Italy in July – Your 2024 Guide from Someone Who Lives Here

Yes, Italy is busy in July – and it should be. 

Italian beach towns are lively and full of families swimming and playing in the sand, and couples relaxing in their beach lounge chairs.

Fashionistas and shoppers are in paradise with Italy’s summer saldi (sales).

Hikers and mountain lovers get their first taste of the high trails in the Dolomites.

And everyone delights in dining outdoors in the evening. 

It’s not all roses though.  In fact, the roses won’t survive the heat.  July in Italy is toasty hot, it’s one of the more expensive months, and it can be quite crowded.

But, with some planning and managing of expectations, it can be an excellent month to explore Italy.

In this article you’ll learn…

• if visiting Italy in July is a good choice for you 
• what weather to expect in Italy in July 
• which holidays Italy celebrates in July and which days things are closed 
• my recommended places to visit in July in Italy, including where to go with kids 
• the best activities and events in Italy in July
• which foods to try in Italy in July 
• what to wear on a trip to Italy in July 
• the best ways to travel around Italy in July 

First time to Italy? 10th? Either way, you’ll want to check out our 200+ Essential Italy Travel Tips!

If you’re looking for something specific, check out the Table of Contents below so you can jump ahead to what you’re looking for:

Should You Visit Italy in July?

July is a popular month to visit Italy for many people – by choice and by necessity. 

Many sun-seekers believe it’s the best time to visit Italy, when it’s sunny and hot, but before the crowds get even larger in August.  Families often need to visit in July, when kids are on summer break.

Either way, it can be a great time to visit!

Trying to decide when to visit Italy? Check out our monthly guides:
Italy in January
Italy in February
Italy in March
Italy in April
Italy in May
Italy in June
Italy in July
Italy in August
Italy in September
Italy in October
Italy in November
Italy in December

Let’s go into a little more detail on visiting Italy in July:

5 Reasons You Should Visit Italy in July

1. Italy has about 15 hours of daylight per day in July (Rome), which means you’ll have plenty of time for exploring, taking photographs, relaxing at the beach, or going for a walk in the vineyards.
2. July in Italy means beautiful weather for swimming and playing at the beach.
3. July is a great time to head up to the mountains in Italy.  The snow is guaranteed to be clear from mountain trails, chairlifts are running, and it’s a wonderful time to explore the montagne of the Dolomites or Italy’s other mountain ranges.
4. Italians love outdoor dining, and July is the perfect time to join them. Sip on an iced coffee at a café, enjoy an evening aperitivo or dine all’aperto in a charming piazza.
5. July in Italy means saldi – sales!  The saldi are special because we only have them twice per year in Italy – in January and in July.  You’ll find excellent deals on clothing and merchandise throughout the country – at department stores and in small boutiques.

3 Reasons You May Not Want to Visit Italy in July

1. In July in Italy, you’ll find crowds in most places, especially at the beach, in the mountains, and at major landmarks inside and outside cities. Expect long lines, busy sites, and full restaurants.
2. I mentioned the sunshine as a reason to visit Italy in July, but it’s also important to recognize the heat!  Cities can feel unbearable at times.  And, many hotels, B&Bs, and agriturismos don’t have air-conditioning, so you can’t always escape to your hotel for a cool break.  The summer months also bring pesky mosquitoes.
3. Hotels and flights are expensive during this peak season.

Weather in Italy in July

July is one of the hottest months of the year in Italy.  You’ll find high temperatures throughout the country, from northern Italy to southern Italy, from the mountains to the sea.

Northern Italy is hot, but the mountains can still have cooler evenings and there are occasional afternoon rain showers.  Temperatures range from the upper-60s to the upper-80s (°F).

Central Italy tends to be hot, both day and night.  Temperatures range from the upper-60s to the upper-80s (°F).

Southern Italy is the hottest part of the country, and both days and evenings see high temperatures.  Temperatures range from the lower-70s to the upper-80s (°F).

Both central and southern Italy see little precipitation in July, so you can leave your umbrella and rainboots at home!

Most Italian cities are uncomfortably hot during the day in July. 

Don’t rely on historical weather data. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave! 

City	High	Low	Precipitation	Notes
Milan	87°F / 30°C	67°F / 19°C	12.8mm	hottest month
Venice	84°F / 29°C	67°F / 19°C	21.2mm	hottest month
Florence	90°F / 32°C	66°F / 19°C	6.2mm	hottest, driest, windiest month
Rome	88°F / 31°C	66°F / 19°C	1.8mm	driest, windiest month
Naples	87°F / 31°C	69°F / 21°C	2.9mm	driest month
Palermo	86°F / 30°C	73°F / 23°C	0.3mm	driest month

Holidays in Italy in July

There are no major public holidays in Italy in July. 

