Weather in Puglia

The climate is sub-tropical that is characterized dry summers and rainfall in autumn and humid and cold winds in winter. The weather in Puglia is influenced by the sea. From mid-June to mid-August it’s hot and there are droughts. At the seaside and on the islands the temperature is more bearable, because of the wind that blows there. The climate is suitable for viticulture and it has always been suited for the cultivation of olive trees.

During the winter months, it can cool down very quickly, but as soon as the sun shines again, the temperatures rise again. At the end of May, the sea reaches temperatures that are warm enough for swimming and then the water temperatures remain warm until October (and if we are lucky even until November). The best time to visit Puglia for art and culture tours is from mid-April to mid-June and then again from early September to mid-October. If you love sunbathing and spending time on the beaches then you should visit Puglia in July and at the end of August, during the first two weeks of August it is best to avoid travelling to Italy, because it is high season. Temperatures typically rise to around 30°C. Sometimes reaching 40°C – 45°C. Many Italians visit Puglia around August 15th.

Spring in Puglia

Especially pleasant weather prevails in the spring. The flowers and fruit trees are blooming and the grass has not yet been turned brown by the summer sun. From March to June, temperatures are slowly rising above the 20-degree mark.

Summer in Puglia

In August, however, the green land quickly turns into a dust-dry, brown landscape, because of the heat. Especially during lunchtime it is extremely hot and the shops are closed until 16 h or even 16.30h, but the nights are warm and people have dinner rather late in the evening. Summer with its warm nights is also the time of music festivals such as the Locus Festival in Locorotondo.

Autumn in Puglia

Autumn is the perfect time to travel to Puglia if you are interested in art and culture tours or nature tours as temperatures drop below the 30-degree mark. As it is also the harvest period for wine and olives, it is also the perfect time to plan your foodie tours. Puglia’s food festivals are not just a chance to taste fantastic regional specialties. They give you a chance to get to know into local culture and many of these festivals are organized in autumn. At lunchtime it is warm enough to enjoy a walk in one of Puglia’s cities and see sights. At night it cools down a bit and one can sleep better than in the hot summer nights. On some days it might rain. So make sure to bring your umbrella.

Winter in Puglia

In winter, it is often humid and cold, but when the sun is shining, it can occasionally have warmer temperatures. Winter is the time when you can experience local traditions such as the live Nativity Scenes in Alberobello and Pezze di Greco. In February, the big carnival parades in Manfredonia and Putignano attract people from all parts of Puglia. Shortly after the carnival season, the mimosa and almond trees start to bloom and you can tell that spring is near.