Italy's diverse landscapes and rich history are matched only by its varied climate zones, from the snow-capped Alps to the sun-drenched Mediterranean coast. For those seeking the perfect weather to complement their Italian getaway or daily living, we’ve identified six cities that stand out for their exceptional climate. Whether you’re dreaming of mild winters, balmy summers, or an ideal balance year-round, these Italian cities offer enviable weather conditions that are sure to delight any climate enthusiast. Join us as we explore the best of Italy’s meteorological offerings and discover which cities boast the most inviting climate in the country, thanks to a ranking by Il Sole 24 Ore based on data from 3BMeteo.
Bari
Bari, the beautiful Apulian capital, is renowned not only for its rich cultural and historical heritage but also for its exceptional climate. Located on the Adriatic coast, Bari benefits from a Mediterranean climate that ensures hot summers and mild winters—traits surely appreciated by those who choose to live here.
In particular, in the city of Saint Nicholas, one can enjoy many hours of sunshine each day, relatively few heatwaves and extreme weather events, a pleasant summer breeze due to its proximity to the sea, low humidity, and sparse rainfall (ranking fourth). Even the cold days throughout the year are few.
Imperia
Imperia, located in the stunning Ligurian Riviera, ranks first on the list. Several factors contribute to this top position. To start, it records a high number of sunny days annually and a low frequency of rainy days each year—two of the most significant indicators for assessing climate quality.
Additionally, the relative absence of extremes in both winter and summer contributes to a high climate livability index. The minimal fog and low number of cold days are particularly appreciated. This makes it an ideal climate for living, especially if you seek mild winters and summers perfect for enjoying days by the sea.
Barletta-Andria-Trani
Not far from Bari are the cities of Barletta, Andria, and Trani. Averaging the data from these three cities, which form a single province, reveals very positive climate information, placing this group of towns fourth in the rankings. But what are their unique features?
Daily sunshine hours are ample, and extreme weather events are quite rare. Additionally, the summer breeze is very frequent. Humidity levels are also very low; however, on the downside, Barletta, Andria, and Trani are among the worst cities for wind gusts.
In summary, while regional evaluations are possible, Puglia – with a notable five cities in the Top 10 – could be considered the Italian region with the best climate.
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Catania
The first Sicilian city to make it onto the list, Catania boasts excellent performance across various indicators established by the evaluation criteria. To start, the city at the foot of Mount Etna takes the lead in terms of annual sunny days. It ranks first for relative humidity and second for the fewest cold days throughout the year. It also performs well with low rainfall and minimal fog.
Living in Catania, therefore, means not only enjoying an excellent climate but also spending your daily life in a city rich in history and culture.
Pescara
A little further north on the Adriatic lies the town of Pescara. Thanks to its geographical location, Pescara benefits from hot but breezy summers and mild winters, factors that significantly contribute to the well-being of its residents.
Pescara's position in the climate indices is excellent, particularly regarding the annual sunny days and low rainfall. These elements, combined with an average annual temperature that experiences few extreme events, make living in Pescara very comfortable.
Livorno
Rounding off the top six is Livorno, a well-known Tuscan port city. The town on the Tyrrhenian Sea excels in several areas. For instance, it experiences few heatwaves throughout the year, and the days when the perceived temperature exceeds 30 degrees are relatively rare.
Livorno ranks highly for its summer breeze and sits just above the middle of the ranking for rainfall and fog. Finally, it is highly appreciated for its few cold days. On the other hand, the city does not fare as well regarding extreme weather events, humidity, and wind gusts. Despite this, moving to and living in Livorno is still an excellent idea is you want somewhere with an all round pleasant climate.
Criteria used to determine the cities with the best climate
To identify the Italian cities where it is most pleasant to live in terms of climate (and those with the worst climate in Italy), the ranking published by Il Sole 24 Ore considers several factors. For example, the number of sunny days is a key indicator for many, as greater sun exposure is often associated with a better mood and more opportunities for outdoor activities.
Similarly, the average temperature, which avoids both extreme heat and cold, can make a city feel more comfortable for daily living. Additionally, the frequency of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves or severe storms, is crucial for assessing whether a place can be considered safe and stable from a climate perspective. The assessment also includes data on the summer breeze, humidity, and the frequency of rainfall, fog, and excessively cold days.