Category: When to Go

Amalfi Coast Weather in March

March is the last month that the Amalfi Coast is nice and quiet before the tourist season really starts to kick into gear. If you want to be able to rest and relax in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, and you want to do it without having to navigate large crowds of fellow tourists, March is a good a time as any to do it.

For some, March is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast since the majority of the locals are back from their February vacations, and busy transforming the place ahead of the forthcoming summer season. This means that not only are there a few more restaurants and hotels to choose from, but you can also see the Coast transform before your very eyes. Ideal if you want to get a real flavour for how the locals live and work.

March is when the hotels add a new lick of paint for the coming summer season

There are plenty of hotels that will be taking down their shutters and giving themselves a new lick of paint. Don’t be surprised if there is some light maintenance work going on at some point during your stay. If this is something that you think will bother you, then it might be worth double checking what the situation is before you leave home.

In every instance the owners will be more than happy to accommodate you, and will always go the extra mile to ensure that you get a good sleep and as big a lie in as you want.

The weather can be changeable, so pack a raincoat just in case

March is when the weather is a little more changeable on the Coast than during the rest of the year. It’s still warm enough that you will only need a light coat, but there can be passing showers some afternoons. They’re not particularly heavy or frequent, but you’ll want to take a raincoat with you in your backpack just in case.

The sea will be too cold for dip, but the coast is perfect for long walks

The sea will still be off limits to anyone other than the bravest of the locals in March, so if you fancy a swim you might want to look for a hotel with an indoor pool. Whilst the sea is chilly, the coastal breeze ensures that the various hill walks in the area are plenty cool enough for you to enjoy.

Hiking up to the cliff-top gardens in Ravello is a great way to be able to enjoy a stunning view and a light bite to eat before you make your way down. Or you could set off on a walk to the small fishing village of Cetara if you want to experience something truly special.

Sorrento is the place to stay if you want to find a bargain

Sorrento is probably the best place to base yourself in March as it will have the biggest selection of hotels ready and open for business. Positano offers plenty of family friendly accommodation during the summer months, but it will still be quite sleepy in March.

Bare this in mind when you book your place to stay, and you’ll find you have plenty of options as well as the chance to grab yourself a real bargain of a room rate. Sorrento also offers plenty of shopping, places to eat, and some stunning side streets than you enjoy wandering for a couple of hours in the afternoon.

The boat tours are back up and running is you want to see the Coast from a different angle

If you want to get out onto the ocean then March is the time to do it. The boat tours are back up and running, and because they aren’t yet inundated with tourists, many of them will offer discounted tickets to tempt you aboard.

Not only that, but because the crowds are that much smaller you’ll be able to have your pick of places to sit. Ideal if you want to take up a prime position to snap away plenty of images of the Coast from a completely different angle to the pictures you took on your hikes into the hills.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Amalfi Coast Weather in February

The Amalfi Coast is one of those destinations that offers you something different right throughout the year. If you want sun and sand, then the peak summer months are the ideal time for you to top up your beloved tan. But if you want to really immerse yourself in the local culture and get away from the hustle and bustle of back home, the sleepy month of February is the best time to visit.

Because the air is fresh and crisp in the mornings, and warm enough in the afternoons, you won’t have to wrap up warm to go outside. It also means that if you want to do plenty of walking, then you won’t break into a sweat like you will if you visit 6 months later. Ideal if you want to get out there and explore the hidden gems that the masses will often pass by.

The seas are a little choppy, but silent walks along the beach are magical  

The ferry still runs between Capri and Sorrento, but due to reduced demand it doesn’t make any other stops. If you’re not at home on the water then you should know that the seas can be a little bit choppy at this time of year. The boat will roll more than in the summer, and you might find that it takes getting used to. That said, the locals have been on the water for centuries and will be more than happy to guide you through.

If you prefer to keep your feet on dry land, then you might want to find a few beaches to explore. Minori and the Vietri sul Mare are both virtually deserted at this time of year. Ideal if you want to be able to stroll without a care in the world as you work up an appetite for lunch.

Check the guide on: What to do in the Amalfi Coast

The villagers tend to holiday at this time of year

The villages that are dotted all along the coast are populated by people who earn most of their living during the peak summer months as the tourists descend on the area. This means that they don’t tend to take a summer vacation, instead choosing to wait until the Coast is at its quietest. This means that you can expect to see plenty of closed restaurants and hotels in the smaller villages like Cetara. But it does add to the cosy and quaint feel of the place.

Hiking Sentiero degli Dei is great at this time of year

In the summer it can be a bit too hot for some when faced with the prospect of a hike into the hills. This won’t be an issue in February as the gentle sea breeze will keep you nice and cool, and the rain clouds will pass over very quickly in the event that they decide to put in an appearance.

Hiking the famous Sentiero degli Dei is a great way to really get in touch with the spirit and culture of the region. Ask the locals about their memories and experiences of walking the trail and you’ll be able to gain a unique perspective on what makes this area so loved by the Italian people.

Visiting the Villa Cimbrone gardens is well worth it

The Villa Cimbrone Gardens start to flourish at this time of year as the early signs of the spring blossoms start to emerge. Take plenty of photos so that you can show your friends and family back home, and you’ll be sure to leave with memories that you will want to look back on for a lifetime. You could even come back in the height of summer to see how the gardens have transformed in just a few short months.

Capri comes into its own in February

If you want to really lose yourself in the magic of the Amalfi Coast in February, then the island of Capri is as good a place as any to do so. The people have a charm and sense of humour all of their own, and will be more than happy to show you around their island. It’s this sense of community that will have feeling at home the moment you set foot on Capri.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Amalfi Coast Weather in January

When you picture yourself resting and relaxing on holiday, it’s probably in the height of summer. There’s nothing wrong with that because we all love to top up our tans. After that comes Christmas, and then the inevitable January blues. But why does life have to be like that exactly? The Amalfi Coast is one of those destinations that never gets too cold or chilly at any point in the year, and it offers something beautiful in the winter months.

