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

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 86°F High • 65°F Low

With its Mediterranean climate, Italy enjoys hot, dry weather during the summer months. Between June and August, temperatures in Italy reach the 70s Fahrenheit in the northern mountainous regions and the 80s Fahrenheit in the southern parts of the country.

The summer months see long daylight hours with very little rainfall. The peak of summer in July and August can feel quite hot, especially in popular cities like Rome and Florence, making it the perfect time to escape into the mountains or to the coastline to enjoy a refreshing swim.

Wherever you travel in Italy, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, you can expect mostly clear, sunny skies, with temperatures perfect for al fresco dining and summertime adventures.

Florence • Best Place for Sightseeing

Florence is a superb alternative to crowded cities like Rome for sightseeing in the summer months. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence harbors just as many artistic and architectural treasures. Marvel at the Duomo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, whose remarkable red dome is a crowning achievement of the early Renaissance.

Meander through the corridors of the Uffizi Gallery, with its world-class collection of Italian masterpieces, or gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s stunning statue of David at the Galleria dell'Accademia. Florence’s walkability also makes sightseeing a breeze.

Learn more: Florence Itineraries

Sicily • Best Place for Great Weather

The Mediterranean climate blesses Sicily with gloriously sunny weather during the summer months. Highs typically range from the mid-80s to low-90s Fahrenheit along the coastline. Fortunately, coastal sea breezes help regulate the heat and humidity.

For the ultimate summer escape, head to Taormina on the east coast and its pristine beaches overlooking the Ionian Sea. The town’s elevation also brings slightly cooler temperatures compared to the coast. When the midday sun is at its strongest, duck into the shade of the cobblestone streets or visit well-preserved Greek and Roman sites, like the Teatro Antico.

Learn more: Sicily Tours & Vacation Packages

Cinque Terre • Best Place for Families with Children

For families traveling with kids, Italy’s Cinque Terre region delivers adventure and relaxation amidst natural splendor. The region offers hiking trails of varying difficulty threading through the cliffside villages, rewarding trekkers with sweeping Mediterranean vistas. Spend days at the seaside towns enjoying the gentle, kid-friendly waves or exploring tidal pools and rock formations along the rugged coastline.

Due to its protected national park status, Cinque Terre also provides a peaceful retreat from Italy’s crowded major cities. From sailing a wooden boat in Vernazza to sampling Ligurian pesto in charming restaurants, Cinque Terre serves up exceptional experiences for adventure-loving families.

Learn more: Cinque Terre Tours & Vacations

Le Marche • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

For travelers yearning to experience Italy without the summertime tourist crowds, the coastal region of Le Marche offers a peaceful escape. Overshadowed by more famous neighbors like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, Le Marche remains largely undiscovered by international visitors.

Base yourself in the artistic harbor town of Urbino to encounter the birthplace of Raphael, with his works still gracing sites like the splendid Ducal Palace. Or explore quaint seaside villages like Sirolo, with its sweeping views over Conero Regional Park down to turquoise waters that rival the Amalfi Coast.

The Amalfi Coast • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

With its postcard-perfect scenery of pastel-hued cliffside towns overlooking an azure sea, the Amalfi Coast provides an idyllic and intensely romantic backdrop for couples and honeymooners.

Discover the fairytale fishing village of Positano to wander narrow winding streets, shop for one-of-a-kind limoncello, and embark on scenic boat tours to secret coves and grottos only accessible from the water.

Watch the sunset over dinner and drinks at a cliffside restaurant before retiring to your hotel balcony to continue gazing at the moonlit sea. The Amalfi Coast encourages relaxation and connection for couples, especially during the warm summer months.

Learn more: Amalfi Coast Tours & Vacation Packages

Splash Around at the Coastal Towns

Enjoy the Mediterranean waters against stunning backdrops by spending days relaxing on sandy beaches or clambering over rocky coves in places like Taormina, the Cinque Terre villages, or the pastel towns dotting the Amalfi Coast. Sunbathe, swim, or charter a luxury yacht to discover secluded swimming holes and grottoes only accessible from the sea.

Learn more: Best Beaches in Italy to Visit on Vacation

Hike the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast

Get your heart racing on this spectacular cliffside trail linking Positano to Praiano, with nonstop vistas over the vivid blue sea, quaint villages, and the Isle of Capri dotting the horizon. The approximately five-mile hike traverses precipitous sea cliffs with divine views at every turn.

Learn the Art of Pizza Making in Naples

The birthplace of true Neapolitan pizza invites you behind the scenes with local pizzaiolos to uncover tips and secrets while kneading the dough and sampling these fresh, cheesy creations layered with vibrant tomatoes from their wood-fired ovens.

Learn more: Italy Food & Wine Tours

Go Truffle Hunting in Piedmont

Team up with eager truffle dogs and their trainers to hunt for the elusive white Alba truffles hidden beneath twisted oak and hazelnut trees blanketing the northern Piedmont countryside. This hands-on experience culminates with a gourmet picnic feast, complete with fresh truffle dishes.

Learn more: Truffles to Try on Your Trip to Italy

Explore the Ancient Ruins of Pompeii

Walk the preserved streets of this city destroyed by the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius for a vivid glimpse into daily life during ancient Roman times. Wandering through crumbling villas, temples, and amphitheaters offers unique insight no history book alone can rival.

Italy’s Mediterranean climate delivers sunny days perfect for the beach and sightseeing, along with a bounty of food and wine to enjoy in historic cities and regions. Summer provides an ideal time to explore the country, from thrilling adventures like hiking the Amalfi Coast to indulging in a delicious scoop of gelato.

For more inspiration as you begin to plan your summer trip, explore our Italy travel guide or start putting your plans in motion with ideas from our featured Italy tours.