Milan is at its best for sightseeing in May, June and September, when afternoons run from the mid 70s to low 80s °F (24 to 28°C) and the days are made for walking between the Duomo, Brera and the Sforza Castle.
July and August bring afternoons near 87°F (31°C), and November is the wettest month of the year. Winter afternoons stay in the mid 40s °F (7°C), so the city suits museums more than long strolls.
At a glance
- Best window for walking and sightseeing: May, June and September
- Warmest month: July, with a high of 87°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January, with a low of 31°F (0°C)
- Wettest month: November, with 4 inches (104 mm)
- Most rainy days: May, with 8.5 days
- Fewest rainy days: July, with 4.3 days
When is the best time to visit Milan?
For most travelers, the best months are May, June and September. Afternoons are warm without the weight of midsummer, and the evenings stay mild enough to eat outside.
May is green and pleasant at 75°F (24°C), but it also has the most rainy days of the year, so keep a light rain jacket handy. June is warmer at 83°F (28°C) and a little drier.
April and October are good second choices. Both sit near 66°F (19°C) in the afternoon, a comfortable temperature for the Navigli canals and the walk from the Duomo to Brera, which takes about 12 to 15 minutes. October is wetter than April, with 3 inches (82 mm) of rain.
Winter works for a city break built around indoor sights. The Sforza Castle museums, the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Duomo give a full program when it is cold and gray, and the Archaeological Museum and the Natural History Museum are also on the YesMilano City Pass Standard.
- Walking and sightseeing: May, June and September
- Mild weather and canal walks: April and October
- Museums and indoor days: November through March
- Hot-weather trips: July and August, with afternoons near 87°F (31°C)
Milan weather by month
| Month | Average high | Rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F (7°C) | 1.5 in (37 mm) | 5 |
| February | 50°F (10°C) | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 5 |
| March | 60°F (16°C) | 1.7 in (42 mm) | 5 |
| April | 67°F (19°C) | 2.3 in (58 mm) | 8 |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 2.8 in (70 mm) | 9 |
| June | 83°F (28°C) | 2.6 in (67 mm) | 7 |
| July | 87°F (31°C) | 1.7 in (44 mm) | 4 |
| August | 86°F (30°C) | 2.3 in (59 mm) | 6 |
| September | 78°F (26°C) | 2.9 in (74 mm) | 5 |
| October | 66°F (19°C) | 3.2 in (82 mm) | 7 |
| November | 54°F (12°C) | 4.1 in (104 mm) | 8 |
| December | 46°F (8°C) | 1.8 in (46 mm) | 6 |
*Long-term monthly averages.*
The year climbs from a cold January to a hot July, then falls back through a rainy autumn to a cold December.
July tips the year toward heat, with a high of 87°F (31°C). November tips it toward rain, with 4 inches (104 mm). In between, spring and early autumn hold the comfortable middle.
Winter is the hardest stretch for anyone who wants to be outdoors all day. January afternoons reach only 45°F (7°C), and nights drop to freezing. Travelers who plan around museums will barely notice, and those who want canal walks should pack warm layers.
Festivals and events in Milan through the year
Mercato Centrale events
There is always something new to discover, listen to or taste at the Mercato Centrale, in the Market, in the Piazza or on the Terraces. The Info point gives the details on events and services.
Navigli guided tour on foot and by boat
The itinerary starts on foot near the Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio, then takes a boat cruise along the Navigli. The boat passes the Ruelle des Lavandai, one of the wash-houses where women washed Milanese clothes.
The tour ends with a walk along the alzaia of the Naviglio Grande.
La Scala performances and tours
La Scala offers guided tours in Italian, English and French at some times of day. Performances can also be watched live or on demand via streaming worldwide.
The theater gives a reason to visit in the colder months, when the weather favors indoor plans. Check the theater’s calendar for the dates of your trip.
Sources
- ncei.noaa.gov (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/wmo-climate-normals), checked 2026-10-30
- in-lombardia.it (https://www.in-lombardia.it/en/activity/yesmilano-city-pass-standard), checked 2026-10-30
- in-lombardia.it (https://www.in-lombardia.it/turismo-in-lombardia/milano-turismo?gad_source=1), checked 2026-10-30
- ambwashingtondc.esteri.it (https://ambwashingtondc.esteri.it/en/chi-siamo/gli-uffici/), checked 2026-10-25
- in-lombardia.it (https://www.in-lombardia.it/attivita/i-navigli-milano-0), checked 2026-10-30
- pinacotecadibrera.milano.it (https://pinacotecadibrera.milano.it/), checked 2026-10-30
- in-lombardia.it (https://www.in-lombardia.it/index%2Ephp/fr/que-faire-en-lombardie/navigli/navigli-milanais-darsena), checked 2026-10-30
- milanocastello.it (https://www.milanocastello.it/it/visita/orari-biglietti-abbonamenti-e-card), checked 2026-10-30