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
4 Days
From
815
See a different side to the Veneto region with this four-day Intrepid Retreat based in...
8 Days
From
1525
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
14 Days
From
2585
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
8 Days
From
1240
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
15 Days
From
1890
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day Lonely Planet...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
8 Days
From
1675
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
10 Days
From
2505
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
From
1610
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
8 Days
From
1525
Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia, exploring rugged coastlines, wild...
8 Days
From
2345
Take a small-ship adventure cruise along Croatia's northern coast from Split to Venice....
7 Days
From
1560
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
10 Days
From
1360
Travel with Lonely Planet and Intrepid from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at...
8 Days
From
1690
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
15 Days
From
3100
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
1800
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
4 Days
From
805
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
805
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
15 Days
From
3195
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
15 Days
From
1746
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
8 Days
From
3050
Cruise the Adriatic coast, navigating the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania,...
8 Days
From
2010
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
22 Days
From
3040
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day Lonely Planet Experience...
8 Days
From
2345
Intrepid's 8-day adventure cruise down Croatia's northern coast. Visit Krk, Zadar,...
19 Days
From
2390
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
8 Days
From
1755
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
2025
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
1230
Travel from Venice to Rome and the Vatican via Florence and Italy's riviera. The...
8 Days
From
1820
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
17 Days
From
3240
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
36 Days
From
5855
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
15 Days
From
4380
Take in Croatia’s beauty while sailing from Dubrovnik to Italy's Venice, dropping...
17 Days
From
2525
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by...
26 Days
From
3595
Set out from Hungary with Lonely Planet and Intrepid to the cultures and cuisines of...
8 Days
From
1970
Indulge your taste buds on a tour of southern Italy, visiting Rome, Bari, Matera and...
29 Days
From
4650
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
22 Days
From
4620
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
15 Days
From
4380
Meet your group in Venice and then set sail from Opatija, dropping anchor at Krk, Rab,...
