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

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 88°F High • 66°F Low

In August, Italy is enveloped in a lovely warmth that makes colors seem brighter and life more vivid. The atmosphere is effervescent and relaxed, as locals and visitors embrace the heat with flowing linens, stylish sunglasses, and the essential afternoon siesta. The average temperature in Rome hovers between 88°F and 66°F, creating the perfect sun-drenched conditions for living life outdoors from dawn until dusk.

What to Expect

Summer in Italy is at its peak, offering sun, sea, and sensational experiences from the Alps to the islands.

• Southern Regions: In places like Sicily and the Amalfi Coast, the sun is a glorious and constant companion. Feel its intense warmth as you cruise along the coast, the azure water a stark, beautiful contrast to the rugged cliffs. The days are hot and bright, ideal for swimming in hidden coves and enjoying long, leisurely seaside lunches.
• Central Regions: When you visit Tuscany and Rome, you will find the cities alive with a vibrant summer energy that peaks in the evenings. Feel the cool marble of a church floor offer a moment of respite from the afternoon heat before joining the evening stroll, when the cities truly come alive.
• Northern Regions: On the Italian Riviera and the shores of the great lakes, the heat is beautifully tempered by refreshing breezes. Breathe in the fragrant air, a mix of salt, pine, and blooming flowers, and feel the sublime contrast between the warm sun and the cool, clear water of a lake or the Ligurian Sea.

With the country celebrating the peak of summer, August is the perfect time to experience Italy's iconic destinations at their most lively and glamorous. The days are long and the energy is high, allowing for moments of pure indulgence when the beauty of the landscape cultural vibrancy merge to provide you with an unforgettable journey.

Florence • Best Place for Renaissance Splendor

The birthplace of the Renaissance becomes a grand, open-air museum, where art and life spill into the sunlit streets and squares.

What to Expect

• Stand in awe before the magnificent Duomo, its dome a stunning silhouette against a brilliant blue summer sky.
• Gaze upon the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Botticelli in the cool, quiet halls of the Accademia and Uffizi galleries.
• Feel the city’s joyous personality during the evening stroll, as locals and visitors mingle in lively piazzas before dining al fresco.

The Italian Riviera • Best Place for Coastal Glamour

Escape to a fabled stretch of coastline where candy-colored villages cling to cliffs and the welcoming sea sparkles.

What to Expect

• Feel the warm sun on your skin as you relax on a chic beach lounger in the glamorous resort town of Portofino on our Perfect Week in the Italian Riviera Tour.
• Breathe in the fresh, salty air on a scenic hike along the cliffside trails connecting the five villages of the Cinque Terre.
• Savor a chilled glass of crisp Vermentino wine at a waterfront café, watching the yachts glide across the bay.

Discover Italy’s largest lake, a paradise of sparkling blue waters, charming towns, and refreshing breezes perfect for a Cultural Exploration Family Tour of Northern Italy.

What to Expect

• Watch your children’s delight as they splash and swim in the lake’s clear, refreshing waters from a pebble beach in Sirmione.
• Explore a fairy-tale medieval castle perched on a hilltop, imagining stories of knights and princesses, with panoramic lake views as your backdrop.
• Feel the wind in your hair on a family boat tour, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the stunning mountain scenery from the water.

Indulge in a lover’s paradise, where dramatic cliffs, cascading flowers, and panoramic sea vistas create an atmosphere of pure romance.

What to Expect

• On any of our Best Capri Vacations and Tours, wander hand-in-hand through the winding, bougainvillea-draped lanes of Positano, discovering hidden boutiques and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Charter a private boat for the day to explore the enchanting island of Capri, swimming in secluded grottos with your partner.
• Dine on a candlelit terrace carved into the cliffside in Ravello, savoring exquisite local cuisine as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.

August in Italy is a month of lively celebration and outdoor living. The warm, languid days invite you to partake in timeless summer traditions, from seaside feasts to open-air festivals like the Red Valley Festival in Sardinia or the Ravello classical music festival. It’s a season for creating memories that are rich with the flavor, color, and irrepressible joy of an Italian summer.

Indulge in Al Fresco Feasts and Summer Wines

Experience the heart of Italian social life, which moves outdoors to piazzas, terraces, and vineyards.

What to Expect

• Join stylish locals for a classic evening aperitivo, sipping a refreshing Aperol spritz in a lively piazza in Rome or Venice.
• Taste the sun-ripened flavors of the grape harvest at a prestigious Tuscan winery when embarking on a 7-Day Food and Wine Tour of Tuscany.
• Dine under the stars at a seaside trattoria, savoring the freshest seafood as you listen to the gentle lapping of the waves.

Immerse Yourself in Vibrant Summer Festivals

Discover a country alive with culture, as music, art, and tradition are celebrated in spectacular open-air settings.

What to Expect

• Listen to the soaring notes of a world-class opera performance within the ancient, magical walls of the Verona Arena.
• Feel the energy of a local food festival, celebrating regional delicacies from lemons on the Amalfi Coast to prosciutto in Parma.
• Witness the passion of a traditional folkloric event like the Night of the Taranta in the Salento, Puglia, a festivaly dedicated to the rediscovery and promotion of traditional Salento music.

Embrace the Splendor of the Italian Coastline

Answer the call of the sea and explore Italy’s breathtaking beaches, islands, and coastal trails.

What to Expect

• Feel the soft, white sand between your toes on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, swimming in some of the most famously turquoise waters in the world.
• Hike a scenic trail high above the sea, discovering lush vineyards and panoramic views before descending for a refreshing swim.

Take an Italian Renaissance Tour: Art, Architecture, and Landscape, escaping to the Venetian Lagoon to explore the colorful island of Burano. It’s famous for its brightly painted fisher houses and exquisite lace.

Italy in August is a grand celebration of summer. The warmth of the sun is matched by the warmth of the people, and the country’s natural beauty is on full display. Whether you seek the glamour of a coastal resort, the cultural treasures of a Renaissance city, or the simple pleasure of a perfect meal eaten under the stars, you can create a journey that perfectly captures the magic of the season.

Explore more ideas and start planning your trip with helpful tips, advice, and information found in our Italy travel guide and Italy tours and trip packages. Our destination specialists are standing by to help you customize and itinerary to your specific preferences.