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Italy in July

Italy can be a wonderful place to visit during the summer, the only drawback being that some areas are overrun with tourists. Summer months are the peak of tourist season and our beaches, mountains, and cities are filled with tourists, both from within and without the country.

Those who are planning to travel to Italy in July would have to get all their booking done in advance, including flight and hotel. If you plan to fly with bonus miles, you should reserve your flight a good 10 months in advance, or it will be difficult to find a seat.  However, keep in mind that prices are definitely higher in July than in other months, as it is considered the peak of the high season a bit everywhere. Moreover, remember that European families with kids generally prefer to travel in July since most schools have summer break during that time, which means it may not be the right time for you, in case you do not particularly appreciate the presence of younger ones around while vacationing.

Weather in July

The beach of Bergeggi (Savona, Liguria) in July.
The beach of Bergeggi (Savona, Liguria) in July. Ph. flickr/*lutherblissett*

Italy in July may be a very busy tourist season, but the truth is temperatures soar and cities are extremely hot. In the southern parts of the country, the temperature could be unbearably high during the daytime. While the heat is tolerable for seaside activities, it will be uncomfortable to do any sightseeing under the sun. Expect the temperature at the Foro Romano in Rome to be very unpleasant, and be prepared to pay a lot for bottled water and sodas. Normally, however, the evenings are quite pleasant, and eating al fresco, literally “in the cool,” but more generally intended as “outside,” is the norm.

Northern Italy is quite warm and on certain days even hot in July. In Milan and other parts of Northern Italy, the average temperature remains between 20 and 30 degree Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Moreover, in July there are not too many rainy days.

In Central Italy, including cities like Rome, the temperature is approximately between 19–30 degrees Celsius  (66 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Wet days in July are not very common, but when they occur, they may help the temperature to drop by a fraction.

In Southern Italy and the seacoast, including Palermo, the temperatures are definitely at their highest. In July, they remain between 23 and 35 degrees Celsius (74 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). For some, this temperature would be too hot to bear. Rain is not very common at this time of the year.

As mentioned, precipitations are quite uncommon throughout Italy. The absence of rain makes it a good month to motorcycle through the country if you can bear the daytime heat. It is definitely the best month of the year to visit the Alps and the Alpine passes with a motorcycle.


Travel around ITALY.

Where to visit in July

During the summer months, all major cities offer festivals, concerts, and artistic initiatives to keep locals and tourists entertained. City traffic is also much better during the Summer than it is in the Winter, as more people leave cities to go on holiday.

Small cities have plenty of night activities as well.

Festivals

Piazza del Campo in Siena, during the Summer Palio
Piazza del Campo in Siena, during the Summer Palio. Credit | Flickr/Janus Kinase

During the Summer, the country offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy festivals and fairs. Some are historical, others are dedicated to food or local produce, and all of them guarantee the possibility of experiencing some traditional Italian fun.

One of the most famous festivals in Italy is the horse race of Siena. The first race of il Palio takes place in Siena on the second of July each year in the Central Piazza of the city, Piazza del Campo (a second race is on August 16th). Those who want a reserved seat would have to book well in advance, since the tickets sell out quite quickly. Before the beginning of the race, there is a beautiful procession with locals dressed in medieval costumes.

Enjoy the Palio in Siena!

Another important festival in July is the festival of Madonna della Bruna which takes place in Matera, also on the second of July. Matera is a beautiful city with its world-renowned Sassi, the cave dwellings in the Basilicata region. During the festival, a giant float of the Madonna Bruna is carried around the town. Once the procession is over, the float is torn apart and burned. A beautiful firework display takes place right above the Sassi in the evening.

The "Sassi di Matera" in July host an interesting event.
The “Sassi di Matera” in July host an interesting event | Credit: Flickr/von_boot

In Foligno, the Giostra della Quintana festival takes place on the first weekend of the month. More than 600 participants take part in the festival dressed in 17th-century traditional clothing. There are thousands of spectators to the event, and visitors would need to reach the town center well before the allotted time in order to get a good position.

