I have been in Italy in July for the past 3 years, and want to make one point further. While it has always been hot, this past July was significantly hotter than the previous two years. Even though it got a lot worse in August, the heat in July was bad enough to prevent us from doing some activities. However, there is no telling when a really bad heat wave will hit. So just like rain in the spring, you are always taking a chance of bad weather. Certainly not a reason to stay home!

It is often very brutal, worse in some areas than others. Florence is one of the worst spots as it is in a valley and as a result, in addition to temps that can go over 100 F, has much higher humidity than other nearby areas in the summer.

Someone pointed out that it's no worse than parts of the southern USA, and that is true, but that's still very bad indeed. It's not so bad if it's your hometown and going about your everyday business--air conditioned house, to air conditioned car, to air conditioned office, to etc. But to be out in it as a tourist, that's a totally different story.

That said, if you must go in July or August--do outdoor sightseeing in the morning and evening; indoor activities or a siesta in the afternoon. Wear light and light colored clothing (no black, no jeans, etc.) and a hat, drink plenty of fluids, and get a hotel room with A/C even if the A/C isn't perfect.

Take a pair of conservative bermuda shorts with you just in case it's a real boiler out there some days. You are on vacation and not headed towards an air conditioned office or shaded store.

Spend $15-20 for an oscillating fan. It really helps, especially in non-
AC areas. We have resorted to this device on two separate trips--and it saved us much discomfort, especially at night. You can make a friend by just leaving the fan with them as you return home.

Regards,

Jinx Hoover

Heat waves like 2002 notwithstanding, Rome is hot and relatively dry, Florence is a tiny bit cooler but more humid because of being in Arno river valley. In Rome, assuming that the weather is "normal" -- no heat wave, no inexplicable humidity -- it will be hot but manageable. Getting a fan will help. If it's humid and you don't have air conditioning, you're going to be S.O.L. Maybe you should move to Florida a couple of years before you go to Italy to adjust. 8-)

We were in Italy this past summer June 23-July 8. June was super hot, July was actually cooler and breezier (but we were in Tuscan hill towns vs. large hot cities). Go! But get a room with AC.

From National Weather Service for average July:

Florence: Avg Hi 89 F ?
Rome: 83 F Avg PM Humid 69%
Venice: 81 F 58%

We were in Italy at the end of last June and the beginning of July. It was very hot but, if you're prepared for it, it can still be wonderful. Our hotel in Rome had A/C and was very pleasant. Our room in Venice which was supposed to have A/C had fans instead - big difference as we had to leave the windows open which let the mosquitoes in. Now I would know to double check and not count on what a usually reliable guidebook says. I would definitely go again even though I'm not a fan of the heat.

I suspect that regardless of whatever time you start and end your day to beat the heat you are going to end up spending a minimum of six to eight hours in your hotel room. Nothing like trying to sleep in a sweltering, non air conditioned room is there? And that fan that simply moves the humid air around? Well, if they were THAT great nobody would have any need for air conditioning would they?
Do yourself a favor and book an A/C hotel...there are plenty available..if it is too cold, open the window.

Its hot girl!

What about a water side trip, Cinqua Terre or Lake Como? I would not want to go in summer for the crowds.

BTW I go to Hawaii in summer. I love it that time of year. It is hot but you get great trade wind breezes. Not a problem at all in summer. Just a thought for another trip. I taught I know what you are up against in terms your vacation periods. I went to Egypt in August then. It felt like I was stuck in an oven and could not get out.

"I went to Egypt in August..." What were you thinking, girl?

We're going to Italy for three weeks in July--I'm lucky(?) to be used to the heat living in Florida. You haven't been hot until you've escorted a brownie troop to Disneyworld in July. Italy will be a piece of cake as long as I take my supply of Evian mineral water spray. It comes in a slim aerosol canister and it's a life-saver.

Your right Jayne 11159 it is all what you are use too. Funny about the Brownies.

The first time I went to Florence was August. It was so hot we left the city early and headed for Switzerland. I was used to living in Washington, DC, and it was even unbearable for me. It really ruined the city for me. I'm just back from my third trip to Florence (the second time was in April, which was nice, but CROWDED!!!), and it was the best. If you must travel in the off season, think about going to Italy during the Thanksgiving break. It was absolutely ideal.

I agree with Heidi I have been to Italy twice in November and loved it.