School Holidays: Italian schoolchildren are on summer vacation in July, along with their counterparts throughout Europe.  Popular destinations include the beaches and Lake Garda.

Worker Holidays: Traditionally, Italian workers always took their annual vacation in August.  This is slowly changing as more and more companies are spreading out workers’ holidays.  You’ll see more Italians taking their annual holiday in July, so expect more crowds, especially at the beach.  

9 Best Places to Visit in Italy in July

You won’t see any major cities on my list of top places to visit in Italy in July.  Instead, beach and mountain destinations dominate. 

Wherever you decide to head, keep the following in mind:

• Beaches are crowded.  You can also cool off at swimming pools or in lakes or rivers.
• Try to book accommodation with air-conditioning, and/or a swimming pool.  Alternatively, reserve a hotel or agriturismo at a higher elevation. 
• The mountains are also a popular destination, but there’s much more room to ‘spread out.’  However, you’ll need to book accommodation well in advance, especially if you want to stay in mountain huts (rifugi).
• Wherever you are, take a break during the day.  Hide in the shade (or A/C), sit down, have a cool drink, and rest.
• Eat a lot of gelato!
• Pre-book any museums or sites to save yourself from waiting in line outdoors.
• Visit must-see outdoor sites and landmarks in the morning or evening.  Many museums extend their hours during the hot summer months.

Location	What To Do
The Dolomites	Hike and explore Italy’s mountain playground
Tuscany	Lounge by the pool at your agriturismo
Umbria	Visit hilltop villages; attend Umbria Jazz
Sardinia	Relax at some of Italy’s most gorgeous beaches
Beaches	Find your favorite spiaggia and soak up Italian beach culture
Italian Lakes	Boat around the lakes; visit gardens and islands
Puglia	Explore the small whitewashed towns; hit the beach
Amalfi Coast	Hike the Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods); have beachside aperitivo
Cinque Terre	Visit the five villages; swim in the sea
Honorable Mentions – Le Marche, Piedmont	Discover some of Italy’s most beautiful coastline; go wine tasting

Dolomites in July

We love the Dolomites year-round, but July is one of the best times to visit.  There’s no longer snow on the high trails, all of the chairlifts and gondolas are open, and the summer season is in full swing. 

There are so many amazing things to do in the Dolomites, including:

• Hiking all levels of trails.  We love the hikes on Alpe di Siusi.
• Visiting mountain villages like Ortisei, Castelrotto, and Corvara in Badia.
• Cycling mountain passes or valley bike paths.
• Soaking in the thermal baths in Merano.
• Saying hello to Ötzi the Ice Man in Bolzano.
• Dining on canederli and kaiserschmarrn

Good To Know:  Expect afternoon thunderstorms in the Dolomites in July, but don’t worry – they usually pass through quickly.

Tuscany in July

While Florence isn’t ideal in July, there’s still plenty to explore in Tuscany:

• Lucca – typical Tuscan living; cycle the town’s walls; attend the Lucca Summer Festival; hit up a beach near Lucca
• Montepulciano – sample the town’s famous wines; explore the cool underground
• Pienza – have an evening aperitivo that includes the area’s pecorino cheese
• Hot Springs – take an evening soak under the stars in one of Tuscany’s hot springs
• Pisa – walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli (home of the Leaning Tower of Pisa) in the early morning
• Montalcino – sip on Brunello wine and visit vineyards
• Montefioralle – visit one of Tuscany’s smallest (and most beautiful) villages, set in the hills just above Greve in Chianti
• Beaches Near Florence – including Forte dei Marmi

Get more ideas for Things to Do in Tuscany

Umbria in July

Like Tuscany, Umbria is toasty in July, but you can have a nice visit by exploring in the morning or evening, or just spending your time at the pool at an agriturismo, cooking meals with market ingredients, and sipping on chilled vino bianco.

• Orvieto – stay cool underground in the towns tunnel network and St. Patrick’s well
• Assisi – stop by St. Francis’s village in the morning or early evening
• Small villages – explore Bevagna, Spello, Gubbio, and Spoleto

Sardinia in July

You’ll find some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches in Sardinia, from the luxury resort towns in the north to hidden gems on other corners of the island.

July is high season on the island, but you can still find space, especially if you travel by car or small boat. 

Don’t forget about inland Sardinia – there are tiny villages worthy of a stop (we love San Pantaleo) and be sure to try Sardinia’s local cheeses.

Italian Beaches in July

Italy has thousands of kilometers of coastline – rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and stony shorelines.

