Bologna in January

April through June is peak Bologna season. The weather's perfect for walking, university students create energy in the streets, and restaurant terraces open up. September and October work just as well - fewer crowds and the food markets overflow with seasonal ingredients. Summer gets brutally hot and many locals escape to the coast. Winter can be foggy and damp, but indoor markets and cozy trattorias make up for it. Avoid mid-August when half the city shuts down for vacation. University term runs October through May, which means more nightlife but also higher hotel prices. Book ahead during major food festivals like Mortadella Please in October.