Best time for festivals and events Milan hosts numerous festivals and events, some of the best of which take place in the spring and autumn months. In the spring, the Milanese celebrate the Carnevale Ambrosiano, a Mardi Gras-like festival that is usually scheduled for the Sunday after Ash Wednesday, with fancy dress parties, parades and general revelry.In early September, the Italian Grand Prix is held north of Milan, in Monza; an easy day trip and one of the best races in the world.the Autumn Fashion Week, also held in September, brings together models and beautiful people, and the Milan Film Festival, in late September or early October, regularly features world premieres of first-race and celebrity films, with many films with subtitles or shown in English.The Milan Jazz Festival is held in November, not only with music, but also with films, classes, lectures and events held in unusual locations (for example, an ancient site near the Archaeological Museum). Finally, in early December brings Oh Bej!Oh Bej! the city’s seasonal celebration, showcasing street markets, Christmas fairs and festive events for participants of all ages.
The best time to go shopping:Any time is a good time to go shopping in Milan, the fashion capital of Europe. The city is full of nice shops, beautiful boutiques and flagship stores for famous luxury brands such as Prada, Armani and many others. (The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the attractions to see in Milan and the most important pieces of architecture, is basically an incredibly elegant shopping center.) Winter trips to Milan are particularly ideal for those looking for style, however, when two of the world’s largest fashion shows take place during January (Men’s Fashion Week) and February (Women’s Fashion Week). During those weeks, the appeal of new style trends and the need to “see and be seen” attract thousands of beautiful and/or famous people from all over the world, which means you’ll want to book a hotel a little further in advance.In general, however, winter is a slow tourist season, as hotels tend to be a bit cheaper and shops offer discounts on the previous year’s lines to make room for newcomers.Fashion Week happens again during the summer for both men (in June) and women (September), but the colder, wetter weather in January and February is better for spending time shopping indoors, and the slower season (in the unfashionable weeks) means that companies are more interested in attracting tourists looking for bargains.
The best time for children and families: The peak of the tourist season in Milan is in the summer months, but the combination of uncomfortably hot weather and large crowds can be particularly difficult for smaller family members.It’s best to bring them in during April and May, when the temperature is more pleasant and everyone can move around more easily without having to dodge other tourists.Sforza Castle has a public fountain and an open courtyard with all kinds of fun distractions, along with the Sempione Park, right next door. The Civic Aquarium, located on the edge of the park; it’s a little small, but it’s a fun adventure, especially on a warmer day.The other big park in the city centre, Giardini Pubblici, has a planetarium (the Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli) and a butterfly garden.both parks often have public markets, and with spring flowers, beautiful bouquets abound.of all the city’s museums, the natural history museum (Civico Museo di Storia Naturale) and its dinosaur collection is probably the most attractive for children.If you choose to visit Milan in summer, keep in mind that there is an Acquatica park west of the city centre (open June to early September) which has swimming pools, slides and ponds.
Best time to visit museums and galleries: For those looking to enjoy Milan’s impressive list of museums and galleries, the best two months to visit are June and December.In June, the temperature is heating up with the tourist season, and the curators of the museums have just installed their most impressive gallery exhibits. The same principle applies in December; although the number of tourists decreases during the colder months, the holiday season attracts many visitors to Milan, and the museums take advantage by hosting high-profile shows.For example, in 2017, Palazzo Reale, one of Milan’s most important art museums, held a rare exhibition of Caravaggio from September to January (a limited collection of Caravaggio’s work is on permanent display at Milan’s Pinacoteca de Brera).the climate (hot in June, cold in December) also makes the prospect of spending a few hours wandering around a museum or two much more attractive.Milan’s most famous work of art, Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, located in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, is available year-round, and you’ll want to book tickets well in advance (up to four months) no matter when you decide to visit.Many museums are closed on Mondays, and most are closed on Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Day (January 1), and Labor Day (May 1).August; when many residents have fled the city, many small businesses, and sometimes museums, are understaffed or completely closed.many museums are closed on Mondays, and most are closed on Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Day (January 1) and Labor Day (May 1).and you’ll want to reserve tickets early (up to four months) no matter when you decide to visit.The month you might want to skip? August; when many residents have fled the city, many small businesses, and sometimes museums, are understaffed or completely closed. Many museums are closed on Mondays, and most are closed on Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Day (January 1) and Labor Day (May 1).
Travel seasons to Milan
High season (June to August): the most important time for tourism in Milan is during the summer months. The weather can be hot, especially in July and August, so be prepared and make sure your accommodation has reliable air conditioning: Milan is built on marshland, and that means mosquitoes can be a problem. no need to pack any repellent, just make sure you buy some from a local pharmacy after you arrive. in August, many of the locals flee the city, so if you choose that month to visit, many of the smaller shops may be closed. december is another popular time for visitors looking to enjoy festivities and festive events, and take advantage of shopping opportunities.
