People pack for Cinque Terre like it's a beach holiday. It's really a week of stairs. The five villages are linked by steep cliff trails and a train, plenty of guesthouses are up long flights of steps, and it rains more than you'd think, with 18 rain days in May.
Cinque Terre weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 11°C52°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 17°C63°F | 20°C68°F | 25°C77°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F | 24°C75°F | 20°C68°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F |
| Low | 4°C39°F | 5°C41°F | 6°C43°F | 8°C46°F | 12°C54°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 12 | 16 | 15 | 18 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryWinter highs are 11–12°C (52–54°F) with lows of 4–5°C (39–41°F) and 11 to 14 rain days a month. Many restaurants and guesthouses close for the season and the ferries stop, so you'll get around by train. Pack a warm layer and a waterproof jacket.
Spring
March–MaySpring is green and wet. Highs climb from 14°C (57°F) to 20°C (68°F), lows from 6°C (43°F) to 12°C (54°F), and rain falls on 15 to 18 days a month, with May the wettest month of the year. Trails can close after heavy rain, so check before you set off and keep a shell in your bag.
Summer
June–AugustSummer highs reach 25–29°C (77–84°F), and August is the warmest month. Rain doesn't disappear, with 10 to 12 rain days a month. The trails are hot and exposed, so hike early, carry plenty of water and save the afternoon for a swim off the rocks at Manarola or the beach at Monterosso.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still warm at 24°C (75°F), then highs fall to 15°C (59°F) by November. Rain is steady at 12 to 15 days a month, and October has 15. Grape harvest on the terraces makes early autumn a good time to go, as long as you pack for wet.
What to bring to Cinque Terre
0 of 22 packedAt 5.3 lb it's light enough to carry up village steps, and Travelpro says it meets most international carry-on limits for your flight in.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Its weatherproof shell keeps your phone and passport dry when a shower catches you on the trail.
- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
Thirty-two ounces of water in a leak-proof bottle is what a hot, exposed hike between villages calls for.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Its waterproof zipper and welded seams keep a wet swimsuit away from dry clothes on the train back after a swim.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Lightweight foam clogs handle the pebbly beaches and rocky swim spots, then rinse clean in seconds.
With rain on at least 10 days every month, this waterproof, windproof shell belongs in your day bag.
A light women's waterproof shell that compresses small, so a spring downpour on the coastal path doesn't end your hike.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Its EU plug fits most Italian sockets, and five USB ports charge your phone and camera overnight in a small guesthouse room.
Clothing
- Quick-dry hiking shirts · 3
- Hiking shorts or light pants · 2
- Light fleece or sweater · 1Spring and autumn lows of 6–12°C
- Shoulder-covering top or scarf · 1Churches ask you to cover shoulders
- Swimwear · 2
Footwear
- Trail shoes with good grip · 1 pairSteep cliff trails between villages
Gear
- Small daypack for trails
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Blister plastersA week of stairs
Documents and money
- Passport
- Euro coins and small bills
Tech
- Train timetable appTrain links all five villages
What shoes should you pack for Cinque Terre?
Bring proper hiking shoes or trail runners with grip, not sneakers with smooth soles. The coastal paths are narrow, rocky and full of uneven stone steps, and Corniglia sits on a cliff with a long stairway up from its station. Add water shoes or sandals for the pebbly beaches.
What do people wear in Cinque Terre?
Daytime is hiking clothes and swimwear, and nobody minds. In the evening people change into something light and casual for dinner in Vernazza or Riomaggiore. Cover up when you step into a church, and don't wander the village streets in just a swimsuit.
What plugs does Cinque Terre use?
Italy uses type C, F and L plugs at 230V. A standard EU two-pin plug works in most sockets. Visitors from the US, UK or Australia need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Cinque Terre
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cinque Terre.
What should you leave at home for Cinque Terre?
Leave the big checked suitcase at home. You'll haul it up and down station stairs and village steps, and cars are mostly kept out of the villages. Skip the heels too, since every street here is steep stone.
Packing for Cinque Terre: questions people ask
What shoes should I wear to hike Cinque Terre?
Hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip. The paths are rocky, narrow and full of uneven stone steps, so flip-flops and smooth sneakers are a bad idea.
What should I wear in Cinque Terre in summer?
Light hiking clothes and swimwear by day, something casual for dinner. Highs reach 25–29°C (77–84°F), so hike early and carry water.
Does it rain a lot in Cinque Terre?
More than most people expect. Every month has at least 10 rain days, and May is the wettest with 18.
Can I bring a big suitcase to Cinque Terre?
You can, but you'll regret it. The villages are mostly closed to cars and full of stairs, so a carry-on or backpack is far easier.
Do I need a plug adapter in Cinque Terre?
Yes, if you're coming from the US, UK or Australia. Italy uses type C, F and L plugs at 230V.
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