Other than being hot, does anyone have any opinions about traveling to Italy in August? Is this a good time to go?

I read it's the worst time. Most italians take their vacations in Aug so many things are closed.
But I love Italy and would say if that's the only time you can go, go!

The problem is not that many things are closed. Actually very few things are closed (a few small family businesses).

the problem is that everyone - not just all the Italians - are traveling. So everythng is incredibly crowded: the lines for all the attrctions are the longest, the restaurants, shops, streets and trains/boats are most crowded (often sardine-like) and it's hardest to get the hotel that you want - never mind any sort of special deals.

Another problem is that it is very, very hot in August.

Hi michellef, it is not only hot in August but the humidity is terrible.

If it is at all possible for you to travel to Italy in any month other then August I would sure encourage you to.

If August is the only month that is avaiable to you I would strongly suggest that you at least stay in the northern part of Italy and completely skip visiting Florence and further south. Try to stay in the lake areas or the Dolomites etc.