The Best & Worst Times to Visit Positano in 2024 (Our Take)

Positano, the gateway to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy and a popular destination every summer.

The main attraction in Positano is its picturesque natural beauty, from the beaches and coves on the Tyrrhenian Sea to the dramatic cliff landscapes. The town is the quintessential Italian coastal town, with colorful pastel facades and houses tumbling along the hills.

There are only a few landmarks of note, so the best thing to do is to settle into an Italian rhythm of life, sip limoncello, have delicious food, and enjoy the beautiful views.

Positano is a seasonal destination with distinct differences depending on when you visit, so figuring out the right time to go is key. Keep reading to learn more about the best time to visit.

The Overall Best Time to Visit Positano

The overall best times to visit Positano are in May or September. These months on either side of the peak summer season still have swimming-friendly weather, but don’t have as many crowds as the peak season.

The main factor when planning your trip to Positano, or anywhere on the Amalfi Coast, is the weather. Since the main draw of visiting these places is to spend time on the beach, you want to be able to actually go swimming and work on your tan without freezing.

Positano’s southern location means that its balmy summer weather lasts longer than summer on the calendar. In May, temperatures are already around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and much hotter by the end of the month.

Visiting in May also allows you to catch the last blooms of spring. Wisteria, jasmine, and orange flowers bloom in early May, filling the town with colorful flowers and an intoxicating scent.

Visit in late May or early June, and you’ll be able to catch the historic Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (although this historic procession doesn’t happen every year, so double-check before booking).

Summer’s best temperatures last well into September in Positano. Temperatures are usually in the high 70s or low 80s, avoiding the sweltering heat of the summer months. Although September has some rain, that just makes the hot days more bearable and there is still plenty of sun.

September also has some of Positano’s most unique events. You may not think of highbrow culture when visiting this small Italian village, but every September, the best ballet dancers of the world congregate here for the Premia della Danza.

For a more laid-back atmosphere, head to the Festa del Pesce (fish festival), a favorite among local families. Besides the weather, another important factor when planning your trip to Positano are the crowds. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular regions for tourism in Italy, and in the summer the crowds are thick.

The small towns such as Positano aren’t really built for big crowds, so the miles-long traffic jams and overcrowded beaches will take away from your enjoyment.

May is right before the peak tourism season starts, and September is after the worst of the crowds go home. You’ll be able to enjoy good weather in Positano without feeling frustrated by the crowds.

Cheapest Time to Visit Positano

The cheapest time to visit Positano is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when enough places are open to have choices, but the high season is over.

Some people may think the least expensive time to visit Positano is during the winter off-season, from November to April, when the village receives the fewest visitors, but this may not be the case.

The town is a very seasonal location, which means that many hotels and restaurants close completely in the winter. You’ll find yourself with fewer choices of where to stay or eat, including fewer budget options.

In early spring, April to early May, there are deals to be had. Just avoid traveling during Easter or the week right after it, as that marks the beginning of Italy’s travel season. There are always lots of travelers during this time, and prices tend to increase with demand.

By mid-April, all of the hotels are open but offer steep discounts, with some rooms even being 50% off peak prices. The tourist season usually lasts until the end of October.

October is another month when you can find good hotel deals in Positano. Some hotel rooms are 25-40% off the price you would pay during the peak season in the summer. If you’re visiting Positano from abroad, you’ll fly into either Rome or Naples.

The least expensive months to fly into Rome are in spring (except around Easter) and in October and November. Flying to Naples is most affordable in March or November.

To get to Positano from elsewhere in Italy, the shoulder seasons are also great. The best time to rent a car is in the winter, but you can also save money in late fall and early spring.

Train prices tend to stay the same throughout the year. For both rental cars and trains, the best way to save money is to book at least three months in advance, when you can take advantage of discounted fares.

Least Busy Time to Visit Positano

The least busy time to visit Positano is during the winter, when the town takes on a stark beauty. Be warned—when we say Positano is not busy in the winter, we mean it.

During the tourist off-season between November and April, many businesses close completely. Everything from hotels to souvenir shops to café terraces is closed, so you’ll have fewer things to do.

However, some businesses stay open all year round, and thanks to the near total lack of visitors, their staff are far less harried. This is a great time to enjoy a slower pace of visit, go on rambling hikes, and sit for hours with a limoncello and talk to a chatty bar owner.

During the winter you can also catch some festivals that are geared towards locals only, and that few tourists see. In December, head to the beach for the Sagra della Zeppole, a festival dedicated to traditional Italian donuts served around Christmas.

Worst Time to Visit Positano

The worst time to visit Positano is during the summer, when the crowds nearly mask the charms of this little town. Summer is the most popular time to visit Positano, which has also made it the worst time to visit.

Even getting there will be a problem as the one road is packed with bumper-to-bumper traffic. The beaches will be too crowded to truly relax, and you better reserve restaurants well in advance or have to content yourself with your fifth-choice meal.

That being said, summer does have the best beach weather. With balmy temperatures frequently reaching in the 80s, it’s the perfect weather to work on your tan.

Summer is also the liveliest time to visit Positano. With everything from the traditional celebration of Positano’s patron saint, San Vito, to open-air theater performances, there’s something going on for everyone.

Things to Consider

Here are some additional tips to help you pick the right time to visit Positano:

• Make reservations in advance. This is a necessity in high season when Positano fills up with crowds. Even during shoulder season, reserving in advance can help you save money.
• Plan for the rain. Winters in Positano aren’t very cold, but they are rainy and sometimes dreary. The winds from the sea sometimes make it feel colder than it actually is. Make sure you bring an umbrella.
• To beat the crowds in summer, get up early. Most people laze about on their vacations but getting up early allows you to reserve your spot on the beach and get most of your sightseeing done.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still don’t know when to visit Positano, here are some additional questions that can help you:

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Positano?

For the best of Positano, visit during the shoulder season months of May and September. The sun is out in full force, but the crowds are not, allowing the town to shine in all of its glamor. Happy travels!