Taranto sits on the Ionian coast of Puglia in southern Italy, where the Mediterranean climate delivers hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The city occupies a unique position between two bodies of water, the Mar Grande (Big Sea) and Mar Piccolo (Little Sea), which moderate temperature extremes and keep humidity levels higher than inland Puglia. Average annual temperature is 17.4°C (63.3°F), with August peaking at 26.5°C (79.7°F) and January dropping to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Annual rainfall totals 596 mm, concentrated between October and March. Summers bring 11 to 12 hours of daily sunshine, while December sees roughly 4 hours. For a complete overview, see the Taranto travel guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: January
January is Taranto’s coldest month with average temperatures of 9.3°C (48.7°F). Daytime highs reach 13°C (55°F) while nights drop to 5°C (41°F). Rainfall averages 55 mm across 8 rainy days. Sea temperature sits at 14°C (57°F), too cold for swimming. Expect 4 to 5 hours of daily sunshine. Wind from the north (tramontana) can make the air feel several degrees colder, especially along the Lungomare seafront. Pack a warm jacket and waterproof layer. See our best time to visit Taranto guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: February
February remains cool with averages of 9.8°C (49.6°F). Highs nudge up to 14°C (57°F), lows hold around 6°C (43°F). Rainfall drops slightly to 48 mm over 7 days. Sea temperature stays at 14°C (57°F). Sunshine increases to 5 to 6 hours daily. Late February can deliver the first hints of spring with occasional sunny days reaching 16°C (61°F), though cold snaps from the Balkans can still push temperatures back into single digits. See our things to do in Taranto guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: March
March marks the transition to spring with average temperatures climbing to 11.8°C (53.2°F). Daytime highs reach 16°C (61°F), lows around 8°C (46°F). Rainfall is 52 mm across 8 days. Sea temperature remains 14°C (57°F). Sunshine increases to 6 to 7 hours. The weather is variable: sunny warm days alternate with gray, rainy spells. The Holy Week processions (if Easter falls in March) take place regardless of conditions. See our Taranto events and festivals guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: April
April brings pleasant spring weather with average temperatures of 14.5°C (58.1°F). Daytime highs reach 19°C (66°F), lows around 10°C (50°F). Rainfall averages 45 mm over 7 days. Sea temperature warms to 16°C (61°F), still too cold for most swimmers. Sunshine increases to 7 to 8 hours daily. This is a comfortable month for exploring Taranto’s archaeological sites and the Borgo Antico on foot. Light layers and a jacket for evenings are sufficient. See our Taranto neighborhoods guide guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: May
May sees temperatures rise sharply to an average of 18.8°C (65.8°F). Highs reach 24°C (75°F), lows around 14°C (57°F). Rainfall drops to 32 mm over 5 days, marking the start of the dry season. Sea temperature reaches 19°C (66°F); swimming becomes possible for the hardy by late May. Sunshine hits 9 to 10 hours daily. The Feast of San Cataldo on May 10 fills the city with celebrations. This is one of the best months for sightseeing with warm temperatures, long daylight, and low rainfall. See our where to stay in Taranto guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: June
June is the start of summer proper with average temperatures of 23.0°C (73.4°F). Daytime highs reach 28°C (82°F), lows around 18°C (64°F). Rainfall drops to just 20 mm over 3 days. Sea temperature warms to 22°C (72°F), comfortable for swimming. Sunshine peaks at 11 hours daily. UV index is high (8+), so sunscreen is essential. Evenings are warm enough for outdoor dining without a jacket. Hotel rates are still pre-peak, making early June a value window before the July price surge. See our Taranto travel tips and FAQ guide.
Taranto Weather by Month: July
July is the hottest month alongside August with average temperatures of 26.2°C (79.2°F). Daytime highs hit 31°C (88°F) and can reach 35°C (95°F) during heatwaves. Lows stay around 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is minimal at just 12 mm over 2 days, making July the driest month. Sea temperature peaks at 25°C (77°F). Sunshine is at its maximum of 12 hours. Afternoon heat can be intense; sightseeing is best done before 11:00 or after 17:00. Air conditioning is essential in hotels.
