Perugia sits at 493 metres (1,617 feet) above sea level in central Italy’s Umbria region, giving it a climate that’s noticeably cooler than coastal Italian cities. It has a humid subtropical climate with Mediterranean influences, meaning hot summers, chilly winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year but heaviest in autumn. The city averages 904 mm (35.6 inches) of annual precipitation across roughly 90 rainy days. Snow falls occasionally in winter, typically 2 to 4 days per year, but rarely accumulates for more than a day. If you’re visiting, expect big temperature swings between day and night, especially in spring and autumn when a warm afternoon can turn into a cool evening requiring a jacket.
Perugia Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Data
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8degC (46degF) | 1degC (34degF) | 65 mm | 8 | 3.5 |
| February | 10degC (50degF) | 2degC (36degF) | 68 mm | 8 | 4.5 |
| March | 14degC (57degF) | 4degC (39degF) | 72 mm | 8 | 5.5 |
| April | 17degC (63degF) | 7degC (45degF) | 78 mm | 9 | 6.5 |
| May | 22degC (72degF) | 11degC (52degF) | 74 mm | 8 | 8.0 |
| June | 27degC (81degF) | 14degC (57degF) | 62 mm | 7 | 9.5 |
| July | 30degC (86degF) | 17degC (63degF) | 38 mm | 4 | 10.5 |
| August | 30degC (86degF) | 17degC (63degF) | 48 mm | 5 | 9.5 |
| September | 25degC (77degF) | 13degC (55degF) | 72 mm | 7 | 7.5 |
| October | 19degC (66degF) | 10degC (50degF) | 88 mm | 9 | 5.5 |
| November | 13degC (55degF) | 5degC (41degF) | 95 mm | 10 | 3.5 |
| December | 9degC (48degF) | 2degC (36degF) | 82 mm | 9 | 3.0 |
Perugia Weather: Monthly Breakdown
January and February
January is Perugia’s coldest month with daytime highs around 8degC (46degF) and overnight lows dropping to 1degC (34degF). Frost is common in the mornings, especially in the lower parts of the city. February brings a slight warm-up but you’ll still need a winter coat, gloves, and a scarf. Rain occurs on about 8 days each month, with around 65 to 68 mm of precipitation. Snow is possible but rare, typically just 1 or 2 light dustings that melt quickly on the hilltop. The city is quiet this time of year, with few tourists, and hotel prices are at their lowest. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind the cold, January and February offer the cheapest rates of the year.
March and April
March sees temperatures climbing to 14degC (57degF) during the day, though nights remain chilly at 4degC (39degF). This is when Perugia starts to wake up from winter. April brings highs of 17degC (63degF) and lows of 7degC (45degF), with rainfall increasing to around 78 mm over 9 rainy days. Spring is unpredictable: you might get a week of warm sunshine followed by three days of steady rain. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket. The countryside around Perugia turns green and wildflowers appear on the hillsides. April is the start of the main tourist season, with Easter bringing crowds to nearby Assisi and other Umbrian towns.
May and June
May is one of the best months for Perugia weather, with highs of 22degC (72degF) and comfortable lows of 11degC (52degF). You’ll get about 8 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall tapers to around 74 mm over 8 days. June is warmer at 27degC (81degF) with 14degC (57degF) nights. This is when outdoor dining on Corso Vannucci becomes the evening routine. June is also one of the drier months at 62 mm. The University for Foreigners runs summer courses starting in June, bringing international students to the city. Book accommodation at least a month ahead for June, especially if your visit coincides with any university events.
July and August
July and August are Perugia’s hottest months, both averaging 30degC (86degF) highs, though heatwaves can push temperatures to 35degC (95degF) for several days straight. Nighttime lows hover around 17degC (63degF), so evenings are pleasant for dining outdoors. July is the driest month at just 38 mm over 4 rainy days, while August gets 48 mm over 5 days. These are the busiest months for tourism, especially during Umbria Jazz in mid-July when hotel prices double or triple and availability disappears months in advance. The midday sun is intense, so plan sightseeing for mornings and late afternoons. Air conditioning is standard in hotels but not in all apartments or smaller B&Bs, so check before booking if you’re visiting in August.
September and October
September offers a near-perfect balance: highs of 25degC (77degF), lows of 13degC (55degF), and 7.5 hours of daily sunshine. Rainfall increases to 72 mm over 7 days but generally comes in short afternoon showers rather than all-day rain. October cools to 19degC (66degF) highs and 10degC (50degF) lows, with rainfall rising to 88 mm over 9 days. October is also when Eurochocolate takes over the city for 10 days, drawing massive crowds. The autumn foliage in the Umbrian hills is a bonus for photographers. Pack a mix of t-shirts and sweaters, plus a rain jacket for October.
November and December
November is Perugia’s wettest month at 95 mm over 10 rainy days, with temperatures dropping to 13degC (55degF) highs and 5degC (41degF) lows. The city empties of tourists after Eurochocolate ends, and many outdoor restaurants close their terraces. December brings highs of just 9degC (48degF) and lows of 2degC (36degF) with 82 mm of rain over 9 days. Perugia’s Christmas market runs through December in Piazza IV Novembre, adding some festive cheer to the grey skies. The 3.0 daily sun hours in December make it the gloomiest month, so bring warm layers and expect short daylight hours with sunset around 4:30 pm.
Perugia Weather: Seasonal Summary
Perugia’s elevation gives it a more continental feel than Rome or Florence, which sit at lower altitudes. You’ll notice the difference most in winter when Perugia is 3 to 5degC colder than Rome, and in summer when the hilltop breezes make the heat more bearable than in Florence’s valley basin. The best weather windows are May to mid-June and September to early October, when temperatures are comfortable for walking the city’s steep streets and rainfall is moderate. July and August are hot but manageable if you avoid midday sightseeing. November is the least pleasant month, with persistent rain and grey skies.
