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A Complete Guide to Visiting Naples in February

By Sara MaxwellOctober 22nd, 2024No Comments

Thinking about planning a trip to explore Naples in February? You won’t be disappointed! Take a look at everything you have to look forward to in this guide.

orange tree with view of vesuvius naples in february
February is citrus season in Naples and Campania and you’ll spot their bright colors everywhere

Everything you need to know about Naples in February

The quiet period that started in January continues into February in Naples, so this is one of the slowest times of the year for visitors to Naples. This means easy availability for all of Naples’ sights, no need to book ahead for restaurants and lower prices for accommodation, with the trade-off being that the weather is on the cooler side.

Piazza of Gesù Nuovo
We love Naples in February as the crowds are yet to arrive and the weather starts to improve

I often plan a day trip to somewhere like Caserta in February as I can have attractions almost all to myself, and enjoying a big plate of something hearty like pasta e fagioli or ziti genovese feels far more satisfying in the winter compared to the summer!

Here’s what you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:

Naples weather in February

February in Naples is not the coldest month of the year, but average temperatures are fairly low. The average high during the daytime is around 57°F/14°C and nighttime lows are around 45°F/7°C, but when the sun is shining it feels warmer so make the most of those days!

The weather in February can change quickly so always be prepared for the temperature to drop, with the wind coming off the sea also making it feel cooler sometimes.

stormy skies over mount vesuvius
Storms are not uncommon in this part of Italy during February

There is a slightly higher chance of rain in February compared to January or March, but snow is extremely rare unless you are planning to go up Mount Vesuvius, where the summit sometimes sees snowfall.

If you’re thinking of heading further south to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast the weather conditions will be very similar to Naples, but proximity to the coast increases the change of cold winds, storms and rainy days so I’d suggest dressing a little warmer if you’re spending more time there than in Naples itself.

What to pack for Naples Italy in February

When I go to Naples in February, there are two key things I always bring, a warm scarf and an umbrella ready for unexpected rain showers. Especially early in the morning, it can feel pretty cold in Naples so a good quality scarf is an essential part of my wardrobe. I can easily take it off if needed later in the day.

Otherwise, you’ll want to pack clothes that are going to keep you warm and dry. The unpredictability of Naples weather during the winter means you’ll definitely want jeans or long pants, along with a sweater or pullover to go over long sleeve t-shirts. Dresses with tights or leggings are a good way to look smart while also being comfortable. Whatever your clothing choices, make sure to bring a waterproof jacket or coat as well, you’ll definitely need it!

Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the winter:

General Naples packing tips

There are certain things you’ll want to include in your packing whatever time of year you visit Naples, and I recommend that you keep these travel essentials with you in your carry on bags to avoid any problems, including:

You should also make sure to have copies of your passport (either paper photocopies or digital copies on your cell phone), the details of your travel including hotels and transfers and any medications that you need to take regularly.

Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:

What to wear to visit Naples in February

There are two rules that apply year-round when deciding what to wear in Naples, but really, they apply anywhere in Italy!

Rule 1 – Be comfortable

This is honestly the most important advice I can give you when it comes to deciding what to wear, you really need to be comfortable.

Your footwear is where this rule comes into its own, as (speaking from experience here!) wearing the wrong shoes will cause you all sorts of problems. Planning to walk all around the historic city center? You’ll need shoes that have a good grip as well as good support, the cobblestones are not friendly to those who don’t walk on them everyday.

The key is to bring shoes that you know are right for your feet, so break in new shoes before traveling and don’t expect that just because other people had a good experience with a particular pair, you will too.

Rule 2 – Dress in layers

Having a mix of different layers of clothing is always a sensible idea, especially in February when the weather can be very changeable, even through one day. Packing a selection of lighter tops that can be layered up with heavier jumpers or sweaters, along with a scarf and good jacket, will make your life so much easier.

I always recommend bringing a small day bag with you so you can carry any extra clothing with you until you need it.

Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Naples & Campania?

Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:

Is February a good time to visit Naples Italy?

February is a great time to visit Naples if you want to explore the city and surrounding area, and don’t mind that the weather is not at its best.

This is my favorite time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii and the ancient city of Herculaneum as the crowds are virtually non-existent! The Royal Palace at Caserta, ancient ruins at Capua and Phlegraean Field areas are all easily reached from Naples and are extremely peaceful in February as well.

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I think it’s a wonderful time to explore Naples as you can see the city filled with its residents going about their daily life without the crowds that build up later in the year. Most restaurants in Naples stay open year-round so you will have no problem getting a seat in the most popular spots either!

If you want to explore Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast however, I would suggest waiting a little longer before visiting. The coastal areas of Campania are colder and a lot less is open, plus transport connections are less frequent because of the reliance on ferry services.

ischia beach
If the weather is good, why not head to one of the Neapolitan islands and relax with no crowds

How crowded is Naples in February?

