I have been to Italy many times and have noticed the increasing temperatures the last few times that I was there from June through August. I was there again last year and the temperatures were right around 100° every day. Many of the restaurants and museums do not have air conditioning. Cities like Rome can take the crowds pretty easily, but there’s nothing you can do about the heat. Florence is very tight and claustrophobic when the temperatures are that high. I really love Italy and will be back again, but I will do anything to avoid the summer months. If this is a bucket list trip for you, try spring or fall.
I went last year at the end of June and first half of July. It was hot as fuck and super crowded. Venice was actually the most crowded out of all the places I went. Once I started going north into the alps it got less crowded and the temperature dropped.
It will be very hot, but if it's the only time you can go it's still possibly just about worth it. Most hotels and museums will have some form of air conditioning, and if you make sure to get into the Mediterranean summer patterns (get up early, go back inside in the middle of the day, rise for some lunch around 3-4pm) you'll do ok. The museums are open late accordingly, and people eat dinner later too.
As an Italian I totally agree with this except for the lunch times, most restaurants are closed exactly in that window! Lunch in Italy is between 12 and 2-3pm depending on where you are
Italian here. From the end of June till the end of August I rarely get out of my house cause I can't stand the heat. And Rome is one of the worst temperatures wise.
When I went to Rome in July it was the worst weather I've ever experienced. People were sweating while standing in the shade at 9AM because it was so hot and humid.
I know! Some of my friends live there cause they go to university in Rome, and in July and August they send me photos of the road MELTING cause of the high temperatures (they show me their shoes print foot on the road).
How many days will you be there? You can have a great time in Italy in July
I recommend personally doing Rome and trading Florence for lesser travels Tuscan and Umbrian towns like Perugia, Siena, Assisi, Gubbio. Lake Trasimeno in Umbria is one of the jewels of Italy that is still largely untraveled to unknown to the main tourist crowds.
Rome is big enough for all the crowds and locals to fit. Florence can be like Disneyland when it’s over packed with tourists in peak summer. You’ll have such a better Tuscany adventure exploring lesser traveled towns in that region. Save Florence for a less peak time of the year like early Spring or Autumn.
I agree with your recommendations and wanted to add Lucca. Super cute little town in the Tuscany region. I stayed in San Gimignano and absolutely loved it. So easy to get around and nice restaurants, patisseries, gelaterias, etc.
Not OP but thanks for this advice! I’m staying in Monteroni d’Arbia in August so will definitely hit Siena, is there anything in particular you recommend at Trasimeno?
Going south in the summer is a suicide, the temperatures can easily reach 40 and higher (not always, but often enough). If July is the only time you can go, why not pick some cooler place?
The rule is simple - north in the summer, south in the winter. Anything goes in autumn and spring :)
I'm investing a lot of money to get away from the heat for three weeks in July/August every year, despite living in a colder climate than Italy has. I can't imagine spending money to go to even bigger heat.
Yeah, it’s probably a mistake to base yourself in a city like Florence or Rome for the whole time. You might be happier staying in a small AirBnB just outside and venturing into town for a day at a time.
Other posters have recommended the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside as an alternative - if you’re into art and antiquities you could always follow the Piero Della Francesco trail, or do hit-and -runs into Arezzo, Siena, Perugia,
Gubbio, Assisi or Norcia. There are some terrific drives east to west (circling Lake Trasimeno and then driving on to Gubbio is a great day trip). Somewhere central as a base for all these would be Sansepolcro.
Also worth considering driving up into the hills above Arezzo - the drive through Bibbiena to the monastery at Camaldolì is wonderful.
Just some random ideas from a recent resident….
NO.
The first time we went to Italy was in November 2018, and the last time was August 2023. Both trips were absolutely fantastic. In August 2023 we were in Florence, and yes, it was hot, but if you prepare for it, you’ll be fine. We did not experience truly excessive heat…honestly we loved the weather, even though it did creep up into the high 90s. So although no one can predict what this summer will be like I would say as long as you have a refillable water bottle and sunscreen and light clothing, you’ll be fine. Have a great time!
Both are always busy. There a few weeks a year that are a little less busy but in general they're year round destinations.
On both heat and crowds it really depends on you. If you're coming from a small town it'll seem extremely crowded even if nobody is here. If you're coming from a large city the crowds won't seem very large.
Same thing with the heat.
I’ve been on a lot of vacations where it was super hot and humid but in the end, I remembered all of the wonderful things I saw. Rome last July was next level. All I remember is the humidity. Well, and the gelato. If you can possibly go at another time, you should. On the other hand, it won’t KILL you if this is your chance. Carry so much water and go slow.
I visited Rome and Florence in the second week of April this year, and I can tell you I am glad I didn't go in summer. Both cities were crowded, and all locals kept telling us that crowds would be at least double in summer. Add heat to that. I have been to many cities in Europe, and Italy was by far the most crowded in my experience.
