Amalfi Coast in May

April through June and September through October are the sweet spots. May is perfect — warm enough for swimming (water hits 18°C), but tourist numbers stay reasonable. The wisteria blooms in late April, covering terraces in purple cascades that smell like heaven. September brings harvest season; you'll see locals picking lemons and grapes on impossible terraced slopes. October can be magic — still warm days, cooler nights perfect for dinner on terraces, and that golden light photographers obsess over. July and August? Skip them unless you enjoy paying €8 for a Coke while standing in line for an hour to take a photo. Temperatures hit 35°C, beaches pack with bodies, and restaurant reservations become impossible. Winter (November-March) sees many hotels and restaurants close, but if you don't mind limited options, you'll have the coast almost to yourself. Just know that storms can be dramatic — waves crash over the coastal road, and ferry service stops completely.