Hi again,

I live in Scotland, and the general consensus regarding holidays here is that we tend to go on holiday to get some sun (safely ofcourse!). I know it will be extremely hot, so the intention is to do any sightseeing before lunch and after dinner.

And as much as I would like to mix with the locals, on my first visit to this city, I think I'll be more concerned with seeing the main attractions and also, just relaxing.

I have been to Rome twice in August - sometimes you have to go when you have the chance.

A few restaurants and shops might be closed, but none of the "attractions" will be closed. However, having a hotel with air conditioned is a must in my book.

Do your outdoor stuff in the early morning and in the evening. Plan it so you can be inside eating, looking at art or churches, or resting in your hotel room during the hottest part of the day.

Have a great trip

Due to an cast-in-stone seasonal work schedule (my spouses), our last 18 family vacations have taken place the first 2 weeks of August. The first 3 years we headed for the beach but then wanted to see the rest of the world - usually large cities. We started with the cooler cities but then wanted to see other places, which can be hot. We nap in the afternoon, drink lots water, take lots of breaks, and always walk on the shady side of the street. We've never had a bad vacation.

My best friend is Scottish and she lives in Rome. SHe is going back to Edinburgh for the month of August. Record breaking heat (I just got back) but Rome is Rome. We melted, but we had a fantastic trip! How long will you be there? Once you get into a routine the heat just becomes part of the experience instead of the entire experience. As previouse posters suggested, Do most of your walking early, rest, stay hydrated and then I think you should taxi it until around 6:00 PM. Collosium is a good morning choice since it will be "cooler" and there isn't much shade. Vatican better in the afternoon as it is cool inside. Mind that you will miss Sistine chapel and Vatican museum if you do not go in the a.m. It might be a good idea to check with your hotel to insure that they still have water pressure all day beyond second level. When it gets this hot sometimes this becomes an issue. My kids never once complained we had so much fun!

I don't think even a private audience with the Pope would bring me to Rome in August. We just returned from five days there, and it was BRUTALLY hot. Our hotel was supposedly air conditioned, but as we've learned in Europe, that doesn't always mean anything.

Why not head for the lakes or a sea destination, and leave Rome for a Fall trip when the temps are cooler?

Bella30, I have been to Rome numerous times in August, it was hot is true, but if you stay in the shade and drink a lots of water, you will survive..
I dont know where you live, but here in the South summertime can be miserable ,is very humid and very hot...Despite that I have been in the USA for many years, it is still very hard for me to get used to it..