Southern Italy heat?

I can't speak for southern Italy (how far south? early Sept? late Sept?), and every year can be different, but we were in Rome early Sept a few years back (and Amalfi Coast) and most days we'd have to go back to our room - if we were nearby in the afternoons - to take a siesta. By the time we got to Venice in the middle of the month, temps were much better, but we were also north.

Heat/humidity sucks away my will to live as well. Later Sept may be a better time to go. If all else fails, get out early, stay out later, head back to your room if possible during the hottest part of the day (try and get one with air con)...or try and schedule museum visits during the afternoons. Drink lots of water.

I agree with Nicole. Also realize that many hotels do not have air cond. if u do decide to go in Sept. make sure air conditioning is avail. Also we were in SpAin some yrs ago where they had a govt mandatory no air cond use in Sept. unfortunately there was a heat wave. So ck ahead to be sure.

First of all this depends on where you are from or live currently as much as anything. If you live in Southern California the Italian weather will be no problem for you. In fact it can be similar. If you are from North Dakota well the September weather there vs Italy will be very different.

I wouldnt worry too much about it. Take it easy. Stop and get drinks at small cafes in between sightseeing and do 1 or 2 sights a day one in the morning which might be outside and one in the afternoon.

Remember the temps you are seeing online are probably averages. Go back to 2017 and look for highs and lows for the specific days you are going to be in a given place. This might give you a better idea. But as written above weather changes.

Where in southern Italy?

And when in September?

I use wunderground.com to look at actual historical day-by-day temperatures over the last few years. I think that gives a much better idea of the range of weather you may experience than monthly averages. That is especially true in a transitional month like September. I've linked to date for Rome in September 2017. Definitely look at several years' data. Last year was milder than 2016, at least for the first half of the month.

If by "southern Italy" you mean Puglia or Sicily, it might well be hotter.

We will be there most of Sept. We're going to Rome then take RS SOI tour. I noticed that his dates are available for Sept but waitlist for October. Why is October a preferable month? Is it heat? Unfortunately, where I resided had little impact on adapting to heat. I wish it did. I lived in varying climates including Florida where the heat was unbearable. Since I’m the type of traveler that needs a vacation after my trips, any suggestions for dealing with heat besides hydration? In the past, I carried ice in my hands while walking around in Florida. That’s not doable in Italy and it was only mildly successful. Love to hear of any other tips.

...Why is October a preferable month? Is it heat? .....
That, and a few less tourists. Our preferred month for travel is Oct. It is generally cooler, dryer, and more pleasant as you shift into Fall with the Fall colors. It will not be blast furnace hot. That is July. If you are from Florida I doubt if you will find the heat unbearable. If from Wyoming - maybe.

I didn't own one for my trips to Italy in 2015, but last year I used a Kool-Tie in France, and I thought it helped by keeping my neck cool. There are competing products, and multiple sources. It's probably best not to leave the tie soaking in water for a long time, not monitored; I have a feeling the seams could split if you overdo it.

Nothing is going to be a total solution if you are unlucky with the weather, but periodically rotating the tie so a different part was in contact with my neck brought some relief. Stopping for a cold beverage (cheap enough when consumed while standing at a bar) is also helpful.

It is an extremely good idea to get up and out of your hotel early in the morning, because it's likely to be quite pleasant until 9:30 or 10 AM at least. This is where I fail, sadly.

Make sure to wear a hat and take some cooler clothes. I don't do shorts or short skirts now, but capri pants have been my savior. And sandals. If my feet are hot, then I'm cranky. Even having the lower half of my legs bare was a help. And with capri pants, you wouldn't have the issues of bare knees when entering some of the churches that require more modest dress. Also - if you are going to wear sleeveless shirts, have a light scarf to cover your shoulders if you are planning on visiting any churches. (Sorry - don't know if you are male or female!)

Some people think wearing sandals in a city like Rome is gross because your feet get filthy. Well, yes they do - but I take along a package of deodorizing foot wipes (even wet wipes would be fine) and clean 'em up when we get back to our room. I'd prob do that even if I was wearing shoes and socks - because then my feet would be hot and smelly anyways.

And I really can't emphasize enough - if you are near your accoms at the hottest part of the day - go back for a few hours to cool off/rest. It really does wonders. Even from 1-4pm, which seems to be when the heat is the worst...

I've had something like acraven's "kool-ties" for years. They help if you're in dry heat. They work on the principle that as the water evaporates, it uses energy (heat) and keeps the tie cool (relatively). If it's humid, nothing evaporates.

Rome wouldn't be too bad - there are lots of indoor sights for the afternoons and there's always cold water flowing from the drinking fountains (unless there's a water shortage). Pompeii would be miserable - almost no shade.