Basilicata’s climate varies sharply with altitude. April to June and September to October are the best all-round months; July and August are for the beaches and the high Pollino.
The seasons
Spring brings green hills and flowers, ideal for Matera, Craco and the villages. Summer is hot on the coasts and in Matera, with highs often over 30 °C, but pleasant in the mountains. Autumn keeps the sea warm into September and brings the grape and chestnut harvests. Winter is mild on the coasts but cold inland, with snow on the mountains and sometimes in Potenza.
| Month | Avg high / low | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11 / 3 °C | Cold and quiet; low prices |
| February | 12 / 3 °C | Cold; snow on the mountains |
| March | 15 / 5 °C | Early spring; some places reopen |
| April | 18 / 8 °C | Green hills; Easter processions |
| May | 23 / 12 °C | Excellent for sightseeing and hiking |
| June | 28 / 16 °C | Warm; start of beach season |
| July | 31 / 19 °C | Hot; Matera’s festival on 2 July |
| August | 31 / 19 °C | Peak season on the coasts |
| September | 26 / 16 °C | Excellent; warm sea |
| October | 21 / 12 °C | Mild; harvests and autumn colour |
| November | 16 / 8 °C | Rainier; quiet |
| December | 12 / 4 °C | Christmas events in the Sassi |
Figures are approximate long-term averages; mountain areas are much cooler.
Festivals and events
- Holy Week: Easter processions across the region.
- May: the Parata dei Turchi in Potenza and the feast of San Biagio in Maratea.
- Late spring: tree festivals such as the Maggio of Accettura.
- 2 July: the Madonna della Bruna in Matera.
- Early summer: pilgrimage to the Madonna del Pollino.
- Autumn: wine and chestnut festivals in the Vulture.
- December: Christmas events in Matera’s Sassi.
Avoiding the crowds
Matera is busiest at Easter, in August and over Christmas, and Maratea in August. Visit midweek, book early for those dates, and see the Sassi early in the morning. Many coastal businesses close from October to May, and some mountain attractions, such as the Volo dell’Angelo, are seasonal.
