Did you know that Italy is the third most visited country in Europe, France and Spain being the top two? More than 58 million people visited Italy in 2023. After all, the country is known for its world-famous cities, amazing architecture, dramatic landscapes, beautiful coastal towns, splendid mountains, marvelous art and culture, mouthwatering food, and delicious wine. While spring and autumn are the best times to visit the country, summer can also be a great time if you do not mind the heat. August is peak summer in Italy. While it can get hot and humid during this month of the year, there are many advantages of visiting Italy in August. Here is everything you need to know about holiday in Italy in August.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Italy?
The answer to the question would depend on your preferences. If you are someone who does not mind the heat, August is a really good time to visit Italy. The weather in Italy in August is hot and humid, although the temperatures may vary depending on which part of the country you are in. However, if heat is not an issue for you, visiting Italy would be advantageous for you. Most locals leave the main cities and head to the mountains or beaches in August to escape the heat. This means the cities are considerably less crowded. You can also explore the small towns and villages in peace during this time. Most hotels and resorts offer good deals and discounts in the main cities of Italy in August.
Weather in Italy in August
August is considered the hottest month of Italy. The temperature in Italy in August is different in the different parts of the country. The temperature in Northern Italy is somewhere between 18-degree C to 30-degree C. This means the northern part of the country is cooler than the rest. The temperature in Central Italy in August varies between 21-degree C and 32-degree C. Southern Italy is the hottest part of the country, with the temperature ranging between 26-degree C and 32-degree C. There have been situations when the temperature of southern Italy to rise to 38-degree C in August.
- Temperature: High-32-degree C; Low-18-degree C (depending on the area you are visiting)
- Humidity: 67%
- Chance of Rain: 3%
- Daylight: 15 hours
- Sunrise: 5.30 AM
- Sunset: 8.30 PM
Things to do in Italy in August
Italy offers a variety of experiences in August, right from exploring the outdoor attractions to indulging in some relaxing activities. Here are some of the best things you can enjoy in Italy in August.
Relax on the Beaches
One of the best things to do in Italy in August is visit its beach towns. Italy has some of the most beautiful coastal towns, which are perfect to keep yourselves cool during the August heat. The most popular beaches in Italy are in Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Cinque Terre, Tropea, etc. Apart from lounging on the beaches, you can also indulge in water sports and activities. Scuba diving, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and windsurfing are a few of the water activities available here. The only downside is that Italian beaches are extremely crowded in August.
Explore the Small Towns and Villages
If you want to avoid crowds, this is the perfect time to visit the small towns and villages of Italy. These towns and villages are less crowded during August as most locals prefer visiting the coastal towns, while tourists are limited to the cities. Visiting these towns and villages will give you the chance to get to experience authentic Italian charm and culture. Some of the Italian small towns and villages you must explore in August include Alberobello, Emilia-Romagna, Matera, Grizzana Morandi, Dozza, Malcesine, and more. These places to visit in Italy are perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxed holiday and would not mind skipping the bigger cities and their attractions.
Enjoy Hiking in Italy
August is the perfect time to go hiking in Italy as you do not have to worry about the snow. Moreover, there are plenty of places to enjoy hiking in Italy. One of the top places to visit in Italy in August for hiking is the Dolomites. Located in northeastern region of Italy, the hiking trails here will give you the chance to enjoy dramatic mountains and landscapes that are famous because of being recreated in paintings and filmed in movies. During your hikes, you will find mountain cabins where you can enjoy food and drinks and take some rest. A few other places perfect for hiking in Italy are Lake Garda, Italian Riviera, Tuscany, and Mont Blanc. These places also have good hiking trails.
Indulge in Italian Delicacies
The Italian cuisine is world famous, and many people visit Italy for its food. After all, the country is the birthplace of pizza and pasta, two of the most popular international foods. For authentic food experiences, look for places where locals eat. A simple search on the internet would help you find the cafes and restuants popular among locals. For a deeper culinary experience, you can visit historical food markets that are available in almost all the cities in the country. Going for olive oil tastings at olive oil farms is one of the best things to do in August. Of course, your Italian culinary journey cannot be complete without tasing the Italian gelato and coffee. You can also learn to make Italian dishes by going for cooking classes conducted by local chefs.
Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
Apart from its food, Italy is also known for its wine. The country produces some of the best wines, and visiting the country is also an opportunity to taste its delicious wine. The most popular wine region in Italy is Tuscany. Apart from this, there is Sicily, Abruzzo, Campania, Umbria, Veneto, Piemonte, and Lombardy. Each wine town is home to vineyards and wineries that offer tours, where you get to know how the wine is produced and taste the different wines they produce. August is a great month to go on a wine tasting tour, as the tourist crowd is less during this month.
Places to Visit in Italy in August
Although August is a holiday season for the locals in Italy, most of the major cities in Italy are open for tourists. Here are the best places to go in Italy in August.
Rome
History, romance, architecture, culture – you name it, and Rome has it. Whichever month you visit Italy, the capital city of Rome and visiting the Rome attractions should be on your itinerary. August is surely the best time to visit Rome, as the locals leave the city, and you will find less crowds in the city. However, you will find tourists in the most popular places to visit in Rome. Visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, etc., are one of the best things to do in Rome. Apart from this, enjoying multiple gelatos during the day to keep yourself cool from the heat and humidity of the city is one of the most special things to do in Rome Italy in August.
Florence
Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany, is one of the cities where you can go on a day trip from Rome, as it takes a little over three hours to reach from one city to another. However, a day might be too short, as there are plenty of things to see and do here. Florence is known for its art, architecture, and culture. This is the city where the Renaissance was born. There are numerous museums and art galleries to explore here. One of the things to do in Florence is enjoying going on a sightseeing tour to Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria dell ’Accademia, Cappelle Medicee, and more.
Milan
The name Milan brings the image of fashion, style, and glamor to our minds. After all, the city is Italy’s fashion capital. Some of the major fashion brands were born in Milan. But that is not the only popular thing about Milan. This Italian city is known for its historical buildings, gorgeous architecture, popular art museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Some of the best things to do in Milan are visiting Duomo di Milano, Sforzesco Castle, Teatro alla Scala, Pinacoteca di Brera, Basilica di Sant’Amborogio, Piazza del Duomo, and more.
Venice
No visit to Italy can be complete if you do not visit the canal city, i.e., Venice. The city is home to a series of islands, all connected by a network of canals. One of the most important things to do in Venice Italy is going on a gondola ride on these canals. To make the most of your experience, opt for a private gondola ride. Apart from canals, there are historical buildings, art galleries, and other things to explore in Venice. Going on a sightseeing trip to Saint Mark’s Basilica, Ponte di Rialto, Piazza San Marco, Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Campanile, Teatro La Fenice, Bridge of Sighs, Basilica S. Maria Gloriosa deo Frari, etc., is one of the best things to do in Venice.
Amalfi Coast
There is something magical and timeless about the Amalfi Coast. Set against the Mediterranean landscape, Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire place boasts of a natural landscape that is both dramatic and stunning. You will get to see beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, terraced vineyards, panoramic sea vistas, etc., here. Moreover, the coast is home to quaint villages, each radiating unique Italian charm. If you are visiting Amalfi Coast this August, Ravello, Positano, Duomo di Amalfi, Sorrento, Museo della Carta, and Torre dello Ziro are some of the places to visit here.
Events & Festivals in Italy in August
August sees several festivals and events in August. In fact, it is holiday season during this month, and several restaurants and cafes remain closed for 1-2 weeks in many places of the country. But it is also a good chance to experience the culture of the place.
Festivals in Italy in August
August is the time when Italy celebrates some important religious festivals. Here are the festivals that you can enjoy during this month.
Ferragosto (Assumption Day)
Ferragosto is celebrated on August 15 all over Italy. Traditionally, it marked the end of harvest season. Today, this is the day where Italians celebrate the beginning of holidays. A religious significance of this is day is that Catholics mark it as Assumption Day, which is the day when Mother Mary ascended to heaven. Different parts of the country celebrate the day with music, fireworks, and grand feasts.
- Date: August 15
- Venue: All over Italy
Festa dei Candelieri
This is a religious festival that is celebrated in Sassari. Festa dei Candelieri or the Festival of the Candlesticks is a 500-year-old tradition where the participants carry 10 wooden candle-like structures, weighing 400 kg each, all around the old part of the city. The procession is accompanied by dance and music. The celebrations are in honor of Madonna dell’Assunta.
- Date: August 14
- Venue: Sassari
Events in Italy in August
Here are the events that you will enjoy in Italy in August.