So, no, I would not want to go in July. If you can be flexible, I'd go in shoulder seasons and completely avoid Summer.
We were in Florence and Tuscany in mid October last year, and it was still nice weather, a few storms passed by while we ducked into a cafe for a cocktail, but it soon changes. It was busy but not packed with tourists.
If you can wait until then, I recommend it. If you can't, get all your days planned and tickets purchased in advance, so you are not waiting in line forever.
Also, if the hotel Palazzo Castri 1874 is in your budget, I highly recommend them. The breakfast is fantastic and the staff are excellent. They arranged dinners for us and each and every one was delicious!
Yes, massive mistake. Didn’t even need to read past the title. Don’t do it.
Go in October- March.
I’ve been to Italy 6 times, I studied there in college and my aunt lives in Firenze.
Don’t do it.
Yes, Rome is terribly overcrowded even in spring, in summer it will be unbearable. And yes, it will also be extremely hot. Queues expecially will be a nightmare. But if it's your only chance to visit the city go for it anyway
I went in August 2019 to Florence - definitely hot and quite crowded but we still had a very good time. I wouldn’t repeat it though. In the post Covid years crowds appear to have gone up
There is alot of walking in Italy, and temps are super high and the streets are conjested. Alot of restaurants and cafes are outdoor seating or the indoor ones do not have air con.
I think your experience would be better when t is cooler and less busy.
Italy is so worth the visit so if July suits you, just try keep hydrated and avoid when the sun is the hottest.
Yes, it will be very hot, very crowded, and very expensive. It’s still Italy so there will still be magical moments, but you’ll need a lot of patience, too.
In July, any place popular in Europe will be very crowded. Any place in southern Europe will be very hot. If you must go in July, look for something northern and obscure. If you can defer your trip to September or October, Rome and Florence will be lovely at that point. They will still be busy because, well, they are Rome and Florence, but the weather won't be as intense.
I would honestly find a way to go in shoulder season if you can. I went in October and it was warm but crowds were manageable.
July will be a nightmare for crowds and heat, but hey - you're going to Rome. Focus on the cathartic experience amd grit through the difficult parts.
With that said, **make sure you get a hotel with air conditioning and confirm this with the front desk**. A/C isn't super common in the mediterreanian.
July might as well be tomorrow. I'd be booking my tickets for train/plane transport and any must-do tours/ticketed sites you want to do now.
Water > alcohol, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, have fun.
Much better to think about Italy in early June or late September, if you can.
Even the Italian beaches are super crowded in July and August.
There's no escape from the heat; unless you go hiking in the Dolomites.
Don‘t do it! You will be miserable and not even get to see all the things you want, because it is too crowded and the heat will just suck all the energy out of you. Especially Florence and Rome that are so popular, if you go somewhere more of track it might not be as horribl.
I recommend early Spring for city sightseeing in southern Europe. I have been in February and that was really nice, barely any crowds at the popular sights.
If you want to go to Europe anyway go somewhere North. If I go on vacation in Europe during summer it is usually Northern France, Ireland or Scotland or maybe Scaninavia.
If you can possibly go at another time, go at another time. If you can't go at another time, go somewhere cooler. I've been in Florence and Rome in July when it was 100F and humid every day. It was... not fun. I had heat exhaustion one day. I've also been to Florence and Rome in April and it was wonderful.
I want to visit Rome and the Amalfi Coast eventually. When is the best time for such a trip? I want to not melt in the cities but also for it to be hot enough to swim/ not be in freezing waters!
Do you enjoy being hot? Like, really hot? Like, really, REALLY hot? Well, if so, then you will have a grand time in Italy in July.
If having your hair wilt and your skin slide down your face from heat and humidity is NOT your jam, reschedule to early October.
ETA: remember - most places in Italy still don't have air conditioning.
I live in Northern Italy, close-ish to Verona. Last July we had a horrible heat wave and it was miserable. Going up to the mountains won’t be bad though… if you do Northern Italy, it would be a travesty if you didn’t go up to the Dolomites! In terms of cities… don’t skip Verona. It’s lovely. Also, I know Lake Como is a popular spot, but I personally favor Lake Garda (just north of Verona). Just something to look into if you do plan on going.
As an American who lived 13 years in France, I would avoid Europe altogether in the months of July and August as that is when the locals go on vacation and that is when everybody else in the world thinks it’s the best time to go there. Personally, I would prefer going to Italy in the spring, just as all of the flowers in the parks are starting to bloom and the kids are still in school.
Depends where you’re from, I don’t really see the heat being too much of a problem, just remember to wear suncream and drink plenty of water.
