7 Best Places to Visit in Italy This February (2025)

1. Venice

• Visit Venice in February for Carnival celebrations
• Average temperature for the month is 50°/34°F or 10°/1°C

I know the colder weather might be a deterrent for some people but I actually prefer Venice in the winter compared to other seasons. It's not as rainy and there aren't nearly the number of tourists clogging up the canals.

Well, of course if you visit for the Venice carnival the quietness will dissipate.

Carnival in Venice is one of the biggest events in Italy and one of the most infamous around the world thanks to films like Eyes Wide Shut. Carnival is what Italy calls Mardi Gras and while each city celebrates differently, in Italy people wear traditional paper-mache masks and dress in Renaissance fashion.

Last year, we visited Venice for Carnival as a day trip from Trieste. It was a lot of fun to see everyone in costume and to challenge ourselves to look the part, too. While we got unlucky with the weather it was still a fun event to take part in, although if we go again this year, I'd like to buy tickets for one of the private balls hosted at night where costumes are mandatory.

As an alternative Carnival week, consider visiting Viareggio and seeing their massive parades.

If you like the idea of enjoying Venice with fewer tourists, I recommend planning your trip before or after Carnival. 3-days in Venice should be enough to see the hot spots and thoroughly enjoy the islands.

Where to Stay in Venice

Plan on visiting Venice in February? Be sure to book a great place to stay to make sure your trip is truly fantastic.

If you want to save a little bit more, you can also stay one on of the other islands of Venice but to be in the heart of the action, I suggest:

• Budget Option: Cà Beatrice: Located near the university, this area is a lot of fun and one of the more affordable zones in Venice. You'll have a good selection of local places to eat and drink in this area.
• Mid-Tier Option: Charming House Iqs: This trendy apartment has a lot of style and is close to the tourist area, without putting you in the center of it. It's a good choice for those that don't want to walk too much each day.
• Luxury Option: San Vio Palace Luxury Apartments: This is where we stayed when my mom came to visit me in Italy. It was perfectly located within walking distance to the sights but tucked away in a more local area.

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2. Selva di Val Gardena

• Visit Selva di Val Gardena in February for skiing and snowboarding in the Dolomites
• Average temperature for the month is 35°/24°F or 1°/-4°C

While visiting Venice is all about culture and enjoying a popular destination at a relatively unpopular time, the next few recommendations on my list are for those that are winter sport enthusiasts or at least embrace snowy views.

First up is Selva di Val Gardena in the Dolomites. Honestly, you can swap this specific town out for anywhere in the vicinity, so long as it touches the Sellaronda. The Sellaronda is a famous ski circuit that circumnavigates a peak, taking you across 5 villages without having to leave the slopes.

The 5 villages with direct access to the circuit are:

• Arabba
• Canazei
• Selva di Val Gardena
• Corvara
• Colfosco

Even if you don't take on the challenge of the Sellaronda, this is in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area, giving you easy access to some of the best skiing in Italy.

Personally, I haven't yet taken on the Sellaronda but it's top of my Italian bucket list. There's really no better time to hit the slopes in Italy than in February.

Just know that in Northern Italy, there are two peak tourist seasons: winter and summer. Don't expect any deals on accommodation or fewer crowds. If anything, more people will be in the mountains than usual.

Where to Stay in Selva di Val Gardena

Know that this area of the Dolomites is incredibly lux. There's no shortage of luxury hotels here. If you prefer to travel more on a budget, you might instead prefer a nearby village like San Cassiano. Otherwise, consider a stay at one of these great hotels:

• Budget Stay: Agriturismo Maso Larciunei: Agriturismo is a concept that exists in Italy, similar to what we in English would call a "farm stay." Here, they produce all of their own food, usually providing incredible meals. On top of the food, you'll be nearby the c
• Mid-Tier Stay: Linder Cycling Hotel: You'll be surrounded by ski lifts at this modern boutique hotel right in Val Gardena. Personally, I love the sleek style of this property and the scenic indoor swimming pool.
• Luxury Stay: Hotel Alpenroyal: This luxury hotel in particular is a 5-star stay that even has its own helicopter landing pad - ideal for those that are after the celebrity treatment.

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3. Tarvisio (Monte Lussari)

• Visit Monte Lussari in February for stunning winter scenery
• Average temperature for the month is 28°/14°F or -2°/-10°C

There's a good chance you've never heard of Tarvisio before. Tucked away in the northeast corner of Italy along the border with Slovenia and Austria, this picture perfect town gets skipped over by many visiting Italy.

Honestly though, once you take a look at it though you might be kicking yourself.