Mid Season (September to November, May): The fall months bring colder temperatures and school-related commitments for families, and therefore fewer visitors, making it an ideal time to visit, with thinner crowds and more reasonable hotel and airfare rates.Because the Milanese will have returned home after the holidays, you will be among the real Italians and their fellow tourists (the balance leans heavily towards the latter in summer), however, you may want to bring an umbrella: October and November are the wettest months of the year in Milan.Also note that Women’s Fashion Week takes place in Milan in September; book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to travel during that period of time. May can also be a wonderful time to visit Milan, as the weather (but not the tourist season) is beginning to warm up.
Low season (March and April): March and April are the slowest periods of the year, with no fashionable weeks or warm, attractive weather to attract tourists.You might consider packing a good thick layer in case a cold spell occurs, and make sure your hotel or accommodation has reliable heat (or at least additional blankets).
Milan’s weather by month
Milan’s weather in January: January is the coldest month in Milan, with average temperatures below zero (-1°C) and temperatures not much warmer (6°C).Milan doesn’t see much snow (the city averages about 25 centimeters – 10 inches – per year), and January is usually a relatively dry month.Generally, plan warm clothes, waterproof boots and indoor activities.(Average maximum temperature: 6°C. Average rainfall: 64.3 mm.)
Milan’s weather in February: although it is a little warmer than in January, February is still cold in Milan, with a low average of frost and a maximum of about 8°C.Also the driest month of the year in statistical terms, with an average of a few days of precipitation. It is still a good idea to wear good waterproof boots in case of a random snow storm, and you will definitely want a good thick coat. If you go in February, watch the dates of Lent, as the Ambrosian Carnevale, the Milanard Mardi Gras, occurs around that time.(Average maximum temperature: 8 ° C. Average rainfall: 62.5 mm.)
The climate of Milan in March: the temperature starts to rise from the winter crisis in March, with a low average of freezing (3 ° C) and a respectable average of 13 ° C.However, the spring rain starts to fall seriously during this month, and bringing an umbrella and/or a good waterproof coat and waterproof shoes is essential.)
Milan’s weather in April: April in Milan is a mixed bag, with warmer temperatures and increased rainfall. Regardless of the weather, you will find a city full of excellent views, museums and restaurants, but without the masses of tourists that descend on the city during the summer months.If you are going to Milan in April, take a look at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile, where a wide range of home furnishings and decoration products (organizers claim it is the largest exhibition in the world) take over the FieraMilano complex, easily accessible from the city centre via the M1 underground line.(Average maximum temperature: 18 ° C. Average rainfall: 82.3 mm.)
Milan’s climate in May: May is usually quite moderate in Milan, however, it is also the third rainiest month of the year after October and November, so definitely bring clothes suitable for the elements.Keep in mind that the warmer climate brings a larger and larger population of mosquitoes as well as the swamps that surround the city. If you start noticing them on your visit, a quick stop at the Pharmacy for repellent should do the trick (average maximum temperature: 22°C. Average rainfall: 96.5 mm.)
Milan’s weather in June: summer starts in earnest with average high temperatures of around 26°C (about 80°F), and the tourist season, particularly in the latter part of the month, is in full swing.Things are particularly busy during Milan’s Fashion Week (which also occurs in January, February and September), so be sure to check the dates before you go, and book your accommodation well in advance if you’re going to be there during that period of time.)
Milan’s weather in July:on average, July is the hottest and busiest month of the year. You won’t be alone, but you will also have the attention of art curators and music venues who will provide their best shows of the year, while enjoying warm nights with outdoor aperitifs, street music and summer celebrations stretching to the end.(Average maximum temperature: 29 ° C. Average rainfall: 68.1 mm.)
The weather in Milan in August:in August, it is hot. Many residents have fled the city in search of colder temperatures, often to the lake district northwest of the city to enjoy the stunning alpine scenery.While many of the smaller shops will remain closed, tourists will be served in other ways during the month, with guided tours, special snacks and top-notch art exhibitions. Please note that while it does not rain often in August, Milan is known to get short, but intense, summer showers (average maximum temperature of 28°C. Average rainfall: 93 mm.)
Milan’s weather in September:with the summer tourist crowds decreasing, the weather is getting colder and the many events that occur in the city, including the Men’s Fashion Week, September may be the best month of the year to visit Milan.The Milan Film Festival (which sometimes runs until October) features big premieres and small independent European films that you’ll never see in an American theater.(Average maximum temperature of 24°C. Average rainfall: 68.6 mm.)
Milan’s weather in October:things get hot in October in Milan, and you’ll want to bring an umbrella, as this is the rainiest month in the city in November.However, along with this comes the cheaper airfare and hotel rates, and it’s still not so cold that you need to bring a heavy coat every night.(Hopefully.)You can also enjoy the autumn color in the city’s parks and open spaces, and a trip to the Lake District is particularly beautiful at this time of year.(Average maximum temperature of 19°C. Average rainfall: 99.8 mm.)
