Planning to travel to Italy soon and you want to know when is the best time to visit Capri Italy?. If so, you are in the right place. In this article, you’ll find all you need to know about all the activities to do by season, plus a little guide on how to get to Capri to help you plan your trip efficiently.
Top Activities to Do in Capri
Visiting Capri in Spring (March, April, May)
Weather
Spring, (March, April, May are the best months to visit Capri. There are many sunny days; the temperatures are pleasant, the flowers begin to bloom, jasmine and orange blossoms odors invade the streets. It’s the perfect time to walk around the island without suffering from the heat. Although the seawater is still a little chilly due to winter, you can start enjoying water activities and even do some sunbathing.
Shoulder Season
Spring is also a great time to get advantageous deals on hotels, and flights, as prices are lower at this period of the year. Also, the island is still not crowded with tourists yet, making it easier to find accommodations.
Things to Do in Spring
Spring is the best season for trekking, walking, and boating, as the weather is pleasant and the island is still not too busy. The many trekking routes enjoy a breathtaking view, as they all overlook the enchanting sea that characterizes the island, as well as fascinating coasts and caves to discover. Exploring the island is undoubtedly a fantastic experience, and in Spring, there’s no need to queue for hours to get inside attractions. One of the most popular tours in Capri is the Bleue Grotto. You can visit the cave either by renting a shared boat. Or, if you want a more intimate experience, you can book a private boat for the day. And of course, if you visit Capri in Spring, don’t miss the annual flowering of wild freesias in the Cetrella Valley.
Visiting Capri in the Summer (July and August)
Weather
July and August are the hottest and the most humid months of the year. Temperatures can reach up to 85°F / 29°C, and sometimes it gets even hotter. It’s practically impossible to stay outside without overheating and sweating. You either have to be in an air-conditioned place or inside the water. In the summer, the sea temperature scale around 24°, which is pretty warm and agreeable for water sports.
Peak Season
Capri in the summer is very busy. In August, Italians come to the island to rest and enjoy their vacation. Prices of attractions, hotels, and restaurants are sky high, and it’s harder to find accommodations. So if you want to find a place to stay in the peak season, you better book well in advance.
Things to Do in the Summer
This is an excellent time to go to the beach and hire a private boat to explore the island. One of the best things to do on a hot summer day in Capri is to relax in a beach restaurant and have a delicious lunch with friends, family, or with your loved one. As mentioned above, you can visit the world-famous Blue Cave, an incredible natural beauty that attracts many tourists every year. There are always many exciting animations in the summer; you are spoiled for choice. Shopping along the center is a must for any visitor; you can find everything and all the most renowned brands.
Visiting Capri in Autumn (September, October, November)
Weather
In September, the temperatures start to drop; the heat decreases, and the days become more supportable. Till mid-September, the weather is still warm enough to spend time at the beach. Also, the seawater is still warm from the summer, making it agreeable to swim. In October, it starts to rain; so make sure to bring a rain jacket and waterproof backpacks, so you don’t get wet in the middle of your excursion.
Shoulder Seasons
Like in Spring, rates of hotels and attractions are lower in Autumn. There are much fewer people than in the summer. Restaurants, bars, cafes, and sites are open. If you decide to visit Capri in Autumn, you can definitely get good deals on hotels and flights.
Things to Do In Autumn
Walking and hiking are excellent outdoor activities, as the weather is pleasant and colors are particularly picturesque in this season. So it’s the perfect time to stroll and visit the island on foot, along the many hiking trails that become even more magnificent thanks to the autumn colors. You can go shopping and buy bargains in the island’s stores. The privileged climate of Capri makes bathing still doable, sometimes until November. You can still go around the island on a boat ride in Autumn and visit the Blue Cave. Besides, you will find many events in this season, from culture, entertainment to food and wine tastings.
Visiting Capri in the Winter ( December, January, February)
Weather
Winter is the low season in Capri; the island looks empty, which can be a paradise for some. However, in the winter, Capri is pretty cold as it’s an island. There are lots of winds, and it rains often. If you plan to visit Capri in the winter, consider packing some warm clothes such as sweaters, a rain jacket, warm shoes, hats, and scarves. The temperatures scale around 15° and the sea are pretty agitated, and it’s also cold.
Low Season
As I mentioned above, winter is the low season in Capri. This means many restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions close during this period. Hotels are limited in terms of accommodations. But you’ll still be able to get excellent deals on hotels that are open.
Things to Do in The Winter
Although it’s cold and lots of establishments are closed, you can still do many things in Capri. For instance, you could visit the Villa San Michele and enjoy the beautiful views from the top. Some local restaurants and cafes are open to the public, so you could also have a delicious lunch and relax. The Garden of Augustus is a beautiful place to stroll around, an activity not to miss out, whether you visit in the winter or summer. Why not buy some essential oils, perfumed soaps, herbs, and many other great products at the Carthusia shop near Marina Grande. The chairlift in Anacapri is open in the winter; take the opportunity to explore Anacapri landscapes from the chairlift
How to Get to Capri
The main airport closest to the island is in Naples, from which several direct buses depart for the port. Before taking the bus, it would be best to decide whether to take a ferry, a hydrofoil, or a fast ship. Depending on your choice, the bus will drop you off at the prepared pier.
There are two piers: the “Molo Beverello,” from which the hydrofoils leave, and “Calata Porta di Massa” from which fast ships and ferries leave.
You can choose another departure: instead of Naples, you can decide whether to leave from:
- Sorrento
- Positano
- Salerno
- Ischia
All well-known locations provide connections to the island by sea, especially in summer. If you want to arrive on the island exclusively in the low season, Naples is the most obvious alternative.
Fastest and cheapest alternatives.
If you want something different and more exciting, another alternative is taking a helicopter, a comfortable and fast option to reach Capri and save time.
The helicopter departures are also from Rome, Sardinia, or many other Italian cities. Undoubtedly more expensive, but much faster.
Final Words
The best period to explore Capri will depend on your preferences. If you like crowds, heat, and packed beaches, the summer will be ideal for you. If you want better deals and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are the way to go. And if cold doesn’t bother you, of course, winter is a fantastic choice! Whenever you decide to travel to Capri, know that it’s one of Italy’s most popular and beautiful places. This island will always astonish you!
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Have you been to Capri? If so, when was the best time for you to explore the island? Please share your experience in the comments below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
I just had a read at your article there and i must admit i found it a very refreshig and interesting read indeed. I have never yet visited Italy, but i do hope to rectify that before my time comes. So it’s nice to read up about places like this. It looks lovely as well soi maybe some day soon, i’ll get there.
Thanks
Kev
Hi there,
There is no doubt about it, Italy is beautiful, and if you’ve never been there, I truly wish you to travel very soon. I am sure you’ll love it.
If you have any questions about Capri or Italy, please let me know. I’ll be more than happy to help.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a great day.
Thank you very much for this nice read. As you have explained, the tourist season on Capri traditionally runs from the Easter holidays to the first weekend of November. But I have relatives living there. And the always tell me that the best times to go visit them and explore the island are, from the beginning of April to mid-June, and from the beginning of September to mid-October.
I have never gone. How many days do think we need to explore Capri?
Hi Paolo,
Yes, true if you want to enjoy outdoor activities and avoid crowded places. It really depends on your preferences.
A good time for me can be a bad time for someone else.
It also depends on your schedule. You can visit Capri in one day if you plan your trip effectively. But if you really want to enjoy and get the most out of Capri and Anacapri, I would say a minimum of three or four days.
I hope it helped. Let me know if you need more info. I’ll be glad to assist.
Thank you for the comment, and I wish you a lovely day.