Summer in Italy: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, and More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 86°F High • 65°F Low

In summer, Italy is defined by radiant, dependable sunshine that encourages a celebratory, outdoor lifestyle. The high summer sun illuminates the landscape with a dazzling clarity and the air is filled with an energetic warmth. The atmosphere is glamorous, as locals and visitors embrace in chic attire, turning evening strolls into a showcase of summer fashion. The average temperature in Rome hovers between 86°F and 65°F, creating perfect conditions for enjoying the coastline and indulging in al fresco dining late into the evening on Zicasso’s Best 14-Day Italy Itineraries.

What to Expect

Prepare for a sensory journey through diverse summer climates, from the intense, salt-scented heat of the southern coasts to the refreshing, floral-perfumed breezes of the northern lakes.

• Southern Regions: In Sicily and along the Amalfi Coast, the sun is a constant, welcome companion. Feel its intense warmth on your skin as you cruise along the glittering coastline, the air alive with the scent of salt. The days are long and drenched in light, perfect for indulging in a refreshing swim in a turquoise grotto or finding cool refuge in the shaded, narrow alleys of an ancient seaside village.
• Central Regions: When you visit Tuscany and Rome, you will find the cities thrumming with social energy. Feel the refreshing coolness of the marble floors in a quiet basilica, a welcome escape from the midday sun that brilliantly illuminates the Colosseum’s ancient stones. The countryside is a vision of gold, its sun-baked hills dotted with proud cypress trees, and the aroma of lavender and rosemary perfumes the air on your way to a traditional Florentine dinner.
• Northern Regions: In the Italian Lakes and the Dolomites, the summer air offers a refreshing escape. On a private boat tour of Lake Como, feel the gentle breeze providing relief from the summer heat, breathe in the sweet scent of oleander and jasmine from lakeside gardens, and admire the contrast between the cool, crisp mountain air and the warm sun reflecting off the tranquil water.

With a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere blanketing the country, summer is the perfect time to experience Italy's legendary destinations at their most glamorous and lively. The long days provide endless opportunities for discovery, from sun-drenched coasts to elegant lakeside retreats, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

The Amalfi Coast • Best Place for Romance

Discover a storybook landscape of pastel-hued villages tumbling down dramatic cliffs to meet a sapphire sea. Our Romantic Getaway to the Islands and Villages of the Amalfi Coast will place you in one of the world’s most breathtaking and romantic settings.

What to Expect

• Feel the fine mist on your face from the sea as you cruise by private boat to the Isle of Capri, discovering hidden coves and grottos inaccessible from land.
• Wander the winding, bougainvillea-draped lanes of Positano, your path leading to a cliffside restaurant with spectacular sunset views.
• Taste the region’s signature flavor in a glass of ice-cold limoncello, enjoyed on a private terrace overlooking the moonlit Mediterranean.

Sicily • Best Place for Authentic Adventure

Explore an island of dramatic contrasts, where ancient history, vibrant street life, and stunning natural beauty converge under the glorious Mediterranean sun.

What to Expect

• Stand in awe before the majestic Greek theater of Taormina, feeling the warm, ancient stones as you gaze out at the smoking peak of Mount Etna and the shimmering Ionian Sea.
• Inhale the diverse aromas of a bustling Palermo market, from fresh citrus and spices to sizzling street food, on our captivating Best of Italy and Sicily Tour.
• Feel the refreshing, cool water as you take a dip in the sea off the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago of stunning beauty and seclusion.

The Italian Lakes • Best Place for an Elegant Escape

Retreat to a world of classic glamour and serene beauty on Zicasso’s Beauty of Italian Lakes Tour. In this region, deep-blue lakes are fringed by lush gardens, majestic villas, and the stunning backdrop of the Alps.

What to Expect

• Glide across the waters of Lake Como on a classic Riva boat, sipping prosecco as you admire the opulent villas and charming villages that line the shore.
• Stroll through the immaculate, fragrant gardens of Villa Balbianello or Villa Carlotta, finding a peaceful, shaded spot to escape the midday heat.
• Hear the gentle lapping of water against the shore from your table at a lakeside café in Bellagio, savoring an espresso in one of Italy’s most picturesque settings.

Puglia • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Discover Italy’s stylish southern heel, a region of whitewashed towns, ancient olive groves, and a coastline that rivals any in the Mediterranean, all at a more relaxed pace.

What to Expect

• Feel the unique charm as you wander through the conical-roofed trulli of Alberobello on our Perfect 9-Day Puglia Exploration. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
• Taste the creamy, fresh flavor of burrata, made just hours earlier at a local farmstead, accompanied by sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes.
• Discover your own secluded cove along the Salento peninsula, enjoying the crystal-clear Adriatic waters without the crowds of the more famous rivieras.

Summer in Italy is a season for immersion and exhilaration, a time to embrace the vibrant energy of the outdoors. The glorious weather and festive spirit invite you to dive into sparkling seas, indulge in spectacular al fresco meals, and discover ancient culture under brilliant blue skies. It's a season for creating memories that are filled with the light and passion of Italy.

Embrace Coastal Splendor

Immerse yourself in the world-famous beauty of Italy’s coastline, where glamorous beach clubs, hidden grottos, and turquoise waters await.

What to Expect

• Feel the warm sun on your skin at a chic beach club in Positano or Sardinia, alternating between relaxing on a plush lounger and taking refreshing dips in the sea.
• Charter a private yacht for the day to explore the dramatic coastline, dropping anchor in secluded bays for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
• Discover the glorious glow of the Blue Grotto in Capri on our Amazing 14-Day Italy Itinerary with Capri. In this sea cave, the sunlight creates an ethereal, sapphire-blue light.

Indulge in Al Fresco Dining

Delight in the simple, perfect flavors of the summer harvest, where every meal is a celebration, best enjoyed outdoors under a canopy of stars or a vine-covered pergola.

What to Expect

• Taste the sun in every bite of a simple Caprese salad, made with luscious heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy buffalo mozzarella on one of our 9 Best Italian Island Itineraries.
• Enjoy a long, leisurely seafood lunch at a seaside trattoria, where the catch of the day is grilled to perfection and served with local white wine.
• Learn the art of pizza making from a master in Naples, savoring your creation hot from a wood-fired oven in a fragrant garden setting.

Discover Culture in the Sun

Explore Italy’s unparalleled history and art, where ancient sites and cultural events are brought to life by the brilliant summer light and open-air settings.

What to Expect

• Hike the legendary Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast in the early morning, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment as you’re rewarded with divine, panoramic views.
• Feel the power of opera as you experience a performance in an ancient venue, such as the Arena di Verona or the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.

Wander the preserved streets of Pompeii on Zicasso’s 2-Week Highlights of Southern Italy Tour. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bright summer sun illuminates the details of daily life in the ancient Roman Empire, creating a vivid connection to the past.

Italy’s summer season delivers brilliant sunshine perfect for coastal relaxation and cultural discovery, alongside a bounty of fresh flavors to be savored in historic cities and glamorous restaurants. Summer provides an ideal time to explore the country, from indulging in the romance of the Amalfi Coast to finding an elegant escape on the shores of Lake Como.

For more inspiration as you begin to plan your summer trip, explore our Italy travel guide or start putting your plans in motion with ideas from our featured Italy tours and trip packages.