What to wear in Italy in summer: complete summer packing list for Italy and style tips to be comfortable and stylish while travelling in Italy
Deciding what to wear in Italy in summer is often less straightforward than people realise.
First, Italy has cities, beaches and mountains, each requiring slightly different gear for type of holiday and weather patterns.
Second, some locations in Italy require a specific dress code, which you need to be aware of to avoid embarrassment or disappointment.
The Vatican is well known for being one of these locations (you can read about the specific dress code here), but similar rules apply to most churches.
In this post, I share my tips to be ready, comfortable and cute when packing for Italy in summer.
Do you have the right luggage for your trip? We have a guide to the best luggage for Italy here!
I am Italian and have written this Italy in summer packing list based on my experience of summers in Italy. The photos you see are my family on our summer Italian vacations (except the one at the top)!
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Table of Contents
What to wear in Italy in summer: overview
Italy is blessed by gorgeous Mediterranean weather and overall, you can expect summers to be sunny, dry and hot.
In general, summer in Italy sees average temperatures in the high 20C/68F with some cities and the hottest hours of the day often climbing up to over 40C/104F.
High summer temperatures at at their highest in cities and pains and do not differ much from north to south.
Hilltops and the mediterranean coast are already milder and high mountains like the Dolomites get a completely different climate again thanks to the presence of high peaks.
Because of these several micro climates, if packing for a trip to Italy in summer to more than one location, it is worth being prepared for different locations.
Mountains: if you are visiting the mountains, especially the Italian Alps, you will encounter significantlylower temperatures that in cities or the South.
If visiting this area, pack for layers and be prepared for the occasional rain shower, especially in the second half of the day and evening.
If planning on hiking, gear up with proper boots and appropriate technical gear.
You can find here >> my packing list for the Dolomites in summer.
The islands If visiting Italian islands, make sure you are ready for high temperatures and moderate winds.
Pack sunscreen, sun hats and maxi dresses to protect yourself from the heat and don’t let the nice breeze catch you unprepared: the sun is scorching!
If planning on city sightseeing, make sure you include items to cover up legs and shoulders for church visits.
Most smaller churches will not demand you to cover up but some of the bigger ones or those that are manned may take exception to shorts and tank tops and ask you to leave.
The rules are very strict in the Vatican when a full on dress code is enforced and less so in smaller churches, where a shawl around your waste to cover you up to the knees is usually enough.
You can read details info about what to wear in Rome in summer here
What to wear in Italy in June, July, August – clothing packing list
I adore visiting Italy in summer because despite the sometimes excessive heat it is the time when you can have fun with summer clothes and accessories.
My must have packing list for Italy in summer includes:
- Underwear
- Skirts: I like to have a mix of short and below-the-knee skirts to cover all situations including church visits
- Shorts: there are a common item of clothing for kids and very young visitors, but less common in women over 30 or so. This is not an absolute rule and you can wear shorts no problem, if this is your style.
I am only mentioning this in case you notice that locals are not so fond of them!
Shorts from men are very common, especially chinos or those with pockets. Sport shorts are not common daily attire and are usually only worn by locals if exercising.
- Summer dress
- T-shirts and tops. Make sure you have at least one top that covers your shoulders, for church visits.
- Linen/cotton trousers/pants: very handy for when you need a more formal attire: think gentlemen in higher end restaurants etc
- Light summer pigiama/ nightgown
- Swimsuit
- Light cardigan for late evenings if staying on a ventilated cost or a hilltop
Find here >>> my complete guide to the best shoes for Italy travel
What to pack for Italy in summer: shoes
- Good walking sandals. I am fond of my Teva that are perfect for all situations, even water. I love these for all of us, including the kids!
- Flip Flops for the beach.
Good to know: I recommend you do not count on flip-flops as you daywear outside of seaside destinations. This is because of the lack of support to the feet and style: flip-flops are considered beachwear in Italy and while you can wear them gif you want, they would not a universal type shoes and you may feel out of place in some upper end establishments.
- Watershoes for the kids: many Italian beaches have pebbles and rocks, so kids tend to do much better with watersheds protecting their feet.
You can find here >>> our favorite water shoes for kids
Accessories
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Refillable water bottle
- Cooling towels (a very nice to have especially for kids!)
- Mini fan – this is a life saver especially if you jave small kids in a stroller but you’ll see many visitors are fond of them
What to pack for Italy in summer: toiletries
You can buy toiletries in Italy, in supermarkets, pharmacies and other shops.
If bringing your own, don’t forget:
- Shower gel(suitable for the whole family)
- Body and face moisturizer
- Deodorant
- Shaving cream + safety blades
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Brush /comb / hair ties
- Dental kit: toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
- Tweezers
- Nail file
- Sun-cream
- After sun
- Make up if using
- Mosquito repellent <<< this is a very important one!
