Climate - Genoa (Liguria)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - Genoa (Liguria)
The climate of Genoa, the capital of the Italian region of Liguria, is Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and warm to hot, sunny summers.
The city is located in northern Italy, but on the coast, and it's clearly separated from the Po Valley by the Apennines, so, together with the rest of the Ligurian Riviera, it has a much milder climate.
The wind is quite frequent, since in periods of bad weather a depression often forms right on the Gulf of Genoa, which draws a moderate or strong wind from the northeast, able to lower the temperature.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 9.1 °C (48.4 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 25.1 °C (77 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Genoa - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | 6.1 | 12.1 | 9.1 | 43 | 54 | 48.3 |
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| February | 6.5 | 12.7 | 9.6 | 44 | 55 | 49.3 |
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| March | 8.9 | 15.2 | 12 | 48 | 59 | 53.7 |
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| April | 11.4 | 17.8 | 14.6 | 52 | 64 | 58.2 |
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| May | 15.3 | 21.5 | 18.4 | 60 | 71 | 65.2 |
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| June | 19 | 24.9 | 22 | 66 | 77 | 71.5 |
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| July | 21.6 | 27.8 | 24.7 | 71 | 82 | 76.4 |
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| August | 21.8 | 28.3 | 25.1 | 71 | 83 | 77.1 |
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| September | 18.5 | 25 | 21.7 | 65 | 77 | 71.1 |
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| October | 14.7 | 20.5 | 17.6 | 59 | 69 | 63.7 |
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| November | 10.4 | 16.1 | 13.2 | 51 | 61 | 55.8 |
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| December | 7.1 | 13.1 | 10.1 | 45 | 56 | 50.2 |
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| Year | 13.5 | 19.6 | 16.5 | 56.3 | 67.3 | 61.5 |
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Rainfall in Genoa is quite abundant, in fact, it exceeds 1,000 millimeters (40 inches) per year. In particular, autumn is very rainy, when the sea is still warm, and the first disturbances are capable of causing heavy rains, which in turn can lead to the flooding of the streams coming down from the Apennines and passing through the city, especially in late September and in October. October is the wettest month, with as many as 170 mm (6.7 in) on average. Summer is the driest season, but only in July, when Atlantic depressions are rarest, precipitation drops below 30 mm (1.2 in). Here is the average precipitation.
Genoa - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
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| January | 100 | 3.9 | 8 |
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| February | 75 | 3 | 6 |
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| March | 80 | 3.1 | 7 |
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| April | 90 | 3.5 | 8 |
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| May | 70 | 2.8 | 7 |
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| June | 60 | 2.4 | 5 |
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| July | 25 | 1 | 3 |
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| August | 70 | 2.8 | 5 |
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| September | 135 | 5.3 | 6 |
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| October | 170 | 6.7 | 8 |
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| November | 110 | 4.3 | 7 |
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| December | 95 | 3.7 | 7 |
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| Year | 1080 | 42.5 | 77 |
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Winter, from December to February, is mild; in particular, periods of high pressure are pleasant, and the sun shines, while the Po Valley is shrouded in fog.
In contrast, in periods of bad weather, with the north-east wind, cold air from the Po Valley manages to climb over the Apennines and reach the city, so there can be cold and rainy days.
On colder periods, for the same reason, it may even snow. Together with Savona, Genoa is one of the two cities of the Ligurian Riviera where snow is more frequent, because in some situations, cold air manages to be channeled between the mountains. So, even if snow is rare, occasionally there can be a snowfall, even in the form of a storm. However, there are differences depending on the area: in the upper districts of the city, the snow is more abundant, and at times it can reach half a meter (20 in), while in the extreme eastern suburb, in Nervi, it almost never snows.
On the coast, in December 1981, 50 cm (20 in) of snow fell in one day; other heavy snowfalls occurred in February 1978 and in December 1996, both with 35 cm (13.5 in), in March 2005, with 40-50 cm (15-20 in), in January 2006, with 35 cm (13.5 in), and in January 2009, with 30 cm (12 in).
