Matera, in southern Italy’s Basilicata region, has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with some continental influence from its inland location at 401 meters elevation. Summers are hot and dry, winters are mild with most of the year’s rain. The city’s position on a limestone plateau above the Gravina River gorge means temperatures drop noticeably at night, even in summer. You’ll get about 2,500 hours of sunshine annually, with July and August each averaging 11 hours of sun per day. Check the best time to visit Matera guide for more detail. Check Matera travel tips and FAQ for more detail.
Matera Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hours/day) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C (50°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 55 | 8 | 4 | 78% |
| February | 11°C (52°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 50 | 7 | 5 | 74% |
| March | 14°C (57°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 50 | 7 | 6 | 72% |
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 45 | 7 | 7 | 70% |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 35 | 5 | 9 | 66% |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 25 | 4 | 10 | 60% |
| July | 30°C (86°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 15 | 2 | 11 | 55% |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 20 | 3 | 10 | 58% |
| September | 25°C (77°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 | 5 | 8 | 66% |
| October | 20°C (68°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 60 | 7 | 6 | 74% |
| November | 15°C (59°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 65 | 8 | 4 | 78% |
| December | 11°C (52°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 60 | 9 | 4 | 80% |
Matera Weather in Winter (December to February)
Winter in Matera is mild by northern European standards but damp and chilly. Daytime highs reach 10 to 11°C (50 to 52°F), dropping to 3 to 4°C (37 to 39°F) at night. You’ll see about 8 to 9 rainy days per month, with December and January being the wettest months. Snow is rare but not impossible, the city sees light snow once or twice a winter, usually melting by midday. The Sassi caves stay at a constant 15°C (59°F) year-round, making them warmer than outside in winter. Pack layers: a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes for the stone streets. Check things to do in Matera for more detail.
Matera Weather in Spring (March to May)
Spring is Matera’s most comfortable season. March starts cool at 14°C (57°F) but by May you’re getting 22°C (72°F) highs with 9 hours of daily sun. Rainfall tapers from 50mm in March to 35mm in May, and rain days drop from 7 to 5 per month. Wildflowers carpet the Murgia plateau opposite the Sassi, and the countryside turns green after winter rains. April and May are ideal for hiking in Parco della Murgia Materana. Light jacket or sweater for evenings, temperatures still dip to 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F) at night. Check Matera events and festivals for more detail.
Matera Weather in Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot and dry. July and August both average 30°C (86°F) highs, and heatwaves can push temperatures to 38°C (100°F) for several days. Rainfall drops to just 15 to 20mm per month, you might see only 2 or 3 rainy days in July. The limestone Sassi provide natural cooling: cave interiors stay around 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F) even during heatwaves. Evenings cool to 19°C (66°F) thanks to Matera’s elevation. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, the stone alleyways reflect heat during midday. Most shops close from 1 to 4 PM for riposo, so plan sightseeing for morning and late afternoon. Check Matera neighborhoods for more detail.
Matera Weather in Autumn (September to November)
September is a sweet spot: 25°C (77°F) highs, 8 hours of sun, and only 5 rainy days. October brings cooler 20°C (68°F) temperatures and increasing rain (60mm). By November, it’s 15°C (59°F) with 8 rainy days, the wettest month at 65mm. The autumn light on the Sassi is spectacular for photography, especially in late afternoon. Thunderstorms are common in October and November, sometimes intense but short-lived. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof shoes for November visits. Check the where to stay in Matera guide for more detail.