What to pack for summer in Italy: medications
We usually always pack:
- Paracetamol or equivalent
- Basic first aid kit
- Any medication you may be using at home regularly. If prescription, make sure you carry them in their original packaging and take a note of the active agent should you need to source it in Italy
- Motion sickness remedy if using
Packing for Italy in summer: tech
- Phone
- Charger cables
- Power adaptor and converter
- Extra battery pack
Packing list for Italy in summer: 10 must haves
When planning what to wear in Italy in summer, don’t forget your less glamorous but must have travel essentials!
Good walking shoes/sandals
Good shoes are essential on any trip, but it is important to have the right ones especially in Italy, where you are sure to be doing a lot of walking.
The best shoes to tackle Italy’s medieval cobbled streets are shoes and sandals with good rubber soles: these are best equipped to protect your feel and ankle from otherwise potentially unpleasant hard stepping.
You can find a selection of our favourite shoes for Italy here
A crossbody bag
I love backpacks but I always feel they make me look like a tourist! So, to fit in, I recommend a fashionable crossbody bag.
They are easy to carry, safe against pick pockets and there are so many options to choose from you are sure to find one to suit your taste and style.
For summer, I like light coloured ones made of breathable material so you don’t sweat under their weight.
You can find a selection of my favorite cross body bags for travel here
Sunglasses
Italians have a love affair with sunglasses and in summer they are more than just a fashion statement.
The sun in Italy is strong in summer and you need good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes pretty much no matter where you are, may it be a city, the sea or the mountains.
A wrap/shawl for visiting churches
As I mentioned above, some churches in Italy require you to abide their dress code to allow you in.
This is the case in the Vatican, which has strict rules that are always implemented, but can be the case in smaller churches too, where checks are more sporadic.
As a general rule, when entering a church or sacred space you should avoid showing too much of your legs (no short shorts, or micro skirts), shoulder or cleavage.
In Italy, I always carry a shawl in my bag to be prepared in case I stumble upon a church I want to explore while dressed for the heat.
Going to Italy this summer? Then you may also like: What to pack for Rome in Spring/Summer; Italy in summer with a baby: how to deal with the heat
A sun hat
Sun is relentless in Italy in summer and you need a sunhat for going sightseeing.
Locals do not tend to wear sunhats but this is one of those cases when looking like a local is less important than staying safe: sunstroke is frequent among visitors to Italy so please be careful!
I am overly fond of large hats that shade your eyes and face as well as the top if your head.
They look really fun and stylish and go well with the Italian fascination for accessories: we are an accessory crazy country!
A maxi dress or maxi skirt
Maxi dresses, maxi skirts and harem pants are my favourite types of clothes for Italy in summer.
As well as fashionable (they are very popular with locals too!), they are safe to wear in churches and can work well for both day and evening occasions.
I like flowy and light materials, to allow the breeze to keep me cool: if opting for lines, go for very thin one as even thicker linen can feel hot!
Swimwear
Italy has over 7000 KM of coastline, most of it easily accessible, therefore packing swimwear is definitely a good idea!
You can wear whatever style of swimsuit you prefer, both bikinis and one piece swimsuits being common and acceptable on Italian beaches.
Wet bags
I started packing wet bags like these when my kids arrived and now I am hooked!
I absolutely love them and they are a life saver if you find yourself stuck with a wet swimsuit just at the time when you need to pack
A small dictionary or Italian phrase book
In Rome, especially in the city centre, you will find people with at least a basic understanding of English but this is not the case in all establishments and some familiarity with Italian can be handy.
Even just a book you can show them with the sentence you’d like to say will be a lifesaver. A good Italian phrasebook can go a long way.
The lovely thing about Italy is that we usually speak terrible English so we do appreciate when we see a foreigner making an effort as we know how hard it is to make yourself understood.
Mosquito repellent
Italy in summer is full of mosquitoes and they are a pain.
The special type you have in Italy is active day and night and while usually not dangerous as such, their bites are really itchy and make create swollen, sore bumps.
Usually you do not need DEET strength repellents and natural repellents tend to work well.
In Italy, you find them in big supermarkets and pharmacies but please note that English is not necessarily spoken so if you have allergies or special products you are used to, it is safer to pack them from home.
Colourful necklaces
The fastest way to feel like an Italian is to embellish your look with colourful necklaces.
Italian women are fond of them and I am myself partial to them.
They dress up even a simple outfit adding colour and texture, they are cheap and they pack light, basically the best friend of the stylish traveller!
What to pack for Italy in summer for kids
In addition to the above, if traveling to Italy with kids I recommend you also bring:
- Stroller – a life saver with all the walking you will be doing, don’t let cobbles deter you! You’ll be happy to have your kids down occasionally!
