Aeolian Islands
Intermediate
Best conditions around July 27
Volcanic island chain north of Sicily — Stromboli, Lipari, Vulcano.
Best time to sail
Best time to sail in Italy
The best time to sail in Italy is May to November, with peak conditions in September and October.
That verdict comes from 1991–2020 climate normals — wind, rain, sunshine, and air temperature — scored week by week for charter conditions across 4 sailing areas.
Everything you need to know about booking a boat charter in Italy — from the best sailing regions like Sardinia, Amalfi, and the Aeolian Islands, to licensing requirements, costs, and a complete 7-day Aeolian Islands itinerary.
Sailing conditions in Italy, month by month
Mean weekly values across our sailing areas in Italy. The sail score weighs wind, rain, sun, and temperature — and discounts tropical-storm season where one applies.
Temperature (°C)
- Air
- Water
Wind (kn)
Rain (mm/day)
Sun (h/day)
| Month | Sail score | Wind (kn) | Rain (mm/day) | Sun (h/day) | Temp (°C) | Water (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | 10 | 2.9 | 12 | 11 | 16 |
| February | Fair | 10 | 2.6 | 12 | 11 | 15 |
| March | Fair | 9 | 2 | 12 | 13 | 15 |
| April | Fair | 9 | 1.8 | 12 | 15 | 16 |
| May | Excellent | 7 | 1.6 | 12 | 19 | 20 |
| June | Excellent | 7 | 0.8 | 12 | 22 | 24 |
| July | Excellent | 6 | 0.4 | 12 | 26 | 27 |
| August | Excellent | 6 | 0.6 | 12 | 26 | 27 |
| September | Excellent | 7 | 1.8 | 12 | 23 | 25 |
| October | Excellent | 8 | 3.1 | 12 | 19 | 22 |
| November | Excellent | 10 | 3.9 | 12 | 15 | 20 |
| December | Fair | 10 | 3.3 | 12 | 13 | 17 |
Sailing areas in Italy
Every area below is scored individually in the interactive calendar; where we have an in-depth guide, it's linked.
Amalfi Coast
Intermediate
Best conditions around July 27
Cliffside villages between Capri and Salerno; busy in summer.
Sardinia — Costa Smeralda
Intermediate
Best conditions around July 27
Granite coves, turquoise water, summer mistral squalls.
Tuscan Archipelago
Beginner-friendly
Best conditions around August 3
Elba and neighbours — quiet, well-protected Tyrrhenian sailing.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sail in Italy?
May to November offers the most reliable conditions, with September and October scoring best for wind, rain, sunshine, and temperature in the 1991–2020 climate normals.
When is the cheapest time to charter in Italy?
The shoulder months — May and November — usually combine good sailing conditions with fewer crowds and lower charter prices than the peak in September and October.
How warm is it in Italy in September?
Around 23 °C air temperature on average in September, with about 12 hours of sun a day.
How warm is the water in Italy in September?
Around 25 °C sea-surface temperature on average in September, based on 2023–2025 marine averages.