Want to know what to wear in Italy in February? February is technically the last month of Winter in Italy, but the temperatures and weather are still pretty cool. In this guide we tell you everything to pack for Italy in February whichever region you are traveling too as well as give you tips on dress codes in Italy too.
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Weather in Italy in February
Although February is the last month of Winter in Italy, you will find the weather is still very Wintery. But how cold is Italy in February?
How Cold is Italy in February?
It really depends on the region of Italy you are visiting as to how cold the February temperatures are. As a general rule of thumb, the North of Italy will be the coolest and the South being the warmest with temperature ranges of:
- Central Italy (covering Rome): average temperature range of 5 to 13 C / 40 to 55 F.
- Northern Italy including Milan, the Italian Lakes and the Alps: average temperature range of -4 to 5 C / 25 to 45 F with the coolest temperatures being on the higher ground in the Alps and
- Southern Italy with an average temperature range of 10 to 16 C / 50 to 60 F.
Therefore it really depends on where you are travelling to as to how many layers you need and how thick they should be.
In this guide we will be speaking of Italy generally rather than in the Alps for skiing and hiking. But if you want to check out a Winter sports packing list for the Alps check out this post.
For more specific local weather guidance check out our seasonal regional posts:
- What to wear in Florence in Winter,
- What to wear in Milan in Winter,
- What to wear in Rome in Winter,
- What to wear to Venice in Winter,
- What to wear in Naples
- What to wear to the Amalfi Coast including Positano
- What to wear in Puglia
- What to wear in Cinque Terre
- What to wear in the Italian Lakes in Winter including Lake Como and Lake Garda.
Does it Rain in Italy in February?
Italy in February is a damp and cold month but surprisingly it isn’t the rainiest month. In fact you only get around c.50mm of rain in February. Therefore I would be more concerned with packing clothes for warmth first and for waterproof second.
And if you trip spans two months be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
Does it Snow in Italy in February?
February in Italy is actually one of the snowiest months to visit but it really depends on the region you are visiting.
In the North and high ground, you will find the snow more plentiful and a great time for skiing. And in terms of cities that are likely to see snow you would have to say Milan is the most likely to see snow with places in Central Italy like Rome only getting snow once in about 20 years.
In fact the last major snowfall in Rome was 2018 when the city almost came to a standstill.
But down in the South in places like Naples snow is rare in any month.
Note: we always recommend checking the forecast at your destination(s) 7 days out from travel to make sure there are no expected weather fronts i.e. heatwaves or cold snaps.
How do locals dress in Italy in February
The trick to dressing like a local in Italy no matter the month is packing a stylish and classic capsule wardrobe.
In February you will find locals still wearing their Winter capsule wardrobe which in the cities tends to be smart cots and beautiful merino wool sweaters with thick trousers and boots.
For help in packing a Winter capsule wardrobe in Italy check out these posts:
What to wear in Italy in February
Best Shoes for Italy in February
It doesn’t matter the month you are visiting Italy, there will always be a lot of walking involved especially when you are visiting the cities such as Rome, Venice, Milan and Naples for instance.
For this reason out top shoe picks for visiting in February are:
Ankle Boots
My favorite shoes for Italy in February, or any Winter month for that matter is an ankle boot. These are perfect for going out for dinner in the winter months but if you pick a boot with no or low heel, they are also useful for sightseeing during the day.
Click here to shop ankle boots.
Personally whenever I am packing boots for travel I always pack an ankle boot instead of a knee high or longer. This isn’t for any fashion reason but for logistics when packing.
But on top of boots I never travel to Italy without …
Sneakers
Sneakers are great for sightseeing in Italy no matter the season. And don’t worry about locals not wearing them, I promise you they do! Though
As it can rain in Italy in February I like to pack a waterproof sneakers such as these Ecco ones.
What to Wear in Italy in February for Women
So now you know what to expect from the weather and the best shoes to wear, what should women wear in Italy in February?
Winter Coat
Although Winter coats can be bulky to pack, it is a good idea to have a warm coat or jacket with you in February.
If you can get something with some wind and water resistance it is always a good idea.
Click here to shop winter coats for Italy.
Woolen Hat or Beanie, scarves and gloves
February is probably the last month you are going to needing Winter accessories in Italy. I always like to pack a matching scarf and gloves set that match your winter coat to finish off the look as it is something you will see the locals doing.
