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Packing for Rome in August
Packing for Rome in August? Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in August?
As you can see in this picture of the Roman Forum in August, you can expect long, hot sunny days so you will need to dress accordingly to help you stay cool!Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in August - what to bring and how to dress
Rome in August is hot, there's no escaping this! So packing for Rome in August is all about clothing made from breathable materials to help you stay cool as you explore the city.
Whether you're visiting Rome in early August, mid-August or at the end of August, I recommend packing light clothing made of cotton or linen materials - I strongly recommend not packing clothes made of synthetic materials, as they just don't work as well at keeping you feeling cool.
On this page you'll find:
- Dressing for the sun in Rome
- My suggestions for packing for Rome in August
- What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late August
- More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
- How to dress in Rome in August
The BEST packing cubes!
One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality packing cubes.
They are super-sturdy, waterproof, and expandable.
They help me organize everything and keep stuff from moving around in my suitcase.
The packing cubes come in different sizes so it's also great for lumping together workout clothes or toilettries.
Dressing for the sun in Rome
August is the hottest time of the year in Rome.
Think cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, loose midi skirts or pants and it's crucial to stay hydrated.
You can wear shorts if you prefer, although Romans don't really wear shorts except at the beach. Be prepared to cover up when visiting religious sites and bear in mind it can feel a lot cooler when you visit underground sites or churches.
I highly recommend bringing a sun hat to help protect you when sightseeing, as well as sunglasses and a reusable water bottle to fill up with fresh cold water from Rome's water fountains.
When packing for Rome in August, stick with comfortable walking sandals or cotton tennis shoes for walking around the city, flip flops will simply not hold up to the cobblestones or the heat!
Click here to read more tips about staying cool in Rome.
Packing for Rome in August - Essentials
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I walk around Rome a lot.
I love to walk everywhere when I can, because in Rome there is always something new to see. I also love looking at things I know well, like the Colosseum, and seeing it in a new light, or finding a new detail. I walk around Rome at many different times of day, throughout the year.
So believe me when I tell you, I know just how to dress in Rome year-round.
These are my personal recommendations for what to include when packing for Rome in August, many of which I own or use:
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As it will be hot, lots of people plan to pack shorts to explore Rome. While Romans won't dress this way, you can, of course, if you want to. But if you are visiting any church (that includes the Vatican and Vatican Museums), or other Christian site, you cannot have bare knees.
These hiking pants with removable legs are perfect for a quick change from shorts to respectful pants.
Here is the men's version of the same type of hiking pants, with leg bottoms you can un-zip easily as and when you need to.
A good sun hat, especially one with added UPF is a key item to include in your packing for Rome in August, to help keep you cool and protect you from the sun's harmful rays.
I love my Wallaroo hat: it's got great sunblock, it's foldable, lightweight and comfortable.
Everyone should wear hats, especially if you're out during the hottest time of the day. Something like this one, which is lightweight, with sunblock, that you can easily fold up and carry, and that's washable, is ideal.
If you would prefer skirts to pants, opting for a maxi skirt is a great way to stay cool and comfortable while sight-seeing, while also staying appropriate for visiting any Christian sites like churches and catacombs.
Lightweight linen pants are also great for comfort and sightseeing, as well as being smart enough for going out to dinner in the evenings.
It may sound odd, but I would recommend bringing a scarf with you to Rome, even in August.
Why? First, you can wear it on the plane or anywhere chilly. Second, it's perfect for carrying around with you, so you can cover up those bare shoulders to visit a church. This goes for both men and women. And third, you will be fashionable, just like a Roman!
I prefer to wear a hat, but in recent years I've seen an increasing number of people walking around Rome with an umbrella to shield themselves from the sun.
I can see the appeal of using an umbrella as a parasol, to keep cool. This super-lightweight, UV-protection travel umbrella is a great idea since it's useful for other seasons too!
These chill packs are a great way to keep cool, whether walking around Rome in the summer heat, playing golf, doing yoga...you name it.
It's made of some kind of tech material - you just wet it, and it stays cold and keeps you cool for hours. Love them!
When packing for Rome in August, don't forget to also include the following items:
- Sunblock/sunscreen (you can easily buy this here if you run out or are packing light)
- Sunglasses (you may want to shop for some while in Rome)
The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome
Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.
In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.
And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.
Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.
What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late August
August is when Rome is at its hottest and most humid, although by the end of the month the heat does start to ease.
The temperature in Rome in August is fairly consistent, averaging around 86-90 Fahrenheit/30-32 Celsius during the day and around 65-70 Fahrenheit/18-22 Celsius during the night.
By the end of August the intense summer heat starts to cool off, with the humidity reducing also, so it feels a bit fresher.
Whether you're packing for Rome in August for the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll want to include clothes made from natural, breathable fabrics like good-quality cotton or linen. Think loose t-shirts or shirts, relaxed pants and maxi or midi skirts.
