August in Italy is a month full of holiday chasers escaping their home countries or cities in search of warm, sunny days by the water – preferably in a swimsuit or a flowy dress when choosing outfits for summer in Italy. Many locals leave the city for the month of August and retreat to the coastline, often staying in their summer houses.
Nonetheless, it’s a popular month for travel as much of Europe is taking a break from work. If you are wondering what to wear in Italy in August, follow this essential packing guide to get started.
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Weather in Italy in August
Before you pack for Rome in August, or wherever you may be traveling, let’s take a quick look at the weather. Keep in mind that August is the hottest month in Italy, as it is for much of the Northern Hemisphere.
Northern Italy
In cities like Milan, Venice, and the Lake District, August is typically hot and humid. You’d think the south would feel more unbearable but in actuality it was exploring cities like Venice and Verona in August that was really difficult.
Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The humidity can make it feel even warmer. With that said, this region can be quite pleasant in the evenings when temperatures cool down a bit.
Central Italy
In the central regions, including cities like Rome and Florence, August is also hot, with temperatures often reaching 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). The heat can be a lot, especially in urban areas, so it’s a good idea to take breaks in the shade and stay hydrated!
The evenings are usually warm, but once the sun starts to go down, it can be a great time to enjoy outdoor dining and stroll through the city. You’ll find out more on what to wear in Rome in August below.
Southern Italy
Further south, in places like Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, August can be sizzling hot. Daytime temperatures often soar above 35°C (95°F), and it’s not uncommon for it to be even hotter.
The sea is the place to be in Southern Italy in August, so beach destinations are very popular during this time.
Keep in mind that the high temperatures can make sightseeing challenging, so it’s best to plan activities for the cooler parts of the day.
I spent time in Calabria, particularly Soverato on the coast, and I hardly had the energy to explore because the temperatures were so high. Even sleeping was challenging. Nonetheless, the beach was right there and the occasional rain showers helped cool down the area.
General Tips for August Travel in Italy
Before we get into what to wear in Italy in August, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
And don’t forget, Europeans around the continent will often have the whole month of August off work. That means they will be traveling and flocking to warm coastlines. It’s a busy time to travel, but it can be so nice and relaxing to post up in a pretty coastal town for the month.
If you plan to visit a lot of cities in Italy during August, just keep in mind that some local businesses will be closed as they too will be enjoying their holidays outside of the city.
- Hydrate: Always carry water with you. Italy is full of drinking fountains, so bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated.
- Protect your skin: Use eco-friendly sunscreen, wear UV-blocking hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Unless you’re wearing a rash guard and staying under an umbrella for loads of the time, I wouldn’t recommend suntanning in the south unless you want a sunburn.
- Consider the time of day: Visit major tourist sites early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Remember, this is a busy time to travel, so make your reservations in advance.
- Enjoy evenings: Take advantage of cooler evenings for outdoor dining and exploring.
What to Wear in Italy in August – Summer Packing List
Here’s your essential Italy outfits guide and everything you should wear for summer in Italia.
Comfortable walking shoes
Cobblestone streets, big cities, expansive parks, and lots of stairs means comfortable walking shoes are a MUST. Don’t pack cheap sandals. Instead, opt for sandals designed for long walks. I LOVE these Clarks when it comes to what to wear in Italy in August. They are great for day and night time outfits.
A quality pair of sneakers will also be handy to have. Whatever your style! I really like Native shoes and – hear me out – these Dr. Scholl’s sneakers might be the ultimate travel shoe.
Best options:
- Dr. Scholl’s sneakers for ultimate comfort shoe
- Clarks Sandals for warm days and easy walking
- Vivaia Mary Jane flats for something a little nicer but still comfortable and travel friendly
P.S. It’s a common misconception that Europeans don’t wear sneakers. Maybe way back in the day this was the case, but nowadays you’ll see people of all ages wear sneakers out in public.
Lightweight clothing
Skip out on synthetic fabrics like acrylic and polyester when packing for summer in Italy. They aren’t breathable materials and are literally made out of plastic. Instead, shoot for linens (which are a very popular fabric choice for locals in Europe), organic cotton, and breathable pieces.
Think flowy linen dresses, linen wrap skirts, loose cotton tops, cute linen pants, etc. These cotton pants are a chic and flowy option.
If you’re going to Italy for a week in August, here’s a brief run down of what you could pack for lightweight clothes. This doesn’t include swimwear.
- 1 cute linen or denim shorts
- 1-3 flowy tops that match bottoms
- 1 Linen or cotton tank top that matches a cozy linen/cotton button down top
- Loose trousers/pants
- 2 flowy dresses/skirts that work for day or night
- 1 pair of lightweight pjs (shorts and tank are best when packing for Italy in August)
A functional handbag
Italy may indeed be one of my absolute favorite countries but it does have its faults and one of them is pickpocketing. Pickpocketers come from around the world to target foreigners in hubs like Venice, Florence, and Rome.
That’s why I recommend bringing a sleek handbag that rests in front of you as you’re walking; definitely a must for what to wear in Italy in August. My beloved anti-theft crossbody bag is an ideal choice as it’s literally designed to prevent people from stealing the bag and its contents. Otherwise, something simple like this crossbody also works as well as the Topo Designs bag pictured above.
I also recommend bringing a hand fan if you are going to be walking around the cities a lot. I prefer the paper hand fans but no shame if you want to bring a mechanical one like this one.
Beach Essentials for Italy in August
If you are going to the beach during August in Italy, you’re in for a busy and lively time. There are some free beaches in Italy but the most popular ones have lidos, or beach clubs, that require you to rent an umbrella and chair.
Italian families often reserve their lido spot for the entire summer – and it’s actually a whole thing, like prominent families get the best spots etc – but anyway there are often spaces open for tourists who would like to come and go.
Here’s a thorough guide on the art of the Italian lido to help you plan how to book a lido for August in Italy.
Here’s what to bring if you are going to the beach or an Italian lido:
- 1-2 towels (one for your chair and one extra for drying off)
- 1-2 swimsuits
- 1 cover up
- Something to read or keep your entertained – I love my waterproof Kindle
- Beach sandals
- A waterproof pouch to keep your phone and electronics in
- A quality, reef-safe sunscreen – I prefer Raw Elements
- A big beach hat
- Optional a rash guard if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water exposed to the UV rays
- Refillable water bottle
FAQ For What to Wear in Italy in August
Here are some of the most common questions I see about what to wear in Italy in summer.
What do people in Italy wear in summer?
Like I’ve touch on, locals will flock to the coastlines to spend the month in family homes and vacation rentals. That means they are wearing loads of beachwear – but not out on the streets! – as well as neutral flowy dresses, sun hats, nice sandals, and even matching linen shorts and top sets.
What should I wear in Southern Italy in August?
While the north is more humid, the temperatures get very high in the south. I would recommend applying and reapplying sunscreen first and foremost. From there, think lightweight and flowy attire with a sun hat and comfortable walking shoes.
Can I wear shorts in Italy?
Yes, you can! Italians wear shorts. They just aren’t often tight fitting and short denim shorts. Instead, they are more loose fitted, like this pair of linen shorts, and they tend to look more chic than casual.
I hope you have an AMAZING summer trip and that you’ve found value reading about what to wear in Italy in August. Have a dreamy time and remember to stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen! K, thanks byeeeee <3
