The best time to visit Matera is in spring from May-June and in fall from September-October. The weather is still warm and there are less tourists than the July/August months.
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Is Matera worth visiting? Yes! This small city in the Basilicata region is in a part of Southern Italy that often gets overlooked. It's one of Italy's most unique destinations.
The best months for good weather in Matera are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. On average, the warmest months are July and August. The coldest months are January and February. The rainiest months are February, March, April, May, October and November.
Elsewhere, Matera is cold, and sometimes sees snow, but it's good for a bit of winter sun. The major draw here are the cave dwellings in the Sassi area, which are usually crawling with tourists, but in winter you'll basically have them to yourself.
But be careful, during your Matera walking tour, you will involve a lot of walking, and as the city is hilly, hot—especially in the summer—and completely out in the open, you'll want to make sure you pack comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
November is Italy's rainiest month, almost to a region across the peninsula. It's not usually the coldest month on the calendar, but it's often when a sweater and warm coat come in handy (not to mention water resistant shoes).
Both Matera and Alberobello are fascinating, but they evoke completely different feelings. Both are rich in history. However, in Matera, you get the impression of struggle amongst a vast wilderness, whilst Alberobello brings magic and enchantment to mind.
There are tourists in Matera now, but not too many, with most coming and leaving by bus long before the sun sets. As more and more cave hotels are built and with people like us spreading the word, Matera will rival the popular northern cities in terms of tourism.
Matera has gained international fame for its ancient town, the Sassi di Matera. The Sassi originated in a prehistoric troglodyte settlement, and these dwellings are thought to be among the first ever human settlements in what is now Italy.
Getting Around MateraOne reason we loved Matera is because it is super walkable! We walked allll over town and although it's very hilly and has lots of stairs, it was so much fun! We wouldn't recommend renting a car here, as it would be a bit harder to park in the Sassi.
Today the visitor has a couple of options for staying in Matera. You can stay in the modern town, enjoying beautiful views of the Sassi. Alternatively, and far more fun, you can stay in the Sassi and get your Fred Flinstone on by living in a cave for a night or two.
You should layer and plan on wearing a short-sleeved shirt under your cardigan/jacket, as it can be quite warm in the middle of the day, especially if you are walking around a lot or eating lunch outside. It's not really shorts/tank tops weather, so I suggest sticking to jeans/cotton pants.