Italy is such a stylish place, you’ll want to pack your Sunday best to fit in with the locals. But depending on what time of year you’re travelling to Italy, your packing list may change.
Summer highs in southern Italy often rise above 40°C (104°F), so light, breathable cotton or linen clothing is the way to go. T-shirts and shorts, skirts or light trousers are the best choices, but keep in mind that if you want to head into religious sites, such as the Vatican, covering from the shoulder to knee is compulsory – for women and men. If you’re heading to coastal areas, be sure to pack your bathing suit.
Winter temperatures can vary quite dramatically from south to north. While the south has milder winter temperatures, hovering around 10°C (50°F) during the day, in the northern reaches of Italy they can fall well below 0°C (32°F), with snowfall common in winter. This is when you’ll need layers – you’ll probably get away with a couple of warm jackets and sweaters for the south, but thermals, windbreakers and fleece or down jackets are recommended for the north.
If you’re travelling outside of full summer or winter, check the weather forecasts before you leave and get a good mixture of both warm and breathable gear. Choose clothing that’s easy to layer and pack away.
In terms of footwear, sneakers and/or sandals made for walking are essential. Pathways at historical sites are often rocky and uneven, and the footpaths in main cities aren’t much better.
Must-pack items for Italy
- Loose, breathable clothing, like t-shirts, shorts and skirts that cover the knee, and loose trousers
- Thermal layers, long pants and warm jackets (if travelling in the cooler months)
- Swim shorts or bathing suit
- Rain jacket
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops
See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Italy.
Click here to return to Italy FAQs
Our tours in Italy
8 Days
From
2858
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
14 Days
From
3783
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
10 Days
From
4163
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
From
1866
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
8 Days
From
4407
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
8 Days
From
2980
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
8 Days
From
2673
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
4390
Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...
8 Days
From
3209
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
4306
Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...
8 Days
From
3000
Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...
8 Days
From
2830
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
10 Days
From
3155
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
9 Days
From
3383
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
8 Days
From
2880
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
4 Days
From
1017
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
971
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
10 Days
From
2185
Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...
7 Days
From
1991
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
15 Days
From
5130
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
3114
Discover the secrets of Calabria 10-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National...
15 Days
From
3015
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
15 Days
From
2370
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...
8 Days
From
2484
Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...
16 Days
From
7506
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
8 Days
From
2799
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
8 Days
From
2599
Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting 8-day family holiday through...
24 Days
From
8750
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
17 Days
From
5995
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
8 Days
From
2412
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
36 Days
From
10285
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
29 Days
From
6868
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
10 Days
From
4496
Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...
16 Days
From
8169
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
23 Days
From
12123
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
22 Days
From
4563
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...
19 Days
From
3668
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
26 Days
From
5405
Set out from Hungary and discover the cultures and cuisines of Serbia, Montenegro,...
17 Days
From
4115
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day trip including Split, Ljubljana,...
17 Days
From
9091
Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...
24 Days
From
15713
Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...
17 Days
From
11180
Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...
15 Days
From
8830
Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...
8 Days
From
2615
Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...
17 Days
From
5795
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
15 Days
From
5915
From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...
