North of Italy

In the North, Italy has towering mountain ranges of the Alps, the Dolomites and the Apennines.

These mountainous areas, particularly around the Alps, can suffer severe, long winters followed by warm, wet summers, except in the Po Valley, where arid summers contrast with freezing, damp winters.

Land close to the Apennines, the backbone of mountains running down the peninsula of Italy, can have snow during the winter months. Other areas that are protected by hills and mountains, such as Liguria in the north- west, enjoy a mild climate all year round.

Summers in the north are very pleasant, dry and breezy, ideal for excursions, hiking, etc.