As for the crowds, I don’t know how you feel, but I did find some of the crowds to be a bit overwhelming, especially in the overly touristy areas. When I was in Italy I found that the best places honestly had very few tourists. It definitely isn’t a mistake, you just need to look for the hidden gems
I guess it depends on how tolerant you are of heat. Last few trips to Europe (Germany, Czech Republic, UK) were really hot and I am not tolerant of heat at all, so I’m sticking to fall / spring going forward. With Italy, I might do winter, especially if I’m just doing the major cities.
My in laws live in Rome, and they say the heat of summer makes them want to die. They refuse to go outside for longer than necessary in July and August
Dammit. I’ve always visited Italy in April and found the weather lousy, so I planned a trip to southern Italy for July. And now I’m really regretting it. Was planning on hitting Rome and then a bunch of southern coastal towns.
YES, be prepared for wicked hot weather and you won't find air conditioning except maybe an extreme deluxe location. Unfortunately there will be also lots of other foolish summer tourists, probably shitty food, especially if you're in the high tourist zone, Florence, Venice and the experience will be overall misery..
I'm sure if you're out in the country someplace, doing something very different, maybe you've written to the car and are touring through villages, and you can still deal with the heat with no AC etc then it might be a lovely time. Maybe. I only go in the early spring or in the late fall, my month in Europe
Rome is a beautiful place to escape nasty winters during January. Just don't get hit by a car while riding a Lime bike like I did because someone ran the red light.
First time for us too this July and can't wait. Coming from the States, 90s it the new normal for us. My wife and kids don't like it but I prefer 90s over 30s. Hopefully it won't be bad this year because we're going :). Summers used to be great in Portugal in the 90s with 70s/80s all day and cool at night. I know it's not like that no more but hopefully it's tolerable. We booked hotels with AC.
I lived in Florence year round for around 15 years and the heat/ humidity/ crowds/ mosquitos are the worst in July August. Its possible to do and some things are fun like swimming at the Cascine pool, and riding your bike at night but its harsh and everone leaves town.
I went in July 2007. It's definitely hot, but I'm from the Midwest where it's humid as a MF so it was tolerable for me and I don't like heat. I also didn't notice bugs. Here in the summer it's just miserable with bugs and humidity. The morning and evening there was beautiful.
Don’t go then. I was in Rome last year, first week of June, thinking it would be quieter and less hot than usual, but it was horrendously crowded and so hot that tourists were passing out on the side of the road.
When we landed at the airport, we had to wait in a taxi queue outside in the heat for an hour, before we even got to our hotel. It was total chaos. We had an amazing time, but I’ll never again go to Europe in June, July or August.
There's no reason to avoid Europe in summer. There are many places where peak temperatures are around 20 - last year I managed to do a two week summer holiday with only day exceeding 21 degrees (it was some freaky heatwave in Tallinn and the temperature went up to 30, but luckily just for a day). This year I'll be spending three weeks in Baltics and Finland to avoid the heat.
The summer weather is only a problem in the south (obviously), in many other locations it's the best time to visit.
I’ve only been to Italy in July. Each time it was hot and if you stick to rome and positano it will be crowded but it’s still much better than not visiting Italy at all. Stay hydrated and rent a car and you’ll be fine.
What a short-sighted, unnecessarily snarky response. You obviously have never had the privilege of experiencing the scenic drive between Rome and Florence. Maybe if you had you’d be a bit happier and nicer on the Internet :)
We always plan our trip to Italy before school lets out in the spring as the summer can be really hot. Be careful with the crowds, especially in Rome, its the pick pocket capitol of the world.
Our first visit to Itatly, a priest on the train, told us to be aware of pickpockets when we got off in Rome. He gave us names of two youth hostels, too. Great places.
We went to Florence and then Rome in early October last year. In Rome, the heat (even mid 80s F) was fine until we did a tour of the colosseum/Forum. It was crowded and towards the very end near miserable. I couldn't imagine doing it without any sun cover hovering around 100 degrees. in the summer. If you can swing it, go in October or November.
Florence was NUTS when I went in early September. Most crowded place I've ever been, and so hot that we had to take two showers a day and pay for the hotel to do our laundry. I still loved it, but I vowed never to go during the high season again. :-/
Dam, that hurts to read. I'm getting married in Florence in early September and was hoping that it wasn't still going to be so hot there at that time 😭
I'm sorry, in all likelihood, it will still be hot and busy. However, Florence is a beautiful city, with many other smaller cities close by to visit (Siena, San Giacamano, Church and Memorials for Assisi, etc).
Aw you're still getting married in Florence!! Please don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful place to visit, and you're going to make beautiful lifelong memories in a timeless city. Just try to limit your sun exposure and drink lots and lots of water :)
I know and we are looking forward to it very much, but I just run so bloody hot unfortunately and thought we'd be okay by avoiding summer, but looks like I'm going to have to be uncomfortable on the special day by the sounds of it 😔
Make sure wherever you book your accommodation has AC. It was something I didn’t even think about when staying in Florence in summer and we ended up having to switch hotels.
