Summer Travel to Italy

icker,

I'd suggest choosing the earlier June 19 - July 6 date for a couple of reasons.....

• While the temperatures may be almost as hot at both times, I believe August could be more severe.
• Many Italians take holidays in August, so it may be even more crowded in some places.

I would highly recommend pre-booking all accommodations, especially in the Cinque Terre.

Happy travels!

I agree 100% with what Ken said. Do late June/early July.

Rome and Florence will likely be more crowded in June than August. Actually in August most Italians will be away at beach and mountain vacation spots, and those cities will be at the total mercy of foreign tourists. Many restaurants and other establishments in cities will be closed for that reason in August.
Cinque Terre will definitely be more crowded in August than June.
The weather is hard to predict. In most cases it will be miserably hot in both periods. The advantage of late June is longer daylight, which I find a plus. Late August is sometimes characterized by heavy thunderstorms and rain, but who knows for sure?

Having spent the last 2 aummers in Verona in August (because of operas we wanted to see at the Arena), all I can say is- go June - July. That's what we're doing this year. Although the temps may well be high in June and July, by August the heat seems to accumulate. And as previously noted, many businesses, restaurants and shops close down in August.

You can find hotels, restaurants, etc, that will be open in August - but it is true that many close during this period. So if you have your heart set on eating at certain places and so on, June is a better time. On the other hand, like others mentioned, August will be a little less crowded. It depends on what your priorities are.