The weather in Livorno (and Tuscany), the best time of the year to enjoy a cruise, cruise itineraries, special events and what to pack on a cruise calling at Livorno.
Although some European cruise lines sail the Mediterranean in the European Winter (December to March), the 'season' really starts in April lasting until mid of November with some cruise ships departing to warmer regions as late as early December.
When and how to cruise to Livorno
The Editor has visited Livorno in all seasons for over 20 years. Early June and late September are favorites months to cruise in the Mediterranean due to the milder weather and because both Livorno and its top highlights tend to have fewer crowds.
This said, calling at Livorno in May, October and even November has a unique charm although temperatures are lower and it may rain.
July and August are very hot months in the Mediterranean and destinations like Florence and Pisa are usually overcrowded.
It can be cold between December and March (but never freezing), rain is almost certain and the days are short with the sun setting around 5:00 pm.
Cruise lines and itineraries visiting Livorno
Livorno (Pisa/Florence) is a typical port call included in many Western Mediterranea cruise itineraries with embarkation in Barcelona or Civitavecchia. There are few itineraries that call at Livorno also cruising the Adriatic or the Eastern Mediterranean.
However, most cruises in the Mediterranean visiting Livorno will also call at ports like Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples, Marseille, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Genova, and other major ports.
With exception of Carnival Cruises which only occasionally sails in Europe and the Mediterranean, all major Cruise Lines offer itineraries calling at Livorno.
Mega and large cruise ships of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, and Norwegian (NCL) call at Livorno between April and November, as do the luxury ships of cruise lines like Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, and Ponant.
Premium cruise lines such as Cunard, Holland & America, Oceania, Viking, and Windstar also call at Livorno between Spring and Fall.
For those looking into cruising to Livorno in the Fall/Winter, most European Cruise Lines (Costa, MSC, P&O, Marella, Tui Mein Shiff, Fred Olson) have itineraries visiting Livorno all year.
When to Cruise to Livorno
Although the Mediterranean has mild and sunny days in April and May, the weather is far from reliable in these two months. The same applies to October and November - the latter is the rainiest month in Livorno.
Between June and September, the weather is at its best - sunny and warm. But you should be aware that the overwhelming majority of Europeans enjoy summer holidays in August and, inevitably, highlights like Florence and Pisa are invaded by hordes of northern Europeans.
Therefore, the Editor's favorite months to cruise Livorno are June, July, and, especially, the first 3 weeks of September.
This said, Autumn has a charm of its own (up until the third week of November), and although the change of foliage is not as spectacular as in other places in the World (North East America comes to mind) beautiful colors are to be found in smaller towns like Lucca and Volterra.
Naturally, the beaches are far from inviting after mid-September. But the countryside will display spectacular landscapes: fully enjoyable if traveling to Siena or San Gimignano on a rent-a-car.
If traveling with children and the beaches of Livorno appeal more than the historical sites, then July should be the month of choice. The two-second weeks of June are warm enough and a good choice.
The first two weeks of August are very nice for sun splashing but the beaches will be packed.
The last two weeks of August see a clear decline in the 'crowds'.
