For 2026, the data confirms that the cheapest time to fly from Rome (Fiumicino or Ciampino) varies depending on your destination, but there are some recurring “golden months” for savings.
The cheapest months of 2026
The cheapest months of 2026 are January and February — the months of absolute savings for Italy and Europe. After the holidays, prices plummet, and you can find flights to Marseille or London starting at €15 and other European cities. On the Ryanair website, you can already find several low-cost flights from Ciampino or Fiumicino.
April and May represent the so-called “shoulder season,” although you have to be careful around Easter ( when prices rise). It’s the best time for destinations such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece. September is the best month for intercontinental flights. If you’re heading to Asia or Africa, fares hit historic lows at the end of summer (often below €400 for long-haul flights).
How far in advance should you book and on which days of the week?
Expedia Group’s analysis confirms that Wednesday is the best day to book if you want to save money. Some travel websites recommend avoiding weekends, precisely because there is more demand, considering that many people are not working and have more time to book flights.
According to Travel 365, for those traveling with low-cost airlines on short routes, the maximum savings are usually achieved by booking a little over a month in advance, or between five and six weeks before takeoff. On the other hand, when choosing traditional scheduled flights, the time window widens considerably, requiring planning about five months in advance to get the best fares. This threshold increases further for intercontinental and long-haul travel, for which it is advisable to lock in the price at least six months before the scheduled departure date.
The most affordable destinations in August 2026
Skyscanner’s report for August 2026 outlines a ranking of the most affordable destinations, highlighting how it is possible to travel even in the height of summer on a limited budget, provided you choose the right days of the week.
Italy offers options at both ends of the scale. Naples remains the cheapest destination overall, with an average price of €100.
The capitals of Eastern and Central Europe offer the best value for money: Vienna and Budapest at €118 and €119 respectively. London and Madrid remain in the mid-range between €152 and €160. In these cities, savings are also guaranteed by the wide range of low-cost flights connecting the main hubs.
Summer at the beach
For those looking for the sea, Cagliari remains affordable at under €200 (€177), while Lampedusa closes the top 10 with an average of €238, confirming itself as the most expensive destination in the group but still competitive for the high season. For those aiming for the Mediterranean without spending a fortune, Malta (Valletta) is the winning choice at €147. Split follows at €161 and the island of Corfu at €214. In almost all these cases, midweek flights prove to be the winning strategy for keeping prices low.