6 Reasons We Love Italy in May: Fewer Crowds, Blooming Flowers, & More

6 Reasons to Visit Italy in May

Spring is the season of Roman artichokes—and other delicious foods

Italian food is (and should be!) seasonal: Certain types of produce grow at only certain times of year, and restaurants that respect the seasons, and the local food culture, will only serve those ingredients then.

Braised artichokes are one of the best things about visiting Italy in May.

So if you’re looking for, say, carciofi romaneschi in August, you’re out of luck: Even if a Roman restaurant has artichokes on the menu, they’ll be imported from out of the country and not the same as the artichokes you’ve heard about. The good news? The season for Roman artichokes is… February through May!

Most Italian cities have at least one, if not many, markets that sell seasonal fruits and veggies.

What else is in season in Italy in spring? Lots of yummy produce: apricots, bananas, cherries, lemons, strawberries, tomatoes (starting in the late spring), asparagus, beans, chard, chickpeas, fava beans, fresh garlic, green beans, mushrooms, new potatoes, puntarelle, spinach, truffles, watercress, zucchini… and the list goes on! Hungry yet?

Don’t forget to check out our post on what foods are in season when in Italy.

The “passeggelato” comes back in style

Look at the joy on her face!

A combination of the Italian words passeggiata (a stroll) and gelato (ice-cream) = Passeggelato!

To be honest if you don’t know what gelato is, you need to get to Italy right away! Sure, you can take a passeggiata or have a gelato anytime of year, but the best time is in Italy in May. This is when locals are so excited about the lovely weather, and everyone takes to the streets. The sun is soft and the vibe is happy. And the gelato shops are in full swing with flavors galore!

Don’t miss our post on where to find the best gelato in Italy!

Fewer crowds and lower prices

Particularly in the early spring, but definitely until May, you’ll find way fewer people in Italy’s top sights and cities than you will in, say, the height of summer.

That means you can spend less on hotels and airfare, that you can hear yourself speak in front of Florence’s “David” or the Vatican’s “Laocoon,” and that when you sit at a neighborhood cafe to people-watch, you’re actually watching Italians.

Plus, it means that you spend less time waiting for tickets… and more time enjoying Italy. From February to May, even the line into the Colosseum is short (a very rare sight!).

David is a very popular guy year-round, but if you time it just right, you may be able to avoid some of the crowds.

Of course, high season does have its moments in the springtime, due to Easter. But Italy in May is always more tranquil than coming in June or July.

At Italian museums, new exhibitions are in full swing

The Dali exhibit in Rome was a hit!

Museums in Italy tend to have two major temporary exhibitions per year: one opening in the fall, generally running from September or October until December or January, and one in the spring, running from February or March until May or June. You can therefore take advantage of seeing the  seasonal exhibits and as it is nearing the end of the season in May there are often special prices, or more availability for tickets at the times and dates to suit your plans.

Italy’s spring weather is beautiful

Of course, Italy gets its share of springtime rain, particularly in March and April. But sunny days, and there are plenty, come with wonderfully balmy temperatures: In Rome and Florence, temperatures through April tend to be in the 50s and 60s F. It heats up more in Italy in May, with highs of about 70-75 F in the major cities and very little rain. In other words, warm enough to break out those sandals and dresses… and cool enough to be comfortable when you’re sightseeing all day outside (or in museums without air-conditioning).

Florence is a great choice for a springtime visit, when the weather is most beautiful in Italy.

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers

Who doesn’t love flowers? And, in the spring, you will see the lovely fiori of Italy blooming across the countryside, AND in the cities. Across Milan and Florence, Rome and Naples, the trees lining the streets are budding and parks are blooming.

Right on the border of Switzerland and Italy, Lake Maggiore shines in springtime.

In fact, some gardens in Italy’s major cities only open in the spring. Like Florence’s famous Iris Garden, located just off Piazzale Michelangelo, which is open only from April 25-May 20. (Here’s also where the best gardeners in the world compete in Florence’s International Iris Competition). Or Rome’s rose garden, nearby Circus Maximus, a garden built on top of an ancient Jewish cemetery and open only in May and June.

FAQs: Visiting Italy in May

Is May an expensive time to visit Italy?

May is considered shoulder season, so prices are generally more affordable than in June–August. Expect mid-range hotels to average around €120 to €200 per night in major cities like Rome or Florence, with lower prices in smaller towns. Budget hotels and B&Bs often start around €70 to €100, while luxury hotels are still cheaper than peak summer rates.

How much should I budget for food in Italy in May?

Food costs remain consistent year-round. A casual lunch (pizza, panini, or pasta) typically costs €10 to €15, while a sit-down dinner at a good trattoria averages €20 to €30 per person, excluding wine. Aperitivo, very popular in spring, usually costs €8 to €12 and often includes snacks.

What’s the best way to get around Italy in May?

Trains are the easiest and most efficient way to travel between cities, with high-speed routes linking Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples. Booking Frecciarossa or Italo trains in advance can save money. In smaller towns or the countryside, renting a car is often the most practical option, and May is a great time to drive before summer traffic increases.

Are there any public holidays or special events in May to plan around?

Yes. May 1st (Labor Day) is a national public holiday, many shops and some museums may close, while cities often host concerts and events. Religious festivals and local saints’ days also take place throughout May and can be wonderful to experience, but they may affect opening hours or accommodation availability in smaller towns.

Do I need to book attractions or tours in advance in May?

While crowds are lighter than summer, popular sights like the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, Uffizi Gallery, and Accademia can still sell out, especially around weekends and holidays. Booking tickets or guided tours in advance is strongly recommended to save time and secure preferred entry slots.

Experience Italy in Full Bloom This Spring!

Spring is the perfect time to explore Italy, fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and seasonal delights await! Whether you want to wander the art-filled streets of Florence, uncover the ancient ruins of Rome, stroll the canals of Venice, or savor authentic food and wine across the regions, Walks of Italy has a guided tour for every interest.

Choose from history-focused tours that bring the stories of the Colosseum, Vatican, and Renaissance masterpieces to life, food and wine experiences that let you taste your way through local markets and trattorias, or city-to-city walking tours that blend sightseeing with hidden gems.

Expert local guides make every step memorable, sharing insights and anecdotes you won’t find in a guidebook.