The best time to visit Turin for festivals, al fresco dining, and bargain-hunting

With stunning baroque architecture, a string of world-class museums, and a thriving cafe scene, Turin is one of Italy’s great unsung destinations. Often overshadowed by northern rival Milan, it’s a good year-round destination, offering sights and activities for every season.

There are no hard and fast tourist seasons, but as a rule, spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, both weather-wise and in terms of cultural events.

Spring (March to May) is the best time for cultural events and Easter festivities

Turin blooms into life in spring. Towards the end of March, the days start to get longer and temperatures begin to creep up, eventually reaching around 68°F (20°C). Rain is still likely, though, so come prepared for spring showers.

Traditional celebrations are held at Easter while a busy events calendar means there’s always something going on. Note, however, that late spring is one of the city’s most popular periods with accommodation prices skyrocketing during big events.

Summer (June to August) is the best time for al fresco concerts

Summer is hot and humid in Turin, making sightseeing a tough physical endeavor. Expect temperatures of 80°F (26.5°C) and above, plus the occasional thunderstorm, usually in the late afternoon or evening.

This is the season for exploring the city’s parks, enjoying the river Po bar scene, and catching an outdoor concert. Gigs apart, August is a quiet month so look for accommodation deals as hoteliers try to lure visitors to the city.

Autumn (September to November) is the best time for earthy colors and foodie treats

September and October are the top months to visit Turin. The weather is pleasant and the city looks good in its autumnal colors. For culture vultures, there are numerous events, concerts, and exhibitions to check out, while foodies can feast on Fall specialties such as freshly-dug truffles.

September and October are considered part of the high season but prices drop in November, by which time it’s generally pretty cold and wet.

Winter (December to February) is the best time for dressing up and bargain-hunting

There’s no denying Turin gets very cold in winter. On the upside it doesn’t rain much, and, if you’re lucky, you might catch some winter sun. It’s generally fairly quiet in town but head out to the nearby Alpine resorts and you’ll find the ski season is in full swing.

Christmas sees thrilling light shows and carnival brings a flurry of dressing-up. Otherwise, this is the time for exploring crowd-free sights and bargain-hunting in the winter sales.

Enjoy hot chocolate and winter bargains in January

Winter kicks in as the New Year’s celebrations fade. Days are cold, regularly dipping below zero at night, but you might catch some sun or even snow. Warm yourself with a traditional Turin hot chocolate, a bicerin, and check for bargains in the winter sales.
Key Events: Winter sales

Costumed carnival fun in February

Carnival high jinks brighten February’s cold winter days. Kids don fancy dress and fun-loving grown-ups enjoy themed club nights and costumed parties. Out of town, skiers flock to the slopes of Piedmont’s popular Alpine resorts.
Key Events: Seeyousound; Ski season

Explore the museums in March

March often brings changeable weather, so while it’s generally slightly warmer, there’s more chance of rain. Crowds are still thin on the ground, making it a great month for exploring the city’s regal palaces and wonderful museums.
Key Events: Biennale Democrazia; Giornate FAI di Primavera

Market produce and holy music in April

April is a great month to visit with longer, warmer days, beautiful colors, and markets bursting with ripe seasonal produce. Settimana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter see religious celebrations and concerts in the city’s historic churches.
Key Events: Automotoretrò & Automotoracing; Lovers Film Festival

Experience vibrant bars and cultural events in May

May is a busy month, as well as Turin’s wettest. By now, it’s generally hot enough to sit outside and the city’s al fresco bars and cafe terraces are buzzing. A number of high-profile events, including Italy’s premier book fair, ensure crowds and high-season prices.
Key Events: Salone Internazionale del Libro; Festival CinemAmbiente; INTERPLAY International Contemporary Dance Festival

Saintly celebrations and contemporary dance in June

Summer has arrived and with it hot, humid weather and the school holidays. Turin celebrates its patron saint on the evening of the 23rd with fireworks and a giant bonfire in Piazza Castello while contemporary performance takes to the city’s theaters.
Key Events: Festa di San Giovanni; Festival delle Colline Torinesi

Sales and summer sounds in July

Turin swelters as hot summer temperatures make sightseeing an endurance activity. Take to the shade of the city’s porticoes to browse for bargains in the summer sales before an evening rocking at an outdoor concert.
Key Events: Kappa FuturFestival; Flowers Festival; Sonic Park Stupinigi

Look for hotel deals in August

Locals flee the city for their summer holidays and many businesses shut down around 15 August. Look out for hotel deals and concerts as part of the popular TOdays festival. Cool down with some fab gelato.
Key Events: TOdays Festival

Perfect weather and top events in September

As the edge comes off the summer heat, the kids go back to school and locals return to work. But it’s prime time for visitors with lovely weather and some fabulous events on the calendar. High season rates apply.
Key Events: MITO Settembre Musica; Torinodanza Festival; Terra Madre – Salone del Gusto; Torino Jazz Festival

Feast on truffles and chocolate in October

Turin’s blazing Fall foliage sets a perfect stage for decadent food treats, ranging from earthy truffles and rich red wine to Turin’s famous chocolate. Temperatures start to drop so this could be your last chance for dining al fresco.
Key Events: Cioccolatò

Check out cinema and contemporary art in November

It’s cold and wet outside, so time to turn indoors. As well as blockbuster museums, you can enjoy film screenings, contemporary art exhibitions, and spectacular light installations. Expect few tourists and low season prices.
Key Events: C2C Festival; Contemporary Art Torino Piemonte; Luci d’Artista; Torino Film Festival

Christmas markets in December

Seasonal cheer cuts through the frigid winter temperatures in the run-up to Natale – Christmas lights go on, churches ring to the sound of classical concerts, and festive markets pop up across town.
Key Events: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8 December); Christmas markets