Make your way to a wild beach or a beach club and celebrate summer with the Italians.

Italy’s best beaches are in Sardinia and Puglia, but you’ll also find gorgeous beaches in Liguria, Tuscany, Le Marche, Campania, and Calabria.

Don’t forget sunscreen!

Italian Lakes in July

Put on your large sunglasses and live the glam summer life in the Italian Lakes.  Don’t miss the classics like Como and Bellagio on Lake Como.  Also check out Lake Maggiore’s Isola Bella and Stresa.  And make your way to Orta San Giulio on tiny Lake Orta.

Puglia in July

Puglia is popular with vacationing Italians, and if you go, you’ll see why.  Delicious seafood, crystal clear waters, and whitewashed villages draw visitors.  Expect crowds, but delight in soaking up Italian culture, staying up late with the locals, and getting the ultimate suntan.

Amalfi Coast in July

While you won’t be alone, it’s worth braving the crowds for the perfect weather, fresh seafood, and beachside meals. 

Capri, Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello are classic stops, but don’t be afraid to explore smaller villages in the area.

Put on your linen dress (or pantaloni) and mingle with the locals and visitors in this coastal Italian paradise.

Helpful Tip:  If you decide to hike the famed Sentiero degli Dei (Footpath of the Gods), start at 7:00 or 7:30 to avoid being on an overcrowded route from Bomerano to Nocelle.

Cinque Terre in July

Cinque Terre has gorgeous sunny days in July, and if you get hot hiking, you can always finish with a dip in the sea!   

Good To Know:  While the viste from the trails are spectacular, a ferry ride gives you another viewpoint.

Honorable Mentions – Le Marche and Piedmont

Le Marche is somewhat crowded in July because many Italians visit its beaches, but you’ll still appreciate the ‘undiscovered’ feel to the area and the gorgeous coastal scenery.  Read more about Visiting Le Marche.

Piedmont’s vineyards are worth exploring in the summer months, and you can attend festivals like Monforte Jazz.

Destinations You May Want to Skip on a July Trip to Italy

Just to be clear – you can (and many people do) have a lovely vacation in these places in July.  It’s just important to manage expectations:

• Sicily – I love Sicily, and I think I’ve been on the island on every month of the year.  July (and August) are my least favorite times to visit because it’s so darn hot! 
  If you’re visiting Sicily just to relax at the beach, July is a great time to visit.  But, if you want to visit some of its archaeological sites or explore cities like Palermo, try to avoid coming in July (especially with kids). 
• Lake Garda – We always drive by Lake Garda on our way up to the Dolomites and the Autostrada is lined with RVs from Northern Europe making their way to Lake Garda.  Lake Garda is gorgeous, and people know that, so they flock to it in the summer.
  If you want to visit, be prepared to join many other visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia – and see restaurant menus and activities that cater to their desires.

Good To Know:  If you’re visiting with kids, you’ll still have a blast – it’s such a kid-friendly place.  Just be ready for the crowds.

• Cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice – These cities are amazing, but they’re stiflingly hot in July.  You’ll notice that locals escape on the weekends, and you’ll probably feel like escaping too.
  If you really want to visit these cities, make sure you have accommodation with air-conditioning, you stay out of the mid-day sun, and you eat plenty of gelato!

Activities and Events in Italy in July

Italy has festivals throughout the summer.  Some are large (like concerts of international superstars), and others are tiny (food festivals in small villages). 

Palio di Siena – July 2^nd

Twice per year, Siena’s contrade (neighborhoods) have a bareback horse race in the Piazza del Campo.  The first race of the year takes place in July.   If you’re in town around one of the Palio dates, see the contrada websites for info on events like dinners in the neighborhood streets.

Verona Opera Festival – throughout July

Watch an opera at Verona’s world-famous Roman amphitheater.

Festa del Redentore (Venice) – 3^rd Sunday in July

The festival commemorates the end of the devastating plague of 1576.  The highlight of the festival is the fireworks show on the evening before (Saturday) near Isola San Giorgio (across the water from Piazza San Marco).

Umbria Jazz Festival – in July

The internationally-known jazz festival takes place in Perugia and villages throughout the region.  It’s popular with Italians and international visitors.

Summer Concerts

While we don’t get many international superstars in the summer (they’re usually touring in the US), there are still some great concerts in Italy in July.  Check TicketOne and Ticketmaster Italia for the latest summer rosters.  Italy has quite a few July concert festivals, including Lucca Summer Festival and Rock in Roma.

Saldi – Summer Sales

Italy shops hold their summer sales (saldi) in July.  Go early on to find the best selection, and find some amazing deals toward the end of the sales (if you’re not picky).

