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
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...
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...
24 Days
From
65943
Explore all the best Europe has to offer with this adventure through Germany, Austria,...
