Are you wondering what to wear in Italy in July? Italy in July definitely counts as peak summer. The weather in July is very hot and you will need to pack for hot weather. In this guide we tell you everything that should be on your Italian Summer packing list whether you are traveling to the North, South or islands of Italy such as Sardinia and Sicily as well as special events with special dress codes in Italy.
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Weather in Italy in July
Although there are usually differences between the North and South of Italy. The one thing you can say is that no matter where you are in Italy in July it will usually be dry and hot!
In July you can expect the average temperatures in the North to hover around the 25°C/77°F . Whereas in the South in regions such as Puglia and Naples you will find the temperatures are around 32C/ 90°F.
Does it Rain in Italy in July?
July is overall the driest in month in Italy no matter the part you go to.
The North is more likely to see rain than the South but it is still overall dry. Typically the South will only see 2 rainy days and in places such as Rome and Florence the rain is likely to come as afternoon storms rather than sustained rainy days.
To get a more accurate weather overview, be sure to check out our monthly city what to wear guides:
- What to wear in Rome in July
- What to wear in Venice in July
- What to wear to Florence in July
- What to wear to Pompeii
- What to wear to Cinque Terre
- What to wear to the Amalfi Coast
- What to wear in Lake Como
- What to wear in Positano
And if you trip spans two months be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
- What to wear in Italy in June
- What to wear to Italy in August
What to Wear in Italy in July for Women
As July is peak summer in Italy the key for women when looking at what to pack for a summer in Italy is thinking about what will be comfortable in the heat.
We always recommend sticking to lightweight natural fabrics for your Italian Summer capsule wardrobe. This will help keep cool and reduce sweat. We tend to stick to cotton fabrics however linen and silk are also great choices as long as you have access to something to steam or press your clothes.
Maxi Skirt / Maxi Dresses
If I have one go to item for Italy in summer it is a MAxi Dress and maxi skirts.
For beaches in Italy such as those in Positano or Sicily maxi dresses and skirts are perfect and if your items keep your shoulders and knees covered then they are perfect for cities and Italian churches.
Trousers
Trousers, particularly those made of linen and chinos, are perfect choices in the evening. I find trousers are great for dinner in Italy where you may be dining alfresco especially for those cooler nights.
Shorts
If you are going on a city break to Italy and are visiting churches or the Vatican City I don’t advise wearing shorts. However if you are on the beaches of Sicily or going hiking in the mountains then you shorts are a great idea.
Blouse
Blouses are perfect in Italy in summer especially if you select a natural fabric one with a looser fit. This will help prevent sweating and also still meet the dress code for churches.
It is also a great day to night transition piece.
T Shirt
For beaches and cities I always pack at leat a couple of T Shirts. I tend to stick with plan dark t shirts that can have a cardigan or pashmina added to dress them up in the evening.
Slogan and graphic t shirts are not what locals wear in Italy so I find plain dark t shirts help you fit in with the locals more.
Cardigan
Although the weather in Italy in July is warm, I would still pack one cardigan with you for cooler days or evenings where you may be dining al fresco.
Pashmina
I never travel anywhere in Italy without a pashmina no matter the season. A pashmina can be used as a scarf or lovely accessory but can double up as an added extra layer or help provide some added modesty for churches in required.
PJs
A lightweight pair is all that is needed especially if your hotel doesn’t have air conditioning. Note: Not all accommodation in Italy will have air conditioning especially if you are staying in a airbnb so be sure to check before travel.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying
Sunglasses
The sun is at its strongest in July in Italy so be sure to pack sunglasses whether you are in the city or a beach.
Sunhat
A wide brimmed hat is a necessity no matter where you travel in Italy in July.
Swimwear (Optional)
Only necessary if you are planning to visit a beach or a lido or if you have a cit hotel with a pool.
What to Wear in Italy in July for Men
For men visiting Italy in July, I actually recommend actually keeping things similar to the ladies packing list. For men I recommend packing the below for summer
Chinos
Lightweight chinos or linen trousers are great for day and night in Italy.
These are perfect for day to night transition and are great for churches you want to visit.
T Shirts and Shirts
During the day t shirts are great. For men short sleeve tees are probably going to be the most useful for you.
Again I would recommend avoiding anything with a graphic or slogan or in overly loud colors if you want to fit in with the locals.
I would also pack a mix of long and short sleeve button down shorts for dinners.
However if shirts aren’t your thing then be sure to pack a smart polo on top of the above.
Linen Jacket
My husband always like to travel with a jacket when in Italy for going out for dinner. Blazers are too heavy however for Italy in July so he opts for a lightweight linen jacket instead.
Best Shoes for Italy in July
Sneakers
Don’t listen to the rumors you hear on the internet, sneakers are perfectly acceptable to wear in Italy no matter the season.
They are great for cities where you walk long distances and can cope with uneven terrains such as cobble stone and stairways. They also work for nature trails and hiking in places such as Cinque Terre.
We like to wear All Birds in Summer in Italy as we find them most comfortable in hot weather but this is definitely a personal choice.
Sandals
As july is summer in italy, we recommend adding some sandals onto your packing list.
We don’t advise packing flip flops when walking, however they are useful on the beach and around pools.
What Else to Pack for Italy in July
- Sunscreen – the sun is strong in Italy
- Aloe Vera – no one wants to get sun burn but this will help if you do.
- Crossbody bag – unfortunately any tourist site attracts pickpockets and Italy is no different. Protect your belongings by having a crossbody bag with lots of zips. If you are heading to a beach you may also want to a beach bag into the mix.
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
How to dress in Italy in July for Special Events
There are no special events in Italy in July that will affect your Italy Packing List for July.
Have you been to Italy in July? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments.