Packing for a trip to Italy is not exactly a chore. But alas, we’ve all been in a situation where you just don’t know what to take on holiday. To help ease the pain, we’ve crafted the perfect Italy packing list for summer. Take note and you’ll find that you can spend the lead-up to your trip actually getting excited to experience Italy, not running around for all the last minute stuff you forget to pack. Stress-free travel starts here.
Weather in Italy during the summer
Without a doubt, Italy is stunning all year, but in summer the country has a different energy altogether.
- June: Average temperature in Rome: 28°C
A peak time for tourists to flock to Italy, don’t be deterred by such a thing as ‘crowds’ – there’s plenty of space for all. The more the merrier, right? Join the locals in celebrating the national Italian holiday Festa Della Repubblica at the start of June. - July: Average temperature in Rome: 31°C
It’s creepin’ up slowly, but with the right clothing and pieces in your suitcase, you will have no trouble with the heat. - August: Average temperature in Rome: 32°C
Head to the beach and dive into the warm waters, or scramble north and head up the mountains for a brief moment of reprieve from the heat. While you’re there, watch the fireworks on August 15 while you partake in Ferragosto, another one of Italy’s biggest celebrations.
If you are planning a trip to Italy in the summer, especially on the Amalfi Coast, you should plan on booking at least six to nine months in advance for more accommodation choices. And, if you are planning to visit Tuscany, keep in mind that many agriturismos require a Saturday to Saturday stay.
We have visited Italy many times, but my favorite place to be in the summer is Capri, an island off the Amalfi Coast. The views are incredible, the food at its freshest, and the streets and shops are dripping with bougainvillea, making it one of the prettiest places on earth. My favorite memory was chartering a boat to cruise around the island and through the famous Faraglioni Rocks, stopping to swim in some of the grottos and the blue Tyrrhenian Sea. – Tamara & Glenn, We 3 Travel
What kind of clothing should you pack?
As a general rule of thumb, less is more when it comes to packing. The perfect Italy packing list for summer should include some of the following things!
Clothing suggestions
- Casual clothing – Try to embrace the relaxed vibes with easy to wear pieces. Casual clothing can include anything from a light maxi-dress, linen button-up shirts, tailored shorts and relaxed t-shirts to protect your shoulders from the sun. Avoid the likes of silk, acrylic or polyester and stick to natural, breathable fabrics.
- A swimsuit – Take your pick from a bikini, one-piece, board-shorts or briefs and enjoy those long summer days lounging at the beach.
- A beach cover-up – For those brief moments when you leave the beach and dash back to your hotel, a light wrap or cover-up is essential.
- A rain poncho – In case of bad weather, it’s best to find one that comes in a small, folded pack, so that it doesn’t take up much space in your suitcase. While this may be overcautious, you never know when a flash rainstorm might hit.
- Chinos or a light pair of trousers – For the guys, a pair of light chino trousers or denim won’t go astray. Avoid heavy denim as this will take up valuable kilograms in your suitcase.
- Dresses – Aim for at least one casual dress and maybe a dress or skirt to wear in the evenings.
What kind of shoes should you pack?
- Beach shoes – Rocky beaches and bare feet are not a great combination. An inexpensive pair of closed-toe reef shoes or water sandals will come in handy when you’re exploring the Italian coastline.
- Flip-flops – Light and inexpensive, flip-flops don’t take up much space and they’re perfect for walking around your hotel area or spending a day at the beach.
- Birkenstocks – Possibly one of the best travel shoes ever invented. If you have time before your trip, try to wear them in at home before testing them out on the streets of Italy.
- Sneakers – In summer, keep it casual with a pair of comfortable sneakers.
What extras should you pack?
- Travel journal – Instead of scrolling through your phone, consider writing in a travel journal to keep track of your adventures in Italy.
- A quick-drying travel towel – Often, you will find that most hotels or hostels will provide linen and towels but in summer, a small, quick-drying travel towel won’t hurt to have on hand.
- A small backpack – Of course, take whatever bag works for you, however, we would suggest using a light backpack for all day trips to squeeze in a few snacks when you’re on the go.
- Waterproof camera case – Consider investing in a waterproof camera or phone case to save with messy insurance claims.
- Superglue – What might seem like an odd, but necessary suggestion, this magical tube can help fix any sticky situations. Superglue is the be-all-end-all of travel items and can fix shoes, outfits, electronic devices and more.
- Reusable water bottle – During the heat, you need to stay hydrated. Simple as that. Do right by the environment and carry a refillable water bottle at all times.
- The important stuff – Before you jet off, make sure you triple-check that you have all the important bits and pieces. Check that you have your passport, travel documents, any medications, and funds via cash or credit card.
Where is your favourite place to visit in Italy? Share with us below in the comments.
