The climate of Bologna
Bologna, located in Northern
Italy, sits within the temperate marine west coast climate zone, identified in the Köppen climate classification as Cfb. This designation reflects the city's long, hot summers and short, damp winters. The air pressure hovers just over 1014 mb throughout the year, ensuring a consistent atmospheric baseline.
Across the months, Bologna experiences a significant fluctuation in temperatures, with the highest average temperature peaking at 31.3°C (88.3°F) in
July and
August, while in
January the average low is 1.3°C (34.3°F). Bologna's hours of daylight range from 8.9 hours in
December to over 15 hours in
June and July, offering bright, long summer days.
Within this temperate framework, some conditions are distinctly noteworthy. The city struggles with a high relative humidity around 79% in January and
February before dipping to 58% in August. The region typically deals with precipitation throughout the year, with peak average rainfall of 60mm (2.36") in
November and lows around 26mm (1.02") in January. Furthermore, snowfall is limited to the first quarter of the year, highest at 32mm (1.26") in February with a complete absence from
April to December.
The best time to visit Bologna
Considering the aforementioned climatic conditions, the most pleasant period to explore
Bologna arguably falls from
May to
June. During this timeframe, temperatures remain consistently between 18.6°C (65.5°F) to 22.3°C (72.1°F), providing agreeable conditions for outdoor travel. Furthermore, daylight is plentiful, averaging between 14.8 hours to 15.5 hours, maximizing the potential for sightseeing. This period is also marked by the city's lowest humidity levels of the year, offering comfortable ambience.
The worst time to visit Bologna
Those planning to travel
Bologna in
November could face challenges. Accumulating an average rainfall of 60mm (2.36") over 10.9 days, this month is characterized by pronounced wet weather. The shorter days during this month, averaging 9.6 hours of daylight, combined with decreased sunshine hours hinder outdoor activities. Moreover, Bologna witnesses a dip in visibility to just 9km (5.6mi) in November, which has potential impact on sightseeing plans.
Spring weather in Bologna
Spring ushers in warmer climes to
Bologna as temperatures climb from an average high of 14°C (57.2°F) in
March to 22.3°C (72.1°F) by
May. Residents and tourists alike can relish an increasing amount of sunlight during this period, with an elevation from 11.9 daylight hours in March to 14.8 in May. However, there is an upswing in precipitation, averaging 57mm (2.24") in May. With relatively balanced weather conditions, spring prompts a vibrant bloom in the city.
Summer weather in Bologna
Summers in
Bologna signify an escape from the spring showers into a dry season. Temperatures often rise to a comfortable 27.6°C (81.7°F) in
June, reaching up to 31.3°C (88.3°F) during
July and
August. The city basks in a generous sunshine allowance, boasting an impressive 15.2 hours per day on average from June to July. While humidity dips to its yearly low, the city stays fresh due to a light breeze averaging about 7.6km/h (4.7mph) to 7.4km/h (4.6mph).
Autumn weather in Bologna
Autumn in
Bologna introduces cooler weather as temperatures take a downward turn from 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
September to a more chill 13.4°C (56.1°F) in
November. A noteworthy shift in precipitation patterns occurs during this season, from as low as 29mm (1.14") rainfall in
October, spiking to 60mm (2.36") in November. Daylight hours also dwindle from 12.5 hours per day in September to just 9.6 hours in November.
Winter weather in Bologna
Winter season in
Bologna showcases a contrast of conditions. While the cold is tangible with low temperatures averaging 2.6°C (36.7°F) in
December to 1.3°C (34.3°F) in
January, the precipitation changes form from rain to snow. Snowfall is limited to the first quarter of the year, peaking around a mild average of 32mm (1.26") in
February. Despite the winter chill, sunshine hours persist slightly above an average of 5.6 hours daily in December and February, illuminating the city under its cooler climate.
Weather in January
Winter is in full swing in
Bologna,
Italy, during
January. The cold weather is accompanied by a high relative humidity of 79%. Temperatures during this time are at their lowest with a minimum of 1.3°C (34.3°F) and a maximum of 7.1°C (44.8°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
Bologna transitions from
January to
February, the wintry chill remains, but with an increased maximum temperature of 9.1°C (48.4°F). The snowfall intensity drops to 32mm (1.26") compared to the January. A certain liveliness comes back to the city as the amount of daylight increases notably.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Bologna basks in the advent of spring. The weather witnesses an expansion of the temperature range from the previous month, varying between 5.3°C (41.5°F) and 14°C (57.2°F). The city begins to defrost as the snowfall ceases and sunlight stays out even longer.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Stepping into
April,
Bologna experiences amplified daylight hours that amount to 13.5. The temperature shows a predictable incline to a maximum of 18.6°C (65.5°F), paving the way for revitalising weather. With the vanishing of snowfall, bright, sun-drenched days define the cityscape.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May unveils itself,
Bologna’s weather takes an exciting turn towards summer. The maximum temperature spikes to an energising 22.3°C (72.1°F). This month drenches the city in the highest amount of rainfall in the year, recording 57mm (2.24").
Weather in May »Weather in June
In
June,
Bologna fully embraces summer, offering longer daylight hours than any other month, reaching up to 15.5 hours. Signaling the beginning of holiday season, the maximum temperature in June rises to 27.6°C (81.7°F). The city is swamped with effervescent energy due to the warmer climates and extended sunshine duration.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The city of
Bologna, in the deep summer month of
July, gets subjected to the hottest days of the year, registering a peak temperature of 31.1°C (88°F). The decrease in humidity to 61% makes the weather more tolerable during the sizzling summer days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August witnesses the continuity of the searing summer heat in
Bologna with the temperature almost at par with
July, peaking at 31.3°C (88.3°F). This month is one of the driest periods in Bologna with just 27mm (1.06") of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Bologna sees a substantial drop in temperature in
September, as it descends to a maximum of 25.3°C (77.5°F). Signalling the start of autumn, September guarantees an increase in the relative humidity to 67%. Despite the decline in temperature from
August, there is a continuation of warm and clear weather conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
With
October rolls in the marked autumn weather.
Bologna experiences a further dip in temperature to a still pleasant maximum of 19.5°C (67.1°F). The city witnesses less rainfall than
September. As the leaves transition from green to brown, there's an increased occurrence of overcast skies.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November is characterized by a further drop in temperature, reaching a high of only 13.4°C (56.1°F). This month brings the highest relative humidity of the year in
Bologna, soaring to 82%. The decreasing temperature ushers in the winter season, and shorter days are more pronounced, as daylight reduces significantly.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The month of
December ushers in full-fledged winter in
Bologna, experiencing a substantial decrease in temperature to a high of only 8.1°C (46.6°F). The city’s atmosphere during December is unmistakably Christmassy, despite a minimal amount of snowfall of 12mm (0.47").
Weather in December » [Resources]