Page 41 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Milan & The Lakes

MILAN THROUGH THE Y EAR  39

Average daily hours of sunshine Sunshine Hours
The hours of sunshine in
Hours Milan are in line with the
10 Mediterranean average.
However, in autumn and
8
winter the weather can be
6 very foggy, which is a typical
feature of the climate in the
4 Po river valley, exacerbated
by city pollution. The lakes,
2 surrounded by the Alps, are
more shaded in the morning
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec and evening.
June Sagra di San Cristoforo
Milano–San Remo. Part of the (third Sun). The patron saint of
city centre hosts the start of travellers, St Christopher, is
this prestigious international celebrated along the Naviglio,
bicycle race. in the square facing the church.
Festa del Naviglio (first Sun). In the evening decorated
You can find everything barges glide along the canals.
under the sun at this festival, Estate all’Umanitaria.
held in the atmospheric The Humanitarian Association
setting of the illuminated organizes a festival of cinema,
Navigli canals: street artists dance, music, theatre and
and performers, concerts, cartoons and shows for children.
sports, an antiques market, Fotoshow (odd years). An
handicrafts, regional cooking. interesting video, photography
Pavilions at Fotoshow Milano d’Estate (Jun–Aug). and optics show in the Fiera
This marks the beginning of (Exhibition Centre) pavilions.
summer entertainment in Sagra di San Giovanni.
Summer the city (concerts, exhibits, At Monza, a few miles north
June is one of the most various cultural events), of Milan, the patron saint’s
pleasant months to visit which takes place in the feast day is celebrated with
Milan because the climate Parco Sempione. sports and cultural events,
is mild and the programme Arianteo (Jun–mid-Sep). some of which are held at
of cultural and sports events The Anteo motion-picture a splendid venue – the park
is truly packed. In July the theatre organizes a series of at the Villa Reale.
torrid, muggy summer heat outdoor showings at various
(the temperature may be venues around the city. The July and August
as high as 40° C/104° F), programme includes all the Festival Latino-Americano.
together with the heavy most important films featured The Forum di Assago hosts this
traffic, can make sightseeing in Milan’s cinemas and theatres lively festival of Latin-American
quite uncomfortable. during the year. music, handicrafts and cuisine.
In August, most of the
factories and offices close
for the summer holidays and
the empty city is an unusual
and, in some respects, quite
pleasant sight. The same
streets that were crowded a
week earlier are now quiet,
even restful.
Despite the exodus, many
events, both cultural and
recreational, are held in Milan
during the summer.
This is the busiest season
for visiting the lakes of Northern
Italy, but also the sunniest.
Even at the peak of the summer
heat, the water can have a
cooling effect. The Milan–San Remo race, opening the Italian cycling season

038-039_EW_Milan.indd 39 20/10/16 3:15 pm