Italy in August - think I know the answer but...
 

I'm starting to put together a trip for Rome, Venice and Florence in late August of this year. I know August is typically the time when Europeans go on holiday and that's fine. I know places like the Colosseum, Forums, Accademia and so on will be open. What about the little shops by the Spanish steps, and the leather shops in Florence and glass shops in Venice? My hunch is they will be there to get the cash from folks like me, but don't want to be disappointed. I think we'd go either way, but just want to know what to expect.

I wouldn't know about the shops (but I think your guess is right).

Some hotels in Rome offer discounts in August; it may be true of Venice and Florence as well, but I wouldn't swear to it.

Just make sure your hotel has good AC. I have heard it gets very HOT in August.

DonnieD is right on about the AC and the heat. I could not believe how hot it was in early June of 2000. Some on this board have complained about inadequate AC in Italy, but when we stayed at the Santa Chiara, the AC was as good as it is in Florida!!

I feel it is my duty to inform you that if you go to Italy in August, I will be at the terminal to greet you, search your luggage and sieze your jeans. You will thank me for it.

Himdtravel. August will be hot and very humid for sure.

Your question about shops. You will find a lot open, as yes they want the tourists money.

You will probably find small type, family owned places including restaurants closed. Italians prefer to go to the seaside or the mountains in August if at all possible.

But the cities you are going to will not be shut down.

A suggestion for you. Try to get up early and do your sightseeing before noon. And then enjoy a leisurely lunch and maybe a siesta.

Then come "out again, so to speak late afternoon and enjoy a late dinner and the cooler evening weather (well as cool as it gets).

In otherwords, try to "live" as the Italians do during the hot summer weather.

Drink lots of water and don't let yourself get rundown and overtired as even some family members of mine did. That is what causes heatstroke.

And do enjoy your visit. Anytime in Italy IMHO is better then not being there.

Thanks everyone. I was in Italy in 2003 in June. That was in the midst of the massive heat wave that was literally killing people. I figure we've seen the worst that we could encounter so at least we've seen it before. Walking around Ostia Antica in pants (went to the Vatican before that) was quite the experience. I was thinking everyone was lying who said Ostia is 'more shaded' than Pompei...hotter than hell is still hot in the shade.

bump

I believe that most would agree if your options for travel are flexible, September is a much better option than August.

However, people travel to Italy every day of the year, and I'm sure that there are advantages/disadvantages to every time of year, wrt climate, prices, and availability.

Sorry for the 'bump' folks. I bumped the wrong message. Mea culpa.