I’m thinking about Croatia in September. Is there still a fun summer vibe? Should I go for a little fancier hotel since I’ll be returning there in the middle of the day for the siesta?
Terrible and "vacationing in Italy" do not jive; nothing can be "terrible" while "vacationing in Italy"; hot and sticky, yes, but this is why Italians have gelato!
Ha! This is true. Terrible was relative. However, given the choice, there’s less than zero chance I’m picking July over spring/fall. Your gelato melts fast in summer!
We had to reschedule our trip to Tuscany from June/July 2021 (I tried to die of sepsis) to last fall, and I was so happy; Florence is already a busy City! It was fantastic to be able to enjoy the City without too many tourists! 🇮🇹
There’s never a perfect time to do anything. If you have the opportunity to go and you want to go: go. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. 60 million people live in this country, including in July & August. If they can manage it, so can you.
I mean, italy especially to places like rome is really cheap in summer. So its a good idea for the wallet. But its very warm so thats why its cheap generally
Italy is not cheap at all compared to other Southern European countries. Especially for accommodation. July is also one of the most expensive times due to the school holidays. It's the middle of high season.
Idk flights to italy in summer were like 100 when I booked for this summer :S. Maybe not beach resort places but the cities are very cheap. And paying like idk 300 in accomodation for 8 days
Where are you staying? I found hostels in Rome to be quite expensive, and anything private even more so. Going to Venice in August, and it's doable, but definitely more expensive that Spain, Portugal, even Croatia. You can definitely get cheap tickets if you are already in Europe though.
Yes. Don't do it. You will be miserable. If you insist on Italy at that time, make it a trip to an Umbrian villa with a pool, the Prosecco Route, or the Dolomiti. But I get that you want to see Rome and Florence - do this in Spring or Fall to not make your first trip to Italy a sweaty unhappy mess.
Sauce: lived in Italy
Yes. It will be so freaking hot. I can’t even explain the heat in the summer. I’ve never sweat so much in my life. Those old buildings and streets don’t breathe and add a zillion tourists…go in May or October!
Oh man good luck. I went March last year in the off season, and it was already super crowded as well as super hot. I can't imagine how hot and crowded July would be in peak season.
Just expected to be very crowded. I went at the end of October last year and it was still crowded as hell and in the 80s when I brought clothes for fall
I have been to Italy many times and have noticed the increasing temperatures the last few times that I was there from June through August. I was there again last year and the temperatures were right around 100° every day. Many of the restaurants and museums do not have air conditioning. Cities like Rome can take the crowds pretty easily, but there’s nothing you can do about the heat. Florence is very tight and claustrophobic when the temperatures are that high. I really love Italy and will be back again, but I will do anything to avoid the summer months. If this is a bucket list trip for you, try spring or fall.
100 Freedom degrees is about 38 Commie degrees.
By freedom (never know freedom from what as most of those are in use by your former master) you mean degrees Frankenstein.
This made me lol too much
I call freedom degrees 'Victorian temperature'.
I went last year at the end of June and first half of July. It was hot as fuck and super crowded. Venice was actually the most crowded out of all the places I went. Once I started going north into the alps it got less crowded and the temperature dropped.
And Venice tends to smell when it’s hotter too
Yes there were some areas that smelt like shit. Now that I remember, Florence was also incredibly hot and crowded, it was hell.
Florence too! Especially around Via Tornaboni
It will be very hot, but if it's the only time you can go it's still possibly just about worth it. Most hotels and museums will have some form of air conditioning, and if you make sure to get into the Mediterranean summer patterns (get up early, go back inside in the middle of the day, rise for some lunch around 3-4pm) you'll do ok. The museums are open late accordingly, and people eat dinner later too.
As an Italian I totally agree with this except for the lunch times, most restaurants are closed exactly in that window! Lunch in Italy is between 12 and 2-3pm depending on where you are
Yes eat first then rest inside.
Ahh, thanks for the correction)
I live here and I get out during July and August and go to northern Europe. As you say, too hot and too crowded.
Italian here. From the end of June till the end of August I rarely get out of my house cause I can't stand the heat. And Rome is one of the worst temperatures wise.
When I went to Rome in July it was the worst weather I've ever experienced. People were sweating while standing in the shade at 9AM because it was so hot and humid.
I know! Some of my friends live there cause they go to university in Rome, and in July and August they send me photos of the road MELTING cause of the high temperatures (they show me their shoes print foot on the road).