Another horse race in July takes place in the town of Sedilo in Sardinia (Sardegna). Celebrations start on the fifth of July. There are plenty of local horse riders and many food stalls. Visitors would get a good chance to taste some of the local specialties of the region and some delicious desserts.

The Dolomites during the Summer.
The Dolomites during the Summer | Credit: Flickr/Antonio Buccella

One of the biggest festivals in Sicily is the U Fistinu di Santa Rosalia which is held in Palermo on the tenth of July. The event begins with a procession where a high float of around 50 feet along with a statue of the saint is carried around the town, accompanied by a traditional brass band. The festival includes good music, dancing and a lot of delicious food.

A night food kiosk in Palermo (Sicily, Italy), displaying a poster of the city's patron saint, Santa Rosalia or "Santuzza". Palermo celebrates its patron saint in July.
A night food kiosk in Palermo, Sicily, displaying a poster of the city’s patron saint, Santa Rosalia or “Santuzza”. Palermo celebrates its patron saint in July | Credit: Flickr/nigi merenda

If you are vacationing in the north, stop in Venice to enjoy the feast day of Redentore Church, which takes place on the third Saturday and Sunday of the month. The event includes fireworks on the night of the Saturday and a parade with decorated boats on Sunday. Special trains by Trenitalia are arranged for the event (one late at night).

People on boats in the Laguna in Venice look at the fireworks during the "Festa del Redentore", that takes place on the third Saturday of July
People on boats in the Laguna in Venice look at the fireworks during the “Festa del Redentore”, that takes place on the third Saturday of July |  Flickr/Silvia Sala (flic.kr/p/g97puQ)

Those who prefer medieval festivals should travel to Fivizzano in Tuscany to witness the Disfida degli Arceri. Archers from every neighborhood are dressed in medieval costumes and perform a re-enactment of an ancient festival, along with flag-throwing competitions.

Disfida degli Arcieri, 2012

If Rome is your July destination, you can enjoy some fantastic street entertainment. The street fair known as Festa de’ Noantri takes place in Rome’s Trastevere District towards the end of the month. There is also a renowned international fashion show in Rome towards the end of the month, at the Spanish Steps.

The parade in honor of the Madonna del Carmine, during the Festa de' Noatri, a festival held in Trastevere in July
The parade in honor of the Madonna del Carmine, during the Festa de’ Noatri, a festival held in Trastevere in July | Credit: Flickr/Dorli Photography

On the coast of the Adriatic Sea, the town of Pescara celebrates Sant’Andrea Apostolo’s feast, on the last weekend of the month. The event includes a large parade with decorated fishing boats.

Last, but not least on this list (pardon the word game here!) is one of the most unusual festivals in the country, the festival of the Cristo degli Abissi. On the Ligurian coast, in Camogli, there is a statue of Jesus underwater and, on the night of the last Saturday of July, an underwater procession takes place to bring blessings to it. The bronze statue has been made from medals of athletes and mariners, and also with bells and parts of various ships.  Each year, the procession takes place to honor those who lost their lives at sea. Mass takes place on the beach and a commemorative crown is placed near the statue.

The breathtaking under water procession to the Cristo degli Abissi.

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6 months ago

Questo articolo parla dell’estate in Italia e delle sue attrattive e sfide. I mesi estivi sono il culmine della stagione turistica, quando i vacanzieri si riversano sulle spiagge, sulle montagne e nelle città, il che può portare all’affollamento di alcune zone.
L’articolo fornisce anche consigli per coloro che pianificano di viaggiare in Italia a luglio. Sottolinea la necessità di prenotare in anticipo i voli e l’albergo, e sottolinea l’importanza dell’organizzazione del tempo e della preparazione alle temperature estive, che possono essere piuttosto elevate nelle regioni meridionali del paese. Inoltre, l’articolo fornisce informazioni su vari festival ed eventi che si svolgono in Italia durante l’estate, offrendo numerose opportunità interessanti per il divertimento e il relax.