Amalfi Coast in Winter: Is a Winter Visit Worth It?

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most famous places to visit in Italy, and if you have seen photos or been there before, you already know why.

Imagine a coastline south of Naples, where small Italian towns sit on steep cliffs, colorful houses look over the sea, lemon trees cover the hills, and you can find hidden beaches, quiet bays, and amazing views everywhere.

It truly feels like paradise on earth.

Since millions of tourists visit the Amalfi Coast every year, the big question is: when is the best time to go?

There isn’t one perfect answer. It really depends on your travel style and what kind of experience you are looking for.

The Amalfi Coast is my absolute favorite place in all of Europe, I never get tired of Positano’s views, the delicious food, and the true Italian atmosphere that you can only find here.

So, in this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting the Amalfi Coast in winter.

You’ll find the pros and cons, what the weather is like, the best places to visit, where to stay, and other useful travel tips to help you plan the perfect winter trip to the Amalfi Coast.

Now let’s take a closer look at what’s good to know before visiting the Amalfi Coast in winter!

Is the Amalfi Coast worth a visit in winter?

Visiting the Amalfi Coast in winter can be worth it in some cases, but honestly, it’s not the best time to go. I would only recommend traveling there if you don’t mind the downsides of the low season, for example, that many places are closed during winter.

So, I think in winter you can’t fully enjoy everything the Amalfi Coast has to offer.

Still, it might be a nice idea to visit if you are already traveling in Italy, planning a winter Mediterranean trip, or just want to see this beautiful place without the crowds.

However, be prepared that the experience might not feel complete.

Keep reading and I’ll explain why.

Is winter still crowded on the Amalfi Coast?

Winter is the least crowded season on the Amalfi Coast. You will never find fewer tourists here than during this time of year.

However, even in winter, especially on sunny days, there are still a lot of visitors around. You won’t see big crowds, but the most popular places still have a fair number of tourists.

Weather on the Amalfi Coast in winter

The weather on the Amalfi Coast in winter is usually cool and rainy, which is why I think winter is not the best season for a visit.

However, if you still decide to travel there in winter, here is what you should know about the weather in the winter months, especially in December, January, and February:

Temperatures on the Amalfi Coast in winter

During the winter months, daytime temperatures on the Amalfi Coast are usually between 10 and 15°C (50–59°F), though it can sometimes be a bit colder or warmer. We were lucky once, in early January the temperature reached 17°C (63°F) during the day, but that is quite rare.

At night, temperatures are usually between 3 and 9°C (37–48°F). It almost never drops below freezing, but you will still need warm clothes for these chilly evenings.

Sea temperature

The sea on the Amalfi Coast is too cold for swimming in winter, with an average temperature between 12 and 18°C (54–64°F).

That is why, as I mentioned earlier, winter is not really the time for beach activities.

How rainy is the Amalfi Coast in winter?

Unfortunately, the Amalfi Coast gets a lot of rain in winter, with showers almost every second day on average. The wettest month is November, but December, January, and February are also quite rainy.

So if you plan to visit in winter, make sure to bring an umbrella and a raincoat, and plan your trip accordingly. You might need some extra days in case the weather keeps you indoors.

What to wear on the Amalfi Coast in winter

Since the Amalfi Coast is quite cool and rainy during the winter months, make sure to bring autumn or winter clothes that can handle wet weather. Don’t forget your medium-weight jacket, a raincoat, and comfortable autumn shoes.

Because the weather is not very pleasant at this time of year, it’s hard to dress in the typical Amalfi Coast style: the light summer dresses with lemon or blue patterns that you often see in photos are not really suitable in the cold season.

What to pack for the Amalfi Coast in winter

Since the winter weather on the Amalfi Coast can change quickly, it’s smart to pack a mix of clothes. You might get mild autumn days with sunshine, or colder winter weather with frequent rain.

What you bring also depends on your plans. Does your hotel have a pool, will you go hiking, do you want to dine in elegant places, and are you traveling by car or public transport?

Here are the basics I recommend packing, but of course, this can change depending on your trip:

• Clothing: Bring comfortable autumn clothes for the daytime. In the evenings you may need a winter coat because it can get quite cold. Swimwear is only useful if your hotel has a heated pool. Don’t forget an umbrella and a raincoat in case of rain. Also, dress in layers because with all the walking and stairs it’s easy to get warm, but you can also feel cold quickly in winter.
• Comfortable shoes: You will walk a lot in Amalfi Coast towns, often on cobblestone streets and many stairs. Bring your most comfortable autumn shoes. If you plan to go hiking, proper hiking shoes are a must.
• Water and snacks: Always carry a bottle of water and some snacks, especially if you will be out exploring all day. With so much walking, it’s easy to get tired.
• Smartphone or camera: The Amalfi Coast is a dream for photographers. Bring your camera, even if you are not a professional. The towns, sea views, and cliffs are all very photogenic, and a wide-angle lens can be very useful.

