Weather in Italy in July

Is July a good time to go to Italy?

July is often the hottest and busiest month of year, as tourists flock to main cities like Rome, Florence and Venice. Many locals flock to the coast for family holidays, as many European schools have closed for summer. However, with the combination of local and international tourists and unbearably hot weather, waiting hours in the heat to get into the major attractions is tough. Visitors will have to contend with throngs of tourists jostling and competing for limited space. Hence, hiding out in quiet, small towns and moving away from the major cities can be more rewarding than trying to navigate the crowded streets of major cities. There will always be great events throughout the country in July, and the weather will never be cold, but with large crowds and high prices, it is best to come in the shoulder season instead. 

 

Climate in Italy in July

July is hot and, at times, so hot that even the Italians wish they were elsewhere. Temperatures often climb into the low 30s (90°F) at the coasts and some inland areas, and it won’t drop below 15°C outside of mountainous areas; major cities are known to be significantly warmer than other areas at the height of summer. The sea is as warm, at 25°C (77°F) and it is often more humid at the coast than anywhere else because these are the wettest regions in July. Be careful of heat waves and stay hydrated because it is dangerously hot at times. 

 

What’s on in Italy in July

The Palio of Siena is a famous horse race on 2 July that takes place in Siena’s Piazza del Campo; it is important to either book well in advance or come early to get a standing place because it, usually, is packed to capacity. The Madonna Bruna Festival in Matera is a unique cultural event and, for something spectacular, has one of the best fireworks displays in Europe at the end of the festival. Italians often celebrate their history and culture in traditional dress, take, for example, the Medieval Festival in Brisighella, where they attempt to recreate the Middle Ages. For casual entertainment, go to the Trastevere Neighbourhood in Rome during the last two weeks of July. The Puccini Festival in Tuscany is one of many famous opera festivals to look out for during July and August. 

 

What to pack for a holiday in Italy in July

It’s best to travel light in July because it gets really hot and porters, as well as lifts, are often in short supply; lugging heavy bags down cobbled streets, or up flights of stairs in height of summer’s heat is hard.

Pack for comfort, but keep it sharp in order to blend in with the trendy locals. Take some loose long sleeved shirts, T-shirts, comfortable and decent shorts, one or two light tops for the evenings and a light raincoat, especially for the south. Swim shorts, speedos and bikinis are great for beaches, but it’s best to bring a sarong or light covering for sun protection. Sunhats, sunglasses and, especially, sunscreen are essential. Churches, monasteries and some establishments may require conservative clothing. 

For footwear, flip-flops are good for the beach, but otherwise some sturdy sandals, or comfortable and breathable walking shoes or trainers are best for the city. With little rain, some people might prefer to carry a small umbrella instead of a light raincoat, so bring both along and see which is preferable.