The Cinque Terre, strung along the Ligurian coast between Genoa and La Spezia, has a Mediterranean climate shaped by its position between the Ligurian Sea and the Apennine Mountains. Summers are hot and mostly dry, winters are mild with occasional rain, and the sea remains swimmable from late May through early October. The microclimate varies noticeably from village to village: Monterosso and Vernazza, facing west and southwest, get more afternoon sun and less wind, while Corniglia and Manarola, perched higher on cliff tops, catch stronger sea breezes that cut the summer heat by 3 to 4 degrees C.
See also our best time to visit Cinque Terre for more trip planning information.
See also our things to do in Cinque Terre for more trip planning information.
See also our Cinque Terre events and festivals for more trip planning information.
See also our Cinque Terre neighborhoods guide for more trip planning information.
See also our where to stay in Cinque Terre for more trip planning information.
See also our Cinque Terre travel tips for more trip planning information.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: Climate Overview
The Cinque Terre receives about 900mm of rain annually, concentrated in autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April). July is the driest month (25mm on average), while October is the wettest (140mm). The swimming season runs from late May to early October, with sea temperatures peaking at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) in August. Humidity stays moderate at 65 to 75 percent year-round, kept in check by the constant sea breeze.
Winters are mild by European standards: January daytime highs average 11 degrees C (52 degrees F), and snow is almost unheard of at village level. Frost is rare, but the higher hiking trails above 500 metres can see occasional snow in January and February, sometimes closing the higher sentiero paths for weeks at a time.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: January and February
January brings the coolest temperatures of the year, with daytime highs of 11 degrees C (52 degrees F) and nighttime lows around 5 degrees C (41 degrees F). Rainfall averages 75mm over 8 to 10 wet days. Sea temperature drops to 13 degrees C (55 degrees F), too cold for swimming. Many restaurants and hotels in the smaller villages (Corniglia, Manarola) close for the month or operate on reduced hours. The hiking trails are quiet, and you will often have the famous Via dell Amore to yourself, though some sections may be closed for winter maintenance. February is similar but slightly warmer at 12 degrees C (54 degrees F), with 65mm of rain over 7 to 8 days.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: March and April
March marks the start of spring. Daytime highs reach 14 degrees C (57 degrees F), and the hillsides begin to green up after winter rains. Expect about 75mm of rain over 8 days. Wildflowers appear on the hiking trails by mid-month. April brings noticeably warmer weather at 17 degrees C (63 degrees F) with 80mm of rain. The number of sunny days increases significantly, and by late April, most seasonal businesses have reopened. Sea temperature is still cool at 15 degrees C (59 degrees F), but the first brave swimmers appear at Monterosso beach.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: May and June
May is one of the finest months in Cinque Terre. Daytime highs reach 21 degrees C (70 degrees F) with only 55mm of rain across 6 to 7 days. The sea warms to 18 degrees C (64 degrees F), and the hiking trails are in prime condition: sunny but not scorching, with wildflowers at their peak. June brings summer proper: 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) daytime highs, 35mm of rain, and sea temperatures climbing to 22 degrees C (72 degrees F). Sunshine averages 10 hours per day. The villages begin to fill with visitors by mid-June.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: July and August
July is the hottest and driest month. Daytime highs average 29 degrees C (84 degrees F) and can push past 32 degrees C (90 degrees F) during heatwaves. Rainfall drops to just 25mm, typically from a single afternoon thunderstorm. Sea temperature reaches 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Sunshine averages 11 hours daily. The villages are crowded, especially on weekends when Italian holidaymakers join international tourists. August is nearly identical: 29 degrees C (84 degrees F), 35mm of rain, sea at 25 degrees C. The Ferragosto holiday (August 15) brings peak domestic tourism. Book accommodation 3 to 4 months ahead for July and August stays.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: September and October
September rivals May for the best month to visit. Daytime highs stay at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F), sea temperature remains a warm 23 degrees C (73 degrees F), and rainfall is moderate at 70mm over 6 to 7 days. The summer crowds thin after the first week, but all services remain fully operational. October brings autumn: 19 degrees C (66 degrees F) highs, but rainfall jumps to 140mm, the wettest month. Heavy downpours can trigger trail closures due to landslides. Still, sunny October days are glorious, with golden light on the pastel villages and comfortably warm afternoons for hiking.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: November and December
November is the second-wettest month at 130mm of rain. Daytime highs drop to 14 degrees C (57 degrees F), and many seasonal hotels and restaurants close after the All Saints Day weekend (November 1). The villages become quiet and locals reclaim their streets. Hiking is still possible on dry days, but check trail status before setting out. December brings 12 degrees C (54 degrees F) highs, 80mm of rain, and Christmas markets appear in Monterosso and Levanto. The nativity scenes in Manarola, culminating in the famous illuminated hillside presepe, draw winter visitors despite the cool weather.
Cinque Terre Weather by Month: Quick Reference
- January: 11 C / 5 C (52/41 F), 75mm rain, 8 wet days, sea 13 C (55 F)
- February: 12 C / 5 C (54/41 F), 65mm rain, 7 wet days, sea 13 C (55 F)
- March: 14 C / 7 C (57/45 F), 75mm rain, 8 wet days, sea 14 C (57 F)
- April: 17 C / 10 C (63/50 F), 80mm rain, 9 wet days, sea 15 C (59 F)
- May: 21 C / 14 C (70/57 F), 55mm rain, 6 wet days, sea 18 C (64 F)
- June: 25 C / 18 C (77/64 F), 35mm rain, 5 wet days, sea 22 C (72 F)
- July: 29 C / 21 C (84/70 F), 25mm rain, 3 wet days, sea 25 C (77 F)
- August: 29 C / 21 C (84/70 F), 35mm rain, 4 wet days, sea 25 C (77 F)
- September: 25 C / 18 C (77/64 F), 70mm rain, 7 wet days, sea 23 C (73 F)
- October: 19 C / 14 C (66/57 F), 140mm rain, 10 wet days, sea 20 C (68 F)
- November: 14 C / 9 C (57/48 F), 130mm rain, 10 wet days, sea 17 C (63 F)
- December: 12 C / 6 C (54/43 F), 80mm rain, 9 wet days, sea 14 C (57 F)