Milan’s weather in November: winter is on its way; you will definitely want to bring a nice coat if you plan to visit Milan in November, and an umbrella is also a good idea. But Milanese are out even in bad weather, and you will find plenty of heat in cafes, bars and other public spaces.Consider watching a show in one of the city’s many theatres (theatres), or take a look at the local music: the Milan Jazz Festival is usually held in November, with events in clubs and other venues throughout the city.if you have a few days to spare, consider a ski trip to the nearby Alps.(Average maximum temperature: 10 ° C. Average rainfall: 101.1 mm.)
Milan’s weather in December: Sure, the weather is not good in Milan in December (although it is usually a little drier than in October and November), but shoppers come here from all over Italy and beyond to collect gifts and treasures, and holiday-related events occur all over the city.Be sure to check out the Festival of Sant’Ambrogio, also known as “Oh Bej! Oh Bej!”, which traditionally starts the season with street markets, food, music and other fun-filled entertainment (average maximum temperature: 5°C. Average rainfall: 60.5 mm.)
Events and festivities in Milan for months
Events in Milan in January
Corteo dei Re Magi: religious festival celebrating the Three Kings, with a parade at Porta di Ticinese with actors dressed as the three kings.Also known as Epiphany and Befana.
Men’s Fashion Week (Milano Moda Uomo):beautiful people descend on Milan to see the latest fashions (often more savage) for four weeks each year, in January, February, June and September.In January, the latest in men’s fashion is on the catwalk.
Events in Milan in February
Carnevale Ambrosiano (occasionally also occurs in March): religion and history come together for Milan’s version of Mardi Gras, although the festival here takes place after Lent instead of on Fat Tuesday.
Women’s Fashion Week (Milano Moda Donna): Milan is once again dominated by fashionistas and celebrities, to see the latest styles for women.
Milan Festivities in March
Festa di San Giuseppe – St. Joseph’s Day, which used to be a national holiday in Italy, is celebrated in Milan as a kind of Italian version of Father’s Day, where fathers receive gifts and related special events throughout the city.
Oggi Aperto – Literally “open today”, the city’s monuments and historical buildings that are normally closed to the public are open to the public.
Events and festivities in Milan in April
Salone Internazionale del Mobile – Hundreds of designers and craftsmen come to Milan for what is probably the largest annual furniture fair in the world.
Milan Marathon: the city welcomes runners, athletes and amateurs to compete in its annual marathon.the number of participants has increased steadily since its launch in 2000.
MiArt: one of the largest art exhibitions in Europe brings together leading artists and collectors from around the world.’, ‘It is also a showcase for marginal artists operating at the more difficult end of the spectrum.
Mercato dei Fiori – Spring brings the flower harvest, which is celebrated in Milan with a huge open market along the Naviglio Grande canal, full of shops, bars and restaurants.
Settimana delle Beni Culturali: enjoy free entry to all the great museums in Milan during the city’s Cultural Heritage Week, with many private collections also available for viewing.
Milan Events in May
Cortili Aperti:the baroque gardens and courtyards in some of Milan’s most opulent buildings and neighbourhoods are open to the public for a Sunday in May.
Città del piano: a series of three-day events in Milan featuring piano concerts, often in unusual and private venues designed to provide the public with a unique experience.
Orticola ai Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli – Giardini Pubblici, one of the two most important public parks in Milan (the Sempione Park is the other) hosts a large open-air flower and garden exhibition covering the entire area, usually held over a weekend during the first part of the month.
June Festivities in Milan
Latin American Festival: the celebration of all things Latin in Milan, with concerts, crafts, food and more at various venues in the city.
Festa del Naviglio:over the course of two weeks, Milan’s lively canal district becomes even livelier, with street music, vendors and locals and aperitif-loving tourists taking advantage of the many delicious bars and restaurants in the area.
La Notte Bianca: in a nod to the Italian phrase that literally translates as “white night”, and is the common term for a sleepless night, because on a night of the year most of the city’s bars, restaurants, cinemas and shops are open. until 6am.
Giro d’Italia:one of the most important dates on the professional cycling circuit, the Giro d’Italia takes passengers on a journey of over 2,000 miles and most of continental Italy, which usually includes a route through Milan.
Men’s Fashion Week (Milano Moda Uomo) – Fashion Week is back for its summer incarnation, with men showing off the new styles for next year.
Milano d’Estate (June – August): the Sforza Castle offers a series of concerts throughout the summer, with internationally renowned recordings throughout the summer.
Notturni in Villa (June – August):within the surroundings of Milan as well as in the city centre, a series of privately owned villas open their doors for a series of jazz and classical music concerts throughout the summer.
Milan Events and Festivities in July
Milano d’Estate (June – August): Sforza Castle offers a series of concerts throughout the summer, with internationally famous recordings all summer long.tickets can be hard to get, but are usually available through Turismo Milano a few months before the events.
