Packing For Rome In July? Let's Make It Easy!

Are you packing for Rome in July?

Wondering what to bring, what to leave at home? How to dress when you're here?

Alessandro and I spent 17 years running a B&B here, helping our guests fine-tune their travel plans—right down to what should (and shouldn’t) go in their suitcases.

After more than two decades of Roman summers, I know exactly how to beat the heat and and enjoy enjoy my city while staying comfortable yet chic.

Grab an espresso, and let’s talk about what you really need when you’re packing for Rome in July.

Packing for Rome in July - what to bring and how to dress

Rome in July is hot and humid, even at night. So your packing is going to revolve around that.

You'll want lightweight fabrics made of natural fibers like cotton and linen, super comfy walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen.

Avoid bringing synthetic fabrics, flip flops, and jackets or jumpers.

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

Dressing for the sun in Rome

July is one of the hottest months of the year.

Loose cotton and linen clothing is ideal, so bring 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.

The rules in Italy about visiting churches or any holy site (synagogue, mosque, catacombs) are the same - no bare knees, shoulders, or midriffs.

I would strongly recommend bringing a sun hat, preferably with some sunblock built in, 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:

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)

What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late July

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.

Because it's also so muggy, we sometimes get storm bursts due to high pressure.

These summer storms typically don't last long.

But you may want to be prepared for the rain - a super light summer shell and a travel umbrella can be useful things to pack. They don't weigh much or take up much room in your luggage or daypack.

Whether you're packing for Rome in July for the beginning, middle, or end of the month, my packing advice does not vary much.

Packing for Rome in early july

In early July, the weather in Rome may be slightly cooler than the rest of the month, especially at nighttime, but not really by much.

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 as breathable.

Packing for Rome in Mid-july

By mid-July, it may start to get a bit hotter.

The UV rays are strong at this time of year so I recommend bringing a good-quality sun hat and 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 when the heat can seem to beat down on my legs.

As I've mentioned above and on other pages, if you plan to visit any churches or other holy site, you will not be allowed in with bare knees or shoulders, so in July, it's a good idea to carry a lightweight scarf around with you so you can cover up if you decide to pop into a church.

If 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. 

Packing for Rome in late july

All of July is hot and by the end of July, it's as hot in Rome as it's going to get.

I strongly recommend staying out of the sun in the middle of the day, and limit your sightseeing activities to early morning and late afternoon or evening.

In the evenings it's still warm, usually without much of a breeze, so whether you're heading out for aperitivo, outdoor dining, or a late-night tour or stroll, you can wear short sleeves or even go with bare shoulders.

You can wear shorts, light cotton pants, and dresses, but I would still recommend packing a light cardigan or at least a scarf 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 against this.

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.

Because of the heat, sandals are a great idea. Just 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.

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:

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 and light cardigans.

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.

It's 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.

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Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:

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