Italy Weather in July 2024: Travel Tips for Summer Peak

July in Italy is largely hot and dry, although some scattered rain showers can be expected in the northern part of the country. July and August are usually the hottest months of the year, and days are usually marked by clear skies and endless hours of sunshine.

Considering the fact that July in Italy is not really marked by much, if any, rainfall, and most schoolchildren get time off during the month, this is an extremely busy time of the year in the country. Most major cities are overly crowded and queueing up in long lines to visit most museums and tourist attractions are to be expected.

While you will want to pack a jacket or fleece if you plan on visiting the Dolomites, most of your packing for July in Italy should revolve around including light breathable clothing like cotton or linen shorts and shirts, and other basics such as sundresses, sun hats, sunglasses, sandals, sunscreen and bathing suits.

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Italy Weather in July Overview

• Average temperature range: 19°C-32°C (66°F-90°F)
• Season: Hot and Dry
• Rainfall: 19 mm (0.7 inches) in Rome, 68 mm (2.7 inches) in Venice, 20 mm (0.8 inches) in Naples
• Rainy days: 3 in Rome, 8 in Venice, 4 in Naples

July Weather by Region

Weather conditions in Italy during July remain largely hot and dry with slight variations depending on which part of the country you're in. By studying the country's three separate climate regions described in detail below, you'll have a much better idea of what to expect as far as expected precipitation and average temperatures are concerned.

Northern Italy: 19°C-29°C (66°F-84°F)

July is usually the hottest month of the year in northern Italy. The average maximum daytime temperature hovers close to the 29°C (84°F) mark while the average minimum nighttime temperature hovers close to the 19°C (66°F) mark.

With that being said, it is also moderately wet during July in the northern cities of Venice and Milan, with about 68 mm (2.7 inches) of rainfall over a week or so to be expected in the area over the course of the month. Despite these occasional rain showers, blue skies and long hours of sunshine remain ever presents for most of the month, though.

Central Italy: 19°C-32°C (66°F-90°F)

July in central Italy is very warm and windy. The average maximum temperature in the area is about 31°C (88°F) whereas the average minimum temperature is about 19°C (66°F).

It's also the direst month of the year in central Italy, so don't expect rains to provide any sort of respite from the sweltering weather conditions. A measly 19 mm (0.7 inches) of rainfall over a total of 3 days is expected in July in cities such as Florence and Rome.

Southern Italy: 23°C-31°C (73°F-88°F)

July is one of the warmest months of the year in southern Italy. The average temperature high in the region is 30°C (86°F) and the average temperature low is 23°C (73°F).

July is also the driest month of the year in southern Italy, with a mere 20 mm (0.8 inches) of rainfall over 4 days usually experienced in the region during the month. You can expect long hours of sunshine for most of the month.

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Best Places to See in Italy in July

1. Dolomites

The Pale Mountains, or the Dolomites as they're more popularly known, provide some much-needed respite from the sweltering summer heat. The snow completely melts off by the time July rolls around, so you can hike or bike around the countless trails of the Dolomites to explore quaint mountain villages like Ortisei and Castelrotto.

If you're not into hiking, that's no problem because most parts of the famed mountain range have chairlift access meaning you can just enjoy the mountains without having to worry about straining yourself.

You can even enjoy thermal baths in places like Merano to relax and take in the amazing views without having to walk anywhere!

2. Lake Como

If you don't like being outside and don't mind a little bit of July heat, Lake Como might be the right place for you. You can enjoy the endless hours of sunshine by being out in nature fishing, swimming, kayaking, or hiking. The water is warm enough for you to take dips but keep in mind that you will spend a considerable amount of time on the water in boats if you plan on visiting different parts of Lake Como.

3. Puglia

Puglia in July is lively and bustling without being overcrowded. The Salento or the "heel of the boot" section of the Italian peninsula comes to life during this time, and you can enjoy the scrumptious seafood and beautiful blue waters of the region's coastal towns in good weather and without it being crazily crowded.

We recommend visiting Puglia during the first half of July because the later you visit, the more crowded it tends to get as it's a popular summer destination among Italians.

July Crowds and Costs

The largely dry weather during July coupled with the fact that most schoolchildren get time off during the month means most families flock to Italy during this time. As such, you can expect it to be very crowded in most parts of the country during July, especially in the big cities. See How to Plan a Family Trip to Italy

Most museums and attractions will be packed and you'll have to queue up in long lines to be let in. Plan and book your tickets in advance.

The large influx of tourists in Italy during July also results in a hike in prices for everything including accommodation and entertainment.

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What to Wear in Italy in July

Focus on packing light breathable fabrics if you're planning on visiting Italy in July. Cotton or linen shorts, shirts, sundresses should all be prioritized for maximum comfort.

Your other packing essentials for July in Italy ought to include sandals, comfortable walking shoes, your most trusted sun hat, and sunglasses.

Bathing suits if you're planning on soaking up the sun by hitting up some of Italy's most pristine beaches and light jackets or fleeces if you're planning on spending some time in the Dolomites should also be packed.

July Events in Italy

Palio di Siena: The Tuscan city of Sienna and its contrade – city wards or neighborhoods – organize a bareback horse race twice a year, once on July 2 and then again on August 16. Ten horses and riders, each representing a city neighborhood, take part in the races to much local and nationwide fanfare.

Verona Opera Festival: The world-renowned Verona Opera Festival goes on for all of July and is held at the world-famous Roman Arena in the city. There's a buzz of excitement in the air every evening a performance is due to take place, with spectators bring with them candles to be lit as the sun sets and performance begin. It's an experience that'll stay with you for a lifetime, so don't miss out on the opportunity to attend a performance if possible.

Saldi: Saldi (summer sales) takes place twice a year: once in the winter and once in the summer. If you're looking to get good deals on high-end clothing items, this is the right time for you to be hitting up your favorite stores. The longer Saldi goes on, the better the discounts.

Explore Italy with Global Highlights

Looking to plan your perfect July trip to Italy? Let Global Highlights plan your dream vacation for you! We specialize in creating tailor-made tours that not only consider your travel goals but also keep in mind ongoing weather conditions to make your dream trip as memorable as possible. Let us deal with the planning stress so that you can just enjoy the journey!

Monthly Weather in Italy