Italy in July

Heatwaves in Rome, Florence and the south; mountains and lakes at their best; book beds and trains early.

• Alps and Dolomites · Bolzano, Cortina, Aosta, the Lakes' mountainsbest weather

  Skiing mid-December to early April; hut hikes and lifts late June to mid-September. Afternoon thunderstorms in July–August.

• Po Valley and the north · Milan, Venice, Verona, Bologna, Turinhot

  Foggy, damp winters; sticky summers with mosquitoes near the lagoon. Venice acqua alta floods most often October–December (the MOSE barriers now stop the worst).

• Central Italy · Florence, Tuscany, Umbria, Romehot

  Rome and Florence reach 35–40 °C in July–August; November is the wettest month. Spring and autumn are the long sweet spots.

• South and islands · Naples, Amalfi, Puglia, Sicily, Sardiniahot

  Mild winters and hot, dry summers; sea swimming June to early October. Many coastal hotels and ferries shut November–March.

Crowds · Italy

High

Prices · Italy

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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Rated best or good this month

• Alps and Dolomites

  Best weather of the year (Bolzano, Cortina, Aosta, the Lakes' mountains)

Better another month

• Rome

  Hot and crowded; sightsee only early and late.