Nestled in the lesser-visited Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Lussari is the mountaintop village looming above Tarvisio. That's our real destination here.

This is what the inside of a snow globe looks like. Here, you can hit the slopes or simply take the cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy the views. There are a handful of shops, restaurants, and bars to enjoy from the top.

Just note that the slopes here are best for more experienced skiers and are not very snowboarder-friendly. The resort is also pretty small, not giving you a ton of variety in slopes. You'll need to cut through the village to get between some runs and most are black diamonds and preferred by those with a serious need for speed.

Where to Stay in Tarvisio

If you decide to stay the night in Tarvisio to enjoy the slopes and not just the views, I recommend staying at one of these places:

• Budget Stay: Maggioni Silvia: This vacation rental home is large, clean and can accommodate a big group at a really affordable price.
• Mid-Tier Stay: B&B al Buondì: You'll be a quick walk to the cable car from here, making it super convenient to not only enjoy the views but also the slopes right from your door.
• Luxury Stay: My Tarvisio Home: This 3-bedroom apartment is modern, clean, and centrally located for a great overnight stay.

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4. Courmayeur

• Visit Courmayeur in February for epic off-piste skiing and snowboarding
• Average temperature for the month is 39°/30°F or 3°/-1°C

After this one I'll switch away from the winter wonderland and give some variety to the list. My list would be incomplete without highlighting another incredible place to visit in February but on the other side of Northern Italy.

Courmayeur is a ski town in the northwest corner of Italy, on the border with both France and Switzerland. It sits just under Mont Blanc's impressive peak. Courmayeur loves their slopes so much, it's actually where the ski lift was invented back in the early 1900s.

Visiting Courmayeur is all about the views. How often do you have Mont Blanc as your backdrop? Just note that the resort is relatively small and is best for those who love off-piste runs.

Even if you don't ski, the Skyway Monte Bianco (Mont Blan in Italian) cable car would be worth it for the experience and views alone.

Where to Stay in Courmayeur

Courmayeur is known as a pretty luxurious place and is typically considered more expensive than other destinations in Italy, especially in the winter when it's peak season. While you will find some variety in accommodation prices, it's important you set your idea of a price point higher than usual.

Consider booking your stay at:

• Budget Stay: Hotel Dente Del Gigante: This family-run hotel offers the basics really well in an incredibly scenic location. If you love the idea of a rustic cabin, this hotel is a great choice.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Auberge de La Maison: This cozy yet elegant hotel is actually located just slightly north in Entreves and offers stunning mountain vistas.
• Luxury Stay: Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc: If you're chasing a more luxurious experience right in the heart of Courmayeur, you'll love staying here.

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5. Florence

• Visit Florence in February to see one of the most popular destinations with slightly less people
• Average temperature for the month is 55°/37°F or 12°/3°C

Florence is by far one of the most popular destinations in all of Italy. This means the city isn't just crowded during the summer but throughout the entire year. That said, winter crowds are still smaller than summer crowds.

Located in Central Italy, the weather here isn't nearly as cold as it gets in the mountainous regions of the country but you'll still want to pack your sweaters!

So, if you want to see this beautiful city with fewer people around, winter is a good time to do so. Just know that while you can still venture into the rolling hills of Tuscan countryside during your trip, there won't be any grapes on the vines. It's really never a bad time to enjoy the local cuisine so do come hungry!

Many small towns get quite sleepy during the winter months but cities like Florence stay open year-round. Unless part of your Florence trip has to come with ample time in surrounding villages, winter is nice here.

Just know you can still enjoy wine tasting and see the views, just not everything will be open once you leave the city limits.

Where to Stay in Florence

Florence is best seen on foot so I recommend staying as close to the historic city center as possible. When I went to Florence we stayed in a good location but I didn't love the apartment rental we chose so instead of recommending places I know like I prefer to, these are others to consider:

• Budget Stay: Katti House 2: This hotel covers the basics well at an affordable price given the location. You'll be near both the city center and the train station by booking your stay here.
• Mid-Tier Stay: 25hours Hotel: Located in Piazza San Paolino this super trendy hotel has a variety of rooms to choose from, all with unique and fun decor.
• Luxury Stay: Hotel Calimala: Get more space and better views from this impressive hotel right in the heart of old town.

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6. Lecce

• Visit Lecce in February for a laid-back yet stunning town
• Average temperature for the month is 56°/41°F or 13°/5°C

Lecce is a charming town in Southern Italy. You know how the shape of Italy makes a boot? Lecce is located in the heel of that boot in the region of Puglia.

