The best time to travel to Puglia
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Our Expert Recommendation
The best time to visit Puglia is between the end of April and October. Then it is consistently warm in the south of Italy. The summer months are typically busy. If you want more peace and quiet, you should avoid the summer vacations.
Antonella Deuster
Travel Expert for Italy
Updated on 05/15/2025
When is the Best Time to Travel to Puglia?
The best time to travel to Puglia is usually in spring from late April to early summer and then again from September to late October. This is when the southern Italian region is at its best. In spring, the weather is mild, the countryside is in bloom and the temperatures are ideal for city breaks.
In summer, it is hot and perfect for swimming. In July and August, however, the beaches are quite crowded, as the country and the rest of Europe are on summer vacation. In the fall, you can experience the harvest time of the olive trees and enjoy the local products. Winter is often rainy and cool. Many tourist attractions are closed during this time. However, those who simply want peace and quiet can also enjoy this time.
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Puglia enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm to hot summers. In winter, average temperatures hover around 50°F, while in summer, they typically range between 77°F and 86°F. Most of the region’s rainfall occurs in the cooler months—winter and spring—while summers are dry and sometimes affected by drought. Thanks to its coastal location, the Adriatic and Ionian Seas help moderate temperatures year-round, creating a consistently pleasant atmosphere ideal for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Puglia in the High season
The high season in Puglia is usually in the months of July and August, when most tourists visit the region during the summer vacations. At this time, the beaches and the main tourist resorts are very crowded and accommodation prices are often higher than in other seasons. During the high season, there are also many festivals and events that attract visitors. If you want to travel to Puglia in the high season, you should start planning well in advance.
Puglia in the Shoulder Season
The shoulder seasons—spring (March to June) and fall (September to November)—are among the best times to visit Puglia. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, with average highs ranging from the upper 60s to mid-70s°F, and the crowds of peak summer are nowhere to be found. In spring, the countryside comes alive with blooming wildflowers, making it ideal for hiking and biking. Fall brings a rich harvest season, offering the perfect opportunity to sample local olive oil, wines, and truffles straight from the source.
Puglia in the Low Season
Winter is the low season in Puglia. It is cooler and rainier from around November/December to March. It can even snow at higher altitudes. There are only a few tourists in the area at this time, which makes it an interesting travel time for those who want to experience a quiet vacation. Prices are also particularly low now. Please note that some restaurants, stores and hotels are closed in the low season.
“Gargano, the peninsula in the north of Apulia, is particularly worth a visit in early fall, around September. When the sun is still warm but most of the tourists have left, the beaches are particularly enjoyable.”
Antonella Deuster
Travel Expert for Italy
Hiking
The best time for hiking in Puglia is usually in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the temperatures are pleasant and the landscapes are covered in bright colors. Outside of the summer heat, nature is particularly beautiful to experience on hikes. The hiking trails are also less frequented in the low season. In winter, the weather can be unpredictable and there can be occasional rain or snow, which is why this time is not so suitable.
Golf
The best time to play golf in Puglia is in spring and fall. The temperatures are pleasantly mild, it is not too hot and largely dry. In the off-season, the golf courses are less crowded than in the high season, which makes the game of golf much more relaxed. In the winter months it is too rainy and many golf courses are only open to a limited extent.
Diving & Snorkeling
The best time for diving and snorkeling in Puglia is from June through September, when the Adriatic and Ionian Seas are warm, clear, and offer excellent visibility. During these months, water temperatures range between 72°F and 82°F, making conditions ideal for extended dives and snorkeling adventures. Summer also brings calm seas and stable weather—perfect for beginners looking to explore underwater caves, reefs, and marine life in a relaxed setting.
Sailing
The best time to sail in Puglia is spring and fall. With mild temperatures, less crowded beaches and good wind conditions, these are the best conditions for a sailing trip. In winter, the weather is usually too unstable and it can be stormy. In summer it is hot and anchorages are rare.