As for the cold, the temperature in Genoa rarely drops below freezing, and it does so only when the wind blows from the northeast. Already a temperature of -3.5 °C (25.5 °F), as occurred in December 2009 and February 2012, is rare. However, in the past, temperatures dropped to -7 °C (19.5 °F) in January 1947, to -6 °C (21 °F) in February 1956, to -7 °C (19.5 °F) in January 1985, -5 °C (23 °F) in February 1986, and to -4.5 °C (24 °F) in February 1991.
Spring, from March to May, is mild, and gradually becomes more sunny, but it is also quite rainy. March and the first half of April are unstable periods, with the first mild and sunny days alternating with colder and rainy days. In April and May, while in the rest of Italy the first warm days occur, with highs above 20 °C (68 °F), a layer of clouds can sometimes form on the Ligurian coast, able to keep the temperature cool, around 15 °C (59 °F) even during the day.
Summer, from June to August, is warm to hot and sunny.
Some weather disturbances may pass over the city even in summer, especially in June and in late August, while on sunny days, some thunderstorms may reach the coast after forming in the interior.
Generally, the heat is not excessive because of the sea breeze, but we cannot exclude some particularly sultry periods, with highs of 32/33 °C (90/91 °F).
The hottest days occur with the north wind and therefore with lower humidity. The heat record, 38.3 °C (100.9 °F), occurred in August 2015, but otherwise the temperature almost never exceeds 35 °C (95 °F).
Autumn, from September to November, is mild and humid, with sunny days, but also periods of bad weather, when, as we have said, it can rain a lot.
The amount of sunshine in Genoa is good in summer, when clear skies prevail, while in the rest of the year, sunny periods alternate with periods of cloudy skies. In total there are 2,200 hours of sunshine per year. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
Genoa - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
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January | 4 | 120 | February | 4.5 | 125 | March | 5 | 160 | April | 6.5 | 190 | May | 7 | 220 | June | 8 | 245 | July | 9.5 | 295 | August | 8.5 | 265 | September | 6.5 | 200 | October | 5.5 | 175 | November | 3.5 | 110 | December | 3.5 | 110 | Year | 6.1 | 2220 |
The sea in Genoa and in nearby towns, such as Rapallo and Chiavari, is warm enough for swimming in July and even more so in August, when it reaches 25 °C (77 °F), while in June, the Ligurian Sea is still cool. Here are the average sea temperatures.
Genoa - Sea temperature| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
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January | 13.5 | 56 | February | 13 | 55 | March | 13.5 | 56 | April | 14.5 | 58 | May | 18 | 64 | June | 21.5 | 70 | July | 24 | 76 | August | 25 | 77 | September | 22.5 | 72 | October | 20 | 68 | November | 17 | 62 | December | 14.5 | 58 | Year | 18.1 | 64.5 |
On the hills north of Genoa, the climate is much colder, already at altitudes of a few hundred meters, as you can see from the average temperatures of the Giovi Pass, 475 meters (1,560 feet) above sea level.
Passo Giovi - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | 0.4 | 5 | 2.7 | 33 | 41 | 36.8 |
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| February | 0.8 | 6.6 | 3.7 | 33 | 44 | 38.7 |
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| March | 3.7 | 10.7 | 7.2 | 39 | 51 | 45 |
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| April | 6.3 | 14 | 10.1 | 43 | 57 | 50.2 |
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| May | 10.6 | 18.1 | 14.4 | 51 | 65 | 57.9 |
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| June | 13.6 | 21.2 | 17.4 | 56 | 70 | 63.2 |
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| July | 15.7 | 24.5 | 20.1 | 60 | 76 | 68.2 |
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| August | 15.7 | 24.4 | 20.1 | 60 | 76 | 68.1 |
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| September | 12.4 | 19.6 | 16 | 54 | 67 | 60.8 |
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| October | 9.2 | 14.5 | 11.9 | 49 | 58 | 53.4 |
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| November | 5 | 9.5 | 7.2 | 41 | 49 | 45 |
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| December | 1.1 | 5.6 | 3.4 | 34 | 42 | 38.1 |
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| Year | 7.9 | 14.5 | 11.2 | 46.3 | 58.1 | 52 |
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Best Time
The best times to visit Genoa are spring and early summer, in particular, from mid-April to mid-June. September is also a good month, especially in the first half, while later, the risk of heavy rainfalls increases.
