Bologna has a humid subtropical climate with hot, sticky summers and cool, damp winters. Its inland position in the Po Valley, sheltered by the Apennines to the south, creates some of Italy’s most pronounced seasonal swings: 30°C summers and foggy, near-freezing winters. The city receives moderate rainfall year-round with autumn being notably wet.
Bologna Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall, and Humidity
Climate data below comes from 30-year averages recorded at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), 6 km northwest of the city center. The city’s dense medieval porticoes (38 km of covered walkways) make Bologna walkable even in rain.
Bologna Monthly Climate Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6°C / 43°F | 0°C / 32°F | 44 | 83% | 77 |
| February | 9°C / 48°F | 1°C / 34°F | 40 | 78% | 96 |
| March | 14°C / 57°F | 5°C / 41°F | 53 | 73% | 153 |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | 60 | 72% | 177 |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 58 | 70% | 231 |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 17°C / 63°F | 57 | 69% | 258 |
| July | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 37 | 65% | 296 |
| August | 30°C / 86°F | 19°C / 66°F | 55 | 67% | 267 |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 60 | 72% | 195 |
| October | 19°C / 66°F | 11°C / 52°F | 78 | 79% | 134 |
| November | 12°C / 54°F | 5°C / 41°F | 82 | 83% | 76 |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 1°C / 34°F | 58 | 84% | 65 |
Bologna Weather in Winter (December to February)
Bologna winters are cold and damp. January highs average just 6°C (43°F) with overnight lows of 0°C (32°F). The Po Valley’s geography traps cold air and moisture, producing dense fog that can reduce visibility to 50 metres for days at a stretch. Fog is most common in December and January, occasionally delaying flights at Bologna Airport.
Snow falls on roughly 10 days per year, mainly in January, but accumulation is typically 2-5 cm and melts quickly. Pack a heavy coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes; the cold is penetrating rather than crisp. The 38 km of porticoes provide covered walking across much of the city center.
Bologna Weather in Spring (March to May)
Spring transforms Bologna rapidly. March starts at 14°C (57°F) and by May highs reach 23°C (73°F). April (60mm) and May (58mm) are moderately rainy
the sunshine jumps to 231 hours in May. This is the best season for outdoor dining under the porticoes and for day trips to the Ferrari museums in Modena or the vineyards of the Colli Bolognesi. The university’s 85,000 students fill the piazzas by late March. Pack layers: a light jacket for mornings and evenings, short sleeves for afternoons starting in late April.
Bologna Weather in Summer (June to August)
Bologna summers are hot and humid. July and August both peak at 30°C (86°F) with overnight lows of 19°C (66°F). Humidity averages 65-69%, making it feel several degrees hotter. Heatwaves push temperatures to 35-38°C (95-100°F) for 5-10 days per summer. July is the driest month at 37mm of rain.
Air conditioning is essential for accommodation; verify before booking. The city empties out in August when many Bolognesi flee to the coast or the Apennines, and some family-run restaurants close for the entire month (look for “chiuso per ferie” signs). June offers similar heat with fewer closures.
Bologna Weather in Autumn (September to November)
September retains warmth at 25°C (77°F) but autumn is Bologna’s wettest season. October brings 78mm and November is the wettest month at 82mm with humidity climbing back to 83%. The fog returns in November, and by month’s end the city feels wintry at 12°C (54°F) highs. October’s rainfall is often heavy and persistent, disrupting outdoor plans. The plus side: this is peak food season with truffle fairs, mushroom harvests, and the new olive oil appearing in markets.
Bologna Rainfall Patterns and What to Pack
Bologna receives 682mm of rain annually across roughly 85 rainy days. The rain tends toward steady, hours-long events rather than brief showers. November is the wettest month (82mm), July the driest (37mm). The city’s 38 km of porticoes (covered arcades, a UNESCO World Heritage site) mean you can walk significant distances without getting wet or sun-burned.
Summer packing: lightweight cotton/linen, sunscreen (UV index 8-9 in July), and a water bottle. Winter: a heavy water-resistant coat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes for the cold, foggy conditions. Spring and autumn: layers and a compact umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round; the historic center’s cobblestones and porticoed pavements are hard on thin soles.