- Carrier – if you can, opt for a hot weather carrier to limit overheating
- Diaper changing essentials for the journey – you will then be able to source all baby products once in Italy in supermarkets and pharmacies
- Teether / toys
- Small, battery operated fan for the stroller / pram
- Baby mosquito net for the stroller / pram / baby bed
- Sippy cup
- Sterilizing equipment if using
I hope I answered your questions about what to wear in Italy in summer! Safe travels!
This post was originally published in 2015 and has now been fully updated in May 2023 with recent photos and gear recommendations.
What to wear in Italy in summer packing list: pin this!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an Italian and someone who has experienced summers in Italy firsthand, I can provide you with information related to all the concepts used in the article "What to wear in Italy in summer: complete summer packing list for Italy and style tips to be comfortable and stylish while traveling in Italy."
Italy's Weather in Summer
Italy is blessed with gorgeous Mediterranean weather, and summers are generally sunny, dry, and hot. Average temperatures during summer range from the high 20°C/68°F, with some cities and the hottest hours of the day often climbing up to over 40°C/104°F.
Different Gear for Different Locations
Italy has cities, beaches, and mountains, each with slightly different weather patterns and holiday requirements. For example, if you're visiting the mountains, especially the Italian Alps, you will encounter significantly lower temperatures compared to cities or the south. In this case, it's important to pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain showers, especially in the second half of the day and evening. If you plan on hiking, make sure you have proper boots and appropriate technical gear.
When visiting Italian islands, be prepared for high temperatures and moderate winds. Pack sunscreen, sun hats, and maxi dresses to protect yourself from the heat. If you're planning on city sightseeing, include items to cover your legs and shoulders for church visits. While most smaller churches won't demand you to cover up, some larger churches or those that are manned may take exception to shorts and tank tops and ask you to leave.
Dress Code for Churches
In Italy, specific dress codes may apply to churches. While smaller churches are generally more lenient, larger churches and the Vatican have strict dress codes. When entering a church or sacred space, it's important to avoid showing too much leg, shoulder, or cleavage. Carrying a shawl in your bag can be helpful in case you stumble upon a church you want to explore while dressed for the heat.
Clothing Packing List for Italy in Summer
The article provides a comprehensive packing list for Italy in summer, including various clothing items and accessories. The list includes items such as underwear, skirts (both short and below-the-knee), shorts (more common for kids and young visitors), summer dresses, t-shirts and tops (including at least one that covers your shoulders for church visits), linen/cotton trousers or pants for more formal attire, light summer pajamas or nightgown, swimsuits, and a light cardigan for late evenings.
Footwear for Italy in Summer
For footwear, the article suggests good walking sandals for all situations, including water activities, as well as flip-flops specifically for the beach. However, it's worth noting that flip-flops are considered beachwear in Italy and may not be suitable for other settings. For kids, it's recommended to have water shoes to protect their feet from pebbles and rocks on Italian beaches.
Other Accessories and Toiletries
The article suggests various accessories and toiletries to pack for Italy in summer, including sunglasses, a sunhat, a refillable water bottle, cooling towels (especially for kids), a mini fan (useful for small kids in a stroller), toiletries (such as shower gel, moisturizer, deodorant, etc.), medications (including paracetamol or equivalent, basic first aid kit, motion sickness remedy if needed), and tech essentials (phone, charger cables, power adaptor and converter, extra battery pack).
Must-Have Travel Essentials
In addition to clothing and accessories, the article highlights 10 must-have travel essentials for Italy in summer. These essentials include good walking shoes or sandals with rubber soles, a crossbody bag for convenience and safety, sunglasses for eye protection, a wrap or shawl for visiting churches, a sunhat for sun protection, a maxi dress or skirt for versatility, swimwear, wet bags for storing wet swimsuits, a small dictionary or Italian phrasebook to aid communication, and mosquito repellent (as Italy tends to have mosquitoes in summer).
Packing for Kids
If traveling to Italy with kids, the article suggests additional items to bring, such as a stroller (useful for all the walking), a carrier (preferably a hot weather carrier to limit overheating), diaper changing essentials for the journey (baby products can be purchased in Italy), teether/toys, a small battery-operated fan for the stroller/pram, a baby mosquito net for the stroller/pram/baby bed, a sippy cup, and sterilizing equipment if needed.
Final Tips and Recommendations
The article concludes with the author's hope that the information provided answers questions about what to wear in Italy in summer and wishes safe travels. It's worth noting that the post was originally published in 2015 and has been updated in May 2023 with recent photos and gear recommendations.
I hope this summary of the concepts covered in the article helps you understand what to wear and pack for Italy in summer. If you have any specific questions or need further information, feel free to ask!