Photography

Italy has beautiful scenes to photograph year-round, but you’ll find the iconic sunflowers blooming in July.  It’s also a lovely time to photograph the famed cypress trees, mountain scenery, and beaches. 

If you can get up early, you’ll catch some scenes from daily Italian life, like vendors setting up markets.  Because the sun rises so early, most visitors will be sleeping, so you can catch some quiet moments wherever you are.

Soak in the Hot Springs

While I would never recommend soaking in Italian hot springs in the middle of the day in July, they are pleasant after dark.  Look up at the stars and enjoy the fact that it’s not freezing when you get out to towel off!

Read about
Best Hot Springs in Tuscany
Saturnia Hot Springs

What to Eat in Italy in July

Not-To-Miss Produce in Italy in July

• Melone – cantaloupe
• Anguria – watermelon
• Albicocche – apricots
• Fichi – figs
• More – blackberries
• Mirtilli – blueberries
• Pomodori – tomatoes
• Zucchine – zucchini

Foods To Try in Italy in July

• Panzanella – bread salad (make your own panzanella when you get home)
• Insalata caprese – tomato and mozzarella salad
• Prosciutto e melone – cantaloupe wrapped in cured ham
• Fiori di zucca – zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and then fried
• Granita – slushie, perfect on a hot summer day!
• Insalata di finocchi e arance – fennel and orange salad

The Best Places to Visit in Italy in July with Kids

July is a pleasant time to visit Italy with your family, because there are so many kid-friendly destinations and activities available.  For example, your family can:

• Play at the beach
• Explore mountain trails
• Find your favorite playground
• Splash in your countryside villa’s swimming pool
• Play soccer with local kids in the piazza

If you’re visiting with your family, you’ll enjoy seeing other Italian and European families out and about at family-friendly beaches and sites throughout the country. 

No matter where you decide to go, keep in mind that you’ll need to keep your children cool and protected from the sun.  Helpful tips include:

• Avoiding sightseeing (or beach time) during the heat of the day
• Staying hydrated
• Keeping cool with gelato!
• Using a sunshade on your stroller or using a breathable baby carrier
• Spending time in the water – at a swimming pool, beach, or river
• Bringing a sunscreen that you know works for your child.  We have sunscreen here, but the brands may be different than what you normally use. 

Tuscany with Kids in July

While Florence is toasty, you can still explore Tuscan towns and villages in the summer months. 

Some of our favorite places to visit with kids in Tuscany in the summer include:

• Lucca – ride bikes on the city walls, explore the playgrounds, get gelato
• Montalcino – climb the tower, get a gelato, go to the playground; it’s a small village and easy to visit with kids
• Siena – kids love learning about the Palio and you can participate in the pre-race celebrations; explore town and hide in the shady streets

July in Tuscany is the perfect time to rent a villa or stay at an agriturismo with a pool and have lazy days relaxing by the pool and letting your kids play in the Tuscan countryside’s vineyards and olive groves.

Read more about
Florence with Kids
Florence with a Baby or Toddler
Florence with Teens

Dolomites with Kids in July

The Dolomites is one of our family’s favorite places to visit.  In fact, you’ll find us there every July, out exploring our favorite places and finding new ones to add to the list. 

The area is extremely kid-friendly, with excellent playgrounds, delicious food, fun hikes for the entire family, refreshing rivers and lakes – and you can visit the Ice Man in Bolzano!

You really can’t go wrong with a Dolomites visit in July with kids. 

Helpful Tip:  Book your accommodation as soon as you can.  There are a lot of family-friendly hotels and apartments in the area, but it’s a popular destination for Italian and European families.

Be sure to check out our Dolomites family info:
Dolomites with Kids
Dolomites 7-Day Itinerary with Kids
Our Favorite Things to Do in the Dolomites
Where to Stay in Merano with Kids
Where to Stay in the Dolomites with Kids
Cycling Dolomites Bike Paths
Cycling the Merano-Bolzano Bike Path with Kids
Alpe di Siusi with Kids
Bolzano with Kids
Castelrotto with Kids
Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids
Corvara in Badia with Kids
Fiè allo Sciliar with Kids
Lake Molveno with Kids
Merano 2000 with Kids
Terme Merano with Kids
Things to Do in Merano with Kids
Ortisei with Kids
San Cassiano with Kids
Cascate del Pisciadù Hike
Resciesa Hike with Kids
Seceda Hike with Kids
Visiting Colfosco

Puglia with Kids in July

Puglia is another favorite of ours, and you can’t beat the atmosphere in July.  Warning – it’s crowded (and pricey), but if you’re okay with that, Puglia’s beaches and villages are excellent for a family vacation. 

