Capri

Capri is a limestone island of just 10 square kilometers in the Tyrrhenian Sea, 5km off the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy’s Bay of Naples. Its sheer cliffs rise 589 meters at Monte Solaro, and its microclimate delivers mild winters (13°C/55°F January highs) and hot, dry summers (30°C/86°F August highs) with sea temperatures reaching 26°C (79°F) in August. The island receives about 850mm of rain per year, concentrated in October through March, leaving summers remarkably dry. The best weather windows are mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-October, when daytime temperatures stay between 22-27°C (72-81°F) and crowds are manageable. Ferries from Naples (40-50 minutes, 22-24 EUR) and Sorrento (20-25 minutes, 18-20 EUR) deliver over 2 million visitors annually to Marina Grande, the island’s only port.

Welcome to Capri

Capri has been a destination since Emperor Tiberius built twelve villas here in the first century AD and ruled the Roman Empire from Villa Jovis, the island’s eastern summit. Two thousand years later, the island draws a different kind of emperor: luxury travelers, honeymooners, and day-trippers from Naples and Sorrento. The island divides into two towns, Capri and Anacapri, connected by a cliff-hugging bus route and the Greek-built Phoenician Steps (Scala Fenicia). Capri Town clusters around the Piazzetta, the tiny square that serves as the island’s social stage. Anacapri, 300 meters higher, is quieter and greener with better-value hotels. At sea level, Marina Grande is the ferry-port hub and Marina Piccola is the beach zone on the south side, set against the Faraglioni rocks. The Blue Grotto, the island’s most famous attraction, sits on the northwest coast.

Capri Seasonal Snapshot

• Spring (March to May): Wildflowers and wisteria cover the island. Temperatures climb from 15°C (59°F) in March to 23°C (73°F) in May. Sea temperatures reach 19°C (66°F) by late May. Hotel prices 30-50% below summer peaks. The Gardens of Augustus and Villa San Michele are at their most colorful in April.
• Summer (June to August): Hot (27-30°C / 81-86°F) and almost rainless. Sea temperatures peak at 26°C (79°F) in August. The island swells from 7,000 residents to over 20,000 people at midday in peak summer. Book hotels 3+ months ahead. Ferragosto (August 15) is the absolute busiest day. The Blue Grotto has its longest summer hours but queues reach 2 hours by 11am.
• Autumn (September to November): September delivers 26°C (79°F) and 24°C (75°F) sea temperatures with much thinner crowds after the first week. The Settembrata Anacapri harvest festival runs the first two weekends of September. October brings 22°C (72°F) and the first real autumn rains at 110mm. By November temperatures drop to 17°C (63°F) and about 60% of hotels close for the winter from mid-November.
• Winter (December to February): Mild but wet, with highs of 13-14°C (55-57°F) and roughly 12 rainy days per month. The Capri Hollywood Film Festival (December 27 to January 2) keeps luxury hotels busy over New Year. About 40% of businesses stay open year-round in Capri Town; most of Anacapri shuts down. Ferry service runs on reduced winter schedules.

Capri Quick Facts

• Best months for swimming: June through early October (sea temperature 22-26°C / 72-79°F)
• Warmest month: August (high 30°C/86°F, low 20°C/68°F)
• Coolest month: January (high 13°C/55°F, low 5°C/41°F)
• Wettest month: November (140mm, roughly 12 rainy days)
• Driest month: July (20mm, roughly 2 rainy days)
• Sea temperature range: 14°C (57°F) in February to 26°C (79°F) in August
• Ferry time from Naples: 40-50 minutes (hydrofoil), 80 minutes (ferry)
• Ferry time from Sorrento: 20-25 minutes
• Nearest airport: Naples International Airport (NAP), 7km from ferry port
• Cars on the island: Banned for non-residents April through October; buses, taxis, and walking only

Explore All Capri Travel Guides

1. Capri weather by month: Detailed monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sea temperatures with a climate comparison table covering all 12 months.
2. best time to visit Capri: Specific date ranges for ideal weather, lowest hotel prices, fewest crowds, and event-specific timing with shoulder-season strategies.
3. things to do in Capri: The Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro chairlift, Villa Jovis, Villa San Michele, Gardens of Augustus, Via Krupp, beaches, boat tours, and sunset spots with ticket prices and hours.
4. Capri events and festivals: The Capri Hollywood Film Festival, San Costanzo Feast, Settembrata Anacapri harvest festival, Capri Tango Festival, and the Capri-Napoli marathon swim.
5. best neighborhoods in Capri: Capri Town vs Anacapri vs Marina Grande vs Marina Piccola , a practical breakdown of which area suits your travel style, budget, and itinerary.
6. where to stay in Capri: Specific hotel recommendations at luxury, mid-range, and budget price points across all four island areas with Booking.com links.
7. Capri travel tips and FAQ: Airport transfers, ferry schedules, getting around without a car, tipping customs, what things cost, safety advice, and day trip itineraries.

Suggested Hotels in Capri

JK Place Capri

A 22-room boutique hotel set in a 19th-century villa above Marina Grande with a sweeping sea-view terrace and pool. Best for couples seeking understated elegance and personalized service on Capri. Check rates and availability

Hotel La Floridiana

A 4-star hotel with panoramic sea views from its rooftop terrace and pool, located between the Piazzetta and Marina Grande. Best for mid-range travelers who want a central location with a swimming pool. Check rates and availability

Hotel Villa Sarah

A family-owned hotel set in a lush garden with a small pool, a 15-minute walk from the Piazzetta on Via Tiberio. Best for budget-conscious travelers who want a quiet garden setting and do not mind walking. Check rates and availability