To be more specific:
Packing for Rome in early august
In early August, the weather in Rome is at it's hottest. Staying cool should be top priority so you'll want to pack only clothes that will be suited to the heat. While it does cool off a bit in the evenings, it will still feel warm so you won't need anything heavier when out for dinner, beyond perhaps a light cardigan or jumper.
With the high humidity it is possible that a summer storm might happen during your trip, so a small travel umbrella is a good item to pack just in case. If it does rain, don't worry, this never lasts for long!
People out and about on via Frattina in early August are all wearing shorts and t-shirts or loose dresses - as well as staying in the shade as much as possible!Packing clothing made from linen, cotton or cotton blends, or jersey fabrics will keep you feeling fresh and cool no matter how long you're out walking around Rome - try to avoid denim or polyester materials as these are not breathable in the same way.
Packing for Rome in Mid-august
The weather in Rome by mid-August is still hot and humid, so loose, light clothing should be at the top of your packing list, as well as a good-quality sun hat and sunglasses.
The UV rays are super strong in August so make the most of the cooler early mornings and evenings, and save the time in the middle of the day for a long lunch or to visit an indoor museum.
It can be tempting to wear flip flops or other light sandals when it's so hot, but I cannot say it enough, do not wear flip flops when walking around Rome! Between the heat and the cobblestones, they do not last, and I've seen many tourists struggling with them.
If you prefer wearing sandals, bring hiking or other good-quality walking sandals that can withstand Rome's streets - trust me, you will be doing more walking than you might expect!
These people waiting to get into St Peter's Basilica in mid-August are wearing suitable, respectful clothing that will still keep them cool - note all the sun hats!🔐 Store your bags and luggage securely! 🧳
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The sun is hot but you may want to pack a light sweater or cardigan that can easily be folded up in your day bag in case you need it when visiting churches or underground sites which can feel noticeably cooler.
If you're planning on escaping the city and going to one of the nearby beaches, especially if you're in Rome on Ferragosto, flip flops and beachwear is a must.
Packing for Rome in late august
By the end of August, the weather in Rome is starting to feel a bit fresher.
The days are still long and sunny, but the humidity starts to ease and the heat feels less intense.
If you're packing for a trip to Rome in late August, bring light, cool clothing with you to stay comfortable in the city's heat.
I would pack a couple of lighter jackets or cardigans in case you feel a little cool when out in the evenings.
Romans don't tend to wear shorts in the city, but they're used to tourists doing it so if you want to, of course that is up to you.
Keep in mind that when you visit any church or other Christian site, you will not be allowed in with bare knees, midriff or shoulders, so be sure to bring some clothing that covers these.
General Rome packing tips for any time of year
So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in August?
These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:
Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I would recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
Photocopies of your passport.
Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, laptops, electric shavers) default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here. This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations if you travel to different parts of the world.
Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
Travel insurance isn't something to pack but it is something not to forget!
I can't tell you the times our B&B guests had lost luggage that never arrived, had flights cancelled or delayed, or had documents/wallets pickpocketed. Double check what your credit card covers - chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen!
I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.
As well as the specific information here about packing for Rome in August, see my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!
Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!
What to wear in Rome in August
So how should you dress when you visit Rome in August?
My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking - more than you might think!
Rule 1: Be Comfortable!
My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, all year round: be comfortable.
This is most important for your feet. It is crucial to wear good walking shoes with good quality socks, or good walking sandals.
Bringing shoes you have already broken in is essential, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!
As Rome in August is so hot, you may think you will stay cool by wearing light sandals or flip flops. But Rome's cobblestone streets are killer on your feet if you don't have sturdy enough shoes, and you'll actually feel hotter wearing flip flops!
When packing for Rome in August, I would recommend bringing some sturdy walking sandals or good cotton tennis shoes that give your feet enough support.
Rule 2: Dress in Layers
The next rule is: dress in layers.
While the weather in Rome in August is consistently hot, the evenings can feel cooler, especially if we've had a summer storm during the day. It's best to wear breathable layers that you can remove/put on easily according to whether you're out in the midday sun or eating dinner outside, such as light cotton t-shirts, light cardigans or jackets.
As part of your packing for Rome in August, I would also recommend bringing a light backpack to wear as you walk around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your scarf or other cover-up items ready in case you need them to go inside a church or other site.
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Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in August:
- Wear extremely comfortable shoes or walking sandals
- Dress in light cotton pants, bermuda shorts or maxi/midi skirts
- Wear a light cotton t-shirt or tank-top
- Wear a sun hat with sun block
- Bring a light cotton scarf for men and women
- Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
Unless you are planning on attending a special event, there is no need to bring dressy clothes to Rome.
When packing for Rome in August, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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