Positano Weather by Month
In Positano the weather decides whether the boats sail, not just how warm you are. Here is what each month does to a visit, from the ferry season to the rules on the coast road, and to the Positano boat tours that run in it.
What the weather does to a day in Positano
Three things, in the order they change a plan. The sea comes first: operators can cancel a boat for weather, and in rough water the Blue Grotto on Capri closes. The season comes second: the ferries run from roughly April to October, and outside those months you arrive and travel by road. The heat comes last: July and August are hot and dry, so swim early and walk the lanes late.
Positano month by month
January
The coolest month of the year: Salerno's normals put its mean at about 8 °C. The ferries do not run, many hotels close, and MAR Positano opens 10:00 to 16:00. Tours that start in Naples still run, and Pompeii keeps its winter hours of 9:00 to 17:00.
February
Still winter on the coast, with short days and quiet lanes. Travel by road: the SITA bus runs and private transfers from Naples take about an hour and a half. Pompeii is on winter hours, with the last entry at 15:30, and the first Sunday of the month is free.
March
Spring begins, and on 16 March Pompeii moves to summer hours of 9:00 to 19:00. The ferries have not started yet and many hotels open towards the end of the month. It is a good month for the Path of the Gods before the heat.
April
The season opens. Ferries start serving Positano's pier, the tourist tax applies from 1 April, Capri's landing tax returns, and MAR Positano opens until 21:00. The boats begin their first days, though the sea is still cool for swimming.
May
One of the two best months for a boat day: the ferries run, the lanes are not yet crowded, and the days are long. Book a few days ahead for the small boats, which take 12 guests or fewer and fill quickly at weekends.
June
Summer arrives and the sea warms for swimming. From 1 June the alternate-plates rule applies on the coast road at weekends and on holidays from 10:00 to 18:00, so leave the car or check your plate before you drive.
July
Hot, busy and the driest month: Salerno's normals give July about 23 mm of rain on around five days. Book boats and Capri days well ahead, swim early, and keep the middle of the day for shade. The plate rule still applies at weekends.
August
The warmest month, with a mean near 24 °C, and the busiest. The plate rule runs every day from 1 August, and the town celebrates the Assumption on 15 August, with the feast beginning on the evening of the 14th and fireworks from the water.
September
Still warm, with the sea at its best for swimming and the crowds thinning after mid-month. The plate rule runs every day until the 30th. The fish festival at Fornillo is held on the last Saturday of the month.
October
The season winds down. The ferries run through most of the month, the tourist tax ends on the 31st, and the plate rule is back to weekends and holidays. Pompeii returns to winter hours after 14 October.
November
The wettest month: Salerno's normals give it about 216 mm of rain on around 14 days. The ferries have stopped, MAR Positano moves to 10:00 to 16:00 from 1 November, and many places close. Road tours from Naples still run.
December
Winter and quiet, with short days and the town lit for Christmas. Arrive by road; the boats and ferries are laid up until spring. Pompeii is on winter hours, and the first Sunday of the month is free.
The seasons, and which one you want
| Season | What it is like | Boats and ferries | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| April to June | Warming, long days | Running | Boat days and walking |
| July and August | Hottest and driest, busiest | Running, book ahead | Swimming |
| September and October | Warm sea, thinning crowds | Running into October | The best of both |
| November to March | Cool and wet, quiet | Ferries stopped | A quiet stay, Pompeii |
The dates that sit on top of the weather, from festivals to the tourist tax, are gathered on the best time to visit Positano.
Best time of day
Take the morning boats in summer: the sea is usually calmer, the coves are emptier, and you are back before the hottest hours. Walk the Path of the Gods early for the same reason. Evening is the time for the lanes and the church, when the light turns the houses gold and the shops stay open late.
What to pack through the year
- April to June: layers for cool evenings, swimwear from June, and shoes with grip for the Path of the Gods.
- July and August: a hat, sun protection, a dry bag for the boats and water for the lanes.
- September and October: swimwear, a light jacket for the evenings, and a waterproof as October goes on.
- November to March: a raincoat and warm layers; November is the wettest month.
Frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month in Positano?
When does it rain most?
When do the boats and ferries run?
Is Positano worth visiting in winter?
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