Italy in August: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

August is a beautiful time to visit Italy. One of the biggest draws is the warm, sunny weather that graces most of the country, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, lounging on beaches, and exploring charming towns and cities on foot. The long daylight hours also allow more time to appreciate Italy's art, architecture, and natural scenery.

While August falls within Italy’s peak tourist season, travelers can enjoy brief stays in the crowded cities of Rome, Florence, and Venice before retreating to smaller, charming coastal towns or inland hidden gems. Also note that some restaurants, shops, and other businesses may be closed as many locals enjoy their holidays in August.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Italy

Italy is hot in August, with temperatures reaching their peak in the south, while cooling slightly in the north from the peak temperatures of July. In the southern regions, daytime highs frequently climb above the 90s Fahrenheit. Cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples often see stretches of very hot weather, with temperatures soaring well above 90°F on the warmest days.

While the coastal areas tend to be a few degrees cooler thanks to sea breezes, the summer heat is still strong. Even northern cities like Milan and Venice can push into the 90s during August. Cooling off by the pool, on the beach, or with gelato becomes a must for visitors during this summer month. Light, loose clothing and staying hydrated are vital for combating the high temperatures when exploring Italy's cities and sights in August.

Florence • Best Place for Sightseeing

Florence truly shines as one of the best places for sightseeing in August. The birthplace of the Renaissance offers an unparalleled open-air museum, with world-famous art and architecture around every cobblestone corner.

From the awe-inspiring Duomo and Piazza della Signoria to the Uffizi and Accademia galleries housing masterpieces by Michelangelo and Botticelli, Florence's cultural treasures are best appreciated during the long summer days and balmy evenings. Add lively piazzas, al fresco dining, and a vibrant summer scene, and you have the perfect sightseeing destination in Italy during August.

Learn more: Rome to Florence Tours & Itineraries

The Italian Riviera • Best Place for Great Weather

The sun-drenched Italian Riviera is an idyllic destination for soaking up ideal weather in August. Stretching from La Spezia to the French border, this breathtaking coastal region basks in warm, sunny days, with highs typically in the 80s Fahrenheit. Yet the shimmering blue waters and gentle sea breezes provide a refreshing respite from the heat.

Glamorous resort towns like Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure offer the perfect setting for relaxing beach days, while the picturesque Cinque Terre villages invite exploration of their pastel hues and seaside trails in near-perfect summer conditions.

Learn more: Italy Coastal Tours & Vacations

Lake Garda • Best Place for Families with Children

With its sparkling blue waters, lakefront shores, and lively towns, Lake Garda is an idyllic family destination in August. Kids will delight in swimming and playing along the shores in charming spots like Sirmione, while adventurous families can explore medieval castles, hop on boat tours, or hike the scenic trails overlooking the lake.

The region also offers a comfortable escape from Italy's summer heat, as the lake's gentle breezes and surrounding mountains provide a refreshing microclimate. Add in activities on the water and delicious local cuisine like pizza and gelato, and Lake Garda delivers the ultimate family-friendly Italian experience in August.

Learn more: Italy Family Vacations & Tour Packages

Umbria • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

For a more crowd-free taste of authentic Italian culture, the hill towns of Umbria await in August. While most tourists flock to Tuscany, this underrated region offers a remarkably tranquil experience of medieval charm and rustic beauty. Stroll the winding cobblestone streets of Assisi, Orvieto, and Perugia, savoring historic piazzas, ornate cathedrals, and regional culinary specialties without the jostle of summer crowds.

Umbria's lively folkloric performances in August immerse you in rich local traditions away from the tourist trail. With its rolling landscapes of olive groves and vineyards, Umbria provides a blissful, off-the-beaten-path journey into the heart of Italy during the tail-end of the summer season.

The Amalfi Coast • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

The stunning Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most romantic destinations for couples and honeymooners in August. Cliffside towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello dazzle with their pastel hues, winding lanes, and panoramic sea vistas that seem sculpted for lovers.

