CLIMATE
THE MODERATING INFLUENCE OF THE SEA and the protection given by the
alpine barrier from the cold north winds join to bless Italy with a
temperate climate.
Nevertheless, the weather varies considerably
according to how far one is from the sea or the mountains. The winter is
very cold in the Alps, cold and foggy in the Po Plain and the central
Apennines; mild and even warm on the Ligurian coast, the Neapolitan
coast and in Sicily.
The summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is
mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it
is pleasantly cool. In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and
summer for excursions, hiking, etc.
Seaside and lake resorts, with their
excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season during the
summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures, like Siena, are
ideal in spring and autumn.
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