Italy in July – Reasons to Visit and What to Expect

It’s no surprise that Italy is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. It’s undeniably alluring, from dramatic landscapes in the Italian Alps to Rome’s mesmerizing architecture and stunning beaches along the coast. But what if you were to visit Italy in July?

July is a summer month with soaring temperatures, and while this may be too hot for some, it’s the best time to visit Italy for beaches and outdoor excursions. Enjoy endless sunny days, ideal for visiting wine regions and picturesque lakes or exploring historic villas on foot.

This month, there is a surge of visitors in major tourist zones, making the beaches or mountains overcrowded and busy. It’s at its peak during the high season during school holidays, and prices are starting to increase. However, with proper planning and booking in advance, it can be one of the most astonishing months to explore Italy.

This guide details Italy’s weather in July, regions to visit, what to wear, and festivities during this month. So, keep reading if you want to know more ins and outs about visiting Italy in July.

Weather in Italy in July

Italy’s weather differs from one region to the next. You can expect northern Italy to be cooler than the south. Southern Italy has average temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F (16°C and 24°C), and the north ranges between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C). Finally, Central Italy is generally pleasantly warm, averaging between 55°F and 70°F (13°C and 21°C).

How hot is Italy in July? The minimum average temperature is around 77°F (25°C), and this can go up to 104°F (40°C) in southern regions. The biggest takeaway is that July’s smoldering conditions are ideal for beach-hopping along the south coast.

On the other hand, Northern Italy is better for sightseeing and exploring as it’s milder and more refreshing, with temperatures ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 28°C).

Let’s have a closer look at the weather conditions of prominent regions and major cities:

• Rome Weather in July: Rome is very warm and sunny. Exploring the city’s attractions and photographing the many iconic sights is best enjoyed late or early in the day. The average daily temperatures usually range from 82°F to 91°F (28°C to 33°C).
• Florence Weather in July: Florence is suffocatingly hot, so it’s better to meander through its city streets in the morning or evening. You’ll have 13 hours of daylight to make the most of your time here. The Florentine heat and humidity are noteworthy, as the average daytime temperature reaches 86°F (30°C) and drops to 66°F (19°C) in the evenings.
• Venice Weather in July: Venice gets just as hot, easily exceeding 86°F (30°C) during the hottest hours. While avoiding the sun during these hours may be better, the early morning and late afternoon present the perfect time to stroll around the city and catch a gondola. The temperatures will range between 73.4°F and 78.8°F (23°C and 26 °C).
• Tuscany Weather in July: Like most regions, July is Tuscany’s hottest month but also busiest. The rest of Tuscany is slightly hotter than its capital city, Florence, with lows of only 77°F (25°C) in the evenings and average daytime temperatures between 82°F and 95°F (28°C and 35°C).
• Amalfi Coast Weather in July: Prepare to be welcomed by pleasant, warm temperatures from 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C). This gives you the excuse to laze on the beach all day as the temperatures cool down closer to the ocean. The sea temperatures are a refreshing 75°F to 81°F (24°C to 27°C), allowing you to escape the heat.
• Italian Lakes Weather in July: Beach lovers and sun-worshippers will enjoy visiting Lake Como or Lake Garda in July. The lakes will be crystal clear and dazzle in the sun. It’s also a suitable time for swimming and other water activities. Expect daytime temperatures to be between 75°F to 84°F  (24°C to 29°C).
• Cinque Terre Weather in July: Cinque Terre is warm, sunny, and cramped. However, the days are long, and evenings are cooler and less crowded. Expect lows of roughly 68°F (20°C) and the highest temperatures hovering around 84.2°F (29°C).
• Sicily Weather in July: July is one of the hottest months in Sicily (no surprise here), but the month also brings high humidity. This duo can be overbearing for some and even lead to heat strokes. The sirocco, a hot wind from Africa, brings this high humidity and rise in temperature, pushing it up to around 104°F (40°C) in peak summer. Generally, the everyday temperature will range between 77°F (25°C) and (86°F (30°C).

Best Places to Visit in Italy in July

Having an idea of what the weather will be like is one half of the equation. Finding the top things to do is the other half. These are the top places to visit in Italy in July.

Sardinia in July

Pack your swimwear and towels. Sardinia will be your beach haven from which to sunbathe and relax. It’s a vast island surrounded by azure Mediterranean waters and dotted with mesmerizing sandy beaches to rival the Caribbean. Sardinia’s mountainous interior provides plenty of hiking trails with coastal views. And among its rugged elegance are thousands of nuraghi — ancient megalithic edifices from the Bronze Age.

