Facing Italy’s Summer Heat

Italy’s summers get warmer every year, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the country’s incredible sights and experiences. Not sure how to plan around the heat? Don’t fret, we are here to help. We’ll show you how to beat sweltering temperatures while still experiencing Italy’s vast array of memory-making offerings.

Read the hotel fine print

These days air conditioning is a necessity thus most higher-end hotels will stay cool throughout your whole stay. But some of your smaller hotels and B&Bs or cities that were cooler ten year ago have limited cooling systems or none at all. To make matters worse, some hotels will look to the calendar and not the temperature, so it’s always good to check the rules. Make no mistake, air conditioned rooms are not hard to find these days, it’s just important to know the hotel’s amenities beforehand and perhaps not expect the glacial air conditioning temperatures of the US.

Visit outdoor sights early in the morning and museums (or take naps) in the afternoon

Use jet lag to your advantage and set your internal clock to enjoy the cooler early mornings. We recommend visiting sights like the Colosseum and the Forum in the wee hours as there is very little shade and lots for your guide to explain.

Save air-conditioned museums for the hottest part of the day or head back to your hotel for a strategic cool-down, nap, or refreshing shower. Also consider air-conditioned lunch spots to cool your body down and eat comfortably.

Wear breathable, loose-fitting cotton or linen

Avoid synthetic fabrics and stick to lightweight, loose-fitting fabrics like linen. You’ll also blend right in, as it is the fabric of choice for Italian men and women across the boot until September. You’ll find entire shops dedicated to the fabric and if you do wear it, you’ll definitely notice the difference.

Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen

Don’t underestimate how much water your body needs when you are out and about all day. Most Italians carry refillable bottles and fill them up at water fountains (think the nasoni in Rome). You can also pick up water in the supermarkets, bodegas, and even from carts around some towns. We suggest keeping with the minimum of two liters a day, not including what you drink at meals.

The Italian sun is scorching! So make sure to wear 30-50 SPF when you expect to be in the sun. That means even a walk through town!

Mosquito spray is your friend

Italy’s countryside and especially if near any kind of water can often be rife with the pesky little biters, which can make your stay in the Bel Paese quite uncomfortable. We recommend covering up for outdoor evening meals and/or carrying mosquito spray. Mosquitos in Italy also bite all day and sometimes even make it into the big cities, especially near water or under the trees. The brand of choice in Italy is Autan, but you can find several natural and other options at the local pharmacies and supermarkets.

Keep a summer kit with you at all times

The heat during your Italian summer holiday is manageable, especially if you keep the essentials with you wherever you go. We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle, your favorite sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, after-bite gel, and if desired, even replenishing electrolytes.

We’re convinced that if you follow our advice, your Italian memories will outshine the sun.

Get more tips in our August in Italy article!