Hi,
We are planning a trip to Rome and Venice at the end of July. This will place us in Rome on the 31st leaving for Venice on August 3rd. I read that due to the climate most of Rome shut down during August. Is this true? Is it worth going at all?
Fingers crossed :)
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Mid-July to late August is a time when, all over Europe, not just Italy, many of the locals tend to take their long vacations (they get more vacation time than most of us). But locals who work in the tourist will still be there to staff your hotels and tourist sights that you'll probably be using.
Transportation networks, especially major roads, will often be impacted by this. And beach and mountain vacation spots frequented by Italians will be more crowded--this may not affect you.
You'll be affected by the sun, heat and humidity typical for that time of year. Worse than Chicago. Drink lots of water, and then try to find a public restrooms (at museums, or restaurants if you're a customer).
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Make sure your lodging has AC and find out whether they charge extra for it and if its use is limited to certain times during the day. Electricity is much more expensive in Italy, so lots of places charge extra for AC. You might want to return to your room during the mid-afternoon for a siesta to avoid the hottest time of the day. Get up early and stay out late.