Last updated on November 20th, 2024 at 09:18 pm

This blog post will tell you what to expect when visiting the isle of Capri in the winter months. Although it’s a popular tourist destination in the summer, read along to find out what you can do in Capri in the off-peak season.

I made it to both Capri & Pompeii when I visited Italy! I was fully aware that Capri was more than a piece of clothing but oblivious to its exact location until I started planning my Italy trip. Naples would be my base for three days, and I was looking for short day trips around the city. Pompeii and Capri were close contenders, and the other best option was the Amalfi coast, which had a separate slot in my itinerary.

Given that Capri was an island and that I was visiting in the winter season, I wasn’t completely sure if I would be able to do all the fun things that popped up on Google images. Sun-kissed beaches, water activities, and that gorgeous hidden cave – The Blue Grotto.

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How bad could the winters really be in the South of Italy, or so I thought.

Is Italy Worth Visiting in the Winter?

Italy in winter is perfect if you are looking for a budget Europe trip, in my honest opinion. The weather is not freezing unless you are up in the mountains. Not to mention the crowds are not as crazy as in summer, which is perfect to keep the prices within reach.

Read More: Important Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Going to Italy

Is Capri Worth Visiting in Winter?

“Honey, you won’t be able to see the Blue Grotto. And consider yourself lucky if the boats are running to Capri given that it’s raining all day.”

My BnB hostess, a very nice Croatian lady married to a handsome Italian man, said to me as she served me freshly baked Sfogliatelle for breakfast. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Sfogliatalle is a Naples delicacy and the most delicious pastries I’ve ever had in my life!

I quickly checked the weather for the next day and smiled back with my phone’s screen flashing a bright sun under Naples. We sure can move things around since no bookings were done in advance. At that moment, I might’ve also begged her to make Sfogliatelle for me again the next day.

So I made it to Capri’s Grand Marina the next day and approached the information desk with hopes that Blue Grotto tours were running. The heavy wind in the winter season makes the Mediterranean sea too choppy and dangerous for boats to go inside the grotto. Therefore, forget about any water activities in the winter.

Read More: Learn These Basic Italian Words & Phrases Before You Go!

Capri Winter Temperatures and Weather

In the Campania region of Italy, which is where Naples, Amalfi, and Capri are located, you can expect the average temperature in the 50s Fahrenheit around December, January, and February. 

These temperatures are actually quite warm if your hometown is cold, like in the Northeast or Midwest US or even Washington DC, like us. The fall and winter months may not provide a tropical paradise, but it is a great way to see this beautiful island on a budget, without crowds, and without sweating through your clothes either!

Month	Temperature (F)	Temperature (C)
December	50-55°F	10-13°C
January	48-53°F	9-12°C
February	49-54°F	9-12°C
March	51-56°F	11-13°C

They did assure me that I would have a great time walking around this beautiful island though.

So When is the Best Time to Visit Capri?

Let me ask you – do you want to swim in the Mediterranean, sunbathe on the beach, or go inside the blue grotto?

If you answer yes to all of the above, then save your Capri holiday for a hot summer day!

But if you are a greedy traveler like me and don’t mind missing a few water activities, then Capri in winter is a great idea. You might even have the entire island to yourself at times.

Since most of the businesses and shops are closed in the winter, I would not recommend staying back the night. Instead, make it a one day trip from either Naples or Sorrento or Amalfi Coast.

When does Capri close for the season? There is typically a decrease in tourism activity during the winter months, but it doesn’t “close” in the way some destinations might. Most attractions, hotels, and restaurants on the island remain open year round, though some may have reduced hours or limited services during the offseason. I recommend checking with the specific businesses or attractions you plan to visit, during the specific dates of your trip.

How to Get to Capri in Winter

Capri is an easy boat ride from either of these ports below. You can easily get a rental car in Italy from Rome to these ports or take a train. Make sure to check the ferry timings as the winter times could vary.

