Italy holds a special place in my heart. From studying abroad in Florence during college to returning as an adult with my husband and best friend, every trip has been in the summer months, and I keep going back for more.
I’ve wandered the canals of Venice, hunted for truffles in Tuscany, hiked Cinque Terre’s coastal trails, and eaten my weight in pasta across Rome, Rimini, Verona, and beyond.
But packing for Italian summers took some learning. The challenge is looking effortlessly chic while surviving cobblestone streets and sweltering heat. This Italy packing list for summer is everything I wish I’d known before my first trip.
Italy Summer Weather Overview
Italy Monthly Summer Temperatures By Popular Destinations (low/high in °F):
| Destination | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rome | 63°–84° | 67°–89° | 67°–90° |
| Florence | 61°–82° | 66°–88° | 66°–88° |
| Venice | 61°–79° | 66°–84° | 66°–84° |
| Milan | 62°–80° | 66°–85° | 65°–83° |
| Naples | 64°–80° | 69°–85° | 69°–85° |
| Amalfi Coast | 65°–81° | 69°–86° | 69°–86° |
| Cinque Terre | 59°–77° | 64°–84° | 64°–84° |
| Lake Como | 60°–77° | 65°–82° | 65°–81° |
| Sicily | 68°–85° | 73°–90° | 73°–90° |
| Dolomites | 50°–68° | 55°–75° | 55°–75° |
A few things to know about regional differences: Northern Italy (Milan, Venice, the Lakes) runs cooler than the south, but summers can still get hot and humid. The Po Valley especially gets surprisingly muggy compared to drier spots like Tuscany. Southern Italy and the islands (Sicily, Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast) are significantly hotter, often reaching 90°F or higher with intense sun.
Coastal areas get sea breezes that help, while cities like Rome and Florence can feel stifling since heat radiates off all that stone and concrete. The good news is that even on scorching days, evenings tend to cool off nicely, so a light layer for outdoor dinners isn’t a bad idea.
If you’re heading to the Dolomites or Alps, pack layers. Even in July and August, temperatures drop quickly at elevation and there can be sudden storms in the afternoons. Bring a disposable poncho or a light waterproof layer that you wouldn’t bother with anywhere else in the country during summer.
One more thing to note is that many Italians head to the coast or mountains in August for their annual summer holiday, so beach towns and mountain villages get crowded, while some city shops and restaurants might be closed.
Summer in Italy Packing Tips & What to wear
Eating pasta in Rome in one of my favorite nicer tops that I packed for Italy (left), and wine tasting in my favorite casual sundress in Tuscany (right).
Italians dress with effortless polish even for everyday errands and love a good tailored fit. You won’t see athleisure outside the gym, and you won’t see sloppy tourist outfits either. You don’t need to blend in (you probably won’t anyway), but comfortable and put-together will serve you well, especially during the evening passeggiata when locals dress up for their pre-dinner stroll.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Pack lighter than you think. Cobblestones and narrow staircases are everywhere (elevators not always so much). Plan to do laundry mid-trip if it’s over a week, and wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days to save space in your suitcase.
- Stick to a color palette. Neutral bases (black, white, navy, tan) that mix and match mean fewer items and more outfit options. Italians dress simply anyway, so this approach fits right in. Yellow is a nice pop and very “Italy in summer” vibes that will go with the limoncello you’re drinking.
- Choose breathable fabrics. Linen, cotton, bamboo, merino wool, Tencel, and silk are your friends. Purely synthetic materials trap heat and you’ll feel it by midday.
- Go easy on all black. It looks chic but absorbs heat. Save it for the evening or mix in lighter neutrals.
- Bring a light layer. Even on hot days, evenings cool off and air conditioning can be aggressive.
A note on church dress codes: Every Italy packing list warns you about covering shoulders and knees for churches. In my experience, it’s loosely enforced. I’ve climbed the Duomo with bare shoulders and seen plenty of short shorts at the Vatican. That said, Italy is a deeply Catholic country and more conservative than a lot of travelers expect. I’d still recommend having a scarf or a light layer to cover up when visiting religious sites. It’s easy enough, and it’s respectful.
