Weather in Italy in August

August climate overview

Daytime highs across Italy in August run from 26.8°C (Lake Como) to 32.0°C (Sicily). In Sicily about 100% of August days reach 25°C. Nights average 20.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Lake Como fall to 15°C or below.

Rainfall in August

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in August, with Sardinia the driest (2 days) and Lake Como the wettest (12 days). The wettest August at Sicily between 1991 and 2020 was 1997 with 103 mm; the driest was 2008 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 26.1°C around Italy in August - warmest at Sicily (26.4°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 9.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 13.4 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

August against the rest of the year in Italy

August is the 1st warmest month of the twelve in Italy. It is 0.2°C warmer than July and 4.5°C cooler in September. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (10°C).

Which part of Italy in August?

• Most sunshine: Sicily, 11.7 h a day.
• Driest: Sardinia, about 2 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sicily, 26°C.
• Hottest: Sicily, 32°C by day - intense for sightseeing.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Lake Como, 27°C.

What to pack for Italy in August

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear - the sea is 26°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in August

Within 1.5°C of Italy's August daytime average: Miami (30°C, sea 30°C), Playa del Carmen (30°C, sea 29°C), Cancun (30°C, sea 29°C), Hong Kong (30°C, sea 29°C), Guanacaste (30°C, sea 29°C). See the full ranking for August.

For swimming, favour the islands and southern coast

Sardinia is a strong choice if your priority is relatively dry weather: it averages 2 rainy days, with daytime temperatures of 30°C and a sea temperature of 25°C. Sicily is hotter at 32°C, so it suits travellers comfortable with substantial daytime heat rather than those hoping to stay active throughout the afternoon. Its sea averages 26°C, as does the water around Puglia and Sorrento. Sorrento's daytime average of 28°C makes it a less hot coastal option, although nights remain warm at 22°C. Choose these coastal stays for swimming and relaxed afternoons, with outdoor plans earlier or later in the day.

City weather is hot, with a wetter trade-off in the north

Rome averages 31°C by day, while Florence and Naples reach 30°C. That is weather for light clothing, regular shade breaks and a proper pause around midday, rather than a packed schedule on foot. Florence cools to 19°C at night and Rome to 20°C, offering more evening relief than Sicily at 23°C. Further north, Milan's 28°C days and 18°C nights are less hot, but its 10 rainy days make a flexible plan sensible. Verona has 11 rainy days despite warm daytime temperatures of 29°C. Heading north can reduce the heat, but it does not guarantee consistently dry days for outdoor plans.

Expect plenty of sun, but leave room to change plans

Across Italy, August averages 9.8 hours of sunshine and 6 rainy days, so sunshine is a major draw without rain being off the agenda. Pack breathable clothes, sun protection and something light for rain, particularly for Milan or Verona. A light layer may be useful for evenings where overnight temperatures are lower, but warm nights are the bigger consideration along much of the southern coast. If you struggle to sleep in heat, prioritise accommodation with cooling. Keep the most active parts of your day away from midday, and leave your schedule flexible enough to swap outdoor time for shelter when rain arrives.