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
9 Days
From
51515
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
8 Days
From
29665
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
16 Days
From
110960
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
8 Days
From
62320
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on a ten-day Premium tour...
16 Days
From
97045
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
14 Days
From
50155
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
8 Days
From
21460
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
23 Days
From
159025
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
15 Days
From
36640
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day Lonely Planet...
8 Days
From
32455
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
4 Days
From
15775
See a different side to the Veneto region with this four-day Intrepid Retreat based in...
10 Days
From
48595
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
From
31195
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
8 Days
From
29539
Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia, exploring rugged coastlines, wild...
8 Days
From
45475
Take a small-ship adventure cruise along Croatia's northern coast from Split to Venice....
7 Days
From
30286
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
10 Days
From
26385
Travel with Lonely Planet and Intrepid from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at...
8 Days
From
32755
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
15 Days
From
60050
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
34915
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
4 Days
From
15591
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
15591
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
15 Days
From
61910
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
6 Days
From
26875
Travel to the east coast of Sicily for a six-day Intrepid adventure. From Catania,...
15 Days
From
33822
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
8 Days
From
62105
Cruise the Adriatic coast, navigating the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania,...
8 Days
From
38995
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
22 Days
From
58945
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day Lonely Planet Experience...
8 Days
From
45475
Intrepid's 8-day adventure cruise down Croatia's northern coast. Visit Krk, Zadar,...
19 Days
From
46345
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
8 Days
From
29875
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
39235
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
20190
Travel from Venice to Rome and the Vatican via Florence and Italy's riviera. The...
8 Days
From
35335
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
17 Days
From
62780
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
36 Days
From
113510
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
15 Days
From
84890
Take in Croatia’s beauty while sailing from Dubrovnik to Italy's Venice, dropping...
17 Days
From
48940
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by...
26 Days
From
69700
Set out from Hungary with Lonely Planet and Intrepid to the cultures and cuisines of...
8 Days
From
32940
Indulge your taste buds on a tour of southern Italy, visiting Rome, Bari, Matera and...
29 Days
From
90155
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
22 Days
From
89655
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
15 Days
From
84890
Meet your group in Venice and then set sail from Opatija, dropping anchor at Krk, Rab,...
