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Packing for Rome in July
Packing for Rome in July? Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in July?
Here at Giolitti you can see how people are dressed in Rome in July - comfortable, loose-fitting cotton summer clothes, comfortable walking shoes and sandals, and hats to protect from the sun.Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in July - what to bring and how to dress
Packing for Rome in July is all about bringing cool, loose clothing as it can get pretty hot and humid at times.
Whether you're visiting Rome in early July, mid-July or at the end of July, I recommend packing light clothing made of cotton or linen materials to stay cool. Synthetic materials don't work as well at keeping you feeling fresh.
On this page you'll find:
- Dressing for the sun in Rome
- My suggestions for packing for Rome in July
- What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late July
- More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
- How to dress in Rome in July
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
July is one of the hottest months of the year.
Loose cotton and linen clothing is ideal, so think cotton t-shirts, midi skirts or loose pants and don't forget to stay hydrated.
You can wear shorts if you like, although Romans don't tend to wear short shorts except at the beach. Be prepared to cover up when visiting churches.
I would strongly recommend bringing a sun hat ready to protect you when walking around the city, as well as sunglasses and a reusable water bottle to fill up from Rome's water fountains.
When packing for Rome in July, I would also suggest bringing comfortable walking sandals or cotton tennis shoes.
Click here to read more tips about staying cool in Rome.
Packing for Rome in July - 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 July, many of which I own or use:
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When it's hot outside, plenty of people choose to walk around Rome in shorts. Most Romans dress this way, but you can if you prefer.
However, if you're visiting a church (that includes St Peter's Basilica) or other Christian site, you cannot have bare knees showing. These hiking pants with removable leg are perfect for a quick change to stay cool and respectful when needed, ideal for including when packing for Rome in July.
Another kind of comfy hiking pant is this one that comes to just below the knee, making it perfect for visiting churches and staying cool at the same time.
I love the loose fit and lightweight, water-resistant material.
Here is the men's version of the same type of hiking pant, with leg bottoms you can un-zip easily.
A good sun hat with UPF is key in summer months. It will 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, perfect for packing for Rome in July.
Men, women and children should all wear hats. 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 prefer skirts to shorts or pants, a midi (just below the knee) skirt is good way to be cool and comfortable while sight-seeing, but also appropriate for visiting any Christian sites like churches and catacombs.
Lightweight cotton makes for easy packing and keeping cool.
Lightweight linen pants are also great for comfort and sightseeing, as well as looking smart for going out to dinner in the evenings.
Trust me, I'm not crazy when I tell you to bring a scarf with you to Rome. For July, this means a very lightweight all-cotton/linen scarf. 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 men and women.
And third, well of course you will be fashionable, just like a Roman!
I've seen more and more people walking around in the sun with an umbrella. While I personally wear a hat, I do see the appeal of carrying an umbrella as a parasol, to keep cool and in the shade.
This super-lightweight, UV-protection travel umbrella is a great idea since it's useful for other seasons too.
When packing for Rome in July, don't forget to also include the following items:
- Sunblock/sunscreen (you can easily buy this here)
- 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.
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What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late July
July is one of the hottest months of the year in Rome.
The temperature in Rome in July is pretty consistent, averaging around 80-85 Fahrenheit/27-30 Celsius during the day and around 65-70 Fahrenheit/18-22 Celsius during the night.
By the end of July it is as hot as it gets in Rome, with a chance of storms due to high pressure. These summer storms never last for long, however.
Whether you're packing for Rome in July for the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll want to bring some good-quality light basics such as light cotton or linen tops and light cotton pants or skirts.
To be more specific:
Packing for Rome in early july
In early July, the weather in Rome may be slightly cooler, especially at nighttime, so in addition to your light daytime clothing, bring a light cardigan or jacket to wear in the evenings.
On this early July evening outside the Pantheon, most people are wearing short-sleeved tops. Some people are in shorts, but there are still plenty of people in long pants!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-july
The weather in Rome by mid-July is getting hotter, so light, loose, comfortable clothing should definitely be on your packing list.
The UV rays are strong at this time of year so I would recommend bringing a good-quality sun hat with you, as well as sunglasses.
Romans don't tend to wear shorts in the city, but if you want to, of course that is up to you. They are used to tourists doing it.
It may seem odd, but I find that wearing longer, looser clothing like linen pants or maxi skirts actually helps me stay cooler walking around the city than wearing shorter clothing.
Be aware that if you plan to visit any churches or other Christian site, you will not be allowed in with bare knees or shoulders, so be sure to bring some clothing that covers these if you are planning on going inside churches.
In mid-July outside the Colosseum, most people are wearing shorts and t-shirts, with a lot of hats visible as well!The sun is hot but once you go inside an underground site, some churches or late at night, it will feel cooler.
Bring a light sweater or cardigan with you that fits inside your day bag, ready for when you need it.
And don't forget that scarf!
Packing for Rome in late july
By the end of July, the weather in Rome is as hot as it ever really gets.
It stays hot all day, so you need to be prepared and make the most of the cooler periods in the early morning and in the evenings.
The end of July is all about staying cool - drinking plenty of water from Rome's fountains helps a lot!If you're packing for a trip to Rome in late July, stick with light, cool clothing at all times to beat the heat in the city. The evenings will stay warm, but I would still recommend packing a light cardigan or jacket to have with you in case you feel a little chilly sitting outside at night with dinner or drinks.
It can be tempting to wear flip flops or other light sandals when it's so hot outside, but I would strongly recommend NOT wearing flip flops to walk around Rome. Between the heat and the cobblestones, they do not last long, and I've seen many tourists struggling because they're wearing the wrong footwear.
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!
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General Rome packing tips for any time of year
So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in July?
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 July, 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!
What to wear in Rome in July
So how should you dress when you visit Rome in July?
My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking.
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 July is so hot, it can be tempting to wear light sandals or flip flops. But bear in mind that you will likely be doing a lot of walking and Rome's cobblestone streets are killer on your feet if you don't have sturdy enough shoes.
When packing for Rome in July, 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 July 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 July, I would also recommend bringing a 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.
Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in July:
- Wear comfortable shoes/walking sandals
- Dress in light cotton pants, shorts or a long skirt
- Wear a light cotton t-shirt or top
- Bring a light cardigan or jacket in your bag
- Wear a sun hat
- 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 July, 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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