Dreaming of wandering the cobblestone streets of Florence or indulging in authentic Neapolitan pizza? Planning your trip to Italy can be exhilarating, but finding the cheapest time to fly to Italy in 2025 can feel daunting. Airfares to this ever-popular destination swing widely throughout the year, often catching travelers off guard.
Fortunately, learning a few industry patterns—seasonality, airline pricing tactics, and smart search habits—will help you uncover outstanding bargains. Below, we explore the cheapest time to book your flights to Italy so you can stretch your budget without sacrificing your Italian adventure.
Cheapest Time to Buy Flights to Italy in 2025
Across major search engines and airfare studies, the off-season (January – March) consistently posts the lowest fares. Kayak’s live data, for example, shows the average January return fare from New York to Rome hovering around $566, roughly 25–35 percent cheaper than midsummer highs.
- January to March: Winter brings cooler temperatures and shorter daylight, yet rewards travelers with the lightest crowds and the year’s rock-bottom airfares and hotel rates. Rick Steves’ crowd-tracking graphs confirm tourism numbers fall sharply during these months.
- Shoulder seasons – April–May & September–October: Often called the “Goldilocks months,” these windows balance pleasant weather and smaller crowds with fares typically 10–20 percent below peak summer pricing.
Why are prices lower? Airlines slash fares to stimulate demand once the holiday rush subsides, while hotels offer promotions to keep rooms filled. The result: a perfect storm of savings for flexible travelers.
Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Italy
Data aggregated by CheapAir and Expedia indicates that departures on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are, on average, 12–18 percent cheaper than weekend lift-offs on the same route. Monday flights can also be competitive, but Tuesdays and Wednesdays remain the sweet spot.
Flight-time matters, too. Red-eyes and first-of-the-day departures (roughly 5 a.m.–7 a.m. or after 8 p.m.) frequently price lower because leisure travelers prefer more convenient hours. Maximize savings by setting fare alerts on Expedia, Skyscanner, and Kayak, then strike when prices dip inside your target range.
Pros & Cons of Flying to Italy During the Cheapest Time
Advantages
- Lower costs: Airfares can drop 25–40 percent, and hotels may offer off-season rates up to 50 percent below August prices.
- Shorter lines: Iconic sites—from the Vatican Museums to the Uffizi—often operate at half-capacity in winter months.
- Local feel: Fewer tour groups mean more chances to mingle with residents.
Drawbacks
- Cooler weather: Expect rain in the north and occasional snow in the Alps.
- Reduced opening hours: Some coastal attractions or small-town museums scale back operations.
- Unpredictable shoulder-season weather: April showers or October chills can still sneak in.
Average Flight Prices to Italy During the Cheapest Times in 2025
The figures below synthesize Kayak’s live fare tracker and Hopper’s 2025 Europe report. Actual fares hinge on origin city, demand spikes, and whether you book non-stop or with a layover.
Flight Prices to Italy During Cheapest Months (January & February)
- Origin: Major East-Coast hubs such as New York (JFK) regularly post round-trip deals between $520 – $600. West-Coast cities like LAX average <$700 when sales hit.
- Airline: Legacy carriers sometimes price-match budget rivals. Compare total cost after baggage fees.
- Flexibility: A one-day shift or alternate airport (e.g., Bologna vs. Florence) can shave an extra $40–$80.
Target winter range: $400 – $650 round trip for economy fares, depending on origin and routing.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October)
- Price range: Expect averages to edge up to $600 – $800 as weather improves and demand rises. Deals under $650 still surface—especially for flights landing mid-week or in secondary airports such as Venice Treviso or Milan Bergamo.
Tip: Shoulder-season fares often jump rapidly six weeks out. Aim to book no later than two months before departure.
Cheapest Airlines to Fly to Italy in 2025
When price trumps perks, these cheapest airlines dominate trans-Atlantic or intra-Europe routes:
Budget Airlines that Fly to Italy
- Norse Atlantic Airways — seasonal JFK-FCO non-stops with bare-bones base fares.
- Ryanair /EasyJet/Wizz Air — unbeatable intra-Europe hops. Always price out carry-on and seat fees.
Finding the Best Deals
- Flight search engines: Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner aggregate both legacy and low-cost carriers, giving you a full-fare snapshot.
- Airline websites: Budget carriers sometimes reserve flash sales for their portals.
- Deal newsletters: Services such as Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) routinely flag sub-$500 U.S. → Italy deals—if you’re flexible on dates.
Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flights to Italy in 2025
- Target winter months: Aim for $400 – $650 returns in January or February; fly mid-week and consider open-jaw itineraries (e.g., into Rome, home from Milan).
- Leverage shoulder seasons: Spring and early autumn deliver excellent weather and moderate crowds for $600 – $800.
- Prime booking window: CheapAir’s 2025 International Study pegs the sweet spot for Europe at 5–8 months out; set price alerts early.
- Consider one-stop routes: A quick layover in Lisbon or Reykjavík can cut $100+ off a ticket.
- Alternate airports: Check Pisa, Bologna, and Naples in addition to Rome FCO and Milan MXP.
- Watch fees: Low-cost fares climb fast once seat selection and luggage are added—compare the final total.
- Sign up for fare alerts & newsletters: Time-sensitive flash sales disappear within hours.
Sources
- Kayak live data – NYC → Rome average fares
- CheapAir International Airfare Study 2025
- Hopper – Airfare to Europe 3-year low
- Investopedia – Off-peak vs. peak travel to Europe
- NY Post – Mid-week booking & flying trends
- Cheapflights – Early-morning & late-night flight savings
- The Points Guy – Time-of-day fare differences
- Rick Steves – Europe shoulder-season overview
- Lonely Planet – Best time to visit Italy
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest city to fly into in Italy depends on your travel specifics, but Milan (Malpensa Airport - MXP) is a good starting point. Look into smaller airports near your final destination, consider flying on weekdays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) and explore connecting through a nearby European hub with budget airlines for the most affordable option.
The cheapest day of the week to fly to Italy is typically Tuesday or Wednesday. Midweek flights are generally less expensive because fewer people travel on these days compared to weekends or the beginning and end of the workweek. Airlines often lower prices on these days to fill seats. Additionally, booking your departure for midweek can help you avoid higher fares commonly associated with weekend travel, which is more popular for both leisure and business trips.
To travel to Italy cheaply, consider flying into smaller airports near your final destination on weekdays (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays) and explore connecting through a budget European hub. Look for budget-friendly stays like hostels or AirBnbs outside city centers, and travel during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid peak tourist prices. Take advantage of free activities like walking tours and picnicking in public spaces, and consider a museum pass if you plan on visiting many attractions.
