Weather in Bologna

Planning a stroll through Bologna or simply want to know what to expect from the weather? In this section, you will find the freshest information: current conditions, detailed forecasts, and useful meteorological charts that will help you better prepare for your day.

The climate in Bologna, located in Italy, can be characterised as temperate, with four clearly defined seasons. Travellers here can expect a hot and predominantly sunny summer, followed by a cool, and at times cold, winter. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons, offering comfortable temperatures for getting to know the city, albeit with some probability of precipitation.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the warmest, with an average temperature of around 25.9°C and maximums often reaching 31°C. In winter, in January and December, the average temperature hovers around 5-6°C, with minimum values dropping to 1-2°C. Regarding precipitation, its total amount, according to the provided data, is low throughout the year, usually 2-3 mm per month. However, May stands out as a month with slightly more rainfall (about 5 mm) and the highest number of rainy days (approximately 15). Also, some increase in the number of days with precipitation is observed in autumn and early winter, for example, in September, November, and December (10-11 days).

Overall, the weather in Bologna offers diverse conditions throughout the year. For lovers of warmth and sun, summer is the ideal time to visit. For those who appreciate milder temperatures for walks and excursions, spring (considering the higher chance of rain in May) and early autumn offer comfortable conditions. In winter, one should be prepared for cool weather and possible precipitation, although not very abundant in volume.

The climate in Bologna is characterised by noticeable seasonal temperature changes. The annual temperature range is quite wide: the hottest months are July and August, when the average temperature holds at 25.9°C, and daily highs regularly exceed 31°C. The coldest month is January with an average temperature of 4.9°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 1.0°C, and daytime highs rarely rise above 8.9°C. December is also quite cool, with similar figures.

Summer months in Bologna, especially June, July, and August, bring hot weather. Daytime temperatures in July and August often reach 31.3-31.4°C, creating a feeling of heat. Nights at this time are also warm, with minimum temperatures around 17.8°C in June and 20.4°C in July and August. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is quite significant, amounting to about 11°C, which means evenings can bring some relief after the daytime heat. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures: in May, the average temperature is 17.4°C, and in September – 20.6°C.

Winter in Bologna, spanning December, January, and February, is characterised by cool weather, but severe frosts are rare. Average temperatures in January and December fluctuate around 4.9-5.8°C. At night, the air temperature can drop to 1-2°C, and rise to 8-9°C during the day. February is slightly warmer, with an average temperature of 7.3°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to approximately 7-9°C. Snow is possible but usually does not lie for long.

Precipitation in Bologna, Italy, is distributed throughout the year, however, its intensity and frequency vary noticeably. Overall, the city is not characterised by distinct seasons of torrential rains or prolonged drought, but certain peaks and troughs in rainfall amounts are observed. For most of the year, precipitation levels remain quite low.

The wettest month in Bologna is May. During this period, the highest amount of precipitation falls, reaching an average of 5 mm, and the number of rainy days is about 15. This indicates that the second half of spring may be marked by more frequent and, possibly, more intense rains compared to other months of the year.

In the remaining months of the year, precipitation levels are significantly lower. For most of the year (January, February, March, April, June, July, August, October, December), the average monthly rainfall is just 2 mm. September and November show a slight increase to 3 mm. The number of rainy days also fluctuates: the lowest number (about 7 days) falls in January and February, making them the months with the lowest probability of precipitation. In other months, except for the peak in May, one can expect from 8 to 11 days with precipitation. Given winter temperatures, especially minimum values around 1.0°C - 2.2°C in January and December, besides rain, light snow or mixed precipitation is occasionally possible, although the provided data does not indicate regular or heavy snowfalls.

When planning a trip to Bologna, it is important to consider the variability of the weather throughout the year so that your wardrobe matches the conditions. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes will be your best friend, as the historic city centre invites long and fascinating walks. The principle of layering in clothing will also be very useful, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes during the day, especially in the off-season. A compact umbrella or a light raincoat wouldn't hurt, as precipitation is possible in any month, albeit in small amounts, except for the rainier May.

In the summer months (June-August), Bologna experiences hot weather with an average temperature of around 23-26°C, and maximum values often exceeding 30°C. It is recommended to bring light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For evening walks, a light sweater or cardigan might come in handy. In winter (December-February), the weather is significantly cooler, with the average temperature hovering around 5-7°C, and nighttime temperatures can drop close to zero. A warm jacket or coat, sweaters, a hat, a scarf, and gloves will be necessary. Although heavy snowfalls are rare, it is worth being prepared for cool and sometimes windy weather.

In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather in Bologna can be quite changeable, so layering clothing is especially important. In spring, the temperature gradually rises, from a cool 9°C in March to a comfortable 17°C in May. However, May stands out with the highest number of rainy days (about 15), so a waterproof jacket and umbrella will be very useful. In autumn, the temperature smoothly decreases, from a warm 20°C in September to a cooler 10°C in November, when the likelihood of rain also increases. A light jacket, jumper, and the ability to add or remove a layer of clothing will ensure comfort while exploring this charming Italian city.