Hi,
We will be making our first trip to Italy in the summer of 2007. I am a teacher so we can only go in July or August. Just wondering if there are a lot of restaurants closed in August. We enjoy experiencing new restaurants so that is our concern about going in August. I'm assuming that all museums are not affected by closures in August. We would appreciate any help in those matters and which month weather wise would be better. Thank you!

Yes, there are a lot of Italian restaurants that take annual break in August, particularly after the 15th. There will be many still open, to be sure, but for those of us who place a lot of emphasis on food, I would think July would be a better choice.

July , no question.

We've done two trips to Italy in August, about the 8th through the 22nd and, except for Milan and Parma, restaurant closings were never an issue. Even then, there were restaurants open just not the ones recommended by the hotel. And the ones we visited were more than just acceptable. We didn't experience any museum closings, and the weather was hot but compared to Atlanta in August, it was more than tolerable even during the heat wave of 2003. Less humidity, no bugs to speak of. And you're walking in the shadows of buildings on narrow streets.

Hello dac, since you have an option I too vote for July. Both months will be hot and high humidity no doubt but Italians who can do take their vacation in August. I do not know how you are travelling, rental car or train, but going in July means you won't have quite the amount of Italians taking their vacations also.

If you get up early and do your sightseeing, have a late lunch, go to your hotel for a siesta, a cool shower, and than go out again very late afternoon, have a late dinner and than walk around after dinner you will be handling the heat as the Italians do that can. Best regards.

July without a doubt.