La Spezia has a classic Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Sitting at the head of the Gulf of Poets on the Ligurian coast, the city gets about 1,300mm of rain annually, most of it concentrated in autumn and early winter. July is the driest month with just 30mm of rain over 4 days, while October is the wettest at 130mm over 11 rainy days. Sea temperatures peak at 25°C (77°F) in August and drop to 13°C (55°F) in February. The surrounding Apennine hills shelter the gulf from extreme cold, so temperatures rarely dip below freezing even in January. best time to visit La Spezia.
La Spezia Weather by Month: January
January is the coldest month in La Spezia. Daytime highs average 11°C (52°F) and overnight lows drop to 5°C (41°F). You can expect about 93mm of rainfall spread across 12 days, and just 4 hours of sunshine daily. The sea temperature sits at 14°C (57°F). Pack a waterproof jacket and layers. The city is quiet this month, and hotel rates are at their lowest. The nearby Cinque Terre trails are often muddy, but the villages are virtually empty of tourists. things to do in La Spezia.
La Spezia Weather by Month: February
February remains cool with highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). Rainfall decreases slightly to 80mm over 10 days. Sunshine increases to 5 hours daily. The sea stays at 13°C (55°F). February is still low season, and you will find the best accommodation deals of the year. Carnival events bring some life to the city toward the end of the month. La Spezia events and festivals.
La Spezia Weather by Month: March
March marks the start of spring. Daytime temperatures reach 14°C (57°F) with lows of 8°C (46°F). Rain holds steady at 80mm over 10 days, and you get 5 hours of sun. The sea warms slightly to 14°C (57°F). The first wildflowers appear on the hillsides above the Gulf. Easter weekend brings a noticeable spike in visitors when it falls in March, and you should book accommodation at least a month ahead if your trip coincides. La Spezia neighborhoods guide.
La Spezia Weather by Month: April
April is one of the best months to visit. Highs reach 17°C (63°F) and lows 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is moderate at 85mm over 11 days. Sunshine increases to 6 hours. The sea is 15°C (59°F), still too cold for swimming but pleasant for coastal walks. The Cinque Terre hiking trails open fully, and ferry services to the villages resume their spring schedule. where to stay in La Spezia.
La Spezia Weather by Month: May
May delivers pleasant warmth with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 14°C (57°F). Rain drops to 70mm over 9 days, and sunshine reaches 8 hours daily. The sea warms to 18°C (64°F). This is the start of the main tourist season. The Cinque Terre trains fill up by mid-morning, so catch the 7:30 AM service from La Spezia Centrale to beat the crowds. Hotel prices begin their seasonal climb. La Spezia travel tips.
La Spezia Weather by Month: June
June brings summer heat with daytime highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F). Rainfall drops to 50mm over 7 days. You get 9 hours of sunshine. The sea reaches 21°C (70°F), swimmable for most people. The Gulf of Poets fills with sailing boats, and beach clubs along the Ligurian coast open for the season. The Palio del Golfo, a traditional rowing race, takes place in early June.
La Spezia Weather by Month: July
July is the driest and sunniest month. Highs average 28°C (82°F) and lows 20°C (68°F). Rainfall plummets to just 30mm over 4 days, and sunshine peaks at 11 hours. The sea warms to 24°C (75°F). This is peak tourist season. The Cinque Terre trains are packed, and accommodation in La Spezia books out weeks in advance. Daytime heat can be intense on exposed hiking trails, so start early and carry at least 2 litres of water.
La Spezia Weather by Month: August
August matches July for heat, with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall increases to 55mm over 6 days, often as short thunderstorms. Sunshine averages 10 hours. The sea hits its warmest at 25°C (77°F). Ferragosto (August 15) is the peak of the Italian holiday season. Beaches are crowded, and many small shops and restaurants in La Spezia close for the week around it. This is the busiest and most expensive month on the Ligurian coast.
La Spezia Weather by Month: September
September is the sweet spot. Highs drop to 25°C (77°F) and lows to 17°C (63°F). Rain increases to 85mm over 8 days. Sunshine holds at 7 hours, and the sea is still a warm 23°C (73°F). Tourist crowds thin after the first week, but the weather remains excellent through the end of the month. This is the best month for hiking the Cinque Terre trails. Temperatures are comfortable and the afternoon light on the villages is spectacular.
La Spezia Weather by Month: October
October sees the return of rain. Highs reach 20°C (68°F) and lows 13°C (55°F). Rainfall jumps to 130mm over 11 days, the wettest month of the year. Sunshine drops to 5 hours. The sea is still 20°C (68°F) early in the month. Sudden downpours can flood low-lying streets near the port. Pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes. The autumn colours on the Apennine slopes make this a rewarding month for photographers willing to work around the rain.
La Spezia Weather by Month: November
November is grey and wet. Highs drop to 15°C (59°F) and lows to 9°C (48°F). Rain totals 120mm over 12 days, and sunshine is down to 4 hours. The sea cools to 17°C (63°F). This is the quietest month for tourism. Many ferry services reduce their schedules or stop entirely. Several Cinque Terre trails close for maintenance. On the plus side, you will have the historic centre almost to yourself, and restaurant tables are easy to get.
La Spezia Weather by Month: December
December returns to winter conditions with highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Rainfall is 95mm over 12 days. Sunshine is minimal at 3 hours. The sea drops to 15°C (59°F). La Spezia puts up Christmas lights along Via del Prione and the waterfront. The Christmas market in Piazza Verdi runs through most of the month. Hotels are cheap, and the city has a relaxed, local feel without the summer crowds.
La Spezia Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) | Sea (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11 | 5 | 93 | 12 | 4 | 14 |
| Feb | 12 | 5 | 80 | 10 | 5 | 13 |
| Mar | 14 | 8 | 80 | 10 | 5 | 14 |
| Apr | 17 | 10 | 85 | 11 | 6 | 15 |
| May | 21 | 14 | 70 | 9 | 8 | 18 |
| Jun | 25 | 18 | 50 | 7 | 9 | 21 |
| Jul | 28 | 20 | 30 | 4 | 11 | 24 |
| Aug | 28 | 20 | 55 | 6 | 10 | 25 |
| Sep | 25 | 17 | 85 | 8 | 7 | 23 |
| Oct | 20 | 13 | 130 | 11 | 5 | 20 |
| Nov | 15 | 9 | 120 | 12 | 4 | 17 |
| Dec | 12 | 6 | 95 | 12 | 3 | 15 |
