Weather in Italy in July

July climate overview

Daytime highs across Italy in July run from 26.6°C (Positano) to 31.7°C (Sicily). In Sicily about 100% of July days reach 25°C. Nights average 20.3°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Positano fall to 19°C or below.

Rainfall in July

Expect around 6 rainy days (1 mm or more) in July, with Sardinia the driest (1 days) and Verona the wettest (12 days). The wettest July at Sicily between 1991 and 2020 was 2006 with 64 mm; the driest was 2001 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 25.1°C around Italy in July - warmest at Naples (25.5°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 10.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 14.3 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

July against the rest of the year in Italy

July is the 2nd warmest month of the twelve in Italy. It is 2.8°C warmer than June and 0.2°C warmer in August. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (10°C).

Which part of Italy in July?

• Most sunshine: Sicily, 13.1 h a day.
• Driest: Sardinia, about 1 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Naples, 26°C.
• Hottest: Sicily, 32°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Positano, 27°C.

What to pack for Italy in July

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear - the sea is 25°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in July

Within 1.5°C of Italy's July daytime average: Hong Kong (30°C, sea 28°C), Playa del Carmen (30°C, sea 29°C), Cancun (30°C, sea 29°C), Chiang Mai (30°C), Koh Samui (30°C, sea 29°C). See the full ranking for July.

Choose the islands for drier weather

Sardinia and Sicily are strong choices if avoiding rain matters most. Sardinia averages 1 rainy day in July, compared with 2 in Sicily, so outdoor plans are less likely to need rearranging than in the north. The catch is the heat: Sicily is the hottest destination listed at 32°C by day, while Sardinia reaches 30°C. Their seas average 25°C and 24°C respectively, making swimming an appealing part of the day. Puglia offers a less hot daytime average of 28°C, but its 22°C nights mean evenings remain warm. Pack light clothing and make shade part of your plans rather than an afterthought.

City stays need a slower midday pace

Rome and Florence both average 30°C during the day, so July suits city travellers who are happy to start early and pause when the heat builds. Their average nights are cooler at 19°C and 18°C, making evenings a better time for being outside than the middle of the day. Both have 4 rainy days on average, so heat is the more persistent planning concern. Naples is slightly less hot by day at 29°C, though nights stay warmer at 21°C. If you want to combine time in the city with swimming, its 26°C sea average is warmer than Sardinia's.

The north is not a cool-weather alternative

Head north for a different balance of heat and rain, not for a reliably cool July. Milan and Verona both average 29°C by day, while Lake Garda reaches 28°C. Rain is more of a consideration here: Verona averages 12 rainy days, Lake Garda 10 and Milan 9. That makes flexible outdoor plans and a light waterproof sensible, even though summer clothing will still get plenty of use. Positano has the lowest daytime average among the destinations listed, at 27°C, but that is still warm rather than cool. If heat is your main concern, your daily schedule matters as well as your destination.