The Weather and Climate in Milan

As one of the world's fashion capitals and Italy's most important city for business and finance, Milan is a stylish, energetic, and modern city. Yet it's still endowed with enough historic sites and artistic treasures to keep it attractive to tourists—nearly 10 million of them visit Milan each year. The city sits in the Po River Valley, surrounded by rivers on three sides and the Alps and the Italian lake district to the north. With its low elevation and position between mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Milan has a humid, subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid and winters are cold and foggy. Fall and spring tend to be rainy, but also offer the most comfortable temperatures. Regardless of what time of year you visit the city, there is plenty to see, as Milan's many important museums and churches are all-weather attractions.

Fast Climate Facts

Hottest Month: July (85 degrees Fahrenheit / 29 degrees Celsius)
Coldest Month: January (30 degrees Fahrenheit / -1 degree Celsius)
Wettest Month: October (4 inches / 101 mm)

Summer in Milan

Milan is about 2 hours from the sea, so it doesn't benefit from summer sea breezes that cool off cities like Genoa or Pisa. As a result, June, July, and August tend to be very hot and humid, making midday—when temperatures are the hottest—a perfect time to tour a museum. You might spend a few late afternoon hours resting and cooling off in your hotel room before joining hordes of Milanese as they head out for a pre-dinner aperitivo around 6:30 or 7 p.m. Sudden thunderstorms are not unheard of in the summertime, especially in August.

What to Pack: Whatever the season, keep in mind that the stylish residents of Milan dress up a little more than residents of other Italian cities. You'll want to pack lightweight clothes, but leave cut-off shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops at home. Bring nice T-shirts, tailored shorts, and sundresses, as well as lightweight slacks for evenings out. Women should carry a light scarf or wrap to cover bare shoulders when entering churches. Wear sturdy and comfortable sandals for all the walking you'll be doing. On the chance that there's a cool evening, bring a long-sleeved shirt or a lightweight sweater.

Average Temperatures by Month

June: 79 degrees F / 60 degrees F (26 degrees C / 15 degrees C)
July: 85 degrees F / 64 degrees F (29 degrees C / 18 degrees C)
August: 85 degrees F / 64 degrees F (29 degrees C / 18 degrees C)

Autumn in Milan

During autumn, Milan sees a break from the heat and humidity. Though these months are some of the rainiest, they are also the most glorious, making it one of the best (and most popular) times to visit. Daytime temperatures in September are a comfortable average of 76 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius), then steadily drop over the subsequent weeks, to an average high of 51 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius) in November. From September on, evening temperatures can be quite chilly, and have been known to drop below freezing in November.

What to Pack: The familiar mantra to pack and dress in layers rings true in autumn. Long-sleeve T-shirts, a couple of sweaters or sweatshirts, and long pants are in order. You'll likely want a mid-weight jacket in the evenings, as well as a rain poncho or a sturdy umbrella.

Average Temperatures by Month

September: 76 degrees F / 57 degrees F (25 degrees C / 14 degrees C)
October: 64 degrees F / 48 degrees F (18 degrees C / 9 degrees C)
November: 51 degrees F / 39 degrees F (11 degrees C / 4 degrees C)

Winter in Milan

December, January, and February are by far the coldest months of the year in Milan, when snowfall and sleet are not unheard of. Average high temperatures rarely crack 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and nightly lows hover right around freezing level. Cold temperatures and humidity tend to make Milan's already problematic air pollution worse, so asthma sufferers may want to avoid visiting in these months. Expect fluctuations in temperature, as well as a mix of sunny skies and cloudy, rainy, or snowy ones.

What to Pack: Winter in Milan calls for a warm coat, accessorized (you're in fashionable Milan, after all) with a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Pack layer of clothing that you can easily shed if daytime temperatures warm up. Also keep in mind that European standards for heating, especially in old buildings, might not match your expectations—warm pajamas are advised, as is rain gear for drearier days.

Average Temperatures by Month

December: 52 degrees F / 37 degrees F (11 degrees C / 3 degrees C)
January: 52 degrees F / 36 degrees F (11 degrees C / 2 degrees C)
February: 54 degrees F / 36 degrees F (12 degrees C / 2 degrees C)

Spring in Milan

Spring in Milan sees some of the city's most pleasant temperatures, but also some of its rainiest months. March temperatures can still drop below freezing and snowfall is not out of the question, though this rarely occurs. Things start to warm up slightly in April, and May brings average temperatures of a glorious 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius) on average—but it's also one of the rainiest months, second only to October. The moral of the story? Bring layers and a raincoat.

What to Pack: When packing for spring weather in Milan, it's best to plan for a range of cold to mild temps, depending on which month you travel. You'll want to bring an umbrella, a mid-weight jacket, and long-sleeved shirts and long pants. A scarf or similar wrap might be a welcomed addition on chilly nights.

Average Temperatures by Month