Arena Opera Festival
Italian Opera lovers should not miss the Opera Festival in Verona. This musical festival begins in early June and lasts till August end and even the first week of September. It is held in the Roman Amphitheater in Verona (Arena di Verona), the world’s largest open-air opera house. Every week, the amphitheater hosts 3-4 performances, and you will get to listen to the classic works of the great opera maestros like Puccini, Verdi, and more. Date: June 8 – September 7 Venue: Verona Arena, Verona
Ravello Festival
Ravello Festival is a classical and Jazz musical festival that has been held here since 1953. During the festival, you will get to enjoy the music of renowned international singers and composers. The highlight of this festival is its setting. The concerts and performances are conducted at the Belvedere of Villa Rufolo, with the picturesque Tyrrhenian Sea in the background. The Dawn or the Sunrise Concert is something you should not miss, as you get to see a spectacular sunrise while enjoying the performance.
- Date: July 1 – August 25
- Venue: Belvedere of Villa Rufolo, Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Travel Tips to Visit Italy in August
If you are planning to visit Italy in August, it is important to be prepared to beat the heat while enjoying the beautiful cities and towns of this European country.
- Wear light weight, comfortable clothes. Summer dresses, shorts, and tops/t-shirts are best to wear while exploring Italy in August.
- Apply sunscreen with high SPF when stepping outdoors during this month.
- Always keep a water bottle with you and keep sipping water to keep yourselves hydrated.
- Book a hotel or resort with good air conditioning as well as one that has a pool.
- While mountains and beaches are the perfect place to spend in Italy in August, remember that these places would be crowded, as most locals flock to these places during this month.
- Although locals leave the cities for beaches and mountains, the cities are crowded with tourists in August. So most popular attractions like museums and galleries are still crowded. Hence, book entry tickets to the popular attractions online, so that you do not have to wait in queues for long.
Things to Know Before Visiting Italy in August
What to Pack for Italy in August?
Pack clothes that are light and airy. Light colored clothes are best for August. If you are visiting the beach, do not forget to pack your bathing suit. For footwear, sandals and sturdy walking shoes are the best. You must also carry your sunglasses, hat, scarf, travel documents, toiletries, ear plugs, adapters, chargers, and cash.
What to Wear in Italy in August?
Cotton and linen fabrics are the best for your Italian holiday in August. Your like shorts, loose pants, tank tops, t-shirts, sundresses, etc. If you are visiting a religious place in Italy like a church, you will be asked to wear more modest clothing. You must avoid wearing dresses and shorts that are too short or outfits with a low neckline. It is also important to cover your shoulders. Most fine dining restaurants also have a dress code, and do not allow distressed or torn jeans, sneakers, etc.
Getting Around in Italy in August
The best and the quickest way of traveling around Italy is by train. Most of the Italian cities and towns are connected by railways. But it is important to book in advance as they are the most popular way of commuting in the car. On the other hand, if you are up for a road trip, you can rent a car. This way you can enjoy the view of the breathtaking landscapes of Italy while you travel from one place to another. Alternatively, if you are short of time, you can take a flight to travel from one part of the country to the other. This is the quickest way of traveling within Italy.
Where to Stay in Italy in August?
Where you stay during your holiday in Italy would depend on your interests and budget. There are plenty of hotels in Italy, including budget-friendly ones as well as the luxury ones. Some of the villas and palaces are available for short term stays and can be rented by tourists. Bed and breakfast and farm stays are also available in Italy.
FAQs About Italy in August
What is the Italy visa needed for tourism?
If you are planning a holiday in Italy, you need to get a Schengen visa. This is a common visa for all the 27 European countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement.
Do the major cities of Italy remain closed in August?
As Italy celebrates Ferragosto in August, most offices and schools remain closed during this time. Due to this, several restaurants and local stores also remain closed for a few days before and after the festival. But this does not mean that entire cities remain closed. Most popular attractions in the cities are open during this month.Are the beaches of Italy crowded in August?
Yes, popular beaches in Italy are crowded in August. If you want to enjoy beaches without too much crowd, you can explore the beaches in smaller towns of Italy.
What precautions should one take while visiting Italy in August?
As the climate is extremely hot in Italy in August, it is crucial to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Always book a hotel/resort that has an air conditioner. Spend more time at the beach and pool to keep yourself cool. Always apply sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.
Which part of Italy is best to visit in Italy in August?
Northern Italy is best to visit in Italy, as the temperature here is lower than in the rest of the country.
Conclusion
Italy is packed with attractions, activities, events, and festivals in August. If you can handle the summer heat, there is no better time than August to enjoy the various offerings of this beautiful European country.