July is the sunniest month in Sardinia, with average temperatures of around 75.2°F (24°C). Enjoy 12 hours of sunshine a day, and the afternoons are usually the hottest, reaching 84.2°F (29°C).

Go to the Chia region in southern Sardinia if you want “unlimited” beaches at your fingertips. Take in the most awe-inspiring sunsets, spot pink flamingos, go surfing, or simply sit back, relax, and bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

Discover a new love for food and culture beyond the enchanting blue waters. Sardinia boasts a rich history with archaeological sites, museums such as the Pinuccio Sciola Museum, and a delectable cuisine paired with tantalizing wines.

Sicily in July

As mentioned, Sicily’s hot July weather also brings high humidity. This means going to the beach should be a top priority to unwind and dip in the cool waters. There are spectacular beaches in the northwest, including Cefalù and Mondello, and the quaint seaside town of San Vito Lo Capo.

This town is home to the most picturesque blue beaches with soft white sand, overlooked by the towering Mount Monaco. San Vito is regularly voted as one of the top beaches in Italy, and you can enjoy the range of restaurants and fun bars nearby.

Giardini Naxos in Taormina is another superb option for stunning beaches, but this buzzing town also draws crowds for its rich history, museums, and lively nightlife.

Amalfi Coast in July

The Amalfi Coast is among Italy’s most popular destinations to visit during summertime. Once you experience it first-hand, you’ll understand why. Fair warning: it will get busy, but the weather conditions are too good to pass up.

While the Amalfi Coast experiences average temperatures between 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C), the refreshing sea breezes manage to keep it pleasant, seldomly reaching the scorching temperatures of internal cities like Rome. So, July would be an excellent month if you ever wanted to visit the Amalfi Coast.

After lazing away on the turquoise shores, you can take breathtaking mountain walks or tour vineyards to savor distinct local wines and olives. Then, head to one of Amalfi’s most iconic towns, Positano, for the most splendid surroundings and vistas among lush greenery, hilltop towns peppered with artisanal shops, famed restaurants, and museums.

Italian Lakes in July

How does a lakeside retreat sound? One of the most rewarding things you can do in summer is relax by a glistening Italian Lake, like Lake Garda or Como. The hot weather in July might seem unbearable, but it’s exceptional at the lakes.

Lake Como offers unmissable mountain landscapes, charming towns, and historic villas, which sparkle as the days get sunnier. The daytime temperatures are generally around 71.6°F (22°C) and go up to 78.8°F (26°C). This majestic lake is located in Italy’s Lombardy region, becoming a must-visit destination for mountain and nature enthusiasts with hiking, boating, and photography on your to-do list.

Lake Garda is slightly warmer, averaging daily temperatures between 75.2°F and 84.2°F (24°C – 29°C). Delight in all the hidden treasures here, from ancient ruins to caves, historical sites, castles, and elegant villas.

Liguria, Le Marche, Abruzzo, & Puglia in July

Italy offers more spectacular coastal areas worth discovering in July. Liguria comes to mind when thinking of where to go as it’s a bit cooler, with temperatures ranging between 60.8°F and 71.6°F (16°C and 22°C). This crescent-shaped region perfectly blends sea life and tranquility with whimsical fishing villages along its Italian Riviera, including the stylish Portofino and the Cinque Terre.

Le Marche is an alluring region that looks like it comes out of a fairytale with its limestone cliffs and medieval villages. Also known as Marches, it’s filled with beach towns, sandy coves, and stretches of golden shores to keep you busy. It’s also quite hot, reaching around 82.4°F (28°C) daily.

Abruzzo is another coastal region that should be on your radar thanks to its rugged beauty, hilltop towns, and Renaissance-style buildings. The Adriatic coastline, long, sandy beaches to the north, and pebbly beaches to the south await. The weather is fantastic for working on your tan, often soaring above 86°F (30°C) and reaching 104°F (40°C).

Finally, if you visit Italy in July, Puglia will give you a reason to return. This southernmost region forms the heel of Italy’s “boot,” known for whitewashed towns, Baroque buildings, a Roman amphitheater in Lecce and Bari, a vibrant port town. It’s a beautiful place for some summer sun as the temperatures average around 86°F or 30°C with cooler evenings.

