We will be visiting Italy during the first two weeks of July. I know that's not ideal, but it's the only time we can be there. We are from Texas, so anything less than 90F (32C) will seem cool to us. Our itinerary includes things from the Dolomites and lake Como in the north to Paestum in the south. My question is whether there is a preferred order to our travels. If late July is typically hotter than early July, then starting in the south might make sense. On the other hand, if all of July is pretty much the same, then starting in the north would, perhaps, mean that some snow is still on the peaks when we are in the alps, and the temperatures in Rome and the south will be about the same regardless of when we get there. Any suggestions or experiences would be great!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15202 posts
In July temperatures will range from unbearably hot to excruciatingly hot in both north and southern Italy. Believe it or not the hottest provincial capitals in Italy tend to be Florence and Bolzano, both in the north and the latter surrounded by the Dolomites. You will need to go very high in altitude to find bearable temperatures and you won't see snow on the ground unless you climb well over 3000 mts (10,000ft) above sea level, and even then only in the spots facing north that never see the sun.
The itinerary can be from north to south or viceversa. Doesn't really matter much in July. It's hot everywhere. It's more bearable along the coast, thanks to the sea breeze, and, as I said, at high altitudes.
Posted by
OP
San Antonio, Texas, USA
21 posts
Thanks Roberto. I work do field work in Nevada and Utah in the summers where the temperature often exceeds 40C, so I think I can bear Italy.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15202 posts
I'll take 100 F in Vegas over 90 F in Italy any day. Dry heat is not as bad as humid heat. Also air conditioning in Italy is not as ubiquitous as in the hot spots of the US.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11338 posts
I find Weather Undergroundto be helpful in making informed decisions and not relying on anecdotal information. That said, we were in the Val Gardena (Dolomites) last July (late in the month) and it was heavenly in Ortisei and the Alpe di Siusi! A "hot" day in July in Ortisei is 75 F. It was 44F one morning we hiked inthe Alpe di Siusi. However Bolzano was a tiny bit warmer and Verona was just plain hot like Rome. If you start in the south and head north, the change should be refreshing and a nice way to end your trip.