Rome in July - Essential Trip Planning Guide

Rome in July is hot hot hot!

This is the time of year for shorts, sandals, and lots of water.

And big crowds at the major Rome attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican.

fontanone in romeJust looking at these beautiful Roman fountains cools me down on a hot summer's day!

But you can still really enjoy the city even in the heat - there are ways to avoid big crowds, and to cool down.

The warm, breezy nights are ideal for a summer stroll, and there are plenty of outdoor night events.

And with long, sunny, blue-sky days, and very little rain, Rome shows off her summer glow and is breathtakingly beautiful.

Rome in July - At a Glance

complesso vittoriano in summerDrink plenty of water in Rome in July!

Here's what you need to know:

Click here to visit my page about current events, exhibits, and concerts in July.


Weather in Rome Italy in July

piazza navona in summerPiazza Navona shimmers in July


The weather in Rome in July is hot and humid.

During the day it's in the mid 30's C / mid 90's F, and in the evenings, it's in the low 20's C / low 70's F.

Even nights are muggy and steamy, although sometimes it can rain and we get a little cool-down.

The days are very long, which means it's a good time to enjoy the city early in the day, and then again later in the afternoon, with an indoor lunch or nap break in the middle of the day.


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What to Pack for Rome in July

Rome in July is hot, so the key thing to remember when packing for Rome in July is loose, light clothing that will help keep you cool.

Think linen and cotton materials, t-shirts, loose pants or maxi skirts that will be comfortable and also appropriate for visiting churches - a great way to stay cool in the heat!

It can be tempting to bring flip flops, but remember that Rome's streets can be hard on your feet so wearing good quality walking sandals or canvas tennis shoes is a better option in the summer.

Visit my page all about what to pack for Rome in July for specific recommendations, suggestions on what to wear in Rome in July and more!

For even more ideas and a downloadable packing list, see my page about what to pack for Rome.

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What to Wear in Rome in July

what people wear in rome in julyOn a hot sunny day in Rome in July, people are wearing light clothes, and definitely sun-hats!

For sight-seeing in July in Rome, here is the ideal way to dress:

  • Extremely comfortable shoes/sturdy walking sandals
  • Light cotton pants, bermuda shorts or capri pants, or a long skirt
  • T-shirt, tank-top, polo or other light cotton top
  • A sun-hat with sun-block 
  • Cotton scarf for men and women in your bag
  • Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!

At this point in the season, I see many people walking around Rome wearing tank-tops.

Depending on your sensitivity to sun, you may want to consider wearing a t-short or other light short-sleeved top that covers your shoulders.

And, as with shorts, if you plan to visit any churches or other Christian site, you will not be allowed in with bare knees or bare shoulders.

Especially if you are going to the Vatican, you will need to dress appropriately.

And if you are just out sight-seeing, make sure to at least bring a scarf to cover your shoulders if you decide last minute to pop into a church.


Visit my dedicated pages for all the summer months in Rome

Rome in July - What to Expect

In July, you can expect Rome to be very hot and muggy, especially during the day.

The days are really long, so it's great to get up early and sight-see before the mid-day heat and sun kick in. 

Colosseum early morning summerGetting up early to see the Colosseum is a good way to beat the crowds and the heat in summer. I took this at 7:20am in summer and look how bright it is already! But also empty!


There are a lot of outdoor nighttime things to do, like visiting the Colosseum at night, and it's wonderful to be outside in the late afternoon and evening, and soak up the warm air and beautiful light.


roma estate lungotevere - rome in summer along the tiberBy dusk you can start enjoying the summer-fest along the Tiber in Rome

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Is it crowded in Rome in July?

In some ways, July is not high season in Rome: many Italians who travel this month prefer the beaches.

And so do other visitors.

So hotel rates drop a little from around the middle of June.


pantheon in rome in summerThe pantheon is always a magnet for tourists and in summer, you will find large crowds here

On the other hand, July is a month for summer travel for families and anyone travelling based on the school calendar.

So, yes, you will find Rome crowded in July, in particular the main tourist attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum/ Palatine HillPantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican.


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.


Foods in Season in Rome in July


July is a fantastic time to eat all those delicious summer fruits like peaches, apricots, plums and melons.

Tomatoes are at their summer best so you will find many varieties in all shapes, sizes and even colors. 

apricots in summer in romeApricots at my market in Rome in July - super sweet and juicy this time of year!


Summer is also a great time to eat vegetables like spinach, zucchini, eggplant and peppers.

You may find eggplant parmesan (melanzana alla parmigiana) all year long in Rome, but believe me, it is so much more delicious in summer, when all the ingredients are in season.

eggplant parmesan at pizzeria emmaThis eggplant parmesan at Pizzeria Emma is one of the best I've tried in Rome. And summer is the time to have it!


Fennel is another popular vegetable in Italy, and it's in season in summer.

One of my favorite summer salads you can easily find in Rome is made with super thinly sliced fennel, meaty black olives, and juicy orange pieces.

It's tasty, refreshing, and healthy.


orange and fennel salad with black olives - a summer treat in RomeFennel and orange salad with black olives at Sorpasso, a summer treat in Rome.

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What's Happening in Rome in July

July is the time for not only sight-seeing in Rome, but also for enjoying the city outdoors.

It's a time for outdoor opera, rock concerts, and nighttime cultural events among the ruins of Ancient Rome. 

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Rome in July - summer sales begin!

In Italy, we have sales twice a year: once in winter and once in summer. In summer, they usually begin on the first Saturday of July.

Summer sales in Rome begin on the first Saturday in July.

It also means that starting in July, the new fall fashions will begin to appear in stores.

I personally have a hard time trying on pants, sweaters and jackets in the summer, but it's the time to buy if you want to stock up with any new fall wardrobe items

fall fashions out in late summer in romeWhen summer sales begin in Rome in July, you will also start seeing the new fall fashions.

Rome in Summer
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Rome in July - Things to Do

Free things to do in Rome in July

On the Free Sunday you can visit Rome's museums for free including the Vittoriano complex.

State-run sites like the Colosseum and Castel Sant'Angelo, as well as civic museums such as the Capitoline museums are all free on the first Sunday of the month.

The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month, for limited hours.

For details, visit my page about Rome events in July.

More things to do in July in Rome

Besides the typical things to do in Rome, like visit the top attractions, here are more things to do in this hot summer month.

appia antica in summerThere are so many great things to do in Rome in July, like enjoying the vast and ancient Appian Way.

For current events, holidays, concerts, exhibits, festivals and more, visit my page about Rome events in July.

More ideas for things to do in Rome in July

Maybe it's your 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) time in Rome.

Or you have more than 3 days here.

Or you just want to see and do lots of fun things.

Besides the obvious must-see tourist attractions, there are lots of great things to see and do in Rome in July.

Here are some ideas for your visit:

You may also want to visit the official website of the Rome Tourist Board for even more things to do in Rome in July.



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