Puglia is surrounded by water and is best known as a summer destination but if you're looking for an alternative trip, I'd highly consider visiting Lecce in the winter. Just know that some restaurants, shops, and even hotels likely won't be open during winter. Small towns throughout the country tend to take the season off, especially in the south when their prime time is summer.

Lecce itself isn't located on the coast, just near it. Most people who come to town do so to see their famous baroque architecture. And lucky for you winter travelers, you can admire the stunning architecture no matter the season.

This is a great time to enjoy cheaper costs of accommodation, ideal for those planning a budget trip to Italy. Although Lecce sits on a train line connecting you to nearby towns and cities like Bari and Monopoli, if you want to see more of the area and visit some of their famous olive groves, you'll want to rent a car.

When I visited Puglia, I didn't and relied on public transportation. Although it was possible, I had to cut out aspects of my trip and spend more time commuting than enjoying my surroundings.

Where to Stay in Lecce

Since your trip to Lecce is all about the scenic architecture and soaking up the local culture, I recommend staying as centrally located as possible to easily have it all at your fingertips.

Consider a stay at:

• Budget Stay: Dimora storica Principi di Savoia: You'll be hard pressed to find a better deal than this one. Here you'll have an entire apartment to yourself and even a fireplace if it gets too chilly in the evenings.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Palazzo Paisiello: If you're looking for something nice that won't break the bank, past guests absolutely rave about their stay here. On my next trip to Lecce, I'm choosing this one.
• Luxury Stay: Pollicastro Boutique Hotel: If you want your luxury with a dash of quirkiness, I doubt you'll find another boutique hotel quiet like this one.

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7. Milan

• Visit Milan in February to enjoy Milan Fashion Week
• Average temperature for the month is 49°/38°F or 9°/3°C

The Milan Fashion Week takes place each year in February for women's fashion. Men's fashion comes to the city in January. Fashion enthusiasts from all the world will be flocking here for it, making it a better time for people watching.

Know that Fashion Week comes to Milan twice a year so if you can make it in winter, put it in your calendar to try again in the summer.

While some events are invite only or require a ticket to enter (like the catwalks), you can get a taste for the atmosphere by spending time in the Quadrilatero della Moda, or Fashion District, in Milan.

Where to Stay in Milan

To fully enjoy Fashion Week in Milan, I'm suggesting you stay in the fashion district. Know that public transportation in Milan is pretty fantastic though, so you'll easily be able to get around the city via bus or metro even if you decide to stay in a different area.

To stay close to the fun though, consider booking your stay at:

• Budget Stay: Spiga 46 Suites: Enjoy having your own space at this small studio rental - just be sure to note that this one doesn't come with a kitchen.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Dream Suites Milano: For more space and nicer amenities, this one bedroom apartment can accommodate 4 guests.
• Luxury Stay: Grand Hotel et de Milan: Here you'll be in the heart of the shopping district and staying in a very chic hotel to fully round out your experience.

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Travel Tips for February in Italy

Ready to enjoy your trip to Italy in February? With snow and winter sports in the north and tranquil, mild weather in the south, February is a better month to visit Italy than many assume.

Is February a Good Time to Visit Italy?

In general, February is a great time to visit Italy, with fewer tourists and lower prices on accommodations and flights. While the weather varies and can get quite chilly, it's a great time to see Italy without having to share the space with as many tourists as the summer brings.

Plus, if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, the ski resorts in Italy are world-class and not as expensive as the neighboring countries of Switzerland or Austria.

Just know that while in the bigger cities pretty much everything stays open all year, in small towns, you can expect that some restaurants, shops, and attractions will be closed in February. The exception to this rule is in the mountain towns where winter is one of their peak seasons.

If you're still not sold, take some time to decide when is the best time to visit Italy for you.

Packing & Planning

Italy in February can be quite cold, so it’s a good idea to pack warm clothing.

Even if you're visiting one of the southern regions and the temperatures don't look too cold, keep in mind that many of the homes and buildings in Italy are old. That means they don't often have the best insulation, making them feel colder inside than you might expect.

Since this is low season in most of the country, you don't need to book popular attractions as far in advance as usual. Just know that you might have less tour options though and your choices could be limited. GetYourGuide and Viator are both good platforms to find a variety of tours throughout the country.

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Where Will You Visit in Italy in February?

From the northern regions all the way to the heel of the boot, visiting Italy in February is much better than most people assume. You'll get the chance to explore charming streets with less people around, participate in famous Carnivals, and while you will want to pack a jacket, in general you can expect mild temperatures.

Personally, I love Italy in winter and think it's a great time to visit so long as you're not planning a beach or lake getaway with swimming in the Mediterranean at the top of your to-do list.