Italy in August - UPDATE

It will be very hot, unless it's an odd wet summer like last year. Heat will be more bearable at high altitudes or on coastal areas, where you get some sea breeze. Unfortunately that is where most Italians (and Europeans) will be also, trying to escape the scorching heat. Cities like Florence, Rome, Milan, etc. will be less crowded than usual. August in Florence was my favorite time when I lived there, because there was no traffic. All residents were at the beach and the city was at the mercy of foreign tourists (Italian tourists don't travel to those cities in summer, as it's too hot). You can go anywhere, but if you are in Northern Italy, I would take advantage of the proximity of high mountains and visit there. At least the weather will be amenable. It's high season, but probably not as totally booked as during the Christmas/New Year ski time. Also it's not going to be as crowded as the most popular coastal resorts in summer. As I mentioned summer is the least crowded time in Florence, Rome, etc. during the period Apr-Oct. But the temperatures will be high as most big cities are low in altitude. Florence and Bolzano are the hottest cities in summer (they both sit down in a hell hole valley).

I think all of Italy is "doable" in August... but the further south you go the more you'll want to do your sightseeing in the early morning and late evening. It will be hot and crowded. Spend the hottest parts of the daytime (10am to 5pm respectively) indoors at museums, churches or do what the Italians do and take a long siesta after lunch.

You might find some relief from the heat along the coast where you can enjoy the sea breezes.

Are there specific cities you want to see? What cities/sights have you already visited? I think others can give you more detailed responses if they know where you've already traveled on previous trips.

Thank you Roberto & Back2Italy.

We have never visited north of Como --though my husband knows that region from childhood. On our previous trips (with me in tow) we've been to Rome, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre, lots of Toscana, Le Marche, Umbria, but not further south. We'd love to go to Sicilia but not sure August is the right time.

Do you have recommendations for the north? Alto Adige, Valle D'Aosta, Dolomites?

Thanks again!

I would follow Roberto's suggestion about staying in the north.
My experience in Agrigento in July: almost no shade, people were huddled together in the shadows of rocks and temple columns for a break from the heat. Enna, at a much higher altitude, was reasonably comfortable.

zinni,

I've never been to Italy in August (I always travel shoulder seasons, so typically there in September). Staying in the north would be a good idea as it will likely be a bit cooler there. I wouldn't suggest visiting Sicily in August, as it will be HOT and probably crowded.

The Dolomites would be a great choice (IMO). I really enjoyed my stay in Castelrotto and while there took a day trip to Alpi di Siusi (LOTS of hiking opportunities in that area). One other location that's very popular with many is Ortisei, although I haven't made it there yet. Laurel or Roberto will be able to provide more information on that.

For visits to Verona in August, I'd suggest getting hotel bookings SOON as that will be during Opera season and it will be VERY busy there. For hotel suggestions in Verona and Padova, there are good suggestions in the Italy guidebook.

Any place that puts you above 3000 ft (900 mt) of altitude you will appreciate much more. The lakes are nice too as they provide some cooling (especially if you get inside it). Since you seem to have been to Como already, you might want to consider lake Garda, which is very close to the Dolomites, so you can visit both (and the Dolomites are very high). The Val Gardena is one of my favorite places (Ortisei, Selva, Santa Cristina).
Piedmont and that side of the Alps is good too. Lake Maggiore is also very nice in that area.
I don't recommend to visit any seaside location in August, especially if you don't like crowds and high prices.

We love love love the Val Gardena! It gets very busy in August, although still quieter then ski season I am told. Try Hotel Garni Walter in Ortisei. Very convenient although a short walk uphill from the main square where the bus from Bolzano arrives. It is also only a few minutes walk from the cableway station that takes you to the Alpe di SIusi. PM me if you want more info.

In Verona, we stayed at and loved a B&B called La Finestra sull'Arena. It's just down a small street from the Arena, close enough so you could go home for a bathroom break during the opera's intermission and be back on time. It's in the heart of the pedestrian historic district. The proprietor was very nice, the breakfast was good, the apartment was clean and spacious, and even had a washing machine. Great reviews on TripAdvisor I see, so it's not a secret, but I recommend it.

A side note - durng our Veneto trip, we enjoyed Verona and Padova, but liked Treviso the best. No big sights like the Arena or the Scrovegni chapel, but it was a great town to wander around. It has a largely intact city wall, a pretty river and just a relaxing cool vibe. Good for a day when you need some down time.

Check out the scene at YouTube - The Great Italian Caffé - Treviso

Dear All:
Though we still don't have a time-table nailed down, we do have our route and a tentative itenerary. Tell me what you think:
Aug 3 -Leaving from Milano
4 days in Lago di Garda (Salò, Gargagno)
4 days in Dolomites (Bolzano, Ortisei)
Then down via Venezia, Padova, Verona (one or two nights in each)
Aug 17 -Milano and home to Atlanta on the 18th.
I will look at all your kind recommendations and incorporate them as I go. This is really looking up!! Very excited!
What a nice community this is!
Thank you again.
Zinnia

Hi, Zinnie. I would recommend an extra day in Venice or Verona or Padova and see Padova or Verona as a daytrip - one less change of hotels. On the other hand, if (like me) you prefer to wake up and go to bed in a city rather than daytrip, 2 nights in each is fine, or 3 nights in Verona and 1 in Padova (but personally I don't like the 1-nighters).

Whatever your plans are, you might want to make them sooner than later. With the World Expo in Milan this year, expect hotels in Northern Italy to fill up faster. I made reservations in January for Milan and Varenna for September and was surprised that hotels were either full or only had a few rooms available.

Whatever your plans are, you might want to make them sooner than later. With the World Expo in Milan this year, expect hotels in Northern Italy to fill up faster. I made reservations in January for Milan and Varenna for September and was surprised that hotels were either full or only had a few rooms available.