Beloved by the world’s rich and famous, the Amalfi Coast is home to Italy’s (and arguably Europe’s) most popular coastline, synonymous with exceptional beauty and laid-back luxury. Soft-toned homes pour along chiseled cliffsides towards the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, and beneath this rugged exterior lie some of the world’s most coveted hotels and renowned restaurants. The hilltop towns of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello make up the main trio of this stunning Italian movie star region, and it’s easy to see why the quintessential Mediterranean landscape (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was given the nickname Divina Costiera (‘Sacred Coast ‘). Given its growing popularity, it can be difficult to pinpoint the best time to visit, and although the weather is most pleasant in the summer, you’ll have a hard time finding a quiet corner between June and August. Read on for our advice on the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast.
Winter: November to March
It is usually not recommended to visit the Amalfi Coast in winter, as the weather becomes cold and wet and many hotels, stores and restaurants close during the off-season. Nevertheless, with the crowds sparse, one is free to properly explore the hilltop towns, and while the weather may not always be at its best, a visit during the Christmas season offers a peaceful Italian escape. Visit Salerno’s enchanting Luci d’Artista light show, which takes place from November to January, or celebrate the New Year at Positano’s Spiaggia Grande beach, which turns into an open-air disco until dawn.
Spring: April to May
As temperatures begin to climb, the region slowly awakens from its winter slumber and venues reopen to welcome visitors back. This is often touted as the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast, as the crowds are still light and the weather is mild with blue skies. Taking a bad picture of the Amalfi Coast can be challenging, even more so in spring when the fruit trees are in full bloom and the sea is a stunning azure. The Amalfi lemon trees are particularly splendid at this time of year; legend has it that Hercules fell in love with a wakame named Amalfi and stole a lemon tree from the garden of Hesperides as her final resting place in her untimely death, which initiated a long association between lemons and the Amalfi Coast.
Summer: June to August
Summer is undeniably the most popular season on the Amalfi Coast, and for good reason, as the region really comes into its own in June, July and August. If you want to experience local celebrations and nightlife, this is the peak time for festivities; the Ravello Concert Association puts on shows throughout the summer, while Ravello hosts an extensive arts festival from July to September. Unfortunately, this prime time brings higher costs and larger crowds, so it can be more challenging to truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the area. This season also attracts hordes of road trippers, and you’re likely to find yourself stuck on the iconic Amalfi Coastal Boulevard, a road that stretches from Positano to Amalfi.
Fall: September to October
Fall is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast. Although the summer revelry is beginning to fade, there are still many events and attractions worth seeing, such as Positano’s Festa del Pesce, an annual seafood festival accompanied by parades and musical performances. At this time of year, the weather is still mild and pleasant, and you’ll find bars, restaurants and hotels much less crowded as the worst of the tourist crowds leave (they tend to stay open until October 15). Hikers also enjoy fall because the temperatures are cool enough to traverse the summit trails in comfort.