In the height of summer, in July and August, it can be hot, although less frequently than in other parts of Italy.
For a beach holiday on the Ligurian Riviera, the best months are just July and August.
Genoa - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.1 °C (48 °F), with a minimum of 6.1 °C (42.9 °F) and a maximum of 12.1 °C (53.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1 °C (33.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.6 °C (27.3 °F) in January 1993.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17 °C (63 °F). However, it reached 20 °C (68 °F) in January 1993.
Precipitation amounts to 100 mm (3.9 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 4 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 41% of the time.
The average humidity is 63%.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13.5 °C (56 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
February is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 9.6 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 6.5 °C (43.8 °F) and a maximum of 12.7 °C (54.8 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (35 °F). However, it dropped to -4.2 °C (24.4 °F) in February 1991.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 17.5 °C (63 °F). However, it reached 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) in February 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 43% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (55 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
March is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 12.0 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 8.9 °C (47.9 °F) and a maximum of 15.2 °C (59.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (39.5 °F). However, it dropped to -2.5 °C (27.5 °F) in March 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it reached 25 °C (77 °F) in March 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 42% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13.5 °C (56 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
April is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 14.6 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 11.4 °C (52.4 °F) and a maximum of 17.8 °C (64 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6.5 °C (44 °F). However, it dropped to 4 °C (39.2 °F) in April 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 24 °C (75.5 °F). However, it reached 29 °C (84.2 °F) in April 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 90 mm (3.5 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 47% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 13 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
May is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 18.4 °C (65 °F), with a minimum of 15.3 °C (59.6 °F) and a maximum of 21.5 °C (70.8 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10.5 °C (51.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5 °C (41 °F) in May 1991.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). However, it reached 31.1 °C (88 °F) in May 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 50 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (8 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 18 °C (64 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
June is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 22.0 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 19 °C (66.2 °F) and a maximum of 24.9 °C (76.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it dropped to 11 °C (51.8 °F) in June 1994.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31 °C (87.5 °F). However, it reached 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) in June 2017.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 30 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 53% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 21.5 °C (70.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cool for swimming.
July is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 24.7 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 21.6 °C (70.8 °F) and a maximum of 27.8 °C (82 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (63.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12.7 °C (54.9 °F) in July 2016.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32.5 °C (91 °F). However, it reached 36.8 °C (98.2 °F) in July 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 5 minutes. So the days are long.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 63% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 11 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a warm to hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 25.1 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 21.8 °C (71.3 °F) and a maximum of 28.3 °C (82.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 17.5 °C (63 °F). However, it dropped to 14.9 °C (58.8 °F) in August 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 33 °C (91.5 °F). However, it reached 38.3 °C (100.9 °F) in August 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 70 mm (2.8 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 12 kph (7 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 25 °C (77 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.
September is generally a warm month. The average temperature is of 21.7 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 18.5 °C (65.2 °F) and a maximum of 25 °C (77 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57.5 °F). However, it dropped to 9 °C (48.2 °F) in September 2007.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 33.8 °C (92.8 °F) in September 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 135 mm (5.3 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 6.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 14 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.
October is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 17.6 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 14.7 °C (58.5 °F) and a maximum of 20.5 °C (68.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10 °C (49.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5 °C (41 °F) in October 2003.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25 °C (77 °F). However, it reached 29.4 °C (84.9 °F) in October 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 170 mm (6.7 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (67.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.
November is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.2 °C (56 °F), with a minimum of 10.4 °C (50.7 °F) and a maximum of 16.1 °C (60.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5 °C (41 °F). However, it dropped to 0 °C (32 °F) in November 1999.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 21 °C (69.5 °F). However, it reached 22.9 °C (73.2 °F) in November 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 110 mm (4.3 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 39% of the time.
The average humidity is 67%.
The average wind speed is 18 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
December is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 10.1 °C (50 °F), with a minimum of 7.1 °C (44.8 °F) and a maximum of 13.1 °C (55.6 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (35 °F). However, it dropped to -3.6 °C (25.5 °F) in December 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 18 °C (65 °F). However, it reached 21.2 °C (70.2 °F) in December 2016.
Precipitation amounts to 95 mm (3.7 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 8 hours and 55 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 3.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 40% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.
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