As Italy experiences increasingly intense heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees Celsius in cities like Milano a new study reveals which cities offer the most pleasant climates. The fifth edition of the Climate Livability Index conducted by in collaboration with Corriere della Sera has crowned Ancona as Italy’s most climate-friendly city for 2026.
The study analyzed 108 provincial capitals across 17 meteorological parameters utilizing over 418 million data points collected throughout 2026. This year’s edition incorporated advanced AI models and ERA5-Land data from the Copernicus program to better understand the urban heat island effect where cities experience temperatures up to 6-8 degrees higher than surrounding rural areas due to asphalt and concrete surfaces.
The Rise of Coastal Cities
The 2026 rankings highlight the advantage of coastal cities, particularly those along the Adriatic Sea. The presence of the sea helps mitigate extreme temperatures, making these cities more resilient to heatwaves and providing a more stable climate throughout the year. AnconaBari and Trieste top the list, showcasing the benefits of maritime climates.
Lorenzo Tedici meteorologist and media responsible at emphasizes the crucial role of the sea in moderating temperatures. Coastal cities benefit from natural ventilation and lower humidity which contribute to a more comfortable living environment. This is particularly evident in cities like Trieste which ranks as the best city in Northern Italy at 13th place.
The Struggle of Inland Cities
In contrast, many inland cities, particularly those in the Po Valley and Alpine valleys face significant challenges due to climate change. Cities like MantovaCremonaTrento and Sondrio occupy the bottom of the rankings, struggling with intense heat in summer and dense fog in winter. The study also highlights the increasing number of tropical nights where temperatures remain above 20 degrees Celsius even at night.
Major cities like Roma and Firenze also fare poorly, ranking 91st and 92nd respectively. These cities are heavily impacted by urban heat islands and the growing frequency of heatwaves. Milano another major urban center, ranks 74th indicating the widespread impact of climate change on Italy’s cities.
The Impact of Climate Change
The 2026 Climate Livability Index paints a clear picture of a country grappling with the effects of global warming. Mattia Gussoni meteorologist at notes that the Mediterranean basin is a climate hotspot warming at a rate 20% faster than the global average. This rapid warming exacerbates extreme weather events and contributes to the collapse of Alpine glaciers.
The study underscores the urgent need for urban planning strategies to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands. As cities continue to grow, the importance of green spacessustainable infrastructure and adaptive policies becomes increasingly critical. The 2026 rankings serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the cities that are successfully adapting to climate change and those that need immediate intervention.