Also as you are likely to be taking lots of photographs we recommend your gloves being touch screen compatible.
Click here to shop winter accessories
Trousers
Trousers are my go to bottom layer for Italy in February even over skirts and dresses. The weather is still quite cold and windy so even paired with tights, it can be uncomfortable sightseeing in them.
And unlike in summer, jeans are a great choice for Italy in Febryary as you do need a heavier weight trouser. In fact you could even get away with a pair of fleece lined jeans for the North of Italy in February. However these probably aren’t needed for Rome and Southern cities.
On top of jeans I would also have some smarter trousers such as thick wool trousers or some corduroy pants too for going out at night or going for dinner in Italy.
Click here to shop trousers for Italy.
Dress
Although I don’t sightsee in dresses in Italy in Winter, I do love dresses for restaurants. Just remember to pack tights to go with them.
Click here to shop long sleeve dresses for Italy here.
Blouses
I would pair a blouse with a cardigan for places with a dress code in Italy in Winter.
Cardigan
A smart cardigan is a great top layer for dining in Italy. I usually pair a smart cardigan with a t shirt or blouse in Winter.
And as a personal style choice I don’t think you can go wrong with a camel colored cardigan in Italy in Winter.
Jumper
Jumpers are the main staple of Italian wardrobe in Winter for both day and night wear. My favorite types of sweater is a merino wool one as this is a great warm layer but is also more compact to pack.
T Shirts
T Shirts are great for Italy no matter the time of year. In February long sleeve tees are more appropriate.
And as always I recommend packing plain color tees as these are more in keeping with local fashion sensibilities. Click here to shop t shirts.
Pashminas
A pashmina should be on your Italian packing list no matter the month you are visiting but are especially important for February as they are good as an extra layer too.
PJs
Heavier weight pjs are better for Italy in February.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying. I like to pack merino wool socks for Winter travel. They are thinner than hiking socks but are insulating so are good for cold weather.
What to Pack for Italy in February for Men
So now you know what to pack for women in Italy in February, we will turn our attention to men’s travel essentials.
We recommend packing:
Trousers
Chinos or jeans are great for day and night in Italy. Wool and cords are also good fabrics for men’s trousers in Winter.
Shop men’s travel chinos here.
T Shirts and Shirts
T shirts are perfect for daytime in Italy, though in February long sleeve and plain t shirts are most appropriate.
Also, as Italians tend to dress more smartly for dinner I would recommend adding some shirts with you for eating out in Italy.
Coat
As with the women’s packing list a coat is an absolute essential. The further North you travel and the higher the altitude the thicker the coat you need. And something with some wind resistance and water proofing is always good
Click here to shop mens rain coats on amazon.
Layers
Layers are essential for Italy. For a week in Italy at this time of year we recommend packing a cardigan, a hoodie, smart sweater as well as a coat.
What to Pack for Italy in February (non-clothing)
So now you know the clothes to pack for Italy in February, the other essentials to include on your Italy packing list are:
- Compact Umbrella – essential for Winter in Italy.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Crossbody Bag – anti theft type as with any city it can have issues with pickpockets around main tourist attractions.
- Lipbalm – the cold weather can chap your lips easily so protect them with lip balm.
- Reusable Water Bottle – in cities such as Rome you will find fountains all around the city. Save yourself some money by bringing a reusable water bottle and topping up as you go.
- Camera
- Charging Equipment
- Power pack / Battery Pack
- Travel Adapaters for electronics – Italy uses standard European outputs and plugs.
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
- Toiletries – for our essential toiletries packing list click here.
How to dress in Italy in February for Special Events
There is one big event in Italy in February that has a dress code attached and that is Venice Carnival. Venice Carnival occurs every February, in 2024 it runs from 3 to 13 February 2024.
However for most visitors to Venice in February Carnival will not affect your packing list. However if oyu plan to go to a Masquerade Carnival Balls a costume and mask will be required.
FAQs about Italy in February
Do you need a coat in February in Italy?
Yes a coat is absolutely essential for February in Italy.
Can you wear jeans in Italy in February?
Jeans are a great choice for February in Italy. Personally I always pack more tailored jeans in darker colors for Italy as they are more in keeping with local sensibilities.
Have you been to Italy in February? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments.