold temperatures. Make sure you book bike-friendly accommodation in advance.

Italy in April Vocabulary

• Pasqua – Easter
• Pasquetta – Easter Monday
• Buona Pasqua – Happy Easter
• la colomba – dove (Italian Easter cake)
• l’uovo di Pasqua – Easter egg
• coniglietto di Pasqua – Easter bunny
• l’agnello – lamb
• la pace – peace
• il venerdì santo – Good Friday
• la domenica delle Palme – Palm Sunday
• Gesù – Jesus
• il ramoscello d’ulivo – olive branch
• la chiesa – church
• la croce – cross
• la primavera – spring
• la pioggia – rain
• l’ombrella – umbrella
• aprile – April

I hope this has helped you decide if April is the right time for your visit to Italy. And if it is, that you’ve found inspiration on where to go and what to do!