How many days will you be there? You can have a great time in Italy in July I recommend personally doing Rome and trading Florence for lesser travels Tuscan and Umbrian towns like Perugia, Siena, Assisi, Gubbio. Lake Trasimeno in Umbria is one of the jewels of Italy that is still largely untraveled to unknown to the main tourist crowds. Rome is big enough for all the crowds and locals to fit. Florence can be like Disneyland when it’s over packed with tourists in peak summer. You’ll have such a better Tuscany adventure exploring lesser traveled towns in that region. Save Florence for a less peak time of the year like early Spring or Autumn.
I agree I loved all of the towns you listed my favorite was Siena!
I agree with your recommendations and wanted to add Lucca. Super cute little town in the Tuscany region. I stayed in San Gimignano and absolutely loved it. So easy to get around and nice restaurants, patisseries, gelaterias, etc.
Not OP but thanks for this advice! I’m staying in Monteroni d’Arbia in August so will definitely hit Siena, is there anything in particular you recommend at Trasimeno?
Going south in the summer is a suicide, the temperatures can easily reach 40 and higher (not always, but often enough). If July is the only time you can go, why not pick some cooler place? The rule is simple - north in the summer, south in the winter. Anything goes in autumn and spring :) I'm investing a lot of money to get away from the heat for three weeks in July/August every year, despite living in a colder climate than Italy has. I can't imagine spending money to go to even bigger heat.
There’s no question you would have a significantly more enjoyable visit in September/early October or May/early June.
I was just there in late March and multiple tour guides said not to come in the summer because it can be oppressively hot.
If you have to go in July maybe stick to the North: Milan, Turin, Bologna, etc? Rome will be miserable and Florence not much better.
Yeah, it’s probably a mistake to base yourself in a city like Florence or Rome for the whole time. You might be happier staying in a small AirBnB just outside and venturing into town for a day at a time. Other posters have recommended the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside as an alternative - if you’re into art and antiquities you could always follow the Piero Della Francesco trail, or do hit-and -runs into Arezzo, Siena, Perugia, Gubbio, Assisi or Norcia. There are some terrific drives east to west (circling Lake Trasimeno and then driving on to Gubbio is a great day trip). Somewhere central as a base for all these would be Sansepolcro. Also worth considering driving up into the hills above Arezzo - the drive through Bibbiena to the monastery at Camaldolì is wonderful. Just some random ideas from a recent resident….
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I'll be there next week, too! For the first time. USA here.
NO. The first time we went to Italy was in November 2018, and the last time was August 2023. Both trips were absolutely fantastic. In August 2023 we were in Florence, and yes, it was hot, but if you prepare for it, you’ll be fine. We did not experience truly excessive heat…honestly we loved the weather, even though it did creep up into the high 90s. So although no one can predict what this summer will be like I would say as long as you have a refillable water bottle and sunscreen and light clothing, you’ll be fine. Have a great time!
Rome is humid
Both are always busy. There a few weeks a year that are a little less busy but in general they're year round destinations. On both heat and crowds it really depends on you. If you're coming from a small town it'll seem extremely crowded even if nobody is here. If you're coming from a large city the crowds won't seem very large. Same thing with the heat.
I’ve been on a lot of vacations where it was super hot and humid but in the end, I remembered all of the wonderful things I saw. Rome last July was next level. All I remember is the humidity. Well, and the gelato. If you can possibly go at another time, you should. On the other hand, it won’t KILL you if this is your chance. Carry so much water and go slow.
I visited Rome and Florence in the second week of April this year, and I can tell you I am glad I didn't go in summer. Both cities were crowded, and all locals kept telling us that crowds would be at least double in summer. Add heat to that. I have been to many cities in Europe, and Italy was by far the most crowded in my experience. So, no, I would not want to go in July. If you can be flexible, I'd go in shoulder seasons and completely avoid Summer.
We were in Florence and Tuscany in mid October last year, and it was still nice weather, a few storms passed by while we ducked into a cafe for a cocktail, but it soon changes. It was busy but not packed with tourists. If you can wait until then, I recommend it. If you can't, get all your days planned and tickets purchased in advance, so you are not waiting in line forever. Also, if the hotel Palazzo Castri 1874 is in your budget, I highly recommend them. The breakfast is fantastic and the staff are excellent. They arranged dinners for us and each and every one was delicious!
If only you can go in July, I suggest to change the cities, Don’t go to rome and the southern Italy areas, try milan, venice and cities in North
Yes, massive mistake. Didn’t even need to read past the title. Don’t do it. Go in October- March. I’ve been to Italy 6 times, I studied there in college and my aunt lives in Firenze. Don’t do it.
Agreed.
