When is the best time to visit Italy?

Late April to early June, and September to mid-October. You get warm days, cool evenings, everything open, and crowds that are heavy rather than unbearable. If you have to pick one, take the autumn window: the light is better, the harvest is on, the sea is still warm enough to swim in the south, and prices soften after the first week of September. Late October and early November are the quiet secret — some seaside towns start closing, but cities, food and wine country are at their best and you'll have them nearly to yourself.