Italy in June

Albinea - Hills in June - Photo courtesy of Paolo_da_Reggio/Wikimedia

People who have travelled to Italy during the off season months of January, February or March would be absolutely stunned by the number of tourists that they would find in the month of June. The tourist season kicks off in Italy in April, with May and June the two of the busiest months in the country. The main reason for these many people travelling to the country in June is because of the excellent weather. It is a good time to visit, but for those who don't mind the crowds or the high prices of hotel rooms and airfares.

At times it might seem to visitors that there is never a slack season in Italy since no matter when you visit Italy you would always find tourists. June is the best time to visit Italy in terms of weather, but for those who are planning to travel on a low budget, it is best to avoid travelling in June. During this month, the car rentals, the airfare, hotel rooms and even the other products and services that you might want to buy in the local shops would be expensive.

Weather in June

June in Italy is definitely a high season for tourism. With the schools closing in the middle of the month, the locals too begin their vacations in June. Weather in the beginning of June is much like it is in May, pleasantly warm but not very hot. However, towards the end of the month the temperatures can rise very steeply in most parts of the country and the southern parts especially would be quite hot. The seaside resorts are always filled with tourists from all over the world because of the hot climate as even the locals flock to the sea side. June 21^st is the longest day of the year and definitely one of the hottest too. The benefit is that wet days are very uncommon in June so it is possible for visitors to enjoy many great days outdoors.

Tuscany - Apuane Alps - Photo courtesy of Franz_Xaver/Wikimedia

In Northern Italy comparatively would remain cooler because of the proximity to the Alps. In Milan and other parts of northern Italy, the average temperature would remain between 13 to 25 degrees Celsius (55 to 77 degree Fahrenheit). In June, there would be a few wet days in northern Italy.

Tornado and wall cloud near Vercelli 06 June 2009 Italy.

In Central Italy including cities like Rome the temperature is approximately between 16 to 25 degrees Celsius (61 to 77 degree Fahrenheit). Wet days in Rome in June are not very common but if they do the temperature might plunge down again to lower temperatures.

Travel Italy: Rome, the Eternal City.

In Southern Italy and the sea coast, including Palermo, the temperatures are definitely the highest. In June, the temperature remains between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Wet days and rainfall is quite uncommon in the month of June so outdoor conditions are quite enjoyable.

In June, precipitation is quite uncommon. However, in Northern Italy there might be one or two wet days.

Where to Visit in June

In June, visitors should be ready to fight hordes of tourists no matter where they plan to visit. All the major cities like Rome, Naples, Venice, Bologna and Milan would be overwhelmingly crowded. Those who are planning to visit these cities should consider getting their hotel rooms booked well in advance. However, if you are looking for some quiet time and do not fancy too much crowd its best to forget the large cities and head towards the small picturesque villages. June is an excellent month for seaside activities too, temperature is quite warm and water temperature is finally getting warm as well.

Festivals in June

The President of the Italian Republic celebrates the anniversary of the birth of Republic - Photo courtesy of Presidenza d. Rep.

The month of June brings many summer festivals in Italy. Apart from all the Saint's days that are celebrated in every town of Italy, there are several other interesting festivals in Italy during June which visitors can consider taking part in. Even the smaller villages in Italy celebrate local festivals. Outdoor music festivals and food festivals are quite common in June. The main benefit of visiting local festivals is that they provide a valuable glimpse in the life of the locals and make the vacation unique. Some of the most important festivals in Italy during June are as listed below:

June is the month of the Republic Day. Second June in Italy is a national holiday and most public places and stores remain close throughout the country.

One of the most important festivals in June is the Corpus Domini feast or the Corpus Christi feast. The feast is celebrated 2 months after Easter and celebrations take place in all parts of the country. In Castelrotto, the region of Alto Adige has one of the biggest festivals for the occasion. In Orvieto a large procession takes place on the streets in which more than 400 people dress in medieval costumes and the town is decorated with floral decorations. Infiorata in Bolsena will feature beautiful art displays made from flower petals.

S. Ranieri's Palio - Photo courtesy of Harlock81

Saint Ranieri's Luminara is another important festival. The festival is held every year on 16^th June, the day before the feast of the saint. Saint Ranieri is the patron saint of Pisa and all the buildings along the River of Arno and the bridges are all decorated with flames using more than 70,000 glass candle holders which are known as lumini.

In Pisa, the day after the feast of Saint Ranieri, the ancient Regatta takes place. Four boats one from each district of Pisa row on the river of Arno against the current. Towards the end of the event, one individual would climb up on a twenty five feet rope to get the victory flag.

In June a week long food festival is held in Spongano in the region of Puglia. The festival celebrates cooking, olives and olive oil. Various local dishes and regional specialties are served during the festival.

Lake Como - Photo courtesy of chensiyuan/Wikimedia

On Lake Como the most ancient historic event of the region takes place known as festival of Saint Giovanni. During the celebrations, hundreds of small lamps are floated in the river and there is display of fireworks. The next morning a unique boat parade takes place with many traditional boats are marked with flowers. Various competitions like flag throwing and folk dancing also take place.

The feast day of San Giovanni is celebrated in the city of Florence every June. There is an ancient medieval tournament which features a large feast, wine and music. A race of rowboats takes place on River Arno, carrying candles which are followed with fireworks.

Montelupo Fiorentino - Photo courtesy of Buggia/Wikimedia

In Tuscany, the town of Montelupo celebrates an international Ceramics Festival at the end of the month. During the festival various ceramic specialties are featured from different parts of the country. Visitors would get a unique chance to observe the craft for which Italy has been known since centuries.

In Spoleto Umbria, il Festival dei due mondi, or the Two Worlds festival is one of the most important festival of performing arts in Italy. The festival is attended by some of the top artists of the world and is known internationally. The festival features operas, concerts, ballets, art and films and starts towards the end of the month. The festival first started fin the year of 1958.

Seasonal fruits

In june you can taste the last fruits come in maturation in late spring and the first fuits of summer. Apricots, cherries and strawberries are at their best. Lemons, peaches and plums herald the arrival of the hot season.