BEAT THE HEAT IN ITALY DURING SUMMER
A Guide For Summer Tourists
Summer is a very popular time for tourists to visit Italy. However, summer in Italy also means scorching temperatures, especially during July and August. Heat waves frequently hit the country and temperatures are often above 40°C (104°F). It's therefore important to plan and take precautions to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip. Here’s a guide to help you beat the heat in Italy.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #1: Stay Hydrated, but Add Minerals to Your Water
Everyone knows that staying hydrated is essential in high temperatures. But in intense heat, when you’re sweating a lot, simply drinking water may not be enough to combat dehydration.
Since you’re losing essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, drinking water on its own may dilute the salts in your body even more, leading to imbalances that can make you feel unwell.
To avoid this, consider adding rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets to your water. You can easily find these in Italian pharmacies or you can pack them in advance. You can also opt for sports drinks. This will ensure that you're replenishing the salts and minerals your body needs while keeping hydrated.
What I also like to do is to buy a box of assorted fresh fruit pieces from a supermarket and eat them as I go along. A piece of juicy pineapple or watermelon does wonders in the intense heat, especially if you get them from the fridge.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #2: Take Advantage of Italy’s Public Water Fountains
Italy is famous for its public water fountains, particularly in cities like Rome where they are known as "nasoni" (big noses) due to their distinctive shape. These fountains (or “fontanelle”) provide fresh, cool drinking water for free.
Not only are fountains a cost-effective way to stay hydrated, but the water is also clean and safe to drink. Just carry a reusable water bottle and fill it up. This will help you stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled water, and it’s an eco-friendly option, too.
For a map of the nasoni in Rome, click here.
While most drinking fountains are safe, you might come across the odd one whose water is not safe for drinking. These fountains are marked with signs saying “ACQUA NON POTABILE” (non-potable water) which means that the water is unsafe for drinking. On the other hand, if a sign says “ACQUA POTABILE” it means it’s okay to drink from it.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #3: Plan Your Day Around the Heat
One of the most effective ways to deal with the heat is to plan your activities to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day, which is usually between 12 pm and 4 pm. You can use this time to visit museums, galleries, or shopping malls which are cooler and have air conditioning.
Alternatively, you can take a siesta like the locals do. Many Italians slow down during the hottest hours of the day and resume their activities in the late afternoon or early evening when the temperatures are more bearable. If you must be outside during peak hours, try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
I make it a point to start out as early in the morning as possible, so I can be back at my hotel by early afternoon. After a good siesta, I go out again as the sun is setting, which makes for some great sunset photo opportunities at monuments like the Colosseum or the amazing views over the lagoon in Venice.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #4: Carry Portable Fans and Cooling Towels
A small, portable fan or neck fan can be a lifesaver when you’re walking through the sun-soaked streets of Italy. These fans can be either battery-operated or rechargeable and they are light and compact, making them easy to carry in a bag. Many models also come with a built-in water spritzer that emits a cool water mist while the fan works to lower your body temperature.
Another great item for staying cool is a cooling towel. These towels are designed to retain water and, when placed around your neck or on your head, help cool you down. You simply wet them, wring them out, and snap them to activate their cooling properties. They can remain cool for hours and are reusable throughout the day.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #5: Dress for the Heat
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen is your best bet for staying cool. Stick to light colors that reflect, rather than absorb, sunlight. Also, don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your head, face, and eyes from the sun.
However, if you plan to visit churches, you should make sure that you’re dressed appropriately or carry a scarf or wrap with you. Click here for Church etiquette.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #6: Use Sun Protection
Using sun protection with a high SPF is a MUST during summer in Italy. Reapply it regularly, especially if you're sweating or spending a lot of time outdoors. Sunburn not only causes discomfort but also affects your body’s ability to cool itself, making you more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
You can easily find many different brands of sunscreen in any pharmacy in Italy and in many supermarkets, so you don’t have to carry your own from home.
It is also good to keep in mind that staying in the shade is no substitute for using sun protection because of the very high UV index in summer.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #7: Recognise the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Even with all the precautions, you might still be at risk of heat exhaustion or, in extreme cases, heat stroke. It’s essential to recognise the symptoms early to avoid serious health complications.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Pale or clammy skin
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to move to a cooler place immediately, preferably indoors with air conditioning. Drink water with electrolytes, loosen any tight clothing, and place cool, wet cloths on your body. Rest until you feel better.
Signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency, include:
- Hot, dry skin (no sweating)
- Confusion or altered mental state
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid pulse
- Body temperature above 39°C (104°F)
If someone shows signs of heat stroke, seek emergency medical attention immediately. In the meantime, try to cool them down with cold water, ice packs, or a cool bath. Do not give them fluids if they are unconscious.
The Medical Emergencies number in Italy is 118. This is a free number with no prefix.
The general Emergency Number in Italy (and in the whole of the EU) is 112.
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #8: Choose Your Accommodation Wisely
When booking accommodation in Italy during summer, air conditioning should be a top priority. While most hotels and vacation rentals offer it, some traditional lodgings, especially in smaller towns, may not. Ensure that your accommodation has air conditioning before you book.
Something to keep in mind: To achieve environmental goals and reduce energy consumption, in 2023 the Italian government introduced regulations limiting air conditioning temperatures. In the summer, hotels and other public buildings cannot go below the minimum temperature of 24-25°C (75.2-77°F).
Beat the Heat in Italy Tip #9. Visit Coastal Areas, the Countryside, or Mountain Regions
If the city heat becomes too much to bear, consider taking a day trip to one of Italy’s beautiful coastal areas or countryside. The sea breezes along the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or Sicily can provide some much-needed relief from the sweltering city heat. In the countryside, especially in regions like Tuscany or Umbria, the temperatures are generally lower, and the slower pace allows for a more relaxed experience. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the mountainous regions in the North, such as the Dolomites, which are renowned for their stunning natural beauty.
In conclusion …
The intense heat in Italy during summer can certainly be challenging, but it doesn’t have to spoil your holiday. With the right precautions, your Italian summer holiday can be a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience.
Go back to Italy Travel Tips.