Climate Italy
The seven Tuscan islands are located in a transition zone between the continental climate of northern Italy and the Mediterranean climate of the Mezzogiorno, with a strong mitigating influence from the sea. The climate is mild and changeable in spring and autumn, warm in summer and mild in winter. As regards the island of Elba, the climate is temperate with mild temperatures even in winter. Average annual rainfall is fairly low and the summer is particularly dry. Temperatures vary according to the relief. It should not be forgotten that the steep relief of the island creates significant temperature differences between the coast and the mountains. Even in summer, the sunshine of the coasts contrasts with the coolness, very pleasant in case of strong heat, in altitude. It is enough to go to the high-perched villages, such as Marciana Alta, to recover from the summer heatwave that usually weighs on the coast.
Zoom on temperatures
The average sea temperature from spring to autumn is as follows: April 19°C; May 20.2°C; June 24.1°C; July 26.8°C; August 27.3°C; September 25.5°C; October 23.1°C. It is advisable to visit Elba in spring and late summer: the most pleasant months are April, May, June and September (especially if you plan to go trekking). Autumn is quite rainy, and in winter it is not uncommon for it to snow on the imposing 1,019-metre-high Mount Capanne. High summer is not recommended for people who can hardly stand the heat and the hordes of tourists who invade the beaches in July and August. The island loses much of its charm, and hotel reservations are then mandatory. The rates go up. In addition, the Italians also take their holidays in August. The cities are empty and the shops close.
The dual climatic identity of the island of Elba
The mild year-round coastal climate is contrasted with the harsh mountain winters. The summer sunshine from the seaside contrasts with the coolness that can be found at high altitudes, which is recommended in case of heat waves or stifling heat.
The four seasons at a glance
In winter, days with temperatures below 0°C are rare, with the exception of Mount Capanne, which is often covered with snow. Precipitation is frequent, as it is in autumn (between 20 and 30 days of rain) and spring (between 15 and 20 days). As early as March, the days can be hot and the sun stings. Summers, on the other hand, are hot and dry (only 5 rainy days on average), but the days can sometimes be wet and humid, accompanied by winds such as sirocco or tramontane.
An island in the wind!
Eole takes a clever pleasure in blowing hot and cold on the island of Elba, which offers itself entirely to the elements: no less than eight winds relentlessly sculpt its rocks and vegetation. The wind is an almost constant feature in the island's meteorology and has a major influence on the choice of activities. Good to know: there will always be a beach protected from the wind or an ideal surfing spot that is different every day! It is advisable to inform yourself before setting out to sea, and the utmost caution is required to protect nature from the risk of fire, especially on windy days. Winter is beaten by cold winds like the grécale (North-East) and the tramontane (North), rainy like the sirocco (South-East) and the libeccio (South-West), the latter continue to blow in spring. In summer, pleasant breezes and light winds of mistral (North-West), ponant (West) and sometimes of levant (East), sirocco and ostro (South). Finally, autumn is accompanied by more frequent winds - the sirocco, ostro and libeccio - and rainy clouds. Although the port of Portoferraio is well protected and the port of Rio Marina small but well equipped, ferries are sometimes unable to set sail if the sea is really rough. Wind from the southwest, the libeccio is among the strongest winds, and the major cause of delayed or cancelled departures. Winds that are sometimes strong such as the ponant, sirocco and grécale can also cause delays or cancellations of crossings.
