Puglia, Italy
Optimal visit time for Polignano a Mare aligns with weather, crowd levels, and planned activities. Puglia experiences a Mediterranean climate: warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Climate Patterns Throughout the Year:
Spring (April-May): This period has mild temperatures, typically ranging from 55-68°F (13-20°C). Rainfall moderate, humidity pleasant. Ideal for leisurely walks and exploring the town without intense heat or large crowds.
Summer (June-August): Hot and dry conditions. Average temperatures from 75-88°F (24-31°C). Peak temperatures easily exceed 95°F (35°C), especially July and August. Precipitation minimal, coastal humidity higher, making heat feel more intense. Prime beach season, with long, sunny days.
Autumn (September-October): Weather remains mild and very pleasant, with averages from 60-75°F (16-24°C). Humidity decreases, intense summer heat subsides. Rainfall slightly more towards late October. Sea warm enough for swimming through most of September and often into early October. This season a good balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
Winter (November-March): Temperatures mild to cool, averaging 45-55°F (7-13°C). The wettest period, with higher precipitation and cooler winds often blowing in from the Adriatic Sea (like the Maestrale or Scirocco), which makes it feel colder. Not beach weather, but opportunity for a different kind of visit.
High Season (June-August) Cons: Beaches and town crowded. Accommodation and flight prices peak. Intense heat makes daytime sightseeing hard; plan for midday sun avoidance. Restaurants and popular spots need reservations.
Shoulder Season (April-May, Sep-Oct) Cons: Some smaller beach clubs or seasonal establishments might have limited hours or close, specifically early April or late October. Higher possibility of rain, especially October.
Low Season (November-March) Cons: Cooler temperatures and higher rain chance mean beach activities not feasible. Many seasonal businesses, especially beach-related, close for winter. Boat tours may be less frequent or unavailable weather permitting.
Crowds & High Heat
June to mid-September for best sea conditions.
Intense heat makes midday sightseeing harder.
Fewer Crowds & Good Weather
April, May, late September, October for comfortable temperatures.
Some seasonal beach clubs may close.
Authentic & Affordable
Experience town with few tourists, genuine local atmosphere.
Cooler temperatures and rain prevent beach activities.
June to mid-September for best sea conditions. May to September prime for water activities, calmer seas, warm temperatures.
April, May, late September, and October for most comfortable temperatures during extended exploration. Polignano a Mare’s food scene year-round. Spring and autumn for seasonal produce and seafood in relaxed dining. Olive harvesting season in late autumn brings olive oil tastings.
June to mid-September
April, May, late September, October
May to September
Year-round, best in spring & autumn
Late autumn (harvest season)
Italy a member of the Schengen Area, which operates as a single border-free zone for travel purposes. Once you enter any Schengen country, free travel between other Schengen countries without further border checks for your authorized stay.
Non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens may need a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa allows entry into all Schengen countries. Visa-exempt nationalities (e.g., US, Canada, Australia) generally need only a valid passport for up to 90 days.
Upon arrival, have these documents ready for immigration officers.
Costs vary widely based on travel style. The official currency in Italy, and Polignano a Mare, the Euro (€).
Italy is very safe for tourists. Awareness of common concerns and readiness prevents minor issues from becoming major inconveniences.
Budget Traveler Daily Costs: €50-€80
Accommodation: €30-€50 for hostel dorm or basic B&B outside historic center.
Meals: Groceries for breakfast/snacks (€5-€10). Street food like Panzerotti or Focaccia (€2-€5). Casual trattoria dinner (€15-€25).
Transportation: Walking mainly (€0). Local buses for specific beaches (€1.10-€1.50). Regional trains for day trips (€3-€7 round trip).
Activities: Free activities like exploring historic center, public beaches, viewpoints (€0-€5).
Mid-range Traveler Daily Costs: €100-€200
Accommodation: Mid-range hotel or comfortable apartment/B&B (€70-€120/night), often with breakfast.
Meals: Full meals at mid-range restaurants (€40-€70 total), includes coffee, aperitivo, multiple courses.
Transportation: Walking, local buses, regional trains, occasional short taxi rides (€5-€20). Shared boat tour.
Activities: Paid attractions, sea cave boat tour (€15-€25), local cooking class (€50-€100). Budget €15-€40 for daily activities.
