If you like the sun and heat, summer may be the best time to visit Italy, when you can expect a lot from both! During the summer in Italy, you can enjoy lots of bright sun, visit one of its many beaches, take part in a summer festival, attend open-air concerts and plays, and have more daylight hours to follow your many hot weather adventures.
Summer is the height of the tourist season in popular cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, whose rich cultures and fine dining experiences offer visitors the chance to really see and savor the beauty of Italian life. Note that in these cities, as in most places in Italy, you have to spend a lot of time outdoors to be able to see them properly. Many museums are not air-conditioned, so stepping into a museum may not be a guaranteed way to cool off. If air conditioning is a necessity for you, be sure to book a hotel that has it; More and more hotels have installed air conditioning, but some, particularly budget properties, may not offer it or ask you to pay more for the service. .
Summer temperatures in Italy, especially in the south, can exceed 100 degrees for days at a time. The climate is generally dry, but central and northern Italy can be humid and afternoon storms are not uncommon. To escape the heat, visitors can head to the beaches or mountains; be sure to check Italy travel weather and local weather stations before you start packing for your trip so you stay cool as you tour the country.
Packing for summer in Italy
There is no getting around the fact that Italian cities can be sweltering in the summer, so it is important for tourists to pack properly for the seasonal heat and be prepared for the sudden summer rains and thunderstorms that can occur. .
You’ll want to bring a light sweater and rain jacket, especially if you’re heading to the mountains, as well as a bathing suit, sandals, and some sleeveless shirts. Because Italian men and women generally don’t wear shorts in town except on the beach, you’ll also want to bring breathable pants for your adventures in the cities. If you wear shorts, they should be modest and not too short. That goes for women and men.
There are a number of outdoor shows and festivals, as well as museums and tourist sites, so be sure to pack a variety of clothes, largely depending on what you plan to do on your trip. Festival clothing can be casual and should be light and fresh, as most festivals are outdoors. Remember that many religious sites, including the Vatican Museums in Rome, will not allow you to wear shorts, miniskirts, or sleeveless shirts.
Summer festivals in Italy
Anywhere from the biggest cities to the smallest towns, you can find festivals all over Italy in the summer. From world-famous events, such as the Palio horse race in Siena, to summer concert series and medieval festivals, there is no shortage of traditional and / or cultural events throughout the country.
Major performing arts festivals include Umbria Jazz in Perugia and the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto. You will often find open-air music and opera performances in the main town square or in historic places like the Roman Arena in Verona.
August 15, Ferragosto or Asuncion Day, is a national holiday and many businesses and stores will be closed. You’ll find celebrations in many places in Italy, often including music, food, and fireworks. However, in big cities like Rome and Milan, the city will empty as Italians head to the beaches and mountains and you will find many shops and restaurants closed for the holidays.
Be sure to check out our list of summer music festivals in Italy, or browse the individual event calendars for June, July, August and September for a more comprehensive list of festivals you can attend, free and paid, at your trip to Italy this summer. There are also several performing arts festivals in July and August, so if theater is your thing, be sure to check out some of them while in the country.
Italian beaches and food in summer
Italy’s beaches get very crowded on Sundays and in August, and summer is generally considered high season for hotels near the sea. However, most coastal cities have private beach clubs where you pay a fee that usually gives you a clean beach, a dressing room where you can leave your things, a lounge chair, a beach umbrella, a good swimming area, toilets and a bar. .
Play areas on the beach for children, often with small carnival rides, are also open in summer. Close to popular beaches, you will find seafood bars and restaurants with outdoor seating and small shops selling beach items and souvenirs; In summer, many coastal cities are connected by frequent ferries.
Summer also brings delicious fresh fruits and vegetables to Italy’s many towns and cities, each of which is best enjoyed at the peak of its growing season. Look for signs advertising a local sagra or fair to celebrate a particular meal, an inexpensive way to sample local specialties. Of course, summer is a wonderful time to enjoy ice cream, Italian ice cream and typical Italian dishes are available all year round.
Although summer in Italy brings with it a wide selection of seasonal crops, each season has its own unique flavor palate. So, if you’re not sure which season is right for you, visit our »When to go to Italy» article for the highlights of each season, even when each of Italy’s native fruits and vegetables is in! ready for harvest!
