Amalfi Coast Weather Guide: Year-Round Climate & Tips

The Amalfi Coast is defined by a classic Mediterranean climate, where the dramatic Lattari Mountains meet the Tyrrhenian Sea. This vertical landscape creates a unique meteorological environment that dictates the rhythm of life for both locals and travelers.

Typical Weather Patterns

The region experiences four distinct phases. Summers are characterized by long, hot, and dry periods where the sun dominates the sky for roughly 13 hours a day. Winters bring the bulk of the annual rainfall, often arriving in intense but short-lived bursts influenced by the surrounding mountains. Transition seasons, Spring and Autumn, are famously mercurial; a brilliant sunny morning in Ravello can quickly transform into a misty afternoon as clouds roll off the peaks.

Daily Climate Cycles

On a typical clear day, the coast follows a predictable thermal pattern:

• Morning: Generally calm and cool, with the "Tramontana" wind occasionally blowing from the north-northeast.
• Midday: The sun hits the south-facing cliffs, rapidly heating the rock. This creates a rising thermal effect that often draws in a refreshing sea breeze known as the "Mezzogiorno."
• Evening: As the limestone cliffs release their stored heat, evenings remain pleasantly warm well after sunset, especially in peak summer.

Seasonal Trends

• Spring (March–May): Temperatures climb from 13°C (55°F) to 20°C (68°F). This is the season of renewal, where the scent of wild jasmine and lemon blossoms is carried on the breeze. Rainfall begins to taper off, but late-season showers are common.
• Summer (June–August): Peak heat settles in, with averages reaching 29°C (84°F) and occasional spikes above 33°C (91°F). High humidity can make the air feel "heavy" or muggy, particularly in August.
• Autumn (September–November): Often considered the most beautiful season, the sea remains warm enough for swimming until mid-October. However, November is historically the wettest month, averaging over 150mm of rain.
• Winter (December–February): Highs hover around 13°C (55°F). While frost is rare at sea level, the air is damp, and the "Libeccio" wind from the southwest can cause rough seas and ferry cancellations.

Regional Microclimates

The Amalfi Coast is not a meteorological monolith. Elevation is the primary driver of variation:

• Coastal Towns: Positano and Amalfi are shielded by cliffs, staying several degrees warmer in winter than towns further inland.
• Mountain Villages: Places like Ravello (350m above sea level) or Agerola are noticeably cooler and breezier. In summer, they offer a reprieve from the coastal humidity; in winter, they may experience occasional fog or even a rare dusting of snow while the coast remains clear.

Weather Phenomena: The "Garbi" and Sea Swells

A specific phenomenon to the Amalfi Coast is the interaction of south-westerly winds. When a strong Libeccio or Scirocco (a hot, dusty wind from the Sahara) blows, it can create massive sea swells. Locals watch for "mareggiata"—spectacular displays where waves crash against the sea walls of Amalfi and Minori.

Historical Context & Local Adaptation

Historically, the weather dictated the agricultural calendar for the famous Sfusato Amalfitano lemons. Locals built "pagliai" (straw coverings) and later black nets to protect the trees from winter hailstorms and rare frosts. You will still see these structures today, a testament to the region's adaptation to its environment. During the quietest winter months (January–February), many residents choose to travel, as the damp cold and rough seas make the usually vibrant coastal villages feel "melancholy" and introspective.

What it "Feels Like"

In the summer, the weather is more than just a number; it is an immersive experience of light and heat reflecting off the Mediterranean. The air feels saline and thick with the smell of the sea. In the winter, the "chill" comes from the high humidity rather than freezing temperatures—a dampness that lingers in the stone corridors of the ancient towns.