Italy in August

There are pros and cons to visiting Italy in August but one thing’s for sure, Italy is the perfect year-round destination and your late summer vacation can be just as exciting as the one in April. We’ve answered some of your burning questions below.

Italy in August: Is it worth the heat?

While no one can predict or guarantee the weather, we can tell you that while it can get very hot, summer in Italy is often hot through September. Italians used to look forward to August 15, as they remember the weather cooling down after the Ferragosto holiday. In recent years, that date seems to have gotten later and later, so if you are very worried about heat, you should probably come later and you definitely shouldn’t visit southern Italy where temperatures can reach the hundreds. Higher-end hotels always have air conditioning, but we suggest double-checking all your hotels – and your restaurants – when you book.

August Closures

It’s true that Italians often flee the bigger cities for the coastlines to spend their vacations at the sea. But that just means there is more space for you! The major art cities are quieter, and nowadays businesses will only close for two weeks (often the middle two) and almost all will re-open the last week of August. Your favorite restaurant may be closed the week you come, but we guarantee you there will be another one open with the same caliber of food. The major attractions, churches, and museums stay open all year round, so you won’t miss out on anything!

Summer Crowds

Italians love beach vacations and often associate spending weeks at the beach as a necessary exercise of good health. The sea air will alleviate an array of different ailments and revitalize everyone before school and work gears back up in September. Thus, you can expect the beaches up and down the coasts and all of the islands to be quite busy. While there are plenty of “free” (of charge) beaches, the locals often choose to rent umbrellas and sun beds through beach clubs that are fully equipped with restaurants, showers, and changing rooms. And if you’re not a beach person you can enjoy the quieter version of the larger cities in Italy in August. You can also be a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll and book farm stays in the countryside just outside the city, with swimming pools to relax by after a day of touring.

Tips and Tricks for a Great August in Italy

• Head up a mountain, especially the Italian Alps  –  In many parts of the Dolomites, you’ll find sweater weather in mid-to-late August, at least at night. It’s thus an excellent option if you’re looking for a cooler vacation in nature and favor hiking, biking, golfing, and relaxing in the crisp mountain air over frenetic city life. The area is also home to a vast array of quaint towns, inspired by Ladino and Austrian culture, a wildly different cuisine than the rest of Italy, and opportunities to visit cheese farms, wineries, or relax poolside or at the hotel spa, while truly gasping at the sheer beauty of it all.

• Eat later, and outside – Italians often push their dinner times to the later hours in summer to get the most out of the sun and fun and eat in more comfortable temperatures. A nice post-dinner stroll will help get that digestion going before bed.

• Book sun beds at the beach – Having a dedicated umbrella, sun beds, and chairs is an absolute luxury at Italian beaches. Keep in mind there are rarely any public bathrooms on the beaches (if ever) but your beach club will have clean restrooms, showers, and waterfront drinks, ice cream, and more.

• Visit the sights early in the morning – Many sites, such as the Colosseum, are outdoors and that means you should be careful about the timing of your visit. You’ll get more out of it if you aren’t counting the minutes until your guide stops speaking so you can get out of the sun. We suggest going early in the morning – and carrying plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.

• Eat lots of gelato – Because gelato is always the answer. Or, as an alternative, have a granita! In many places you’ll find them made with fresh ingredients as opposed to industrial syrups. For a more substantial snack, the Sicilian tradition of filling a brioche roll with freshly made granita has spread to many parts if Italy.