Liguria has a mild Mediterranean climate: on the coast winter highs stay around 12–13 °C and lows rarely drop below 5 °C, while summer brings 27–29 °C. The mountains behind the coast shelter it from cold northern winds. Summers are dry and autumns wet, with October and November the rainiest months.
The best time depends on what you want: July and August for the sea, April–May and September–October for towns, villages and hiking. Below you’ll find the climate month by month, the differences between the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levante, and forecasts for the four provincial capitals.
Climate month by month
Averages for Genoa (1991–2020 normals), in the middle of the coast. The sea lags a couple of months behind: about 13 °C from January to March, about 25 °C in August, above 19 °C from June to October.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 °C | 6 °C | 76 mm | 6 |
| February | 13 °C | 7 °C | 58 mm | 5 |
| March | 15 °C | 9 °C | 74 mm | 5 |
| April | 18 °C | 11 °C | 84 mm | 7 |
| May | 22 °C | 15 °C | 58 mm | 6 |
| June | 25 °C | 19 °C | 51 mm | 4 |
| July | 28 °C | 22 °C | 26 mm | 3 |
| August | 28 °C | 22 °C | 48 mm | 4 |
| September | 25 °C | 19 °C | 116 mm | 6 |
| October | 21 °C | 15 °C | 150 mm | 7 |
| November | 16 °C | 11 °C | 200 mm | 9 |
| December | 13 °C | 7 °C | 99 mm | 7 |
There aren’t many rainy days, but in autumn the rain comes all at once: a single storm can drop a month’s worth of water in a few hours.
Ponente and Levante: what changes
The Riviera di Ponente (west of Genoa), especially the Riviera dei Fiori between Ventimiglia and Cervo, has the mildest winters in the region: in Sanremo January lows are around 7 °C. In the 19th century this was the coast where northern Europeans came to spend the winter, and the sea stays pleasant well into September.
The Riviera di Levante (east of Genoa), from the Golfo Paradiso to the Cinque Terre and La Spezia, is wetter: La Spezia gets over 1,300 mm of rain a year, with around 200 mm in both November and December. Summer highs are slightly higher. For village-by-village detail see our page on Cinque Terre weather. Inland the climate changes quickly with altitude: in Triora or on the Apennine ridges it can snow in winter, and summer evenings are cool.
Hotels, B&Bs and apartments all over Liguria: compare prices and availability.
When to visit Liguria
Spring (April–May): the best season for towns, villages and trails. Gardens are in bloom and crowds are still small, except on holiday weekends and in the Cinque Terre. The sea is still cool.
Summer (June–August): warm sea, long evenings, food festivals and patron saint celebrations in every town. July and August are also the busiest and most expensive months: book early and use the train. In the hilltop villages the midday heat is muggy.
Autumn (September–October): September may be the best month of all, with the sea still warm and fewer people. Rain picks up in October, but there are fine days for walking, and Genoa hosts its Boat Show and the Rolli Days.
Winter (November–March): the Ponente stays mild and bright, good for seafront walks and inland villages; in February Sanremo hosts its famous song festival. Many beach clubs and some hotels close. To pick an area, read where to stay in Liguria and our guide to towns and villages in Liguria.
In winter the western Riviera is mild: in Bordighera, for example, the January average is around 10 °C, ideal for walks and trips to the Côte d’Azur.
Weather alerts: what to know
When heavy rain is expected, the Liguria Region issues a yellow, orange or red alert for each of its five zones. You can check it on AllertaLiguria. Under an orange or red alert, trails, parks and sometimes coastal roads are closed. Rough seas and wind don’t trigger an alert, but they often stop the boats: always check before you go.
Genoa weather
Genoa works all year round: when it rains you have museums, palaces and the Aquarium. In winter the tramontana wind brings clear skies and a sharp chill.
Imperia weather
Imperia reflects the climate of the Riviera dei Fiori, the mildest stretch of the region. Autumn is the season of the Taggiasca olive harvest.
Savona weather
Savona gives you a good idea of the weather along its coast, from Varazze to Alassio via Finale Ligure.
La Spezia weather
La Spezia is the reference for the Gulf of Poets, Lerici, Portovenere and the Cinque Terre.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Liguria?
May, June and September: warm but not muggy, the sea already or still good for swimming, and fewer crowds than in July and August.
When can you swim in Liguria?
From June to September the water is above 19–20 °C, peaking at about 25 °C in August. On the Ponente coast you can swim into early October on warm days.
What is the rainiest month?
November, with about 200 mm in Genoa and La Spezia. September and October can bring very intense, if short, storms.
Is Liguria cold in winter?
Not much on the coast: highs of 12–13 °C and lows of 5–7 °C. Real cold comes with the tramontana in Genoa and inland, where it can snow.
Ponente or Levante in the low season?
The Ponente, especially the Riviera dei Fiori, has the mildest winters and the least cold nights. The Levante is wetter between October and December.
Where can I check weather alerts?
On the Region’s official AllertaLiguria website, updated daily with the colour for each zone and its validity times.