July in Italy

I don’t think it will make much difference unless there is a slight cooling pattern you can’t predict this far out. We’ve traveled to Italy in July and August before because of our work schedules and hot is hot. We said we’d never go south of Rome unless it was well outside of the summer season so consequently we’ve never been to southern Italy. We have enjoyed summer trips across northern Italy to visit lake, mountain and coastal cities. In 2019 we visited the “big three” cities with our granddaughters in July and it was very hot. It is essential to have AC in places you stay and utilize shutters on windows when available. Dress in cool, loose clothing, drink plenty of water and stay in the shade during the day.

Temperatures are hard to predict, but generally it's equally scorching hot in both periods.

August is however prime vacation time for Italians and Europeans in general, therefore the possibilities of finding accommodations (and marginally lower prices) are slightly better in July.

We spent 2.5 months in Italy last summer from late May to early August. We bounced around in Florence, Mantua, Verona, Venice, Treviso, Milan, and Stresa. There was a heat wave while we were in Mantua where daytime temps reached 105F, but it honestly didn't FEEL that hot. We're from Florida, and are used to temps in the upper 90s/low 100s PLUS 85% humidity. In Italy it felt drier and was more than manageable in the shade. So yeah, it's hot, but might not feel as bad as it sounds, especially depending on where you're from. I don't think July vs August will matter all that much.

Getting out early, taking a break in the middle (hottest) part of the day, and staying out late can make a world of difference.

We like to do our independent city touring before a cruise. Afterwards we are so spoiled from being waited on, that we have no initiative available to visit a city.