Want to go to italy and visit rome, venice, sicilia, but can only go in August.....should i not go?

Question

I have heard all these bad things about visiting europe in August and how everyone leaves because it is too hot and they head down to cooler areas. Ideally, i would have liked to gone through italy in a touristy time, like june or july but i cannot since i am graduating from college and will be going back to school for a firefighter degree, EMT and Paramedic on top of my degree. I have always wanted to go italy, i even have some family up there. My question is, should i even go to italy in august, would i be wasting my money? I would be going for like a week or two staying in a hostel, i am really confused on what to do.....any advice is appreciated, best answer will be provided.

Answer 1

Million of tourists from all over the world visit Italy every year in August, including Sicily, where usually temperature is higher, so even if May/June would be a more comfortable time, August is not a waste of money; I don't know what you consider "too hot", but the peak in Southern Italy during latest years was (if I well remember) 42 centigrade, near 107 F, but that was just THE peak, an exception, not the rule; generally you can expect no more than 100 F, in South, less in Rome, lot less in Venice. Still, during the last couple of years temperature was lower in the South and higher in the North, more balanced; and also there was less difference between Winter (warmer) and Summer (colder). Of course I can't predict weather for next summer :)  but if you find 100 F tolerable, it's very unlikable you're going to have any problem even in Sicily.

Answer 2

Yes, it's true that Italians tend to head to the beach in August, and many businesses shut in August (more the last two weeks, and in particular on Ferragosto long weekend, which is probably 15th-18th this year).

BUT - don't let it put you off going!  In the touristy places like these, you'll have few if any probs doing what you want.  The only downside is the heat in the cities - you'll need lots of loose shirts to stay cool and lots of water.

I'm surprised you want to visit in a touristy time - the hordes of visitors can be quite overwhelming (I usually try to go to these places between October and March so I can actually see the place without queuing for hours!).  But in Rome and Venice at least, tourist season is all year round, so don't worry about missing them!  If you manage to get out of the city and into the smaller spots, you'll find lots of local festas take place in August - just about every night!

A couple of simple things you can do to check you'll have the holiday of your dreams...

- Check websites/phone the sites you really want to see, find out if they're taking a break and for how long.

- Check the hostels you want to use will be open, and email to ask their advice about local restaurants etc. being open while you're there.

Have a great time!

Answer 3

Who said it is bad to visit Italy in August? Everyone leaves the cities to go to the seaside, this is true and when you go to Sicily it will be PACKED as most of the main areas are located around the sea. However if that is the only time to go, then go. I will warn you now it will be hot, but on the brighters side of things Rome and Venice will be less crowded then other times of the years as most people leave for their holidays.

Expect in Sicily temperatures in the high 30s going into the 40s and a little less hot in Venice and Rome. Book in advance the accommodation in Sicily as it will be especially crowded, but come on over and have a fantastic (and hot) holiday!

Answer 4

In the past this was extremely true.  You could go to any of the major cities during August, and shoot canon balls down the streets, never hitting a car.  But that is the past.

This fact has made it into the guidebooks, and has never really been updated.

Today, Italy is quite different.  While August is still the big vacation month, many, many Italians spread their vacation time across different times like the rest of the world.  This is in part due to the reality of global business, and partly because air conditioning has enabled people to work more efficiently, and Italians only recently began to embrace it.

The cities will be far less crowded, but tourist services will operate as usual.

In fact, you may find good deals and shorter lines in many of the tourist areas because so many people think they have to avoid Italy during August.

As far as weather goes, it will be hot.  Many places in Italy can easily reach 100 degrees in August, but the humidity isn't too bad.

Lastly, your bigger problem may not be lack of people in cities, but huge crowds in Sicily.  Italians go to the beaches in August in droves.  Places like Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria, etc. will be jam-packed with Italian beachgoers.

Answer 5

August is the vacation period here in Italy and there will be some businesses closed. In the smaller towns, you may notice that there are only a few restaurants or stores open, but there are always some that stay open for the residents that remain in town. However, there are tons of tourists and the major attractions will be open. It can be very hot, but you shouldn't let that put you off if it's your only opportunity to come over.