Read More: Roman Holiday Guide – Must-See & Do Things in Rome

From Naples

I took the high-speed ferry from Naples port (Molo Beverello) and it got me to Capri Marina Grande in 45 mins. The slow ferry from Naples takes about 1.30 hours. Here’s the ferry schedule from Naples to Capri.

From Sorrento

High-speed ferry from Sorrento will get you to Capri in 20 minutes while the regular ferry takes about 30 minutes. Here’s the ferry schedule from Sorrento to Capri.

From Amalfi Coast (Positano or Amalfi)

The ferry route between Positano or Amalfi and Capri is only active during the months of April to October. On that note, you must check out these fun things to do in Positano while you are there.

Once you reach Marina Grande, the ferry terminal in Capri, you can either pay to take a Funicular or walk 20 minutes uphill to get to Capri Piazzetta.

Don’t want to do any of the planning? Try one of these day trip or private tours:

• From Naples
• From Sorrento
• From Positano

Things To Do in Capri in Winter

Before we get to that, let’s understand that the Isle of Capri is divided into two parts – Capri and Anacapri. The ferry will drop you in Capri. Anacapri, on the other hand, is the western hilly half of the island.

Now that you know your bearings, you can easily spend 3-4 hours on a beautiful winter day doing all these fun things –

1. Walking Around Gardens of Augustus

In order to reach the Gardens of Augustus, you will have to stroll through the many narrow uphill streets in Island. You will also pass by Capri’s most famous perfume factory Carthusia. TIP: Grab a map in your hand if you are walking alone like me as it’s not too difficult to get lost in these Capri alleys.

While the Gardens of Augustus itself is not very big it offers splendid views of the Meditteranean especially the Faraglioni.

You also get to see the incredible Via Krupp which zigzags its way to Marina Piccola from Augustus gardens.

Another great spot to see the Faraglioni is from Belvedere di Taragara.

2. Shopping for Perfume in Carthusia

Before I left for Capri I read an article which said don’t leave Capri without buying these 3 things – The Capri sandals, Carthusia perfume and a bottle of limoncello which is a native liquor of Capri.

The sandal shops were closed in the winter and I had already purchased a bottle of Limoncello from Amalfi Coast. Nevertheless, I made sure to bring back home the smell of Carthusia. It is available on Amazon too now!

Legend has it that in the 14^th century, the father of Carthusian Monastery welcomed the Queen with a bunch of fresh flowers local to the island. When the father was about to change the water of the flowers after 3 days, he noticed the stale water had an unusually pleasant fragrance.

Today that water from local herbs and flowers of Capri is bottled and sold by Carthusia. The store also sells other products such as soap, incense, essential oils, etc.

3. Taking the Chairlift to the Top of Mount Solaro in Anacapri

The chairlift closes early in winter so plan your day accordingly. Mount Solaro is located in Anacapri and you can get here from Capri or Marina Grande by bus or taxi. The ticket counter for that bus is located where the funicular from Marina Grande drops you. Check the timings and direction to get to the chairlift here.

Explore More Italian Cities:

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• Fun things to do in Florence, Italy- A Perfect 3-day Itinerary
• Florence to Pisa – A Perfect Day Trip By Train
• Cinque Terre, Italy – All You Need to Know Before Visiting These Colorful Italian Villages

4. Soaking in the Views From Villa San Michele in Anacapri

A short distance away from the chairlift for Mount Solaro is Villa San Michele. The villa offers splendid aerial views of the Isle of Capri with a backdrop of Mt. Vesuvius and Naples in mainland Italy. It’s free to walk around the villa.

5. Eating a Delicious Caprese Lunch

Although I did mention most of the shops are closed in Capri in the winter, there are a few restaurants open at the Piazzetta di Capri. Don’t miss a nice Caprese meal ending with their very own limoncello. And definitely try the Torta Caprese dessert if you have a sweet tooth like me.

Hope this post was helpful for those traveling to Italy in the winter. And if you are visiting in the summer you must not miss the Blue Grotto! With more time to spare, you must travel through Italy exploring other gorgeous cities.

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Happy Traveling!