February in Naples is not busy at all. The people who come to the city around Christmas time have well and truly disappeared, and the spring travelers are still a few weeks away, so you will find both Naples and the wider Campania region pretty empty of visitors – especially on the Amalfi Coast.

There is a slight spike around Valentines Day, but Naples is not a traditionally romantic place to celebrate so we don’t see the same crowds that appear in Rome or Florence around this time of year. Similarly, there can be an increase in local visitors around the time of Carnival (before Lent) but most of the Campania celebrations happen in the smaller towns rather than Naples itself.

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What food to eat in February in Naples

As always in Italy, the markets will be filled with fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables and in February that means lots of root vegetables, artichokes, kale and the continued presence of all the different citrus fruits. Make the most of the oranges, clementines, lemons and more as they are at their best this time of year.

If you visit Naples during the Carnival season you need to try the local celebratory treats that are only made now, chiacchiere and sanguinaccio. Chiacchiere is the Neapolitan name for the same thin pieces of fried dough coated in sugar that you will find in many places in Italy this time of year, but the pairing with sanguinaccio is truly a local dish!

naples easter pastries in bakery
Be on the look out for seasonal treats such as chiacchiere if visiting Naples in February

Sanguinaccio is a thick, rich, dark chocolate sauce often with an alcohol liqueur added to it that you dip the chiacchiere pieces in, but in the past it was made with pigs blood as a type of sweet blood pudding. The sale of pigs blood was outlawed in 1992 so this version no longer exists, but the name still reflects the sauce’s origins in Italian.

During Carnival you may also see the Neapolitan lasagna on restaurant menus, which is different in that they make it with pieces of sausage, small meatballs and ricotta cheese rather than a ragu and bechamel sauce, but is no less delicious!

What to do during February 2025 in Naples Italy

February holidays and special dates in Naples

There are only a couple of holidays that take place this month:

February 14 – Valentine’s Day

While not a public holiday, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Naples. There will be all sorts of red and pink decorations in shops and all over the city, and you’ll be sure to find lots of flowers and chocolates for sale.

If it falls around a weekend then popular restaurants will be much busier than normal, but otherwise the city will not feel much different.

Carnival

Carnival begins the week before Lent with Fat Thursday, culminating in Fat Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday.

Dates for Carnival (Carnevale in Italian) in 2025 are:

  • Fat Thursday: February 27
  • Carnival Sunday: March 2
  • Fat Tuesday: March 4

In Naples the celebrations are mainly for children, but in the wider Campania area there are annual festivals in the towns of Saviano and Palma Campania with processions, costumes and lots of events to enjoy.

Discover what’s on in Naples and Campania

There’s no shortage of special events, exhibitions and unique experiences happening right now in Naples and Campania! Check out the full listing here:
VIEW ALL EVENTS HERE
naples underground
Naples’ numerous underground sites are a great way to escape bad weather

Free Things to do during February in February

On the first Sunday of each month, a number of museums, art galleries and archeological sites are open for free to all visitors.

In the city of Naples you can get free entry to many places, including these locations:

In Campania, you can visit some locations for free as well, including:

Booking in advance for the Free Sunday is not generally possible so aim to arrive early and expect large lines at the most popular sights – particularly Pompeii.

If you have another day when you could visit Pompeii, I would recommend avoiding the Free Sunday event and visiting one of the other free sites, saving your Pompeii sightseeing for a different day when it will be easier to get in.

Of course, there are lots of other things you can do for free at any time. Walking down to the terrace past the Royal Palace to see stunning views of Mount Vesuvius, browsing the nativity scenes in San Gregorio Armeno or exploring the seafront area near the Castel dell’Ovo are just some of the possibilities!

Discover Naples and Campania easily with this pass!

Access over 100 Naples and Campania sites, museums, archeological parks (including Pompeii) with the official tourist pass of the city and region! Save money and make visiting the top sites stress-free – click here to find out more:
GET YOUR PASS HERE

More ideas for things to do in Naples during February

Maybe you’ve visited Naples and the surrounding area before, or you have time to spend in the city and want to have some different Naples experiences. Luckily, besides the obvious must-see Naples and Campania attractions, there are lots of wonderful things to see and do here!

Check out our page about exploring beyond Naples for inspiration, or set your aim further afield in Italy. With the excellent rail network you could easily do day trips to Rome or Florence, or head south to Salerno.

Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?

If you’re looking to visit Naples or Campania from Rome for a day trip, be sure to check out these incredible tours from our friends at Take Walks.
Each experience offers you an easy way to visit sites like Pompeii, Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Transport and tickets are all taken care of, leaving you to focus 100% on enjoying your time here!
MORE ITALY TOURS

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To sum up…

Even with the cool weather and chance of rain, February is a fun time to be in Naples and explore the wider Campania region. Why not enjoy a romantic Valentines Day break somewhere a little different?

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