Destination
When should you visit Cinque Terre?
The Cinque Terre's five villages are small, and from April to October they fill with day-trippers, hikers and cruise passengers. Summer is hot on the trails and very crowded. Autumn brings the heaviest rain, which can close coastal paths. May and September give you warm weather, open trails and ferries, and a little more space. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
May & September
May and September are warm enough to hike and swim, with ferries and trails open and fewer people than June to August.
Best for hiking
April–May & late September–October
Cooler trail weather; check closures after rain.
Best for swimming
July–September
The warmest sea, with busy beaches.
Least crowded
November–February
Very quiet, with wet weather and fewer ferries.
Best for Christmas
December
Manarola's hillside nativity lights.
May scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Peak crowds
- Trains, trails and village lanes are packed in the middle of the day.
- Trail closures
- Coastal paths close after storms and landslides. Check the national park's trail status first.
- Ferries
- Boats between the villages run in the warmer months and stop in rough seas.
June–August
Autumn and after heavy rain
Roughly spring to autumn
Cinque Terre travel tip
Sleep in one of the villages rather than visiting for the day. The trains and lanes are packed from late morning to late afternoon; early mornings and evenings are calm. Check which trail sections are open on the national park website before you set out.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 6–12°C
- Cool and wet.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €
- The lowest rates.
Check that your hotel and a restaurant are open before you go.
- Quiet walks
- Photography
- Temperature
- 6–13°C
- Cool and changeable.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €
- The lowest rates.
Use the train between villages; ferries are limited.
- Quiet walks
- Value
- Temperature
- 8–15°C
- Mild, with showers.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- €€
- Good value.
Hike on dry days only; paths get slippery.
- Hiking
- Value
- Temperature
- 11–19°C
- Mild, with spring rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Busier, especially at Easter.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates rise.
Avoid Easter weekend if you can.
- Hiking
- Flowers
- Temperature
- 15–22°C
- Warm and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- €€€
- Mid-to-high rates.
Start the coastal path by 8am.
- Hiking
- Food
- Temperature
- 18–26°C
- Warm and sunny.
- Crowds
- High
- Very busy.
- Prices
- €€€€
- High-season rates.
Swim at Monterosso in the evening, when it empties.
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 21–29°C
- Hot and sunny.
- Crowds
- Very High
- Peak crowds.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak rates.
Hike only at dawn in July.
- Swimming
- Boat trips
- Temperature
- 20–29°C
- Hot and sunny.
- Crowds
- Very High
- Peak crowds, especially around Ferragosto.
- Prices
- €€€€
- Peak rates.
Book rooms and parking far ahead, or skip August.
- Swimming
- Boat trips
- Temperature
- 18–26°C
- Warm and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy early, calmer later.
- Prices
- €€€
- Rates ease later in the month.
Late September is calmer than early September.
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Temperature
- 14–21°C
- Mild, with heavy autumn rain.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- €€
- Fair rates.
Have a train-and-village plan for rainy days.
- Food
- Photography
- Temperature
- 10–17°C
- Cool and very wet.
- Crowds
- Low
- Very quiet.
- Prices
- €
- Low rates.
Check trail closures before every walk.
- Quiet
- Value
- Temperature
- 7–13°C
- Cool and wet.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet, apart from holiday weekends.
- Prices
- €
- Low rates.
See the Manarola nativity after dark.
- Christmas
- Quiet
Climate
Cinque Terre weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C / 54°F | 6°C / 43°F | 116 mm | 9 |
| February | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F | 108 mm | 9 |
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 115 mm | 10 |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 126 mm | 10 |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 15°C / 59°F | 59 mm | 6 |
| June | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 51 mm | 6 |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 36 mm | 4 |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 20°C / 68°F | 54 mm | 4 |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 18°C / 64°F | 84 mm | 6 |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 14°C / 57°F | 164 mm | 10 |
| November | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 201 mm | 11 |
| December | 13°C / 55°F | 7°C / 45°F | 200 mm | 12 |
Climate data: La Spezia: Climi e viaggi (temperatures 2004–2020), ENEA (precipitation 1961–1990). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Cinque Terre
What is the best month to visit Cinque Terre?
May and September are the best balance of warm weather, open trails and fewer crowds than summer.
Is Cinque Terre worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you want quiet villages and walks, but expect rain, fewer ferries and some closed restaurants.