Positano is a vertical dream. It's a place where lemon-yellow houses cling to cliffsides like barnacles on a ship's hull. But honestly? The experience you have there is almost entirely dictated by the weather Positano province of Salerno Italy throws at you the moment you step off that SITA bus.
One day you're sipping a cold Spritz on the Spiaggia Grande under a relentless 30°C sun. The next, a sudden Mediterranean squall turns those famous stone staircases into literal waterfalls. I've seen tourists show up in January expecting "Under the Tuscan Sun" vibes, only to find themselves shivering in a damp 8°C mist while the town basically hibernates.
If you're planning a trip for 2026, you need to look past the filtered Instagram shots. The climate in the province of Salerno is fickle, and the microclimate of the Amalfi Coast is its own beast.
The Reality of Spring: Blooms and "Brezza"
March is a gamble. It's the month where the coast starts to wake up, but the "weather Positano province of Salerno Italy" offers can be moody. You might get a day that hits a crisp 15°C, perfect for hiking the Path of the Gods without breaking a sweat. Then, five minutes later, the clouds roll in from the Tyrrhenian Sea and it's raining.
By May, things get serious. This is arguably the sweet spot. The average high climbs to a comfortable 22°C (72°F). The scent of jasmine is everywhere—it's actually kind of overwhelming if you're sensitive to floral smells.
- Sea Temp: Don't be fooled by the sunshine. The water in May is still a brisk 18°C. Unless you're used to North Sea swimming, it’s a "quick dip only" situation.
- Rainfall: It drops significantly this month, averaging only about 4-5 rainy days.
- Vibe: The ferry lines aren't soul-crushing yet.
If you hate humidity, May and June are your best friends. The air is still relatively light before the heavy August "afa" (that stifling heat the locals complain about) settles into the valley.
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Summer Scorching: August and the "Afa"
July and August are... a lot. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, this isn't it. The weather Positano province of Salerno Italy becomes a wall of heat. Daytime temperatures frequently sit at 29°C (84°F) or 30°C, but because Positano is basically a giant stone amphitheater, it reflects that heat right back at you.
Humidity spikes. You'll find yourself planning your entire day around the "Controra"—that midday period where everything shuts down and you hide in the AC.
Expert Tip: If you're visiting in August, stay near the water. The sea breeze (the maestrale) usually kicks in around 11:00 AM, making the beach much more tolerable than the upper alleys of the town.
The sea temperature finally hits a glorious 26°C (79°F). It’s like bathwater. This is the only time of year when those night boat tours are actually comfortable without a heavy jacket. But be warned: August is also when "thermal storms" happen. These are short, violent afternoon thunderstorms that come out of nowhere, dump an inch of rain, and then vanish, leaving the air even steamier than before.
The September Shift: Why Locals Love It
Most regular visitors will tell you September is the actual "prime time." The crowds thin out after the Italian holidays, but the water stays warm—around 25°C.
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The weather Positano province of Salerno Italy in September is mellow. Highs stay near 26°C, but the nights start to cool down to 16°C. It’s perfect. You can wear a linen shirt during the day and a light sweater for dinner at Chez Black.
However, October is when the transition to the "wet season" begins. Statistically, November is the wettest month in the province of Salerno, but the rains often start their engine in late October. You’ll see the sea change color from turquoise to a deep, churning navy as the autumn winds pick up.
Winter in Positano: The Ghost Town Aesthetic
Let’s be real: Positano in January or February is not for everyone.
The temperature averages a high of 12°C (54°F) and can drop to 4°C at night. It’s damp. Because the town is built into a cliff, the humidity gets trapped in the stone.
Many of the big hotels and high-end boutiques close from November until Easter. If you go now, you’re going for the solitude. You’ll have the Spiaggia Grande to yourself, save for a few local fishermen. It’s a great time for photography because the winter sun is lower and creates these long, dramatic shadows across the colorful facades. Just don't expect to take a ferry; they stop running when the sea gets too rough, which is often.
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Monthly Snapshot (Averages)
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Rain Days | Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12° | 10 | 14° |
| Mar | 15° | 8 | 14° |
| May | 22° | 6 | 19° |
| Jul | 29° | 2 | 26° |
| Sep | 26° | 5 | 25° |
| Nov | 17° | 12 | 19° |
Practical Advice for the Salerno Climate
Don't trust a 7-day forecast more than 48 hours out. The Lattari Mountains behind the town create their own weather patterns. I've seen it pouring in Sorrento (just over the hill) while Positano remained perfectly sunny.
Pack for the "Step Count"
Regardless of the temperature, you will sweat. Positano is thousands of stairs. Even in "cool" weather, the physical exertion of climbing from the beach to the main road will raise your body temperature. Wear natural fibers—linen and cotton are king here. Synthetic fabrics will make you feel like you’re wearing a plastic bag in the Amalfi humidity.
The Wind Factor
If the Scirocco wind blows in from the south (Africa), it brings heat and sometimes a fine layer of red Saharan sand. If the Tramontana blows from the north, it’s bone-chillingly dry and cold, even if the sun is out. Check a wind map (like Windy.com) if you're planning a boat trip.
What Most People Get Wrong
Users often assume "Southern Italy" means "Tropical." It doesn't. Positano is Mediterranean. It has distinct seasons. If you show up in April without a waterproof shell, you're going to spend a lot of money on an overpriced souvenir umbrella.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Ferry Status: If you're traveling in the shoulder seasons (April/October), always check the Travelmar or Lucibello websites the morning of your trip. High winds mean canceled boats, and the bus is a much bumpier alternative.
- Book "Waterfront" for Summer: If visiting in July/August, prioritize accommodation with a sea view and a balcony. The air circulation is significantly better than in the "back" of the town where the air stagnates.
- Hike Early: If you're doing the Path of the Gods in summer, you need to be on the trail by 7:30 AM. By 11:00 AM, the sun hits the exposed limestone and it becomes a furnace.
- Confirm Restaurant Openings: If visiting between November and March, call ahead. Use Google Maps to check "Live" busyness, but verify with a phone call to see if they’ve shuttered for the winter.
The weather Positano province of Salerno Italy is part of the town's charm. It’s what keeps the hills green and the lemons juicy. Respect the sun, prepare for the rain, and you'll find that Positano is beautiful even when it’s "bad" out.