Bologna features a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with mild, pleasant springs and autumns marked by moderate rainfall. Dramatic swings in temperature, frequent fog in winter, and abundant sunshine in summer make Bologna a dynamic destination for travellers year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Bologna’s climate, shaped by its location in the Po Valley of northern Italy, brings large seasonal contrasts. Summers (June–August) are hot and muggy, with average highs of 31–32°C and lows of 17–19°C. Humidity is often high, and heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C. Thunderstorms occasionally break the heat, and evenings offer some relief, especially in the hills. July and August are the sunniest months, with up to 12 hours of sunshine daily. Many locals take holidays in August, so some restaurants and shops may close.
Winters (December–February) are cold and damp, with average highs of 6–8°C and lows near or below 0°C. Frost and fog are common, and snow falls at least once each winter, sometimes heavily. The legendary winter fog of the Po Valley can reduce visibility, and the city often sees overcast skies. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional and mild, with highs from 15–25°C and cool nights. Rainfall is moderate, peaking in April, May, and November, but showers are usually brief. Spring brings blooming parks, while autumn is known for vibrant foliage and harvest festivals. Annual precipitation averages 650–800 mm, with about 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. Winds are generally light, but can be brisk during storms or when the Bora or Tramontane winds blow.
| Average climate data for Bologna, Italy | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 7 | 9 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 27 | 31 | 31 | 25 | 20 | 13 | 8 | 31 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 26 | 39 | 32 | 35 | 56 | 45 | 46 | 27 | 37 | 29 | 60 | 31 | 462 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 129 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 25 | 32 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 86 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 80 | 80 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 67 | 60 | 58 | 66 | 74 | 81 | 79 | 72 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 8 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 8 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 40 | 43 | 36 | 32 | 31 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 24 | 31 | 42 | 36 | 31 |
| Average UV index | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
The best time to visit Bologna is in spring (April–June) and early autumn (September), when temperatures are mild (15–25°C), rainfall is moderate, and the city is lively with festivals and outdoor events. These seasons offer ideal weather for sightseeing, enjoying Bologna’s cuisine, and exploring the historic centre without the summer heat or winter chill.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak of summer (July–August), when temperatures often exceed 32°C, humidity is high, and some businesses close for holidays. Winter (December–February) can also be challenging due to cold, damp conditions, frequent fog, and occasional heavy snow, though the city’s festive charm endures.
Bologna has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, with moderate rainfall. Fog and occasional snow are common in winter.
Summer temperatures in Bologna typically reach 31–32°C, but heatwaves can push highs above 35°C. Humidity is high, and nights are warm, especially in July and August.
Yes, snow falls at least once each winter in Bologna, sometimes heavily. Frost and fog are also common in winter, and snow can occasionally disrupt travel in the city.
Rain falls year-round, but April, May, and November are typically the wettest months. Showers are usually brief, and autumn is the rainiest season overall.
Bologna enjoys about 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Summer months have up to 12 hours of sunshine per day, while winter averages just 2–5 hours daily.
Bring warm, waterproof layers and insulated boots for winter. In spring and autumn, pack layers and a rain jacket. For summer, light, breathable clothes and sun protection are essential.
Bologna is humid, especially in summer, and can be windy during storms or when the Bora or Tramontane winds blow. Fog is common in winter, and humidity makes both heat and cold feel more intense.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (31.2 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (7.2 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 19 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (18.5 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (1.3 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 9.8 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (59.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is January (25.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 461.8 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is May (14.8 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (8.2 days). Over the whole year there are 128.7 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is February (31.9 mm). The months with the least snowfall are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 86.2 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (1.6 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are July and August (0 days). Over the whole year there are 4.9 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is November (81.3 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (58.5 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 72.1 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is March (8.9 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is December (6.6 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 7.7 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (43 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is July (16.9 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 30.8 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 8.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 11.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 5 h). Over the whole year there are 8 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is July (UV index: 7). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, November and December (UV index: 2). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.1.
