Ravenna Weather by Month

Ravenna has a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa) with hot summers, cool winters, and precipitation spread evenly throughout the year. The city sits on the Adriatic coastal plain of Emilia-Romagna, about 8km inland from the sea, which moderates temperatures but also brings humidity and occasional fog. Summer highs regularly reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) while winter lows hover around freezing. The rainiest months are October and November; July and January are the driest. Sea breezes from the Adriatic provide natural cooling during the hottest afternoons, making summer sightseeing more comfortable than in inland cities like Bologna. See our best time to visit guide for more details. See our Ravenna travel tips for more details. For a complete overview, see our Ravenna travel guide.

Ravenna Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall

Monthly averages based on data from the past 30 years:

• January: High 6 degrees C (43 degrees F), Low 0 degrees C (32 degrees F), 44mm rain, 4 hours sunshine. Cold and grey with frequent fog. The mosaics look darker in low winter light, but there are zero crowds and you will have the basilicas almost to yourself.
• February: High 9 degrees C (48 degrees F), Low 1 degree C (34 degrees F), 40mm rain, 5 hours sunshine. Still winter with hints of spring. Hotel rates at their lowest. Occasional snow flurries possible but rare.
• March: High 13 degrees C (55 degrees F), Low 4 degrees C (39 degrees F), 50mm rain, 6 hours sunshine. Transitional month. First warm days arrive mid-month but rain remains frequent. Pack layers.
• April: High 17 degrees C (63 degrees F), Low 7 degrees C (45 degrees F), 53mm rain, 7 hours sunshine. Pleasant spring weather with blooming gardens. Some rainy days but generally comfortable for walking. Mosaics look excellent in clear spring light.
• May: High 22 degrees C (72 degrees F), Low 11 degrees C (52 degrees F), 48mm rain, 8 hours sunshine. One of the best months. Warm but not hot, moderate rainfall, long daylight hours. Outdoor dining becomes widespread.
• June: High 27 degrees C (81 degrees F), Low 15 degrees C (59 degrees F), 40mm rain, 10 hours sunshine. Summer begins. Hot but not oppressive thanks to sea breeze. Peak sunshine. Ravenna Festival starts mid-month.
• July: High 29 degrees C (84 degrees F), Low 18 degrees C (64 degrees F), 35mm rain, 10 hours sunshine. Hottest month. Daytime can feel very warm for sightseeing, evenings are perfect. Beach season in full swing at Marina di Ravenna.
• August: High 29 degrees C (84 degrees F), Low 18 degrees C (64 degrees F), 45mm rain, 9 hours sunshine. Similar to July but more thunderstorms. Italians take August holiday (Ferragosto) so some smaller restaurants close 1 to 2 weeks.
• September: High 25 degrees C (77 degrees F), Low 14 degrees C (57 degrees F), 55mm rain, 7 hours sunshine. Excellent month. Warm sea temperatures for swimming, fewer crowds than August, pleasant sightseeing weather.
• October: High 19 degrees C (66 degrees F), Low 10 degrees C (50 degrees F), 68mm rain, 5 hours sunshine. Autumn arrives with increased rainfall. Ravennas rainiest month but beautiful with autumn colours in pine forests and parks.
• November: High 12 degrees C (54 degrees F), Low 5 degrees C (41 degrees F), 70mm rain, 3 hours sunshine. Wettest month. Grey and damp. Tourism drops sharply and some beach facilities close for season. Museums remain open.
• December: High 7 degrees C (45 degrees F), Low 1 degree C (34 degrees F), 55mm rain, 3 hours sunshine. Cold, grey, shortest days. Christmas markets in Piazza del Popolo. Very quiet for tourism; mosaics are uncrowded.

Ravenna Weather by Month: Sea Temperature

If you plan to visit the Adriatic beaches at Marina di Ravenna or Punta Marina, here is what to expect from the water:

• January to March: 10 to 12 degrees C (50 to 54 degrees F). Too cold for swimming without a wetsuit.
• April to May: 15 to 19 degrees C (59 to 66 degrees F). Swimmable by late May for the brave. Beaches begin setting up sun loungers.
• June to August: 22 to 26 degrees C (72 to 79 degrees F). Peak swimming season. Water warmest in late July and August.
• September to October: 20 to 23 degrees C (68 to 73 degrees F). Still swimmable in September, cooling rapidly by mid-October.
• November to December: 14 to 17 degrees C (57 to 63 degrees F). Too cold for most swimmers.

Ravenna Weather by Month: Sunshine and Daylight

Ravenna receives approximately 2,100 hours of sunshine per year. December is the darkest month with roughly 3 hours of daily sunshine and only 8.9 hours of daylight. June and July are the brightest with 10 hours of sunshine and 15.5 hours of daylight. The best light for photographing the Byzantine mosaics is in April, May, and September when the sun angle is lower and the basilica interiors are naturally illuminated without harsh contrast.