When should you visit Milan?

+Museums and galleries with almost no one in them, at the year’s lowest rates.

–Cold, grey and short days — outdoor time is limited.

+Fashion Week energy while hotel rates are still winter-low.

–Damp, cold weather and Fashion Week dates squeeze availability.

+The city wakes up before the crowds arrive.

–Unpredictable weather; Easter can spike prices.

+Mild spring air and long, walkable evenings.

–Design Week and Easter push crowds and rates up sharply.

+Milan’s best weather — warm days, cool evenings, aperitivo on every terrace.

–Bank holidays and rising demand make rooms pricier.

+Long days and full terrace season.

–Crowds and prices climb fast as summer holidays begin.

+Fewer locals means easier tables and quieter streets.

–Heavy heat, peak prices and long queues at the big sights.

+Ferragosto empties the city — you get Milan almost to yourself.

–Hot, humid, and many independent places close.

+The best all-round month: warm, clear, energised and far calmer than summer.

–Fashion Week week itself books out early.

+Crisp, comfortable walking weather with easy access everywhere.

–Rain days increase and evenings turn cold.

+The quietest, cheapest month of the year — nothing is busy.

–Grey, damp weather with little outdoor life.

+Christmas markets and a genuinely festive city.

–Cold, and the holiday fortnight spikes crowds and rates.