When to visit Puglia

The sunny heel of Italy’s boot benefits from a longer travel season than other parts of the country, but the best times to visit Puglia is spring, summer and autumn, as the weather is gorgeous.

Depending on how well you can handle heat, the summer months get VERY hot, often reaching the mid-late 30s! May, June and September are especially pleasant months to visit as the weather tends to be in the mid 20s making it an ideal time for walking, cycling, horse-riding and exploring to the max. During the winter months, temperatures are typically in the teens and there may be some rainfall, but equally there are lots of bright and crips days. And, another perk, hotel rates are significantly cheaper if you visit in low season! You can stay at one of the best hotels, such as Borgo Egnazia, and enjoy the VIP, luxury treatment, for a fraction of the price.

You’ll find that Spring arrives early in Puglia, and temperatures quickly rise, making this a great destination from which to escape the grey and drizzly scenes at home. Visiting in spring’s shoulder-season means not only lovely weather, but less crowds, which makes it one of our favourite times for exploring the pretty towns and cities such as Lecce, Galipoli, Monopoli and Alberobello, which get packed during the summer.

Summer in Puglia really stretches from May through till September, although July and August are the busiest months, especially with Italian tourists. Summer is also a peak time for foodie festivals and music concerts. The water warms up nicely at this time of year, making it a great time for those who want to make splash!

Autumn is a significantly quieter time to visit, making it a good option for those wanting to experience a less-touristy side to this region. However, with incredible hotel rates, fewer crowds and the harvest in full swing, this time of year certainly holds special appeal. Foodies tend to visit during the autumn as this is the best time to sample the regional cuisine (which is abundant), and feast for great value! Cosy up by the fireside, with a delicious glass of red in hand…

Winter is of course  a little chillier and wetter, but a good time for those who want to get off-the-beaten-track (away from the beach) and explore. This is the best time for serious hikers too. February is also the time of year to visit if you want to experience the Carnevale di Putignano, one of Puglia’s most famous festivals and the longest in the world (lasting 2 months!). It hosts an array of events and shows. If you miss the main festival, don’t worry, as Putignano hosts a mini summer Carnival at the beginning of July. However, if sunshine is a top priority then we would suggest avoiding January/Feb as this is the wettest time of the year.

We always recommend checking your dates against the region’s events calendar to check for any clashes, or events that you want to make sure you are at!