2-Week Italy Summer Packing List For Women
Tops & Layers (6-8)
- Basic tops (options 2, 3) (3-4) – Versatile base layers that work with everything and handle the heat well. I personally prefer merino because it’s more breathable on hot days.
- Nicer tops (alternative) (1-2) – Something slightly elevated for dinners out or aperitivo hour.
- Linen button-down (1) – Breathable, polished, and easy to dress up or down for day to night. Also works great as an easy beach cover-up on the coast.
- Light cardigan or sweater (1) – For air-conditioned restaurants, cool evenings, and chilly churches.
Bottoms & Dresses (5-8)
- Linen (alternative) or lightweight pants (1-2) – Breathable, comfortable, and nice enough for dinners.
- Midi silk or crepe skirt (0-1) – Keeps you cool and covers knees.
- Shorts (1) – Bermuda styles are very much in right now (anyone else see People We Meet on Vacation?). Perfect for beach days or casual sightseeing. Italians tend to wear longer lengths, so these fit right in.
- Midi dresses (options 2, 3, 4, 5) (3-4) – Linen or cotton styles that go from morning markets to afternoon museums and dinners out.
Shoes (2-3)
- Comfortable walking sneakers (more stylish alternative) (1)- You’ll walk miles daily on uneven cobblestones, so prioritize support and cushioning. The HOKA Transport isn’t quite as stylish as the Campos, but they’re my favorite travel shoe right now and can double as a hiking shoe for shorter stints on the trail.
- Supportive sandals (1) – A breathable alternative for hot days that can still handle serious walking.
- Dressier sandals (alternative) or flats (0-1) – Something elevated for evenings out that won’t kill your feet on cobblestone streets.
Accessories & Other Must-Haves
- Lightweight scarf (1) – Doubles as a church cover-up, protects from sun, adds a little pop to simple outfits, and works as a light layer on cool evenings. The most versatile thing you’ll pack. I almost always bring a scarf, no matter where I go, since it’s so versatile.
- Belt (1) – If you’re wearing linen pants or tucking in tops, a simple leather belt pulls things together.
- Jewelry (alternative) – Simple, minimalist jewelry works great and is easy to pack. I’m partial to gold or rose gold, personally, but pick out whatever your preference is. I’ve been liking Quince’s minimalist jewelry lately, or Baublebar for more fun, colorful pieces.
- Sunglasses (1) – Italian summer sun is intense, especially with all that light bouncing off stone piazzas and water. Oval sunglasses are very European chic.
- Sun hat (1) – Essential for long days wandering ruins, beach time, or hiking Cinque Terre. Packable styles save space, or you can wear this on the plane.
- Swimsuit (1-2)- For beaches, your hotel pool, or spontaneous stops along the Amalfi Coast. Bring two if you’re doing a lot of water activities, so one can dry. Highly recommend Left on Friday for a top-quality classic swimsuit (especially for any fellow postpartum mamas who still want something stylish and sexy with coverage).
- Pajamas (1) – Keep them lightweight since not all Italian accommodations have air conditioning. I’ve been loving Tencel a lot lately for PJs. It’s a soft material that’s also breathable.
- Underwear (12), bras (2-3), and socks (4-5) – Quick-dry or moisture-wicking options are worth it for that Italian heat, even if they’re a bit more expensive.
Luggage & Packs
- Carry-on suitcase – Easier to manage on cobblestones, trains, and narrow staircases than a large checked bag. I love the Monos carry-on. Its smaller size keeps your packing list manageable, and it comes in cute colors. I’ve been using mine for six years now, and convinced my dad, brother, and sister-in-law to get their own Monos as well.
- Packing cubes – Not essential, but they keep a small suitcase better organized.
- Small daypack (alternative) (1) – For water bottles, layers, and everything you’ll accumulate during long sightseeing days. Keep this as small as possible, and don’t keep valuables in here. I always wear a small belt bag or crossbody purse as well for valuables to avoid pickpockets.
