Modena sits in Italy’s Po Valley at 34 meters above sea level, giving it a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and sticky, winters are cold and foggy, and the transitional seasons of spring and autumn deliver the most comfortable weather. The city gets about 700mm of rain annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year. If you’re used to Mediterranean coastal Italy, Modena’s inland continental climate will feel more extreme , July highs reach 31°C (88°F) while January lows drop to around 0°C (32°F), and thick winter fog can blanket the city for days at a time. For best time to visit Modena, see our best time to visit Modena.
Modena Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sunshine
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sunshine (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6 / 43 | 0 / 32 | 40 | 7 | 3 |
| February | 9 / 48 | 1 / 34 | 45 | 6 | 4 |
| March | 14 / 57 | 5 / 41 | 55 | 7 | 5 |
| April | 18 / 64 | 8 / 46 | 65 | 8 | 6 |
| May | 23 / 73 | 13 / 55 | 65 | 8 | 8 |
| June | 28 / 82 | 17 / 63 | 60 | 7 | 9 |
| July | 31 / 88 | 19 / 66 | 45 | 5 | 10 |
| August | 30 / 86 | 19 / 66 | 55 | 6 | 9 |
| September | 25 / 77 | 15 / 59 | 65 | 6 | 7 |
| October | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 85 | 8 | 5 |
| November | 11 / 52 | 5 / 41 | 80 | 8 | 3 |
| December | 6 / 43 | 1 / 34 | 50 | 7 | 2 |
Seasonal Modena Weather by Month
Spring in Modena (March to May)
Spring is when Modena shakes off its winter fog and comes alive. March starts cool with highs around 14°C (57°F) and can still bring grey days, but by April temperatures climb to 18°C (64°F) and the city’s outdoor cafes in Piazza Grande start filling up. May is the sweet spot: 23°C (73°F) highs, 8 hours of daily sunshine, and only 8 rain days. Pack layers , mornings can be chilly at 5°C (41°F) in March but you’ll want short sleeves by early afternoon in May. Spring rainfall is moderate at 55-65mm per month, usually as passing showers rather than all-day rain. For things to do in Modena, see our things to do in Modena.
Summer in Modena (June to August)
Summers in the Po Valley are hot and humid. July is the peak: 31°C (88°F) average highs, and heat waves can push temperatures to 35-38°C (95-100°F) with humidity making it feel even hotter. Rainfall drops to 45mm in July but afternoon thunderstorms become more common in August. This is also mosquito season , bring repellent if you plan to dine outdoors in the evening. Air conditioning is standard in hotels but not guaranteed in smaller restaurants or historic buildings. June is more tolerable at 28°C (82°F) with long daylight hours (sunset around 9 PM). For Modena events and festivals, see our Modena events and festivals.
Autumn in Modena (September to November)
September keeps summer warmth with 25°C (77°F) highs and comfortable evenings at 15°C (59°F), making it one of the best months for walking tours and outdoor dining. October cools to 18°C (64°F) and brings the heaviest rainfall of the year at 85mm , this is harvest season for Lambrusco grapes and the countryside turns golden. November is the real transition: temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F), rain hits 80mm, and the first fogs of winter start rolling in. By late November you’ll need a coat and umbrella daily. For Modena neighborhoods, see our Modena neighborhoods.
Winter in Modena (December to February)
Winters are cold, grey and foggy. January is the coldest month with highs of just 6°C (43°F) and lows near freezing at 0°C (32°F). Snow does fall , typically 2-4 days per winter , but rarely accumulates more than a few centimeters. The real winter feature is the nebbia (fog): thick, persistent fog that can reduce visibility to 50 meters and linger for days, a classic Po Valley phenomenon. December sees the least sunshine at just 2 hours per day. Pack a heavy coat, gloves, and waterproof shoes for the damp cold. On the plus side, hotel prices drop 30-40% from summer highs and tourist crowds vanish. For where to stay in Modena, see our where to stay in Modena.
Modena Sunshine and Humidity by Season
Modena averages 6 hours of daily sunshine across the year but the spread is dramatic: from 2 hours in December to 10 in July. Humidity is consistently moderate to high year-round (65-80% relative humidity), a product of the Po Valley’s geography between the Apennines and the Alps. The combination of high summer humidity and 30°C+ temperatures can feel oppressive , plan indoor museum visits for the 1-4 PM afternoon window in July and August. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of comfortable temperatures and manageable humidity for outdoor exploration. For Modena travel tips, see our Modena travel tips. For everything else, see our complete Modena guide.
