Milan Lombardy, Italy Travel Guide
Milan experiences a humid subtropical climate, with distinct seasons throughout the year. Winters (December-February) are cold, typically ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 7°C (45°F), with common fog. Snowfall is possible but light. Spring (March-May) brings mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures rising from 8°C (46°F) to 20°C (68°F) and occasional rain. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid, with average temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 86°F (86°F), often exceeding 35°C (95°F) during heatwaves. Late summer may have thunderstorms. Autumn (September-November) offers mild conditions, with temperatures between 10°C (50°F) and 20°C (68°F), though November can be foggy and rainy.
Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with the most populars typically in spring and autumn. Carry an Umbrella or Rain jacket at this time of year. Milan does not have monsoons or hurricanes. However, anticipate summer heatwaves, which can last several days, and dense winter fog, which can affect visibility and travel plans.
Plan your visit around specific interests:
Fashion & Design Events: February or September for Milan Fashion Week; April for Salone del Mobile (Milan Design Week). Outdoor Activities AND The lake Trips: May, June, and September to early October. Christmas Markets & Festivities: December. Opera Season: December to July (Teatro alla Scala).
July-August
Good for lake trips; some local businesses close.
Very hot and humid, temperatures often above 35°C (95°F).
March-May
Mild weather, fewer crowds than peak summer.
Variable weather, occasional rain showers.
Dec-Feb
Fewest tourists, lowest prices for travel and lodging.
Cold, often foggy, fewer hours of daylight.
Italy, as a member of the Schengen Area, follows specific regulations for entry, with variations for different nationalities. For stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period: Nationals from the eu/eea/switzerland do not need a visa; a valid national ID card or passport for entry is sufficient. Citizens of many countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea) do not need a Schengen visa for tourism; a valid passport is sufficient. An ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorization will be necessary starting in mid-2025 for these visa-exempt countries. This is a pre-travel authorization, not a visa. Citizens of various countries need a Schengen C-type visa for short stays. Begin the application process through the Italian language embassy or consulate in your country of residence well in advance, as it may take several weeks. For stays longer than 90 days (study, work, residency), a national (D-type) visa is necessary, with a more involved application process.
Always carry original documents and keep digital copies on your phone or in cloud storage. A valid passport is ; it must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area and issued within the last 10 years. If your nationality needs a visa, present your valid Schengen visa. The visa application details include a completed form, recent passport-sized photos, travel medical insurance with at least €30,000 coverage, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds, and a round-trip flight itinerary. Also, have proof of onward/return travel available. There are no general admission fees for tourists. Upon arrival at an Italian airport or border crossing, present your documents to customs and immigration. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens typically use faster lanes. Non-EU citizens will have their passports stamped. No special permits are generally needed for standard tourism activities in Milan or Lombardy. No specific health-related entry requirements exist beyond routine vaccinations being current.
Valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned Schengen departure.
Apply early if your nationality needs one. Visit VisaHQ for services.
Pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt countries from mid-2025.
Show financial capacity for your stay.
Keep photocopies or digital photos of all documents separate from originals.
Milan welcomes every budget, from luxury shopping and fine dining to affordable street food and free attractions. Plan your spending with these considerations.
The official currency is the Euro (€, EUR). ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available and generally possess the best exchange rates. Use them for cash withdrawals. Banks also exchange currency, but avoid airports or major train stations for exchange as rates are often less favorable. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express is less common. Notify your bank before traveling.
Understand typical prices for categories:
Milan is a safe city for tourists, but like any large urban area, awareness and preparation are good for your travel experience.
