The best times to visit Bologna are April, May, June, September and October, when average highs land in the comfortable 20s and sightseeing is easy — April sits at 18.5 °C with 9 rain days, September at 25.6 °C, and October at 20.1 °C. July and August are peak season, hot at 31.6 °C and 31.1 °C and busy with school-holiday crowds and higher prices. Winter is the quiet, low season, with January highs of just 8.1 °C and short, grey days.
Best months AprilMayJuneSeptemberOctober
Bologna month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8.1 °C | 0.8 °C | 7 | 6 h |
| February | 11.3 °C | 3 °C | 8 | 6.9 h |
| March | 14.7 °C | 5 °C | 9 | 8.9 h |
| April | 18.5 °C | 8.5 °C | 9 | 10.4 h |
| May | 22.1 °C | 12.8 °C | 14 | 10.8 h |
| June | 28.9 °C | 18.2 °C | 7 | 13.1 h |
| July | 31.6 °C | 20.4 °C | 7 | 13.4 h |
| August | 31.1 °C | 20.1 °C | 8 | 12.1 h |
| September | 25.6 °C | 15.9 °C | 9 | 10.4 h |
| October | 20.1 °C | 11.6 °C | 9 | 7.8 h |
| November | 13.1 °C | 6.3 °C | 11 | 5.9 h |
| December | 8.8 °C | 2.1 °C | 9 | 5.1 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
Ideal for portico walks and food touring; April and early May are the sweet spot.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is warm but pleasant; July and August suit only those who don't mind the heat.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are excellent — mild, golden and less crowded.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Best for museums, tortellini and low-season calm rather than outdoor sightseeing.
Notable events
- June to September
- Bologna Estate (summer arts and open-air events)
- November
- Cioccoshow chocolate festival
- December
- Christmas markets in Piazza Maggiore
- Spring
- Bologna Water Design / Art Week
Frequently asked
Is Bologna too hot in August?
It can feel hot: August highs average 31.1 °C, close to July's 31.6 °C. It's bearable with early starts and shade under the porticoes, but April to June and September to October are more comfortable.
What is the rainiest month in Bologna?
May sees the most rain days at 14, more than any other month. Most other months hover between 7 and 11 rain days, so spring showers are the main thing to plan around.
Is winter worth visiting Bologna?
Yes, if you want quiet and food-focused days. It's cold, with January highs of 8.1 °C and only 6 hours of sunshine, but the city's markets, museums and cuisine shine, and crowds are at their lowest.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Bologna area guide →
Areas of Bologna
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Bologna — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.