Ravello in May

April through June gives you perfect weather without summer crowds. The gardens bloom in spring, temperatures hover around 22°C, and you can actually get dinner reservations. May is ideal — warm enough for outdoor dining but cool enough for afternoon walks. September and October offer the best of both worlds: summer warmth lingering into fall, fewer tourists, and harvest season in the surrounding vineyards. The light turns golden in October, perfect for photography. Summer brings the Ravello Festival (July-September), when classical music performances fill the Villa Rufolo gardens. But July and August also bring heat, crowds, and prices that make your credit card weep. Hotel rates double, restaurants require reservations weeks out, and the SITA buses run standing-room-only. Winter sees most restaurants close and gardens go dormant, though a few luxury hotels stay open for guests who want the place to themselves. Just bring layers — those clifftop winds bite in January.