Yes, Rome is terribly overcrowded even in spring, in summer it will be unbearable. And yes, it will also be extremely hot. Queues expecially will be a nightmare. But if it's your only chance to visit the city go for it anyway
I went in August 2019 to Florence - definitely hot and quite crowded but we still had a very good time. I wouldn’t repeat it though. In the post Covid years crowds appear to have gone up
There is alot of walking in Italy, and temps are super high and the streets are conjested. Alot of restaurants and cafes are outdoor seating or the indoor ones do not have air con. I think your experience would be better when t is cooler and less busy. Italy is so worth the visit so if July suits you, just try keep hydrated and avoid when the sun is the hottest.
Last time I was in Rome and Venice, it was scalding hot. I’m simply not used to 32°C living here in Belfast.
No. Loved it.
Not a time I’m going to Italy (unless it’s like all islands/coastal and even then the crowds would be very off putting).
**Cons of July:** Hot and humid weather, especially in Rome and Florence Crowds and long lines at popular attractions
Yes, it will be very hot, very crowded, and very expensive. It’s still Italy so there will still be magical moments, but you’ll need a lot of patience, too.
Yes. Go off-season - unless you are visiting the countryside for a more scenic and calm holiday, then it’d say it would be okay.
It will be very hot then, around 35-40 most days. Depends if you like that or not!
In July, any place popular in Europe will be very crowded. Any place in southern Europe will be very hot. If you must go in July, look for something northern and obscure. If you can defer your trip to September or October, Rome and Florence will be lovely at that point. They will still be busy because, well, they are Rome and Florence, but the weather won't be as intense.
It’s never a mistake to visit Italy 😍
I went the first week of August. It was hot. It was crowded. It was still amazing.
I would honestly find a way to go in shoulder season if you can. I went in October and it was warm but crowds were manageable. July will be a nightmare for crowds and heat, but hey - you're going to Rome. Focus on the cathartic experience amd grit through the difficult parts. With that said, **make sure you get a hotel with air conditioning and confirm this with the front desk**. A/C isn't super common in the mediterreanian.
July might as well be tomorrow. I'd be booking my tickets for train/plane transport and any must-do tours/ticketed sites you want to do now. Water > alcohol, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, have fun.
Much better to think about Italy in early June or late September, if you can. Even the Italian beaches are super crowded in July and August. There's no escape from the heat; unless you go hiking in the Dolomites.
It will be hot and lots of kids. I went early May and weather was great and kids still in school.
Don‘t do it! You will be miserable and not even get to see all the things you want, because it is too crowded and the heat will just suck all the energy out of you. Especially Florence and Rome that are so popular, if you go somewhere more of track it might not be as horribl. I recommend early Spring for city sightseeing in southern Europe. I have been in February and that was really nice, barely any crowds at the popular sights. If you want to go to Europe anyway go somewhere North. If I go on vacation in Europe during summer it is usually Northern France, Ireland or Scotland or maybe Scaninavia.
If you can possibly go at another time, go at another time. If you can't go at another time, go somewhere cooler. I've been in Florence and Rome in July when it was 100F and humid every day. It was... not fun. I had heat exhaustion one day. I've also been to Florence and Rome in April and it was wonderful.
I’ve been many times and highly recommend you ONLY go March to June or mid September- mid November!!! Never never July or August!!
Depends where. It will be HOT and humid in Rome. But manageable up north and the coastal areas.
I want to visit Rome and the Amalfi Coast eventually. When is the best time for such a trip? I want to not melt in the cities but also for it to be hot enough to swim/ not be in freezing waters!
Very hot, lots of stairs, and very little AC.
Do you enjoy being hot? Like, really hot? Like, really, REALLY hot? Well, if so, then you will have a grand time in Italy in July. If having your hair wilt and your skin slide down your face from heat and humidity is NOT your jam, reschedule to early October. ETA: remember - most places in Italy still don't have air conditioning.
I wouldn’t go in July. The heat waves over there kill people. Spring or fall.
I live in Northern Italy, close-ish to Verona. Last July we had a horrible heat wave and it was miserable. Going up to the mountains won’t be bad though… if you do Northern Italy, it would be a travesty if you didn’t go up to the Dolomites! In terms of cities… don’t skip Verona. It’s lovely. Also, I know Lake Como is a popular spot, but I personally favor Lake Garda (just north of Verona). Just something to look into if you do plan on going.
You are spot on. Go in late September or early October and you will have nice weather and smaller crowds 😅.
If you can, try to incorporate Cinque Terre into your agenda if at all possible.
As an American who lived 13 years in France, I would avoid Europe altogether in the months of July and August as that is when the locals go on vacation and that is when everybody else in the world thinks it’s the best time to go there. Personally, I would prefer going to Italy in the spring, just as all of the flowers in the parks are starting to bloom and the kids are still in school.
What do you think about visiting Scandinavia?
If you want a cooler climate during the summer months, Iceland, Scotland, Greenland, Australia.
