What's the weather like in Capri? Weather and temperatures

What's the weather like on Capri?

Capri is one of the islands in the Bay of Naples, smaller than Ischia but larger than Procida. It's located in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea and like much of coastal Italy it enjoys a climate that's greatly influenced by the sea and is mild for most of the year. The average temperature is around 18 degrees, practically perfect!

Even in winter, the "feels like" temperature on the island rarely drops below 8 - 10 degrees centigrade. Once or twice a year sometimes there's even snowfall! In the summer months it can be quite hot on Capri, although the breeze often brings welcome relief, especially near the sea. You'll certainly need a good sun cream, but generally even when on the mainland (Naples, as well as nearby Sorrento, Sant'Agnello, and Massa Lubrense) you'll sweat due to the heat and stay awake at night due to the heat. On the island you can enjoy much more pleasant conditions.

Here are the average temperatures on Capri during the year:

Weather in Anacapri

If you really don't like the heat, consider staying in Anacapri. This is the island's "hilly" municipality, which, as its name suggests, is located "above" Capri. Here in the evening a light jacket is usually necessary even in the height of summer when Campania weather is at soaring temperatures. Apart from the temperatures, the two locations have the same forecasts. One thing that only affects Anacapri, however, is the morning cloud cover that particularly affects the peaks of Mount Solaro.

Does it rain a lot on Capri?

Rain on Capri isn't a very frequent occurrence and mostly occurs in a short part of the year. Rainfall on the island of Capri (as on the entire coast of the province of Naples) is mainly concentrated between the end of autumn and early winter. During this time many hotels close for annual holidays and remodeling. In recent years, climate change has made for increasing spring rains, which are often very intense but don't last long.

What to do on Capri when it rains

The charm of summer storms

In the second half of August and September on Capri you might encounter the classic summer storm, with sudden and intense showers followed by rapid clearings. This is part of the charm of Capri's weather, when autumn approaches and, as the islanders once said, "the times break" and we prepare to say goodbye to the ferocious summer sun. One piece of advice? If you should encounter one of these late summer storms, find a sheltered observation point—it's best not to stay on the beach—and fully enjoy the strength of the natural elements.

Are Capri weather forecasts reliable?

If you plan to spend at least a few days on Capri, in addition to monitoring the webcams and keeping an eye on the latest weather forecasts, we recommend you occasionally ask the locals for their opinion on what you can expect from the sky that day. The island's elders, fishermen, and sailors often offer a "Capri weather service" that's much more reliable than the Naples Capodichino weather station.

Often on Capri the weather forecast predicts rain and lightning but then the sun comes out instead. This is because precipitation often remains blocked by the Lattari mountains or by the mountain ranges north of Naples without reaching the island. We therefore recommend you don't trust negative forecasts, especially long-term ones. The most reliable short-term forecasts are those that can be consulted with the radar that shows the map of the area; this will give you a precise idea of the weather situation on Capri.

Don't be discouraged if you wake up under a gray blanket. In fact, it's not uncommon for the weather on Capri to change quickly, or for the situation to be different depending on the different slopes or areas of the island. Sometimes a sky full of sparse or dense clouds quickly gives way to beautiful sunshine that's as warm as it is unexpected. So enjoy your trip to Capri without stressing about the weather forecast.

If you're on holiday in Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast and you're planning a day on Capri, consult the weather forecast for Capri and Campania before purchasing hydrofoil tickets or booking a boat tour.

Sea conditions in Capri

In Capri, consulting forecasts on the conditions of the sea is usually more important than checking regular weather forecasts. Sea conditions are what determine whether you can go out in a boat, as well as whether or not the Blue Grotto is open or closed. Furthermore, in the event of strong winds and rough seas, not only do you risk having an unpleasant crossing, you could even get stranded on the island if boat transfers are temporarily suspended. Storms out of the west in particular can make the sea very rough and ruin your plans for visiting Capri. The northeastern wind known as the Grecale can also create rough seas.

How to read forecasts on sea conditions

The sea and wind forecasts from Meteo.it for Capri are quite simple to read. Slightly rough sea ("mare poco mosso") generally doesn't cause problems, but rough sea ("mare mosso") and upwards makes it less pleasant to go by boat. To find out whether or not rough sea may cause a temporary suspension of hydrofoil crossings, look at the height of the waves. Crossings are generally suspended when waves reach 200 and above. It's more complicated to predict whether or not the Blue Grotto will open, because it depends on the direction of the wind and its speed in km/h.

When can I go swimming in Capri?

The beaches on Capri and the sea in Capri have a pleasant temperature starting from June, although many can swim safely even in May or earlier. In the autumn months the water is warmer than in spring and remains warm for a long time, often allowing you to swim until late October. During the winter months whether you can swim or not depends on your personal temperature tolerance for cooler water, but it's not uncommon to see a few isolated swimmers even during the winter.

Keep in mind that the wind, the sea, and the sun are an integral part of the island's character. These elements have shaped the island's profile and influenced its history for centuries, contributing to the magic of Capri. So, don't stress too much about the weather and enjoy the island to the fullest!