The climate of Positano
Positano, a small, picturesque town located on
Italy's Amalfi Coast, is categorized as having a 'Csa' climate according to the Köppen climate classification, commonly known as Mediterranean, hot summer climate. This classification of weather is not something to be taken lightly as it paints a vibrant picture of generally mild winters and hot, dry summers.
The climate data reveals a consistent pattern of increasing temperature from the start to the middle of the year, reaching a peak at 28.1°C (82.6°F) in
August, and subsequently decreasing towards the year-end. The highest monthly average low temperature also follows a similar trend, intensifying to 24.3°C (75.7°F) in August. Interestingly, the town exhibits higher humidity levels throughout the year, with the percentage remaining fairly constant, between 65% to 71%.
Rainfall is a crucial determinant of the town's Mediterranean classification. Positano receives a substantial amount of rainfall from the beginning of the year with 80mm (3.15") in
January. However, this considerably reduces during the summer months, reaching the lowest at 10mm (0.39") in August before picking up pace again and peaking at 145mm (5.71") in
November. Also, Positano experiences almost no snowfall, with negligible snow days reported.
The sunlight hours stay fairly consistent with slightly longer days during the summer, and sunrise to sunset varying from 9.3h to 15h. The wind speeds and gusts tend to be more remarkable at the start and the end of the year, with the highest speed reaching 18.2km/h (11.3mph) in
December.
The best time to visit Positano
The best period to visit
Positano depends on personal preferences and expectations from the vacation, but for those keen on swimming and sunbathing, the optimal months are
June through
August. During these months, the daily temperatures typically range between 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F), with sea temperatures from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 26°C (78.8°F).
The average rainfalls are relatively low during this period, from 16mm (0.63") to 27mm (1.06"), ensuring plenty of sunlit days with sunshine hours ranging from 12h to 14.7h. The wind speed also lowers from 10.1km/h (6.3mph) to 10.6km/h (6.6mph), providing a gentle sea breeze that is perfect for sailing or lounging on the beach.
The worst time to visit Positano
Visitors may want to reconsider traveling to
Positano during the late autumn and winter months, specifically
November to
January. These months register the highest rainfall, reaching 145mm (5.71") in November and averaging 80mm (3.15") in January. Despite the moderately high temperatures, swimming becomes less attractive as the sea temperature drops from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 14.6°C (58.3°F).
Furthermore, the number of daylight and sunshine hours are at their annual low, providing less time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The wind speed increases as well, with the highest at 18.2km/h (11.3mph) in
December, making sea excursions a challenge.
Spring weather in Positano
Spring in
Positano, encompassing
March through
May, is characterized by a gradual increase in temperatures, from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F), and a drop in rainfall from 60mm (2.36") to 51mm (2.01"). It sees an increased amount of sunshine, from 8.3h in March to 11.1h in May, and longer daylight hours that encourage outdoor activities. The sea temperature also begins to warm up, rising from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), making it an increasingly attractive time for maritime pursuits.
Summer weather in Positano
The season of summer welcomes the highest temperatures in
Positano. From
June till
August, the temperatures ascend from an average high of 24.3°C (75.7°F) to 28.1°C (82.6°F), with the average sea temperature peaking at 26°C (78.8°F) in August. The rainfall remains at its lowest, between 10mm (0.39") and 27mm (1.06"), encouraging outdoor activities and beach visits. With daylight hours reaching up to 15h, visitors have ample time to explore and soak up the warmth of the Italian sun.
Autumn weather in Positano
Autumn, consisting of
September,
October, and
November, ushers in cooler weather in
Positano as temperatures drop from 24.9°C (76.8°F) to 17.8°C (64°F). Rainfall increases notably during this time, from 64mm (2.52") in September to 145mm (5.71") in November. The number of sunshine hours and daylight begins to decrease as well, indicating less time for outdoor exploration. Despite the autumn chill setting in, the sea temperature remains relatively high, from 24.8°C (76.6°F) to 19.3°C (66.7°F), allowing visitors to enjoy the sea at the beginning of the season.
Winter weather in Positano
Winter in
Positano is chiefly marked by a significant drop in temperature, from an average high of 14°C (57.2°F) in
December to 12.8°C (55°F) in
January. The sea temperature also declines from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 13.9°C (57°F), making sea activities less common. Increased rainfall is another key feature of Positano’s winter months, with January registering 80mm (3.15"). Despite these trends, the period sees minimal snowfall, reinforcing the town’s Mediterranean climate profile.
Weather in January
January in
Positano,
Italy, uncovers a winter wonderland exhibiting a cooler climate, coupled with promising doses of sunlight that can reach up to 5.6 hours in a single day. The daylight holiday continues for approximately 9.7 hours, painting a long enough daylight stretch for tourists to relish the breathless grandeur of the Positano skyline.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The
February climate in
Positano witnesses negligible improvement from
January, maintaining almost static temperature ranges. The city starts to see a slightly longer daylight period at 10.7 hours, a modest rise compared to the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March promises an upward shift in temperatures, consequently leading to balmy days and comfortably cool evenings. The city continues to experience consistent 10km (6.2mi) visibility, perfect for tourists eager to devour the iconic
Positano landscape.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Positano is notably warmer, signaling the dawn of spring with the average high temperature rising to 17.1°C (62.8°F). Tourists can relish longer sunbathing sessions with sunshine soaring up to 10.5 hours a day. This month is characteristic for its decrease in the frequency of rainy days, indicating a switch to a much drier season.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May sets the stage for the summer season in
Positano, with temperatures marching towards a toasty 19.9°C (67.8°F). It features an increase in daylight hours to 14.4 and abundant sunshine peaking at 11.1 hours a day. The frequency of rainfall begins to dwindle, setting the city into a drier pattern more suitable for outdoor activities and uninterrupted sightseeing.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the commencement of the classic Mediterranean summer with average high temperatures soaring to an inviting 24.3°C (75.7°F). Longer sunshine hours reach their peak for the year, a splendid 15 hours, manifesting the perfect backdrop for unforgettable summer vacations.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings along the hottest month of the year in
Positano, typified by average high temperatures standing tall at 27.3°C (81.1°F). While the dry spell continues, the month presents the fewest rainy days and meagre rainfall, marking a zenith in the summer vibe.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Positano during
August is emblematic of warm summer holidays. It offers relentless clear skies, extensive daylight sessions, and languid sunshine-filled days to visitors. The temperature gradient slightly lifts compared to the previous month, reinforcing the basking summer ambiance.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September holds a mixed bag of weather conditions. While the upper range of temperatures plummet from
August's high, the city remains quite warm. A notable feature of this month is the re-emergence of rainfall, which curbs the long-standing low-humidity phase.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October further cools the climate and the decline in temperature becomes more evident. Shying away from the sweltering summer atmosphere, the city displays a visibly calmer stance. The rainfall, however, intensifies, indicating the transition towards the ensuing rainy season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Positano starts donning its wintry attire by
November. Falling temperatures, increased rainfall and declining daylight hours all depict the early signs of winter's arrival. November experiences increased rainfall, peaking at 145mm (5.71"), the highest across the entire year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The final adieu to the year in
Positano comes with a pronounced winter chill. The city significantly cools down with temperatures hitting their year-end low. Rainfall ceases its upward climb but remains substantial enough to warrant packing a raincoat.
Weather in December »