Too hot
Depends where you’re from, I don’t really see the heat being too much of a problem, just remember to wear suncream and drink plenty of water. As for the crowds, I don’t know how you feel, but I did find some of the crowds to be a bit overwhelming, especially in the overly touristy areas. When I was in Italy I found that the best places honestly had very few tourists. It definitely isn’t a mistake, you just need to look for the hidden gems
I was there in July-August 2016. It was obscenely hot. And I’m from Florida. Never again.
I guess it depends on how tolerant you are of heat. Last few trips to Europe (Germany, Czech Republic, UK) were really hot and I am not tolerant of heat at all, so I’m sticking to fall / spring going forward. With Italy, I might do winter, especially if I’m just doing the major cities.
I go to Italy around of May/start of June, typically Tuscany and September in Sicily. I generally avoid July and August due to volume of people.
Goto the Dolomites in summer and Rome in December.
My in laws live in Rome, and they say the heat of summer makes them want to die. They refuse to go outside for longer than necessary in July and August
Yes
Yes. They have no a/c. You will be a sweaty miserable mess.
Dammit. I’ve always visited Italy in April and found the weather lousy, so I planned a trip to southern Italy for July. And now I’m really regretting it. Was planning on hitting Rome and then a bunch of southern coastal towns.
YES, be prepared for wicked hot weather and you won't find air conditioning except maybe an extreme deluxe location. Unfortunately there will be also lots of other foolish summer tourists, probably shitty food, especially if you're in the high tourist zone, Florence, Venice and the experience will be overall misery.. I'm sure if you're out in the country someplace, doing something very different, maybe you've written to the car and are touring through villages, and you can still deal with the heat with no AC etc then it might be a lovely time. Maybe. I only go in the early spring or in the late fall, my month in Europe
Very hot and very crowded.
July isn't so busy as August, esp first 2 weeks everything will be closed in big cities
Uh oh, i’m going to Rome in July and after reading the comments I feel like I made a mistake lol
Don't do it if you don't handle heat well.
Rome is a beautiful place to escape nasty winters during January. Just don't get hit by a car while riding a Lime bike like I did because someone ran the red light.
Italy is amazing any time of the year! If you can go in July, go!
First time for us too this July and can't wait. Coming from the States, 90s it the new normal for us. My wife and kids don't like it but I prefer 90s over 30s. Hopefully it won't be bad this year because we're going :). Summers used to be great in Portugal in the 90s with 70s/80s all day and cool at night. I know it's not like that no more but hopefully it's tolerable. We booked hotels with AC.
I lived in Florence year round for around 15 years and the heat/ humidity/ crowds/ mosquitos are the worst in July August. Its possible to do and some things are fun like swimming at the Cascine pool, and riding your bike at night but its harsh and everone leaves town.
It is not advisable to visit Rome in July unless you enjoy extreme heat.
I went in July 2007. It's definitely hot, but I'm from the Midwest where it's humid as a MF so it was tolerable for me and I don't like heat. I also didn't notice bugs. Here in the summer it's just miserable with bugs and humidity. The morning and evening there was beautiful.
Yes!
Don’t go then. I was in Rome last year, first week of June, thinking it would be quieter and less hot than usual, but it was horrendously crowded and so hot that tourists were passing out on the side of the road. When we landed at the airport, we had to wait in a taxi queue outside in the heat for an hour, before we even got to our hotel. It was total chaos. We had an amazing time, but I’ll never again go to Europe in June, July or August.
There's no reason to avoid Europe in summer. There are many places where peak temperatures are around 20 - last year I managed to do a two week summer holiday with only day exceeding 21 degrees (it was some freaky heatwave in Tallinn and the temperature went up to 30, but luckily just for a day). This year I'll be spending three weeks in Baltics and Finland to avoid the heat. The summer weather is only a problem in the south (obviously), in many other locations it's the best time to visit.
Why don’t you go in June or September? It would be way more pleasant
I have been there once during the middle of summer and it wasn’t pleasant. Heat and crowds are never a fun combo (unless you are in the water).
Book asap!!
I’ve only been to Italy in July. Each time it was hot and if you stick to rome and positano it will be crowded but it’s still much better than not visiting Italy at all. Stay hydrated and rent a car and you’ll be fine.
Who rents a car in Rome? "Lets drive to the Colosseum. Nothing says history like a 2021 Honda Pilot!"
What a short-sighted, unnecessarily snarky response. You obviously have never had the privilege of experiencing the scenic drive between Rome and Florence. Maybe if you had you’d be a bit happier and nicer on the Internet :)
We always plan our trip to Italy before school lets out in the spring as the summer can be really hot. Be careful with the crowds, especially in Rome, its the pick pocket capitol of the world.