| Month | Daily Mean ℃ (℉) |
Average High ℃ (℉) |
Average Low ℃ (℉) |
Average Rain (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7 (45) |
11 (52) |
2 (36) |
74 |
| Feb | 8 (46) |
12 (54) |
3 (37) |
70 |
| Mar | 10 (50) |
15 (59) |
5 (41) |
77 |
| Apr | 13 (55) |
18 (64) |
7 (45) |
80 |
| May | 16 (61) |
22 (72) |
10 (50) |
61 |
| Jun | 20 (68) |
26 (79) |
14 (57) |
43 |
| Jul | 23 (73) |
29 (84) |
17 (63) |
24 |
| Aug | 23 (73) |
29 (84) |
17 (63) |
57 |
| Sep | 20 (68) |
26 (79) |
14 (57) |
88 |
| Oct | 16 (61) |
21 (70) |
11 (52) |
120 |
| Nov | 11 (52) |
16 (61) |
6 (43) |
122 |
| Dec | 8 (46) |
12 (54) |
3 (37) |
85 |
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Mean ℃ (℉) |
7 (45) |
8 (46) |
10 (50) |
13 (55) |
16 (61) |
20 (68) |
23 (73) |
23 (73) |
20 (68) |
16 (61) |
11 (52) |
8 (46) |
| Average High ℃ (℉) |
11 (52) |
12 (54) |
15 (59) |
18 (64) |
22 (72) |
26 (79) |
29 (84) |
29 (84) |
26 (79) |
21 (70) |
16 (61) |
12 (54) |
| Average Low ℃ (℉) |
2 (36) |
3 (37) |
5 (41) |
7 (45) |
10 (50) |
14 (57) |
17 (63) |
17 (63) |
14 (57) |
11 (52) |
6 (43) |
3 (37) |
| Average Rain (mm) | 74 | 70 | 77 | 80 | 61 | 43 | 24 | 57 | 88 | 120 | 122 | 85 |
Itineraries Calling at Livorno
All major cruise lines sail the Mediterranean and call at the Port of Livorno with exception of Carnival Cruises which only occasionally calls at this major port.
Typical cruise itineraries sail the West Mediterranean with Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome) as departure ports, although some ships sail around Italy ending (or starting) the cruise in Venice. These cruise itineraries are anything between 7 and 10 days long.
More encompassing cruises sail the Western Mediterranean for 11 to 20 days and naturally call at more ports but seldom miss Livorno.
A few cruise lines - usually the upper premium and/or luxury lines - also allow the possibility to explore both Western and Eastern Mediterranean areas, with cruises departing from Istanbul or Athens and going as far as Lisbon in the Atlantic.
What to pack on a cruise to Livorno
If cruising in the shoulder seasons (April-May, or October-November) you should be prepared for cold mornings and evenings.
Temperatures will be around 45℉ (7 ℃)] in the morning, which is the time to disembark to go on a tour. Likewise, it will also be chilly in the evening (as you return to the ship).
By contrast, the Summer months will be warm, with average temperatures reaching the mid-90s ℉ (30 ℃).
Special Events in Livorno and Nearby
There are a number of special events that take place in Tuscany that should be kept in mind when on a cruise with a call at the Port of Livorno. In the city itself there are two major events: the Effecto Venezia and a Regatta.
In Siena, the Pallio (July 2 and August 16) is a must. In Florence the Maggio Fiorentino is one of the best classical musical festivals in Europe. Close to Lucca, in Torre del Lago the Puccini Festival is one of the major opera festivals in the World.
Embarking and Disembarking Livorno
It is unlikely that your cruise will start or end in Livorno, as the piers do not have proper facilities (nor Terminals) to operate the complexity of such a process.
If emergency disembarkation is required, the airports of Pisa or Florence are the best options.
In the unlikely case of emergency embarkation (missing the embarkation port for your cruise, for example), the Editor strongly advises cruise travelers to avoid the cheap hotels in the city center like the Hotel Giaponne or City Hotel.
The same applies to the crew, staff, or officers that may embark or disembark a cruise ship in Livorno.
Overnights in Livorno
Few cruise ships spend an overnight in Livorno. In the rare eventuality of spending an overnight in Livorno, do not expect much activity in town although a few nice restaurants are open for dinner, and there are a few inviting bars and pubs for a drink out.
However, considering the proximity of Lucca, Pisa, and even Florence, a night out (or better said) an overnight in any of these cities can be a true pleasure.
After all, spending one night in Florence would allow extra time to visit the city's top attractions. And to enjoy dinner in one of the many charming Florentine restaurants.
Very few ships spend an overnight in Livorno. In the rare eventuality of spending an overnight in the port do not expect much of an activity although a few nice restaurants only open for dinner and there are a few bars and pubs that will be inviting for a drink out.
However, considering the proximity of Lucca, Pisa and even Florence a night out (or better said) an overnight in any of these cities can be a true pleasure.
After all, to spend one night in Florence would allow extra time to visit more of the many highlights of the city or to enjoy dinner in one of the many and charming Florentine restaurants.
