Weather in the Cinque Terre: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

The Cinque Terre area of Italy, in the coastal region of Liguria, is a popular destination for walking and hiking. Cinque Terre translates to "five lands," and refers to the five picturesque villages of the area—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore.

Because they are located within a few miles of one another, collectively, the Cinque Terre experience more or less the same weather patterns throughout the year. In the winter, the towns are protected from the harshest weather by the Alps. In the summertime, their seaside location keeps them slightly cooler than the rest of Italy, which can be sweltering in July and August.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Months: July and August, 83 degrees F (28 degrees C)
• Coldest Month: January, 38 degrees F (3 degrees C)
• Wettest Month: October, 6 inches (152 millimeters)
• Best Month for Swimming: August, average sea temperature is 77 degrees F (25 degrees C)

Fall Flooding in Northern Italy

Though it does not happen every year, Liguria and the Cinque Terre, like the rest of Italy, has seen increasingly intense and frequent autumn thunderstorms, with violent wind and heavy rain. These have resulted in mudslides, flooding, bridge failures, and loss of life, as well as trails between the Cinque Terre towns being thoroughly washed out. If you plan to visit the area in October, November, or early December, expect wet weather and keep an eye and ear tuned to local weather conditions. While you may have some clear, sunny days for hiking, don't ever attempt to hike between the towns when severe storms threaten.

Spring in the Cinque Terre

Springtime in the Cinque Terre is generally chilly and wet, especially in March and April. Things start to warm up in May, and rains become less frequent. Across Italy, springtime is an unpredictable season, and the Cinque Terre is no exception. You might experience wet, cold, windy weather, or brilliantly sunny days perfect for hiking.

What to Pack: If you're packing for a springtime trip to the Cinque Terre, we have two words of advice—layers and waterproofing. Pack light- to medium-weight long pants comfortable for walking, as well as long- and short-sleeve t-shirts, plus warmer sweatshirts or sweaters to layer on top. Bring an umbrella and a medium-weight, waterproof jacket. A scarf and hat come in handy on cold evenings. Since most visitors to the Cinque Terre do at least some walking, be sure to pack durable, waterproof hiking/walking shoes and quick-drying socks.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

• March: 57 degrees F (14 degrees C) / 43 degrees F (6 degrees C), 4 inches (101 mm)
• April: 63 degrees F (17 degrees C) / 46 degrees F (8 degrees C), 4.01 inches (102 mm)
• May: 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) / 57 degrees F (14 degrees C), 3 inches (80 mm)

Summer in the Cinque Terre

It's easy to see why summertime is the most popular season to visit the Cinque Terre. Breezes off the Ligurian Sea keep temperatures mostly in the high 70s to low 80s, and rainfall is scarce. Ten and 11-hour days mean plenty of sunshine and sunsets arriving just in time for dinner. It's the perfect season for walking between the five towns, interspersed with dips in the sea. Note that while temperatures are typically warm but not hot, you might experience some days in the high 80s. Midday can get quite hot, especially on the hiking trails.

What to Pack: Summertime in the Cinque Terre means packing lightweight clothing and a couple of warmer layers for cool evenings. Lightweight pants or shorts are suitable for the day, as are t-shirts or lightweight longsleeved shirts. For cooler evenings, a sweater or light jacket will come in handy. Whether you'll be hiking the trails of the Cinque Terre or just visiting individual cities, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Wherever you go, you'll find uneven terrain, cobblestone streets and lots of stairs.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

• June: 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) / 59 degrees F (15 degrees C), 2.1 inches (53 mm)
• July: 84 degrees F (29 degrees C) / 64 degrees F (18 degrees C), 1.1 inches (28 mm)
• August: 84 degrees F (29 degrees C) / 64 degrees F (18 degrees C), 2.2 inches (57 mm)

Fall in the Cinque Terre

For many travelers to the Cinque Terre, fall is a favorite time to visit. Summer crowds have decamped, and trails and town piazzas and seafronts are far less congested. Weather can be dicey—see the section on flooding above. Still, many lovers of the area are willing to take the risk on a few rainy days for the possibility of some gloriously sunny, bright, and warm fall days. September is practically an extension of summer weather, though October and November start to cool down. October is the rainiest month in the Cinque Terre.

What to Pack: Packing for a fall trip to the Cinque Terre once again calls for layers and waterproofing. You'll want medium-weight long pants comfortable for walking, as well as long-sleeved shirts and t-shirts, and a few sweatshirts or sweaters. Pack a breathable, water repellant jacket and an umbrella, as well as water-repellant shoes. The later in the fall you visit, the more you'll appreciate having a scarf and lightweight hat for chilly nights.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

• September: 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) / 59 degrees F (15 degrees C), 3.1 inches (80 mm)
• October: 70 degrees F (21 degrees C) / 52 degrees F (11 degrees C), 5.9 inches (149 mm)
• November: 59 degrees F (12 degrees C) / 45 degrees F (4 degrees C), 5.5 inches (140 mm)

Winter in the Cinque Terre

Winter in the Cinque Terre is quiet, cold, and wet. Those who shun crowds might revel in the sleepy ambiance that takes over the five towns, but they may also find a number of hotels and restaurants closed for the season. Weather is reliably cold but rarely dips below freezing. December and January are among the rainiest months of the year, ranking only behind October and November.

What to Pack: Once again, preparing for a winter visit to the Cinque Terre means preparing for rain and cold temperatures. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and base-layers shirts are a good idea, as are waterproof shoes, a warm, waterproof coat, and an umbrella. If you're planning to hike the trails, make sure your shoes are suited for slippery conditions. Bring a warm scarf, gloves, and a hat for evening walks in the towns.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month

• December: 54 degrees F (12 degrees C) / 39 degrees F (4 degrees C), 4.7 inches (120 mm)
• January: 52 degrees F (11 degrees C) / 37 degrees F (3 degrees C), 5.5 inches (139 mm)
• February: 54 degrees F (12 degrees C) / 39 degrees F (4 degrees C), 3.9 inches (98 mm)