Our kids are happy to spend a day at the beach club (and my husband and I don’t complain), and the evenings visiting towns like Alberobello, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and Ostuni. 

Helpful Tip: Book a beach club (vs using the free beaches).  You’ll appreciate the extra space and family amenities (toilets, restaurants, changing cabins, etc).  Puglia’s beaches get very crowded in the summer – like a can of sardines.

Read more about
Puglia with Kids
Locorotondo with Kids
Alberobello with Kids
Monopoli with Kids
Ostuni with Kids
Polignano a Mare with Kids

Sardinia with Kids in July

Looking for the ultimate relaxing beach vacation with your little kids in July?  Head to a turquoise water beach in Sardinia.  Sardinia’s beaches are our favorites with small children.  Not only are they gorgeous, but most have sandy beaches (fun for play) and shallow, clear water that goes out for a long distance. 

There are spectacular beaches around the island, and if you get bored, you can head inland into the mountain villages.  We adore San Pantaleo and an evening at a restaurant in the piazza feels like a film (and you can let your kids play with the local kids in the piazza while you finish your meal).

Lake Garda with Kids in July

My kids are always itching to go back to Lake Garda (mostly to visit the theme parks), and I’m happy to head back too. 
The weather is beautiful in July and the lake is set up for families.  You can stay at a family-focused resort or campground (our kids love Bella Italia in Peschiera del Garda), complete with waterslides, kid-friendly restaurants, family entertainers, and more.

Some of our favorites places at Lake Garda include:

• Sirmione, especially climbing the castle and going to its beaches
• Gardaland, one of Italy’s most popular theme parks
• Canevaworld, a water park
• LEGOLAND Water Park, for small children
• Piazza Ferdinando di Savoia in Peschiera del Garda – perfect for mom and dad’s aperitivo (kids can play in the piazza)

Read my guide to Lake Garda with Kids and Our Favorite Lake Garda Beaches

Note:  I listed Lake Garda as a ‘place you may want to avoid in Italy in July’ above because it gets packed with European visitors.  However, if you have kids, it’s worth facing the crowds because it’s such a kid-friendly destination.

Be sure to check out
10 Basic Italian Phrases for Kids
Italy Packing List for Kids
Italy Packing List for a Baby or Toddler
Best Places to Visit in Italy with Kids
Things to Do in Italy with Kids

What to Wear in Italy in July

• Women – shorts, tank tops, sundresses
• Men – shorts (yes, Italian men wear shorts), short-sleeve shirts
• Breathable clothing in materials like linen and cotton
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sandals and/or breathable sneakers
• Light jacket or fleece if you’ll be in the mountains

Helpful Tip:  If you want to visit churches and religious sites, you’ll need to dress appropriately (modestly).  Bring a light scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders and/or wrap around your waist to cover your thighs.

You may want to check out our Italy Packing List

Suggested Modes of Transport for Italy in July

Car

As long as your car has air-conditioning (skip the vintage FIAT 500 rental), July is a fantastic month for road-tripping around Italy.  Travel by road before the major traffic hits in August (but still avoid roads to the beach on Friday and away from the beach on Sunday).  Visit hilltop towns, find your favorite Italian lake, and take day-trips from major cities like Milan and Florence.  With 15 hours of daylight, you’ll have plenty of time for seeing the sites, taking photographs, and navigating before it gets dark.

Read more about
Driving in Italy
Renting a Car in Italy
Important Italian Road Signs

Train

Not a fan of driving in Italy?  Don’t fret – train travel in Italy is easy, convenient, and picturesque.  Keep in mind that most regional (slow) trains don’t have air-conditioning, so if keeping cool is important to you, travel on high-speed trains.

Read our guide to Train Travel in Italy

Boat

Italy’s coastal towns are gorgeous in July, and one of the best ways to see them is from the sea.  Take a ferry ride between villages in the Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast, or take a ferry to Sardinia, Sicily, or one of the smaller groups of islands, like the Aeolian Islands (north of Sicily).

Walking

Walkers can hit the trail in the mountains or on one of Italy’s long-distance trails like the Via Francigena.  Or, head out on day hikes in vineyards, on strade bianche (‘white’ / gravel roads), or on a long, sandy beach.

Bicycle

Cycle Chianti roads, Dolomites mountain passes or valleys, mountain bike the strade bianche, or cruise on a beachside path.

If you’re planning on covering big distances, start early in the morning, rest during the hot midday hours, and continue in the late afternoon. Be sure to bring plenty of water and fill up in villages and towns whenever you get the chance.

Italy in July FAQ