Taranto Weather by Month: August
August matches July for heat with average temperatures of 26.5°C (79.7°F), the warmest month. Highs hit 31°C (88°F), lows around 22°C (72°F). Rainfall is 15 mm over 2 days. Sea temperature reaches its peak at 26°C (79°F), the warmest water of the year. The Ferragosto holiday (August 15) sees many Italians head to the coast; beaches near Taranto are crowded and hotel rates are at their annual maximum. Many local shops and restaurants close for the first two weeks of August.
Taranto Weather by Month: September
September remains warm with average temperatures of 22.5°C (72.5°F). Highs reach 27°C (81°F), lows around 18°C (64°F). Rainfall increases to 45 mm over 5 days as the wet season slowly returns. Sea temperature stays at 24°C (75°F), still excellent for swimming. Sunshine drops to 8 to 9 hours. This is widely considered the best month to visit: summer warmth without the August crowds, warm sea, and lower hotel prices from mid-month onward. The weather is reliably pleasant through the entire month.
Taranto Weather by Month: October
October brings autumn conditions with average temperatures of 18.7°C (65.7°F). Highs reach 23°C (73°F), lows around 14°C (57°F). Rainfall increases significantly to 65 mm over 7 days. Sea temperature remains pleasant at 21°C (70°F) through early October, cooling to 19°C (66°F) by month’s end. Sunshine drops to 6 to 7 hours. Early October can deliver beautiful warm days (ottobrata), but rain becomes more frequent in the second half. A light jacket and umbrella are recommended.
Taranto Weather by Month: November
November is Taranto’s wettest month with average temperatures of 14.3°C (57.7°F). Highs reach 18°C (64°F), lows around 10°C (50°F). Rainfall peaks at 77 mm across 9 rainy days. Sea temperature drops to 18°C (64°F), no longer suitable for swimming. Sunshine falls to 4 to 5 hours. Persistent rain and gray skies are common. This is the least favorable month for tourism, though hotel rates are at their lowest and restaurants are uncrowded.
Taranto Weather by Month: December
December is cool with average temperatures of 10.8°C (51.4°F). Highs reach 14°C (57°F), lows around 6°C (43°F). Rainfall is 65 mm over 9 days. Sea temperature cools to 16°C (61°F). Sunshine is at its annual minimum of 4 hours daily. Christmas lights and markets brighten the city center despite the short days. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing (record low is -1°C / 30°F) and snow is essentially unknown in Taranto.
Taranto Weather by Month: Comparison Table
| Month | Avg Temp (°C/°F) | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp (°C/°F) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9.3 / 48.7 | 13 / 55 | 5 / 41 | 55 | 8 | 14 / 57 | 4-5 |
| Feb | 9.8 / 49.6 | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 48 | 7 | 14 / 57 | 5-6 |
| Mar | 11.8 / 53.2 | 16 / 61 | 8 / 46 | 52 | 8 | 14 / 57 | 6-7 |
| Apr | 14.5 / 58.1 | 19 / 66 | 10 / 50 | 45 | 7 | 16 / 61 | 7-8 |
| May | 18.8 / 65.8 | 24 / 75 | 14 / 57 | 32 | 5 | 19 / 66 | 9-10 |
| Jun | 23.0 / 73.4 | 28 / 82 | 18 / 64 | 20 | 3 | 22 / 72 | 11 |
| Jul | 26.2 / 79.2 | 31 / 88 | 21 / 70 | 12 | 2 | 25 / 77 | 12 |
| Aug | 26.5 / 79.7 | 31 / 88 | 22 / 72 | 15 | 2 | 26 / 79 | 11-12 |
| Sep | 22.5 / 72.5 | 27 / 81 | 18 / 64 | 45 | 5 | 24 / 75 | 8-9 |
| Oct | 18.7 / 65.7 | 23 / 73 | 14 / 57 | 65 | 7 | 21 / 70 | 6-7 |
| Nov | 14.3 / 57.7 | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 77 | 9 | 18 / 64 | 4-5 |
| Dec | 10.8 / 51.4 | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 65 | 9 | 16 / 61 | 4 |
