February in Italy can be brilliant, but it can also be tricky. While this month is usually packed with big events like the Venice Carnival and the Milan Fashion Show, there is another big event happening this year. The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics are taking centre stage, bringing the world to the slopes.
Another thing that can throw a wrench in your plans is the weather. Parts of southern Italy are experiencing severe weather, causing major damage. Here’s what to know before you lock in your plans.
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Venice Carnival
Venice Carnival runs from January 31 to February 17, 2026. You can check the official program here.
Carnival is fun, but it is also one of the busiest times to visit Venice. If you want Venice without the big crowds, I suggest visiting in early spring or fall. You’ll still get that magical Venice feeling, with more space to wander and enjoy the city.
If you’re going during Carnival, start your day early. The lanes and squares fill up fast. Also, book anything “special” ahead of time (costume rentals, dinners, events), because the best options go first.
The Winter Olympics
The Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6 to 22, 2026. If you want to try for tickets, use the official ticket portal here.
If you’re travelling in northern Italy during Olympic weeks, plan for higher prices and fewer hotel options. Train seats can also sell out quickly on popular routes, especially around Milan and in mountain areas. I’d build in extra travel time and book transport as soon as your dates are set.
Milan Fashion Week
Women’s Fall/Winter shows are scheduled for February 24 to March 2, 2026.
Even if you’re not going to shows, Milan feels different that week. Hotels can fill up, restaurants get busy, and some areas around venues can be slower-moving. My tip is to book dinner reservations early and visit museums in the morning, when the city is calmer.
Weather impacts in Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria
Recent weather has been rough in parts of Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria after Cyclone Harry. Normally, I’d say February is a great time to visit Sicily, but this year, I’d be cautious.
If you can, skip Sicily for now or plan a route that avoids areas affected by the storms. However, if you’re set on travelling in the south this month, do two quick checks before you go:
Look for local alerts and updates in the places you’ll be staying.
Confirm trains, buses, ferries, and roads on the day you travel, since schedules can change fast after heavy rain and flooding.
New in Rome: paying to get close to the Trevi Fountain
Rome has started charging a small fee (€2) to enter the “up close” area at the Trevi Fountain during set hours. You can still see the fountain for free from the piazza above, but the fee applies if you go down close to the water.
This has caused a lot of controversy, with some people supporting the fee and others opposing it. What do you think of this new fee?
My tip: if you want photos without paying (and with fewer people), go early in the morning or later at night. If you don’t mind paying, treat it like a short, timed stop, then move on to your next sight.
Resources
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Let me know if you’re going to Italy this month. We plan to visit Sicily in March, and we hope the weather won't be an issue.
A presto,
Kasia
