Travel in Italy in July

July is a hot, humid, and high tourist season. Avoid the more prominent tourist spots like Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast if you don’t have an appetite for crowds. Definitely make sure you budget a bit more to travel because prices are higher, and book everything in advance. I mean museums, trains, tours, etc. Kids are out of school and it’s prime travel time so don’t leave anything to chance. Here’s what you need to known about traveling to Italy in July.

Weather in Italy in July

Whether you’re headed to the beach or hanging out in the piazza the sun is intense so slather on the sunscreen and chug your water. Remember, most cities in Italy have free drinking water at public fountains, so bring your water bottle along! Keep in mind that a lot of places close in the middle of the day between 1:30-3:30 pm, which is the perfect time for a leisurely lunch or to chill inside and catch up on your fav Netflix show — currently obsessed with Mare Fuori if you want to practice your Italian.

• Turin: 73 – 88°F (23 – 31°C)
• Rome: 66 – 88°F (19 – 31°C)
• Palermo: 73 – 88°F (23 – 31° C)

Holidays in Italy in July

There are no national holidays in July, but check the website of any towns or cities you’re visiting because there are a lot of small local festivals – called Sagra- during the summer that are fun to walk through. When the weather cools off in the evening it’s the perfect time to catch an outdoor movie. From Bologna to Rome and Perugia you can find outdoor cinemas showing throwback movies, modern favorites, and documentaries at very reasonable prices.

• July 2nd – Palio, Siena – This famous and historic horse race with contestants representing the city districts is broadcast on tv, but if you have the chance to go in person it’s not to be missed!

• July 14th – 16th – Festa del Redentore, Venice – This epic celebration with fireworks and a regatta celebrates the end of the plague that ravaged the city in the 16th century.

• July 14th – 15th – Festival di San Rosalia, Palermo – Commemorating Palermo’s survival of a plague surge in the 17th century, this festival is celebrated with a parade, floral tribute, and fireworks!

• July 26th – Festa di Sant’Anna, Ischia – Celebrating the patron saint of pregnant women, there is a parade of boats, the “fire” of the castle and fireworks. A truly magical sight.

• July 1 – August 5th – La Quintana, Ascoli Piceno – Knights from different regions of the city compete in traditional jousting challenge.

• June 16th – September 9th – Opera Festival, Verona – With a staggering amount of shows, if you’re in Verona this summer, catching an opera is a must!

So where should you travel in Italy in July?

July is the perfect time to visit Puglia. Though Puglia has definitely gained tourist traction in the last few years, there are plenty of beaches and non-Trulli towns to discover that will make you feel like time has stopped. Check out my Thatch One Week Roadrip in Puglia Guide if you’re planning to discover the beauty of Puglia this summer!