The route between Bari and Matera crosses open olive country and the limestone Murge plateau, with long, exposed stretches and little shade. Conditions are generally favorable in April, May, and October, with milder temperatures and longer daylight compared to summer, and more settled weather overall. Weather outside these windows ranges from hot and exposed in midsummer to short days and changeable spells in midwinter, with varied rain, cloud, and sunny breaks across the year.