Italy, Europe

The Amalfi Coast in May

Everything open, hiking weather is ideal, and the sea becomes swimmable by late month.

BestWarm, highs near 72F (22C), sea warming

Positano, the Amalfi Coast — The Amalfi CoastPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit the Amalfi Coast. Everything open, hiking weather is ideal, and the sea becomes swimmable by late month.

Weather: Warm, highs near 72F (22C), sea warming
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What May is like in the Amalfi Coast

May is when everything is open and the weather is ideal. Highs near 72F (22C), sunny days, and a sea that warms enough for swimming by late month. Beach clubs open for the season, ferries run regularly, and hiking is at its best. Crowds and prices are rising, but it is far calmer than summer.

This is one of the best months for almost anyone, especially hikers, couples, and families who want sightseeing plus a few beach days. Homeschool families get Pompeii in comfortable weather. If you want warmer water, June and September are the swim months.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about the Amalfi Coast this month.

Ideal hiking weather

The Path of the Gods is at its best. Start early for shade and fewer walkers.

Beach clubs open

Sunbeds and umbrellas return from May. By late month the sea is swimmable for most.

The historic regatta, some years

Amalfi hosts the Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics every fourth year, usually late spring or early summer. Check if this is Amalfi's year.

What to pack for May

Water shoes for pebbly beaches
Sunscreen and a sun hat
Hiking shoes
A light layer for evenings

Our timing tip

Plan beach time for the last week of May when the water is warmest, and book ferries a day or two ahead for weekends.

Book The Amalfi Coast for May.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Amalfi Coast
Opens a hotel search for The Amalfi Coast in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The Amalfi Coast
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The Amalfi Coast
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Amalfi Coast for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in May

Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics

Rotates yearly between Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, and Venice; Amalfi hosts every fourth year, usually late spring or early summer

A historic rowing race with a costumed parade. Check whether Amalfi is the host city in your year.

Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

Full guide

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

Start in Bomerano above Agerola and walk down toward Nocelle and Positano. Go early; there is little shade and it gets hot by late morning.

Tickets and tours →

Villa Rufolo, Ravello

The terrace garden view that inspired Wagner, and the stage for the summer Ravello Festival concerts.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Walk the long garden path to the Terrace of Infinity at the end; mornings are quieter before tour groups arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea)

The striped facade at the top of the steps dominates the town square. The Cloister of Paradise sits beside it.

Tickets and tours →

Positano by ferry

Arriving by boat is faster and prettier than the road in summer. Ferries run roughly spring through autumn, not in deep winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Pompeii

A full day trip. Go at opening and bring water; the site has very little shade.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Stay in one of the smaller towns (Praiano, Atrani, or Minori) and day-trip into Positano and Amalfi before 10am or after 5pm, when the tour buses and day boats are gone.
Use the ferries instead of the SITA buses between Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano in summer. Buses fill fast and the road traffic can double journey times.
Hike the Path of the Gods at first light. By late morning the trail is busy and exposed to full sun.
Shift to the first two weeks of June or the second half of September for the best balance of warm sea and manageable crowds.

Know before you go

From roughly November to March, a large share of hotels and restaurants in Positano and the smaller towns close. Amalfi town and nearby Sorrento stay more open through winter.
Ferry service between Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri generally runs from about Easter to late October or early November, then shrinks sharply or stops. Always check the current timetable.
Beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas generally operate from May to early October only.
Around Easter and Italian public holidays, especially Ferragosto on August 15, expect sold-out hotels and packed buses.

The Amalfi Coast in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit the Amalfi Coast. Everything open, hiking weather is ideal, and the sea becomes swimmable by late month.

What is the weather like in the Amalfi Coast in May?

Warm, highs near 72F (22C), sea warming.

Is the Amalfi Coast crowded in May?

Crowds in the Amalfi Coast are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in the Amalfi Coast in May?

Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics (rotates yearly between amalfi, genoa, pisa, and venice; amalfi hosts every fourth year, usually late spring or early summer).