Dolomites in July

The Dolomites are a bucket list-worthy summer hiking paradise. Giving it an air of fantasy are the high-elevation mountain huts, or rifugio, dotted along the mountain range. The dramatic setting of mountain peaks, cooler weather, and exceptional natural scenery beckons you to pick up several hiking trails.

Dolomite summers are mild, with daily temperatures hardly exceeding 77°F (25°C). However, you can expect a fair amount of summer rain, which is standard for mountain ranges. The summer lifts take you up and down the mountain for jaw-dropping views.

Festivities and Public Holidays in Italy in July

So, what else does July have up its sleeve? It’s a busy month for festivals, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Italian culture, from food festivals to musical concerts.

• Early July — Marostica Summer Festival: If you happen to be in Venice around early July, you don’t want to miss the Marostica Summer Festival. These are a series of large, eclectic concerts held in the gorgeous central square of Marostica. Enjoy live music performed by Italian and international artists, including Lazza, Simply Red, Mika, and Biagio Antonacci.
• July 2 — Palio Horse Race: Taking place in Siena twice a year, the Palio Horse Race, also known as Palio di Siena, is the city’s most important event. It’s an exciting and passionate horse race hosted in the Piazza del Campo. This fun, world-famous race has been taking place for five centuries, acting as a true testament to tradition and culture.
• July 4-14 — Umbria Jazz Festival: Are you even a music lover if you haven’t heard of the world-renowned and iconic Umbria Jazz Festival? And don’t be fooled by its name, as this festival hosts a variety of artists and genres over the years. These include Prince, Liza Minnelli, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennet, Miles Davis, and many other notable artists.
• July 10-15 —  Feast of Saint Rosalia: If you’re heading to Palermo, Sicily, for the summer, you can happily join the Feast of Saint Rosalia (U Fistinu). It’s a magical event in honor of Saint Rosalia, allowing you to witness the streets of Palermo come alive with feasts and joy, ending with a fireworks display.
• July 12 – September 6 — Stresa Festival: Travel to the second largest lake in Italy, Lake Maggiore, if you want to be serenaded with the sweet sounds of classical music. The Stresa Festival was started by an aristocratic Venetian lawyer in 1961 and has become a landmark in international classical music festivals.
• Mid-July — Noantri Festival: With origins dating back to the 1500s, the Noantri Festival came to fruition when fishermen found a wooden Virgin Mary floating in Tiber waters and brought it to a local church. Now, people gather yearly in the Trastevere district of Rome to partake in this ancient religious tradition, along with concerts, music, and parades.
• July 19-21 — Festa del Redentore: If you’re still in Venice by the third Sunday in July, you can join an event involving many fireworks. Festa del Redentore, or “Feast of the Redeemer,” celebrates the end of a devastating plague that killed 50,000 people in 1576. 
• July 26-28 — Unicorn Festival: Want to experience something quirky and out-of-this-world? In that case, the Unicorn Festival is right up your alley as it’s Italy’s most significant fantasy event. This Medieval-Fantasy event happens over three days in Vinci, Tuscany, featuring markets, concerts, parades, animations, and exhibitions.

What to Wear in Italy in July

By now, you know that being well-prepared for your July trip to Italy is essential. This includes packing the appropriate clothing for hot and humid weather conditions. Here’s a glance at what to pack for Italy in summer:

• Light layers — Cotton or linen shirts, dresses, blouses, and skirts can keep you cool in hot weather.
• Sun hat — Protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays while relaxing on the beach or exploring a town/city.
• Bathing suit — This one’s a given if you’re going to swim in lakes or beaches.
• Supportive sandals — You’ll walk a lot as you visit sights and beaches, so supportive sandals are mandatory.
• Sturdy walking/hiking sneakers — Avoid blisters and achy feet by wearing comfortable and sturdy sneakers to navigate city streets and hiking trails.
• Light jacket, cardigan, or jumper — depending on where you are, the evening might turn out chilly, so it’s better to be prepared.

Is July a Good Time to Visit Italy?

July is a splendid time to visit. Weather conditions and average temperatures in Italy in July are ideal for balmy beaches, lakes, mountain valleys, and sightseeing. So, if that’s on your agenda, you should consider this month. You can expect crowds to be busier and prices to be higher, but as we’ve mentioned, you won’t have to break the bank through proper planning.

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