Lecce has a Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa) with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The city sits on the Salento peninsula in southern Apulia, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, which moderate temperatures year-round. Lecce averages 2,695 sunshine hours annually and receives about 620mm (24 inches) of rainfall, most of it falling between October and February. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 30°C (86°F), while winter daytime highs hover around 13°C (55°F). See also our Lecce travel tips.
Lecce Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Sea Temp | Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 62 | 14°C / 57°F | 4 |
| Feb | 13°C / 55°F | 5°C / 41°F | 55 | 14°C / 57°F | 5 |
| Mar | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | 57 | 14°C / 57°F | 6 |
| Apr | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 44 | 16°C / 61°F | 7 |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 28 | 18°C / 64°F | 9 |
| Jun | 29°C / 84°F | 18°C / 64°F | 17 | 22°C / 72°F | 11 |
| Jul | 32°C / 90°F | 21°C / 70°F | 12 | 25°C / 77°F | 12 |
| Aug | 32°C / 90°F | 21°C / 70°F | 21 | 26°C / 79°F | 11 |
| Sep | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 56 | 23°C / 73°F | 8 |
| Oct | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | 78 | 20°C / 68°F | 6 |
| Nov | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 92 | 17°C / 63°F | 4 |
| Dec | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 81 | 15°C / 59°F | 4 |
Lecce Weather in January and February: Coolest Months
January and February are Lecce’s coldest months, with daytime highs averaging 13°C (55°F) and nighttime lows dropping to 5°C (41°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 to 10 days each month, totalling about 60mm in January and 55mm in February. You’ll get only 4 to 5 hours of daily sunshine. The sea sits at 14°C (57°F), too cold for swimming. Most restaurants and attractions remain open, though some beach clubs close for the season. Hotel rates are at their lowest, with 3-star doubles from €45 to €65 per night. Pack a warm jacket and waterproof layer, and expect quiet streets with few tourists. For more climate details, read our best time to visit Lecce guide.
Lecce Weather in March and April: Spring Warming
March brings 16°C (61°F) highs and 57mm of rain across 7 to 8 wet days. By April, highs reach 19°C (66°F) with rainfall dropping to 44mm. Sunshine increases from 6 to 7 hours daily. The sea remains cool at 14°C to 16°C (57°F to 61°F). April is when Lecce’s baroque stone facades look their best in the soft spring light, and outdoor cafes begin to fill. Easter week brings more visitors and higher hotel prices. Wildflowers blanket the Salento countryside in March and April, making this an ideal time for cycling and countryside excursions. See also our Lecce neighborhoods guide.
Lecce Weather in May and June: Best All-Round Months
May is a near-perfect month: 24°C (75°F) highs, just 28mm of rain, and 9 hours of sunshine. June warms to 29°C (84°F) with only 17mm of rain and 11 hours of sun. The sea reaches 18°C (64°F) in May and a swim-friendly 22°C (72°F) by late June. These two months offer the best combination of warm weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable hotel prices (3-star doubles €70 to €110). Beach clubs open in late May, and the summer restaurant scene kicks off. Book accommodations 2 to 3 weeks ahead for June visits. Check our things to do in Lecce for practical advice.
Lecce Weather in July and August: Peak Summer Heat
July and August are hot, with daytime highs reaching 32°C (90°F) and nighttime lows staying at 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is minimal: 12mm in July, 21mm in August. You’ll get 11 to 12 hours of daily sunshine. The sea warms to a bath-like 25°C to 26°C (77°F to 79°F). These are the busiest and most expensive months. Hotel prices double or triple, with 3-star doubles from €120 to €180. The city empties during the afternoon siesta (1 PM to 5 PM) when temperatures peak, then comes alive from 6 PM onward with the passeggiata. Book everything 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Carry water, wear a hat, and plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings. See also our Lecce events and festivals.
Lecce Weather in September and October: Golden Autumn
September remains summer-like with 27°C (81°F) highs, though rainfall increases to 56mm. The sea stays warm at 23°C (73°F). By October, highs drop to 22°C (72°F) and rain jumps to 78mm across 8 wet days. September and early October are excellent: the summer crowds have gone, the sea is still swimmable, and hotel prices drop back to May levels (€70 to €110). The olive harvest begins in October, and the Salento countryside turns golden. Pack a light jacket for October evenings and a rain layer just in case.
Lecce Weather in November and December: Wettest Period
November is Lecce’s wettest month with 92mm of rain across 10 to 11 days. Highs reach 18°C (64°F) and lows dip to 10°C (50°F). December brings 81mm of rain and 14°C (57°F) highs. Sunshine drops to about 4 hours daily. December sees Lecce’s Christmas markets and nativity scenes set up in piazzas and churches, with festive lights draped across the baroque facades. Hotel prices are at their lowest outside the Christmas week. The sea at 15°C to 17°C (59°F to 63°F) is too cold for most swimmers. Pack warm layers and waterproof footwear. See also our where to stay in Lecce.
