Rome In July - How To Plan For Your Best Trip

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.

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

Here's what you need to know:

• What's the weather like?
• What to pack? What to wear in July in Rome?
• Is July a good time to visit Rome?
• What food is in season in July  in Rome?
• What are some things to do in July in Rome?
• What's happening in July in Rome?
  

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

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Weather in Rome Italy 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.

Visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!

What to Wear in Rome in July

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.

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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. 

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.

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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.

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 Hill, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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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.

• Rent a Vespa and make your way around Rome - What a fun way to see Rome, riding around on a Vespa and taking in the sites as you go.
• Take a Vespa tour with a private guide - Let your guide show you Rome from the comfort and safety of the back of a Vespa as your driver expertly takes you around the city.
• Enjoy a sunset aperitivo on the Tiber river - Sip a cocktail from a boat on Rome's Tiber river as you take in the sights and the sunset.
• Enjoy evening opera in a beautiful setting - With the Rome Opera Pass, you can pick one of many different shows and venues around Rome.
  
• Rent a bike on the Appian Way - Biking along the Appia Antica is a Roman favorite and a great way to really see Ancient Rome.
• Take an e-bike tour on the Appian Way - I love riding e-bikes around Rome. It makes getting around so easy. And with an expert tour guide to take you around the ancient Appia Antica, you will get some sight-seeing in to boot!
• Enjoy a cooking class - There is no shortage of cooking classes in Rome, where you can try everything from making gelato to pasta to pizza. Fun for people of all ages!

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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