Best Time to Play Golf in Italy, 2026
Italy stretches from Alpine lakes to Mediterranean islands, so its golf season bends with the geography. From the Ryder Cup stage at Marco Simone to the resorts of Sicily and Sardinia, the country rewards getting the month and the region right. Here is when to go in 2026.
Photo via Google.
One country, several golf climates
Italy is long enough to hold more than one golfing season at once. Broadly the calendar runs from March to November, but the north around the lakes and the Po valley behaves like temperate Europe, while the south, Sicily and Sardinia enjoy a hot, near year round Mediterranean climate. The spread of golf matches the spread of weather: Marco Simone near Rome, the classic courses of the north, and sun soaked island resorts that come into their own when the mainland cools.
For most travellers the sweet spots are spring and autumn, when comfortable daytime temperatures in the low to mid twenties Celsius give perfect conditions across the whole country. High summer turns hot, especially in the south and on the islands, while the north and the lakes stay a touch cooler. In winter the southern coasts and islands keep playing, but some northern courses close in the cold, so where you go shapes when you should go.
Spring, April to June
The pick of the year nationwide. April into June brings warm, pleasant temperatures in the low to mid twenties, lush courses in excellent condition after the spring growth and long, settled days. It works the length of the country, from the lakes to Sicily, and is the standout window for a golf trip that wants comfortable weather everywhere.
Summer, July to August
Hot, and best chosen by region. The south, Sicily and Sardinia can be intense in midsummer, so play is most comfortable at the cooler ends of the day, while the north and the Italian lakes stay more temperate and pleasant. If you want the warmest beach and golf combination and do not mind the heat, the islands deliver; for cooler summer golf, head north.
Autumn, September to October
Spring's equal, and many golfers' favourite. The summer heat and humidity fade, leaving mild, light filled days, fine course condition and a beautiful seasonal palette. September and October play well right across Italy, pairing comfortable temperatures with quieter resorts after the peak holiday rush.
Winter, November to March
A tale of two countries. The southern coasts, Sicily and Sardinia stay mild enough for golf through the winter and make a genuine cold season escape, while in the north some courses close in the colder, wetter weather. If winter is your only window, point the trip at the islands and the deep south rather than the lakes.
The Italy golf year at a glance
| Window | What to expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| March | Season opening, mild in the south, cooler in the north | Early shoulder |
| April to June | Warm low to mid twenties, lush courses, long settled days | Best overall |
| July to August | Hot in the south and islands, cooler in the north, peak crowds | Region dependent |
| September to October | Fading heat, mild light filled days, fine condition | Excellent value |
| November | Cooling, still playable in the south and on the islands | Late shoulder |
| December to February | South and islands mild for golf; some northern courses close | Winter in the south |
Guidance reflects typical conditions and value; weather varies year to year. Always confirm directly before booking.
Our take
For the best of Italy, aim for spring, April into June, or autumn, September into October, when comfortable low to mid twenties warmth and courses in fine condition stretch the length of the country, which is exactly what a golf trip wants. In high summer let the region decide: the north and the lakes stay pleasant, while the heat of the south and the islands is best handled with early or late tee times. If winter is your only option, point the trip at Sicily, Sardinia and the southern coasts, which keep playing while some northern courses close. Use our month by month travel calendar to fine tune the week, and lean on the Italy destination guide and our best courses list to choose where to play.
Time your Italy golf trip
Tell us where in Italy you want to play and roughly when, and one concierge will pin the best window for weather, conditions and value, then build the trip around it, costed to the head.
Italy golf timing questions
When is the best time to play golf in Italy?
Spring, April to June, and autumn, September to October, are the sweet spots. Comfortable daytime temperatures in the low to mid twenties Celsius and courses in fine condition make these shoulder seasons ideal the length of the country. The golf season broadly runs from March to November, with summer and winter best chosen by region.
Is it too hot to play golf in Italy in summer?
It depends where you go. The south, Sicily and Sardinia can be intense in July and August, so golf is most comfortable early or late in the day, while the north and the Italian lakes stay more temperate. For cooler summer golf head north; for a warm island and golf combination, the south delivers if you can handle the heat.
Can you play golf in Italy in winter?
In the south, yes. The southern coasts, Sicily and Sardinia stay mild enough for winter golf and make a good cold season escape, while in the north some courses close in the colder, wetter weather. If winter is your only window, plan the trip around the islands and the deep south rather than the lakes.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Seasonal guidance reflects typical conditions; weather varies year to year. Last reviewed June 2026.