- Crossbody bag (alternative) (1) – Keeps hands free and valuables close in crowded piazzas and on public transit. I love love love the Waverly (and really any Lo & Sons bags) because it can be worn four different ways.
Additional Italy Summer Travel Essentials
- Reusable water bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day. I read a recent Italy packing list that recommended not bringing one because it’s so hard to find drinking water around Italy, and I was like, what are you talking about?? Rome, especially, has public drinking fountains all over. Also, the tap water is safe to drink, so you can always refill at your accommodation.
- Portable fan: So nice to have on hot sightseeing days.
- Sleep mask: An eye mask is a game-changer for helping me get quality sleep each night.
- White noise machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Earplugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and keeping them from getting tangled.
- Deck of cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal travel adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in five different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad. Plus, it’s very affordable.
- Phone: I currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband or friends on long flights and travel days.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-canceling headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring AirPods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry bag (alternative): The clear option is great for going through security, and it’s easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable containers for toiletries: I use reusable containers, so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products (such a scam!). I’ve been using Cadence Capsules for five years now and love them for keeping my liquids organized and tightly sealed.
- Electric toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste & floss: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Natural deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo & conditioner: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided. Depending on where I’m staying, I might also nix bringing shampoo and conditioner and just use what the hotel provides.
- Panty liners, pads, or tampons: For your monthly cycle. I like that these tampons are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses. For pads and panty liners, I only use 100% cotton without dyes or bamboo now.
- Tide to Go Wipes: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel laundry detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing clothes in a sink or in a washer.
- Travel clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers, or it takes ages to dry clothes because they don’t do high heat.
- Hairbrush: A cute travel-sized version of the hairbrush I use at home. Compact and easy to pack.
- Hair ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- Face sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body sunscreen (Reef-safe version but harder to spread): Easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Lip balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel razor & razor replacements: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week. I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating face sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Bug spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET. You might not need this depending on where you’re going, but it’s always good to check.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion sickness pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different from what you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other travel medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-septic wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Benadryl or Melatonin: The only way I’m able to sleep on planes, and it helps me adjust to a new time zone.
- Hand sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel visas (if needed)
- Travel documents, tickets, boarding passes & booking confirmations
- Driver’s license / international driving permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of passport (hidden in your pack): Also good to make sure you have a digital copy on your phone.
- Emergency cash: I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / debit cards
- Travel insurance: Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies
Activity & Destination Add-Ons For Italy in Summer
Chilling at the beach in Rimini on the Italian coast (left) and truffle hunting outside of San Gimignano required very different clothes (right). It was cold in the mornings in the Tuscany hill towns, even in late summer.
If you’re heading to the coast or hiking the Dolomites, add these items to your core packing list.
Beach & Coastal Time (Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Sardinia, Sicily, Puglia)
- Cover-up that doubles as a casual dress – Takes you from beach to lunch without changing.
- Water shoes – Italian beaches are often pebbles and rocks rather than sand. If you prefer sportier closed-toe shoes that work for snorkeling, these are a good option.
- Waterproof phone pouch – Especially useful for boat days or when you’re at the beach and you don’t want to leave valuables on the sand while you’re in the water.
- Dry bag – Keeps things dry and sand-free on boat trips or beach days.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – Better for the environment and marine life, and mineral sunscreen is longer-lasting and more effective for long days in the sun compared to chemical sunscreen.
- Rash guard – Optional, but helpful for sun protection on long beach/water days and for snorkeling.
Hiking & Mountains (Dolomites, Cinque Terre trails, Tuscany hill towns)
Read my packing lists for the Dolomites and Tuscany in summer.
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots – Break them in before you go!
- Moisture-wicking hiking socks – Worth it for long trail days.
- Lightweight hiking pants – More protection than shorts in terms of brush, sun, and bugs.
- Short-sleeve performance tops – I love the Capilene line from Patagonia for hiking, they’re great for moisture-wicking and comfort.
