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.

Click here to read more about weather in Italy

Girl wears long dress in Rome

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 39956

Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....

14 Days From 62913

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

8 Days From 30679

See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...

8 Days From 26967

See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...

10 Days From 103667

Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

10 Days From 60444

Travel to Italy on a journey from the canals of Venice to the cobblestone streets of...

8 Days From 37944

Soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi Coast on this tour through Naples,...

8 Days From 52497

Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...

9 Days From 80279

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...

8 Days From 58721

Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...

8 Days From 46470

From Venice to Rome, you’ll indulge in the best things to eat in Italy, with stops in...

10 Days From 34389

Visit Venice, Verona, Parma, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Florence and Rome with like-minded 18...

8 Days From 37723

Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...

8 Days From 44388

Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...

8 Days From 38790

Take an active adventure to experience the gorgeous Cinque Terre area in Italy in the...

10 Days From 42449

Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...

15 Days From 76301

Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...

8 Days From 78375

Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...

15 Days From 45113

Venture from Berlin to Venice, stopping through some of eastern Europe’s most iconic...

8 Days From 35301

Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia and Corsica, exploring the Maddalena...

15 Days From 33624

Discover Central Europe from Germany to Italy, covering Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Cesky...

5 Days From 21741

Explore the Amalfi Coast on board a real yacht on this idyllic small group adventure in...

8 Days From 21935

See iconic European sites in gorgeous cities like Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Bled and...

4 Days From 17546

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...

7 Days From 40341

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...

9 Days From 46121

Discover the secrets of Calabria 9-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National Park...

8 Days From 43277

From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...

10 Days From 26172

Travel from Dubrovnik and Split in Croatia to Venice in Italy, stopping at Plitvice...

8 Days From 83895

See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...

15 Days From 170001

Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...

16 Days From 147051

Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...

22 Days From 66951

Experience the best of eastern Europe on a journey from Berlin to Rome, stopping in...

23 Days From 136344

Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...

17 Days From 87082

Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...

8 Days From 45543

Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting family holiday through...

36 Days From 129281

Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...

15 Days From 83844

From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...

21 Days From 105844
16 Days From 85421

Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 16-day adventure...

20 Days From 48693

Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia and...

8 Days From 38115

Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...

29 Days From 104725

Tour through some of Europe’s most famous cities, including Barcelona, Prague, Budapest...

17 Days From 193221

Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...

24 Days From 278442

Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...

16 Days From 168665

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

23 Days From 233276

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

17 Days From 189108

Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...

26 Days From 74792

Set out from Hungary on a European adventure and discover the cultures and cuisines of...

17 Days From 50036

Enjoy a delicious-tasting platter of Europe on a trip that takes you from Dubrovnik to...

15 Days From 83430
24 Days From 65943

Explore all the best Europe has to offer with this adventure through Germany, Austria,...