Genoa is a vertical city, and most visitors find that out on day one. The old town is a maze of steep, narrow caruggi, and the rest climbs the hills by stairs, funiculars and public lifts. It also rains more than you'd expect on the Riviera, with 17 rain days in March, so pack for stairs and showers before the beach.
Genoa 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 | 12°C54°F | 13°C55°F | 15°C59°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 28°C82°F | 30°C86°F | 25°C77°F | 21°C70°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F |
| Low | 6°C43°F | 6°C43°F | 8°C46°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 17°C63°F | 14°C57°F | 9°C48°F | 6°C43°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 12 | 17 | 12 | 16 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 13 | 15 | 9 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild but wet. Highs of 12–13°C (54–55°F), lows of 6°C (43°F) and 11 to 13 rain days a month. A warm jacket and a rain shell cover it, and the Palazzi dei Rolli and the aquarium are far quieter.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month at 17 rain days, with highs of 15°C (59°F). April reaches 18°C (64°F) and May 21°C (70°F), but May still sees 16 rain days. Layers and a packable rain shell are the call, especially for day trips to Portofino or the Cinque Terre.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 26–30°C (79–86°F), with August both the warmest month at 30°C (86°F) and the driest at 8 rain days. June is still fairly wet with 13. Bring light clothes, swimwear for Boccadasse and Nervi, and water for all those climbs.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is warm at 25°C (77°F), October 21°C (70°F) and November 15°C (59°F). October is wet with 15 rain days, and autumn storms here can be heavy. Keep the rain shell and a light sweater in the bag.
What to bring to Genoa
0 of 23 packedMarch brings 17 rain days, and a shell that packs into its own pocket beats juggling an umbrella in lanes barely wider than your shoulders.
The men's version, light enough to carry all day and ready when an autumn storm comes in off the sea.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A traction outsole matters on stone that turns slick in the rain, and the cushioning makes a day of stairs much kinder on your feet.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing on the main compartment and zips keeps your phone and camera dry on a wet walk to the Lanterna.
- Osprey Farpoint 40Bags & Luggage
It fits most carry-on limits and rides on your back, so the stairs up to an old-town hotel are no problem.
- Dramamine Advanced Herbals GingerHealth & Safety
Boats to Portofino and the Cinque Terre can get choppy, and ginger capsules help without making you drowsy.
The sliding EU plug covers Italy's C and F sockets, with enough USB ports to charge everything overnight.
Clothing
- Warm sweater · 2Dec–Feb lows of 6°C
- Light tops · 4August highs reach 30°C
- Casual pants or skirt · 2
- Scarf · 1Covers shoulders in churches
- SwimwearFor summer coast days
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoesWet steep lanes, 17 rain days in March
- Sandals with gripFor summer and rocky beaches
- Wool socks · 3 pairs
Gear
- Compact umbrellaRain is frequent year-round
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Blister plastersSteep hills and stairs
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless cardFor funiculars, lifts and buses
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
- Power bank
What shoes should you pack for Genoa?
Grippy, cushioned sneakers. The caruggi are paved in smooth stone that turns slick in the rain, and you'll climb a lot of stairs between the port and the upper town. Waterproof is a real bonus in spring and autumn.
What do people wear in Genoa?
Relaxed and understated compared with Milan. Jeans or chinos, a plain shirt or knit and a light jacket fit in anywhere. Beachwear stays at the beach, and San Lorenzo cathedral expects covered shoulders and knees.
What plugs does Genoa use?
Italy uses type C, F and L sockets at 230V. The EU plug on a universal adapter handles C and F, and many type L sockets also take a slim two-pin C plug. Phone and laptop chargers are fine on 230V, but check anything that heats up, like a hair straightener, before you plug it in.
Tours and things to do in Genoa
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Genoa.
What should you leave at home for Genoa?
Leave the big rolling suitcase if you can. Plenty of old-town hotels sit up stairs or down lanes where wheels are useless, so a bag you can carry works better. Skip heels and thin soles too.
Packing for Genoa: questions people ask
What should I wear in Genoa in spring?
Layers and a rain shell. Highs run 15–21°C (59–70°F) from March to May, and March is the wettest month with 17 rain days.
Does it rain a lot in Genoa?
More than people expect. March averages 17 rain days, May 16 and October 15, while August is the driest with 8.
Is Genoa walkable?
Yes, but it's steep. Wear grippy shoes and use the funiculars and public lifts to get up the hills.
Can you swim in Genoa?
Yes, in summer. Boccadasse and Nervi have rocky spots to swim from, and highs of 26–30°C (79–86°F) from June to August make the sea welcome.
Do I need a plug adapter for Genoa?
Yes, unless you're coming from elsewhere in mainland Europe. Italy uses C, F and L sockets at 230V, and a universal adapter with an EU plug covers most of them.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.