Weather
Those who can manage time off from school or work in April will find great weather when they travel to Italy. Sure, the temps often fall on the chillier side, but the typical clear days mean no chill can't be tamed by sunlight. For example, If you intend to make the capital of Rome your base of operations, expect average temperatures of 57°F/14°C. If your intention is to traverse the country, know that Northern Italy sees temps between 40-60°F (5-16°C), with 50-65°F (10-18°C) in the center, and 55-65°F (13-18°C) in Southern Italy.
Crowds & Costs
April is towards the end of the spring shoulder season, but you can still count on lower airfares and cheaper prices on hotels during this time (typically 50% cheaper than in the high season). Bonus that you'll likely experience mostly sunny weather, which means you can enjoy outdoor excursions to famous sites without the heavy crowds.
Of course, the exception to this is Holy Week and Easter, when the entire nation is in the throes of religious celebration. If it happens to fall during April, you can expect prices to spike during this period, so if you're planning on traveling here during Easter, be sure to book all reservations far in advance.
Where to Go
If you're traveling during Easter you'll find services and celebrations in cities and towns throughout the country, most featuring statues of Jesus and/or the Virgin Mary being carried through the streets. That said, a famous procession occurs in the city of Enna, in Sicily, and features around 2,000 friars parading through the streets.
Definitely, there's nothing quite like experiencing Easter mass right in Vatican City at St. Peter's Square. For a truly explosive celebration, head north to Florence, the capital of Tuscany, for the "Explosion of the Cart." Every Easter Sunday the city lights off a large ornate cart filled with fireworks to the delight of locals and which signifies good luck for the coming harvest.
To get around most efficiently between these locals so you can see as much as possible, be sure to take the train. It is much more efficient than other forms of public transport, which are often unreliable. Also, during Easter, regional transport can be a headache as many buses and flights will be fully booked. You should do likewise and make all travel plans within the country in advance during this period.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Definitely, take advantage of the lighter April crowds and hit up some of Italy's great museums and outdoor historic sites. While Italy is never totally tourist-free, you can count on shorter lines for entry to the Vatican Museum and the Colosseum in Rome, as well as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Of course plan on these sites being at peak capacity during Holy Week. Still, this won't affect accesbility—Museums in Italy are open 363 days per year.
Maybe take this opportunity to embark on a brisk 20-minute hike up to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius, in Naples. The sunny weather should make for great photo opportunities from the top. You could even head down to Sicily and make a similar (albeit guided) hike up to the crater of Mt. Etna.
If you prefer traveling on wheels instead of your own two feet, consider a romantic road trip down the Amalfi Coast, in the province of Salerno. Or you could plan a family vacation to nearby Sorrento. Just be aware that the hotels in this area fill up early for the shoulder and high seasons, so book at least three months in advance.
Events in April
Easter and Holy Week. Because Easter follows the liturgical calendar, that means it doesn't fall on the same day each year. Sometimes it doesn't even occur in April. That said, it typically does fall in this month, and celebrations and processions occur throughout the nation.
Liberation Day. This national holiday falls on April 25th and signifies the end of the occupation of Italy during WWII. Celebrations occur throughout the country, with the most elaborate held in Rome.
Traveling to Italy in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Adventures in Southern Italy - 7 Days. Visit the island of Capri, the remains of Pompeii, and charming Naples on this active and culinary trip.
Highlights of Italy - 14 Days. Discover the sights and delights of Italy on this two-week highlights tour. Explore the floating city of Venice, the Renaissance jewel of Florence, and the Eternal City of Rome.
More Helpful Information
Italy in March
Italy in May
Best Time of Year to Visit Italy
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