April and May are the best months to visit Italy. Not July (40°C, packed, everything costs double). Not August (Italians leave, restaurants close, beaches are sardine tins). Not December (short days, some things closed). Spring. Temperatures: 18-25°C. Crowds: 60% fewer than summer. Prices: 30-40% lower. Wildflowers carpet the Val d'Orcia. The Amalfi Coast road is driveable. Rome's wisteria drapes over every terrace. Artichokes are in season (carciofi alla romana — a dish that exists for 6 weeks and then vanishes). Easter in Rome is the most spectacular religious celebration in Christianity. And you can actually get a table at a restaurant without booking 3 weeks ahead.
Plan my spring trip →March: Still cool (12-18°C), occasional rain. Rome blooms. Almond blossoms in Agrigento. Lowest prices of the travel season. Ski season ending in Dolomites — last powder + spring sun = perfect combo.
April: Easter week transforms Rome (Via Crucis at Colosseum, Papal mass). Florence's Scoppio del Carro (Easter explosion). Wildflowers begin in Tuscany and Umbria. The lakes (Como, Garda) start their season. Beach season starts in Sicily and Puglia (south is 5-8°C warmer).
May: The perfect month. 20-28°C everywhere. Everything open. Noto Infiorata (flower festival). Castelluccio Fiorita begins (late May-early June wildflower explosion). Cinque Terre trails open fully. Dolomite hiking season starts at lower altitudes. Beaches without crowds. Book accommodations in March for May travel.