Italy in July: Hot Weather and Sunny Streets

July is summer in Italy, so expect high heat and humidity. While temperatures hover between 18 and 30°C in the northern parts of the country, the maximum can rise to 32°C in the central region. The south, where summers are more intense, sees mercury rise to anywhere between 24 and 32°C during this time of year.

For a seasonal overview, read our article on the best time to visit Italy.

There are plenty of factors that can deter the uninitiated from visiting Italy in July: high prices, thick crowds, and heat so unforgiving it will make you sweat buckets. However, should you choose to journey to the country despite the month's caveats, you will be treated to some of the most memorable sights of your life. Here is why July in Italy is worth a try.

• Spectacular beaches: It goes without saying that Italy’s beaches shine during summer. Why else would they be so crowded? If you plan well in advance, a beach trip in Italy during July can still be a pleasurable experience. While choosing your beach stay, you might want to opt for sandy stretches that are secluded and do not see much footfall. Sardinia, for example, has a few of those, be it Bidderosa or Cala Luna. You may want to read our article on the best beaches in Italy.
• Festivals galore: July sees two major festivals in Italy. Festa della Madonna Bruna is celebrated with street parties and a fireworks display. Il Palio di Siena, on the other hand, is a bareback horse race that culminates in a medieval-themed parade.
• Cooler north: While the southern parts of the country swelter under the constant blaze of the summer sun, northern Italy offers a little respite. Make sure that you include a stay in Lake Garda, Lake Como, or the mountainous Dolomites during your trip to the country in July.
• Family adventures: Summer is when kids are out of school and the whole of the country is on vacation mode. This means plenty of opportunities for kids, just in case you are traveling with children! Tick off beaches, indoor and outdoor attractions, mountains, and lakes with your little ones – just make sure to put some sunblock on!

Prices skyrocket in July, with accommodation charges in popular destinations doubling. If your itinerary includes cities like Florence and Rome, expect long lines at famous attractions.

While the country’s beaches shine in July, explore them at your own risk as you are more likely to encounter big crowds and high prices. However, this is also the best time to soak up lesser-known and hence less-crowded highlights of the country, be it the fairy tale landscapes of Alberobello in Puglia or the walled city of Bergamo in Lombardy.

Despite the blazing heat and crowds of the summer season, travelers can still make their Italy holidays in July memorable. There are plenty of places to visit in Italy for milder temperatures. Explore South Tyrol and its majestic mountains, hike the picturesque Dolomites, or go town-hopping in the charming Marche.

Enjoy the cool breeze around the stunning Lake Como and Lake Garda, or ramble around the coastal Cinque Terre and explore its old fishing villages. And, yes, do not forget to gorge on mountains of gelato to ward off the heat.

If a relaxing vacation is what you are aiming for, you can rent your own private villa in Tuscany and go on a wine-tasting spree. While we caution against visiting beaches if you are not prepared for crowds, you might definitely want to give Sicily’s more expansive and quieter stretches a try. Find more about how many days to spend in Italy here.

Pack for a summer vacation while visiting Italy in July. Dress as comfortably as you can. Wear thin, light fabrics and be mindful of your dress during church tours as Italy’s cathedrals are infamous for having stringent dress codes. Carry a bottle of water when wandering about its cities as the heat might cause dehydration. Lug around some sunscreen and carry an umbrella or wear a hat for sun protection.

Travelers might find a trip to Italy in July overwhelming, but with early planning and lots of forethought, anyone can make a peak-season vacation much more bearable.

When booking tours and hotels, make sure to do so well in advance to avoid exorbitant prices. This is even more crucial when exploring popular areas and tourist traps. If you cannot handle heat and crowds, do not fret: the country has ample cooler and more spacious regions to discover.

Despite drawbacks, you will be rewarded with vibrant sights and attractions during July. Not one to shy away from crowds? Consider this season to be the best for meeting new people. Italians are known to be incredibly gregarious, so you are sure to make new friends on your visit! All of these experiences can be built into a customized trip to Italy. Speak to our local travel experts to plan a trip.

You can also browse through our list of available Italy tours in July.

Other articles: 
Italy in June
Italy in August