With these basics, you will be well prepared to enjoy your winter adventure on the Amalfi Coast to the fullest.

Best places to visit on the Amalfi Coast in winter

The Amalfi Coast is worth visiting all year, but these are the towns you really shouldn’t miss in winter or any other month.

Positano

Positano is the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, with colorful houses on steep cliffs and incredible views. Walk along Via Cristoforo Colombo for beautiful scenery, enjoy a tasty snack at Collina Bakery, relax on Spiaggia Grande beach, visit the Santa Maria Assunta church, and have dinner with a view at one of the few restaurants open in winter, such as Ristorante Bruno or Il Grottino Azzurro.

Amalfi

Amalfi is full of charm with its narrow streets, small shops, and the stunning Amalfi Cathedral. Walk along the harbor for great views, then hike up to Torre dello Ziro or Veliero del Belvedere for amazing panoramas. For dinner, try Pizzeria Donna Stella, where you can enjoy real Italian food under lemon trees.

Ravello

Ravello sits above the coast and offers beautiful panoramic views of the sea. Highlights include Villa Cimbrone Gardens with its famous terrace of statues and Villa Rufolo with its stunning gardens. Don’t miss the free Panorama Viewpoint. For dinner, Ravello has several restaurants with sea views, such as Ristorante Bella Vista sul Mare or Giuliana’s View.

Minori

Minori is a smaller, peaceful town with lovely viewpoints like Belvedere Mortella and Via Cesare Carola. The pier also offers great sea views. Its beach is one of the best-rated and less crowded than Positano. Take time to enjoy the authentic atmosphere and try one of Minori’s traditional Italian restaurants for lunch.

These are my top recommended places to visit on the Amalfi Coast, the best towns you shouldn’t miss.

What to visit near the Amalfi Coast

If you have more time in the area, plan some day trips to other interesting places near the Amalfi Coast.

Here are my suggestions:

• Sorrento: A lovely coastal town with great restaurants, shops and sea views, often used as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast.
• Capri: A beautiful island famous for the Blue Grotto, the Gardens of Augustus, stylish streets and stunning sea views.
• Naples: A lively Italian city known for its pizza, history and authentic local life.
• Pompeii: The ancient Roman city destroyed by Mount Vesuvius, now one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Italy.
• Vesuvius: The volcano near Naples where you can hike up to the crater and enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.
• Procida: A small, colorful island with a less touristy atmosphere.
• Ischia: A larger island perfect for a day trip, known for its beaches, gardens and local charm.

Best time to visit the Amalfi Coast: What else if not winter?

Winter is not the ideal time to visit the Amalfi Coast, so it’s fair to ask: if not winter, then when should you go?

Personally, my favorite months are May, June, and October.

• In May, the weather is already pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and taking beautiful photos. Prices are usually more affordable compared to the high season.
• In June, it can be a bit busier and hotel prices higher, but the weather already feels summery without being too hot. The first half of June is especially a great time to visit the Amalfi Coast and Italy in general.
• October is another wonderful month for southern Europe trips, and I highly recommend it for the Amalfi Coast too. While crowds and prices can still be a challenge, the first half of October is a very good choice if you don’t plan to spend time on the beach.

So, if you are looking for the best months to visit, my personal recommendation would be May, early June, or early October.

Conclusion: Winter on the Amalfi Coast

Overall, winter is not the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast, but if you don’t mind the less favorable weather and the fact that some places are closed, it can still be a good choice for you.

If you are lucky with the weather, you can still have an enjoyable trip with beautiful views, fewer crowds, more affordable prices, and the same wonderful Italian atmosphere and delicious food.

In this travel guide, I’ve shared plenty of tips on how to plan your Amalfi Coast trip in winter: where to stay, what to see, where to eat, and what to do. You can also find more detailed advice in my other articles to help you make the most of your Amalfi Coast trip.

So, if you’re ready for a winter adventure, it’s time to plan your Amalfi Coast itinerary, book your hotels and activities, and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. The Amalfi Coast in winter is waiting for you!