Weather in Italy in February

February climate overview

Daytime highs across Italy in February run from 8.7°C (Venice) to 14.6°C (Sicily). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in Italy in February. Nights average 4.3°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Venice fall to -1°C or below.

Rainfall in February

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in February, with Milan the driest (7 days) and Taormina the wettest (12 days). The wettest February at Sicily between 1991 and 2020 was 2015 with 166 mm; the driest was 1995 with 4 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 13.0°C around Italy in February - warmest at Sicily (14.5°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.6 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

February against the rest of the year in Italy

February is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Italy. It is 0.9°C warmer than January and 3.0°C warmer in March. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (10°C).

Which part of Italy in February?

• Most sunshine: Sicily, 5.7 h a day.
• Driest: Milan, about 7 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sicily, 15°C.
• Hottest: Sicily, 15°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Venice, 9°C.

What to pack for Italy in February

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 11°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 4°C; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in February

Within 1.5°C of Italy's February daytime average: Santorini (13°C, sea 16°C), Saranda (13°C, sea 14°C), Parga (13°C, sea 15°C), Paxos (13°C, sea 15°C), Corfu (12°C, sea 15°C). See the full ranking for February.

Where to go for the mildest weather

Sicily has the clearest advantage for daytime warmth, averaging 15°C with 7 rainy days. Sardinia is cooler at 13°C, but its 7°C nights match Sicily's, making it another option if avoiding colder evenings matters. Rome, Naples and Puglia all average 12°C by day, so heading further south does not automatically bring a large jump in warmth. Local differences matter too: Taormina averages 12°C and 12 rainy days, so Sicily's overall figures should not set expectations for every stay. Florence drops to 2°C at night, while Venice has the coolest daytime average at 9°C. Choose Sicily for the best chance of mild afternoons; bring warmer clothing if Florence or Venice is your preference.

What to pack and how to plan your days

Think in terms of flexible outdoor plans rather than full days sitting in the sun. Italy averages 5 hours of sunshine and 9 rainy days in February, so there is scope for time outside, but a waterproof jacket and shoes that cope with wet weather are sensible. Wear layers you can remove during milder afternoons and put back on as temperatures fall. Even on the Amalfi Coast and in Sorrento, where nights average 8°C, an evening layer is needed. Naples, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast each average 11 rainy days, making them less convincing choices if your main aim is avoiding rain.