What to Bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with the right clothing

Italy's diversity of climate means you'll practically need to bring your whole wardrobe with you, to be ready for anything!

Expect pleasant weather during the summer months in the mountains. During the day, the temperatures can get up to as high as 35°C (95°F) in some areas, while overnight it can drop to 11°C (52°F).

It tends to cool off as you climb in altitude, which is a great excuse for exploring the many mountains in the region. Keen nature lovers may wish to bring binoculars – the wildlife in this area is remarkable.

It's worth noting that summer in the mountains can be intermittently rainy, so make sure you pack an umbrella to avoid getting caught out.

The further south you get, especially inland, the hotter it will feel. The humid urban heat can feel stifling in Italian cities during the summer, so it is vital to remain hydrated. Bring a thermal flask with you so that you can keep it topped up with cool water. A hat for the sun and sunglasses are essential.

Despite that, you will also need to bring something to put over your shoulders, like a shawl or cardigan. That's because, in the summer, Italian restaurants, shops, museums, and intercity trains are often heavily air-conditioned. The disparity between outdoor and indoor temperatures can lead you to catch a chill.

Naturally, winter in the mountains can be extremely cold and snowy, whereas, towards the south of the country, it's significantly milder. Make sure to pack and dress accordingly.

Finally, it's essential to bring a lightweight shawl to cover your shoulders if you intend to enter churches (especially in the Vatican). If your knees or shoulders are exposed, you most likely won't be allowed to enter, or you will be asked to leave. This goes for men and women. Hats should also be removed upon entry.

Packing tips

Here's a handy list for summer to get you started:

• Shorts and t-shirts
• Sun cap and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Spray-on insect repellent for your skin (especially if you're visiting Liguria, Piemonte, Veneto, or Lombardia in the summertime, where there are dense numbers of mosquitos)
• Light gloves, hat and a scarf (if you're heading up into the mountains, even in summer)
• Light waterproof layers
• Good walking shoes or boots (especially if you plan to go on nature walks or hikes

If you're in areas where mosquitos are common, or if you're hiking where ticks might live, clothing with long sleeves and legs can keep you protected. After hiking, it's worth checking your skin for ticks when you get back to your accommodation. They like warm areas, such as your armpits and behind your knees.

Other suggestions

You may also need a European travel adapter, which you can buy at the airport or in local shops after you arrive. For more information, read our useful electricity guide.

Take a small backpack for your daily essentials as you travel between accommodation. It might also come in handy for an impromptu hike or picnic. If it makes you feel more secure, you could bring a bumbag for your essentials instead.

To spend your days out and about sightseeing, make sure you pack your camera and mobile phone, as well as chargers and extra batteries to stay connected as you go.

You might also bring a nicer outfit (e.g., suit jackets for men, and formal shoes) if you're planning on dining in finer establishments.

If you want to go tax-free shopping in Italy, you might find it useful to take some scanned photocopies of your passport, if you'd prefer to leave the real thing in your hotel-room safe.

Contact our travel consultants if you want to know more about travelling in Italy.