It’s possible that, for you, the best time to visit Amalfi Coast can be January which would be a great way to avoid that blue feeling of sitting back at your desk once Christmas has been and gone. There’s plenty to see and do, and because the sun seekers are still months away you’ll have a lot more time and space to relax. Take a look at a few of the things you need to know before booking your dream start to the new year.

Be warned, it’s as cold as the Amalfi Coast gets!

When we say cold, we don’t really mean that cold. If you want to lie back and sunbathe then you’re going to be disappointed, but no one really expects to be able to do that in January do they.

The average daily low and daily high on the Amalfi Coast are still 10 and 15 degrees Celsius respectively. Certainly respectable temperatures that will allow you to wander around in a jumper or thin raincoat and enjoy all of the stunning scenery. There will be more showers than in the summer, when there aren’t any, but they’re typically light and only last on average 30 minutes or less. Ideal if you want to get outside and enjoy yourself in one of the most beautiful areas in Italy.

Check the guide on: Where to stay in the Amalfi Coast

Highway 163 can become blocked

The main road that runs along the coast is known as Highway 163, and it’s well worth knowing that it does get blocked from time to time during January. Small slippages from the earthed banks that line the road can prove a little tricky to shift as the Amalfi Coast is one of the quieter parts of the country.

That said, you’re certainly in no danger, and the locals will be more than happy to advise you of alternative routes. It just never hurts to know the full picture before you set off in your hire car.

The ferries between Capri and Sorrento are still running

The buses are running as normal because that’s how the locals get from A to B when they leave their cars at home. In addition there is also a ferry service that runs between Sorrento and Capri. In the summer months there will be a lot more stops, but Capri will be more than enough to keep you occupied during your stay.

The island takes on a charm all of its own as the plants shed their leaves and the winter flowers begin to blossom. If you want to see what an island feels like in the Italian winter, then the short ferry ride will be well worth it.

A day trip to the Sorrento winter sales could be well worth it

Sorrento is known for one thing above all else in January: Winter Sales! The great thing about them is that you can get authenticate handmade Italian clothes at a fraction of the prices they were selling for in the run up to Christmas. The only catch is that the offers will be largely on last year’s ranges as the manufacturers get ready to debut their new collections. If you believe that great design never goes out of style, then get on over to Sorrento and treat yourself.

Amalfi Town has the best selection of restaurants and hotels in January  

Many of the smaller towns and villages along the Coast will shut the majority of their hotels and restaurants during January, but that’s not the case in Amalfi Town itself. It’s a firm favourite with the locals when they want to treat themselves to a bite to eat, which means they’ll be plenty to choose from.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

The Amalfi Coast is often seen solely as a summer destination, but did you know that people head there all year round? The scenery and the history don’t change, and that’s the prime reason that it’s fast becoming one of Europe’s go-to destinations in those chilly winter months. As it’s nestled on the Mediterranean there’s plenty of warm weather to be had even in the depths of winter — ideal for a welcome break from the cold and drizzle back home.

It is at heart a tourist hotspot however, and this means that you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re going to have a good time no matter when to travel to the Amalfi Coast. The place is far from deserted, but there are a few things that have restricted availability during winter. Let’s take a closer look so that you have everything you need to know to enjoy the welcome winter break you need at the end of the year.

Remember that the ferries don’t run in the winter

The ferries are a great way to get to and from the island of Capri, as well as to see another side of the Coast itself. Demand is much lower in the winter months as the majority of the tourists have already been and gone for the year. This means that to save money the operators keep their boats on the shore and don’t venture out onto the sea. You might be able to find the occasional small operator who’s willing to take you out, but don’t base your whole trip around it otherwise you may leave disappointed.

Lots of hotels will close, but you can still find a place to stay

Many of the large hotels close during the winter months because of lower demand. This tends to start in the first month of November, and they then open up again in early February. That said, there are plenty of smaller hotels that will happily give you a warm welcome as you sit back and relax by the fire. It’s also a great opportunity to grab a bed and breakfast or a private villa if you feel like going half board or self catering. These kinds of properties are open for business all year round, and will gladly accommodate you.

The buses run all year round, and Amalfi Town has the best connections

The buses are a godsend during the winter months as they offer a full schedule and there’s always plenty of spare seats. They’re how the locals get around when they leave the car at home for the day so you can rely on them to run right the way through the year.

If you don’t fancy doing too much driving, then leave the hire cars at the airport and base yourself in Amalfi Town. It has the best connections, and makes for a much easier holiday in the slower months of the year.

Read our updated guide on: How to Get to the Amalfi Coast

A day trip to Naples is a great way to get out and about

One of the main criticisms levelled at the Amalfi Coast in winter is that there’s not all that much to do when the sun isn’t shinning. If you feel that might be the case with you, then why not head on over to Naples for the day? You can get a bus to Sorrento and then a train into the city in a little over an hour, and the tickets are always reasonably priced.

Expect plenty of sunny winter days, and the occasional light shower

The weather is something that plenty of people will be Googling, but rest assured, you’re not going to be snowed in or anything like that. The majority of the days are little more than mild, and the sun still comes out in the afternoon so that you can enjoy plenty of blue sky. Unlike in the summer, there will be the occasional shower. Luckily these are light and only last half an hour or so, which provided you have a light raincoat you won’t even notice.

Best time to visit Amalfi Coast: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec