Umbria Italy Travel Guide
Umbria experiences a continental climate, offering four clear seasons. Spring (April-May) brings mild, comfortable temperatures (10-20°C / 50-68°F) with moderate, short bursts of rain. Summer (June-August) is warm and dry (25-35°C / 77-95°F), with potential for very hot days in July and August. Autumn (September-October) remains mild to cool (15-25°C / 59-77°F), with increasing rainfall towards November. Winter (November-March) is cool to cold (0-10°C / 32-50°F), with some snowfall in higher elevations and moderate rainfall.
Summers sometimes bring extreme temperatures. Plan activities for early mornings and late afternoons, avoiding the hottest part of the day. Seek shade and stay hydrated. Air conditioning in accommodation makes a summer visit more comfortable. Morning fog may occur in valleys during autumn and winter, often clearing by midday.
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 27 European countries that have abolished border control at their mutual borders. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, enter Italy for tourism or business under a visa-exempt stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Citizens of countries not part of the visa-waiver agreement apply for a Schengen Visa (Type C - short stay) through the Italian embassy or consulate in their country of residence. From 2025, visa-exempt non-EU citizens need ETIAS authorization, a pre-travel screening system applied for online, costing €7, and valid for three years or until your passport expires.
Carry these for your trip
Valid for at least three months beyond intended departure date from Schengen Area and issued within last 10 years.
Airlines may request onward/return ticket. Immigration officers may request proof of financial means to cover your stay.
information for arrival
Italy does not levy general entry fees for tourists.
Standard passport, visa, or ETIAS (from 2025) are sufficient for typical tourism.
Before your journey
Currently no specific health entry requirements for most Western countries. Check official sources closer to travel.
Mandatory for Schengen Visa applicants and highly recommended for all travelers. It covers unforeseen medical needs.
The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€). ATMs, known as "Bancomat," are widely available in towns and cities. They offer a good way to get cash at a favorable exchange rate. Inform your bank of your travel plans. Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted) are common payment methods. Smaller businesses or rural establishments may prefer cash.
Tipping in Italy is not as deeply ingrained or expected as in some countries. Restaurants may include a "coperto" (cover charge, €1-€3 per person) or "servizio" (service charge, 10-15%). If "servizio" is included, no additional tip is necessary. If only "coperto" is charged, rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros (5-10% for good service) is appreciated but not mandatory. For taxis, round up the fare. For hotel porters, €1-€2 per bag. For tour guides, €5-€10 per person for a group tour.
Hostel dorm, supermarket meals, public transport, free attractions.
Mid-range hotel/agriturismo, mixed dining, public transport with occasional car rental.
High-end hotels, fine dining, private transfers, specialized tours.
Hostel €20-€40, Budget B&B €50-€80, Mid-range €80-€150, Luxury €150-€400+.
Breakfast €2-€5, Lunch €5-€10, Mid-range dinner €15-€30, Fine dining €40-€100+.
Italy is generally a safe country, but awareness and preparation are always helpful.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to Italy from most Western countries. Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, annual flu shot) are current. Healthcare professionals often recommend Hepatitis A and B, and Tetanus for travelers. Consult a healthcare professional 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Dial 112 for the single European emergency number (police, ambulance, fire). Major Umbrian cities have well-equipped public hospitals. Pharmacies (Farmacie) are identified by a green cross sign, offering over-the-counter medications and advice. Tap water in Umbria is generally safe to drink unless signed otherwise. Italy has high food safety standards.
Tap water in Umbria is generally safe to drink unless a sign indicates "acqua non potabile" (non-potable water). Bottled water is widely available if you prefer it.