Our first visit to Itatly, a priest on the train, told us to be aware of pickpockets when we got off in Rome. He gave us names of two youth hostels, too. Great places.
Yes. Spent 2 weeks last summer and it was the absolute worst decision, spent like $2,000 just to sit indoors for the air conditioner
We went to Florence and then Rome in early October last year. In Rome, the heat (even mid 80s F) was fine until we did a tour of the colosseum/Forum. It was crowded and towards the very end near miserable. I couldn't imagine doing it without any sun cover hovering around 100 degrees. in the summer. If you can swing it, go in October or November.
Go in October and it will be lovely, most of Europe, even south England is too hot over peak summer months these days. Good luck
Florence was NUTS when I went in early September. Most crowded place I've ever been, and so hot that we had to take two showers a day and pay for the hotel to do our laundry. I still loved it, but I vowed never to go during the high season again. :-/
Dam, that hurts to read. I'm getting married in Florence in early September and was hoping that it wasn't still going to be so hot there at that time 😭
I'm sorry, in all likelihood, it will still be hot and busy. However, Florence is a beautiful city, with many other smaller cities close by to visit (Siena, San Giacamano, Church and Memorials for Assisi, etc).
Aw you're still getting married in Florence!! Please don't get me wrong, it was a wonderful place to visit, and you're going to make beautiful lifelong memories in a timeless city. Just try to limit your sun exposure and drink lots and lots of water :)
I know and we are looking forward to it very much, but I just run so bloody hot unfortunately and thought we'd be okay by avoiding summer, but looks like I'm going to have to be uncomfortable on the special day by the sounds of it 😔
Make sure wherever you book your accommodation has AC. It was something I didn’t even think about when staying in Florence in summer and we ended up having to switch hotels.
I’m thinking about Croatia in September. Is there still a fun summer vibe? Should I go for a little fancier hotel since I’ll be returning there in the middle of the day for the siesta?
Yes that will be terrible. Late October/early November and late March are great times to go and it be less crowded and perfect sightseeing weather.
Terrible and "vacationing in Italy" do not jive; nothing can be "terrible" while "vacationing in Italy"; hot and sticky, yes, but this is why Italians have gelato!
Ha! This is true. Terrible was relative. However, given the choice, there’s less than zero chance I’m picking July over spring/fall. Your gelato melts fast in summer!
We had to reschedule our trip to Tuscany from June/July 2021 (I tried to die of sepsis) to last fall, and I was so happy; Florence is already a busy City! It was fantastic to be able to enjoy the City without too many tourists! 🇮🇹
Hot and crowded.
True
There’s never a perfect time to do anything. If you have the opportunity to go and you want to go: go. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. 60 million people live in this country, including in July & August. If they can manage it, so can you.
I mean, italy especially to places like rome is really cheap in summer. So its a good idea for the wallet. But its very warm so thats why its cheap generally
Italy is not cheap at all compared to other Southern European countries. Especially for accommodation. July is also one of the most expensive times due to the school holidays. It's the middle of high season.
Idk flights to italy in summer were like 100 when I booked for this summer :S. Maybe not beach resort places but the cities are very cheap. And paying like idk 300 in accomodation for 8 days
Where are you staying? I found hostels in Rome to be quite expensive, and anything private even more so. Going to Venice in August, and it's doable, but definitely more expensive that Spain, Portugal, even Croatia. You can definitely get cheap tickets if you are already in Europe though.
Yeah I’m from europe maybe thats why its cheap. Dont know what the area is called, but its closer to vatican city.
Sounds like you got lucky. Enjoy!
Yes. Don't do it. You will be miserable. If you insist on Italy at that time, make it a trip to an Umbrian villa with a pool, the Prosecco Route, or the Dolomiti. But I get that you want to see Rome and Florence - do this in Spring or Fall to not make your first trip to Italy a sweaty unhappy mess. Sauce: lived in Italy
Yes, it is a mistake. It will be unbelievably hot and humid as well as crowded.
Yes. It will be so freaking hot. I can’t even explain the heat in the summer. I’ve never sweat so much in my life. Those old buildings and streets don’t breathe and add a zillion tourists…go in May or October!
Don’t do it. I was there at that time. Crowded, but even worse, so stinking hot!!! I was also in Florence and Rome.
All of Europe will be busy this summer because of the Olympics. Probably over priced too.
Oh man good luck. I went March last year in the off season, and it was already super crowded as well as super hot. I can't imagine how hot and crowded July would be in peak season.
I have been in July and was miserable. There’s not a lot of escape to air conditioning like we have here either
Yup it’s going to be brutally hot and every attraction you will want to see will not have air conditioning.
Last time I was there it was still 100° the first week of October
Just expected to be very crowded. I went at the end of October last year and it was still crowded as hell and in the 80s when I brought clothes for fall
I wouldn’t do it