- Sunshirt – A must-have for sun-protection when you’re out on the trail all day. I bring this on pretty much every sunny hike now since I’m so prone to sunburns. I love that it’s still breathable, too, even though it provides so much coverage.
- Hiking daypack – Something with a hydration bladder pocket and room for a water bottle.
- Hydration bladder – A way to easily stay hydrated on the trail, go for 2 or 3 L.
- Light packable rain jacket – Mountain weather changes fast, especially in the Dolomites, so this is always good to have on hand.
- Warm layer – A fleece or light jacket for higher elevations. Patagonia fleeces are my favorites.
- Small first aid kit – Blister treatment, especially.
- Hiking poles – For longer treks. Or you can rent these once you get to your destination.
Note: The Dolomites stay a little cooler even in summer. Expect temperatures 10-15°F cooler than the cities, and pack warmer layers for higher elevations.
Heading to Wine Country or the Lakes? My main packing list already has you covered. Just remember a light layer for cool wine cellars and something slightly elevated for dinners at agriturismos or lakeside restaurants.
What Not to Pack For Italy
Accidentally matching the gondolier in Venice with my striped shirt-ha! (left), and bringing a corduroy jacket that was far too heavy (and not breathable) for most of my trip in Italy during the summer (right). It’s easy to make packing mistakes, especially when you’re visiting such different parts of a country in one trip!
- Stilettos or thin heels – Cobblestones will destroy them and your ankles. If you want some height, go for low wedges.
- Athletic wear for sightseeing – Italians don’t wear leggings and sneakers outside the gym. You’ll feel out of place.
- Jean/corduroy jacket or heavy denim layers – Too bulky and warm for an Italian summer. A linen shirt or light cardigan does the same job. I wouldn’t even recommend bringing jeans, although I know some people still like to.
- Flip flops for city walking – Fine for the beach, but they look sloppy and offer zero support for cobblestones.
- Flashy jewelry or expensive accessories – Pickpockets target tourists in crowded areas like Rome, Florence, and Venice.
- A massive checked bag – Trains have limited luggage space, elevators aren’t a guarantee, and you’ll be hauling it everywhere. I learned this the hard way on my first trip to Italy.
Heading to Italy For a Different Number of Days? Here are my Packing Adjustments
I probably brought a tad too many dresses for my last time in Italy, based on my usual capsule wardrobe amounts, but I was happy to have two nicer dresses for the evenings during my month-long trip to Europe, with a lot of time spent in Italy. And I was still able to fit everything in one carry-on!
These are my usual amounts for packing a capsule wardrobe, assuming you’ll do laundry every 7-10 days.
| Item | 7 Days | 10 Days | 12 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tops | 5 | 5-6 | 6 |
| Bottoms | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Dresses | 2 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Layers | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Shoes | 2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Underwear | 9 | 12 | 12 |
| Bras | 2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Socks | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Swimsuit* | 0-1 | 0-2 | 0-2 |
| Pajamas | 1 | 1 | 1 |
*Add swimsuit(s) depending on where you’re going in Italy.
Looking for more Europe summer packing guides for women? Read our related articles below!
Dolomites Packing List For Summer
Sicily Packing List For Summer
Amalfi Coast Packing List For Summer
Venice Packing List For Summer
Tuscany Packing List For Summer
Europe Summer Packing List For Women
Europe Summer Backpacking Packing List For Women
European Summer Cruise Packing List For Women
7 Best Travel Purses For Europe
Best Carry-On Luggage For Europe Travel
10 Best Women’s Walking Shoes For Europe
7 Best Women’s Walking Sandals For Europe
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Mimi McFadden started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her travels abroad. After spending 15 years visiting 45+ countries, she realized she’d accidentally become a packing expert in the process. Now, The Atlas Heart is all about helping women figure out what to pack, what to wear, and what gear is actually worth it. When she’s not deep in a packing list or testing out new travel shoes, you can find her hiking with her son, reading in her chaise lounge, winning 3-point contests against her husband, and playing board games with friends.
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