Newlyweds can savor starlit dinners on scenic terraces featuring exceptional seafood and wines from the Campania region. Days melt away on boat tours exploring hidden coves, hikes on ancient footpaths, and lazy hours whiled away along the area's fabled shorelines. With its magical summer atmosphere, dramatic beauty, and luxurious trattorias, the Amalfi Coast was made for an unforgettable Italian escape in August.

Learn more: Romantic Italy Tours for Couples

Enjoy Al Fresco Feasts and Lively Piazzas

With warm temperatures in August, locals and travelers spill into the streets, transforming piazzas into lively outdoor dining areas. Join locals in the early evening summer traditions, sipping on Aperol spritzes or chilled white wines as you enjoy authentic Italian snacks in the lively Campo Santa Margherita in Venice or mingle in Piazza Navona in Rome.

Evenings bring a festive atmosphere of clinking glasses and spirited chatter over long, indulgent feasts savored al fresco on scenic terraces and along cobblestone lanes. From Naples to Florence, August is the ultimate time to immerse yourself in Italy's inimitable food culture and joyous piazza life.

Learn more: Italy Food Tours & Vacation Packages

Partake in Lively Cultural Events

Italy's summer season reaches its cultural peak during August, when cities and towns celebrate with music, dance, art, and deep-rooted traditions. Follow the sounds of classical symphonies or move to international rhythms at vibrant music concerts.

Experience open-air operas and theater under starry skies. Food festivals abound too, inviting you to savor an array of Italian flavors. August is when Italy's historic cities transform into bustling open-air theaters showcasing the nation's cultural riches.

Escape to Breathtaking Beaches, Islands, and Seaside Towns

With warm seas and sunny skies, August beckons beach lovers and maritime adventurers to Italy's incredible coastal destinations. Laze on the pristine sands of the Sardinian coastline, where vibrant hues meet turquoise waters. Explore jewel-like fishing villages and seaside trails in Cinque Terre, stopping for refreshing beverages along the way.

Escape to the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, renowned for glass-blowing and vividly colorful houses. The dramatic cliffs and chic enclaves of the Amalfi Coast also provide the perfect romantic setting. Or discover Sicily's idyllic seaside locales, including Taormina and Cefalù. With secluded coves, scenic marinas, and enchanting harborside retreats, August opens the door to endless Italian coastal treasures.

Learn more: Best Italian Islands to Visit on Vacation

Hike and Cycle Around Italy's Countryside and Lakes

For a respite from summer's heat, escape to the fresh mountain air and crystal-clear lake waters of Italy's idyllic countryside and alpine regions. Strap on hiking boots to conquer stunning trails in the Dolomites, winding through wildflower meadows and past jagged peaks and emerald-green lakes.

In Tuscany, cycle through cypress-lined lanes and vineyards on day trips between medieval hilltop towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano. Italian Lakes like Como, Garda, and Maggiore offer myriad lakeside hiking paths providing panoramic water vistas. Or discover the lush forests, rushing streams, and cascading waterfalls of Umbria and Abruzzo's Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo.

Savor Exceptional Wine-Tasting Experiences

Oenophiles rejoice in August, when the summer's warm evenings are perfect for savoring the spectacular wines of Italy's premier growing regions. Join local vignerons for tastings as the purple sunsets paint the rolling vineyards of Tuscany's Chianti hills. Sip world-class Barolos and Barbarescos in quaint Langhe villages amid the regal vineyards of Piedmont.

Campania’s grape harvest season, typically beginning in August, provides the perfect reason to tour the storied estates of the region in search of exceptional vintages and blends. From vineyard picnics and cellar tours to expert-led tastings, indulging in Italy's vinicultural treasures is a must for any summer trip.

Learn more: Italy Food & Wine Tours

Whether you seek the energy of lively cities, the tranquility of Italy's countryside, or the azure allure of coastal havens, August provides an extraordinary backdrop for authentic travel experiences in Italy. From sipping refreshing beverages in a Renaissance piazza to savoring seafood seaside, the warmth and vibrance of this month envelop you in rich culture on Italy vacations in August.

Discover more inspiration for your dream Italian summer escape in our comprehensive Italy travel guide, which is brimming with insider tips, local insights, and specialist recommendations.