Thinking about going to Europe in August (only time my wife has the ability to take off a week straight). I read the weather in Rome, mid to upper 80s, but looking for a first hand account. Anyone been there at this time? Being from Houston, we're use to hot, sticky weather... but come August we stay indoors mostly. Is it going to be too hot to site see? We'd probably do Rome/Florence or Rome/Amalfi Coast We're also thinking about doing London or London and Paris if Rome is too hot. We've been to Paris, but never together. Would we be better off with one of those, rather than Rome? I'd much rather go to Italy and London and Paris, but we'll eventually do all of the above. Thanks!
Went there as part of our Honeymoon at the beginning of september and it was fine. I figure August can't be that much worse.
I've been to Rome and southern Italy around that time. It wasn't optimal. Walking around or eveven sitting in cafes outside wasn't comfortable. The heat was bothersome. Also, it was really busy and crowded since I believe that month and Sept are holiday times for Europeans. I prefer Paris in the summer nevertheless. Since it will be the first time with just you two, that could make a fun trip. Rome is much better in Spring and the late Fall. London I love best in Fall and Winter.
I just got back from Switzerland and it was very hot (upper 80s/lower 90s). Being from Texas, that doesn't seem so bad but our hotel didn't have A/C, so that wasn't too fun. Apparently that is the hottest it ever gets and normally the temperature is in the 70s in the summer. I imagine Italy's weather is pretty similar to this, so you should be fine unless you get unlucky with timing like we did.
Rome is badass enough that you won't notice it being too hot. During the day drink plenty of water, and at night plenty of wine and will be aOK. Seriously though as interesting as London is Rome is on a whole other level.
Yes it will be hot. The bigger issue is the crowds in August - that's peak vacation time in Europe for the French. Even here in SF and out in Yosemite - it's taken over by Euros on their family vacations. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/places-travel-europe-august-101344.html
I was in Rome a few years ago at the end of July and into the beginning of August. It can get a little humid, but it's not on Houston's level. Overall, it wasn't too bad... Low 90s should be the worst you experience.
Cool, thanks everyone. One more questions... Florence/Tuscany or Amalfi Coast/Isle of Capri? Hopefully someone has been to both. If we go to the Tuscany region, we'll probably try to stay in some sort of B&B on a vineyard. Amalfi Coast just looks beautiful... not sure what to do there, but pictures of it are amazing.
I was actually in Rome just a few weeks ago. I don't think it can get much hotter, so this advice should be accurate. The Forum was incredibly hot, no shade anywhere, so bring hat and sunglasses, but apart from that you should be fine. My friend did get her shoulders badly burnt, and lots and lots of mosquito bites. No idea what Fahrenheit is, but it was 30-32 C when I was there. I guess you'll be going to the Vatican as well, pre-book the queue jumping tickets for just 4 euros per person via their official website, we ended up waiting in line for 2 1/2 hours, which just wasn't worth it at all. But there will be crowds, massive crowds (for the Vatican, go on Thursday, definitely not Mondays, also the Pope comes out on Sundays and Wednesdays). Florence was nice too, I didn't know about the Duomo before I went, so it was a huge shock. Quite a lot of Renaissance buildings there, but got to pay for entrance to everything.
Yeah reading the title first thing that comes to mind is 'sounds hot' Maybe baby but places that have A/C exist. My brother was living in rome and we pretty much begged him to let us have one of the A/C rooms with wall mount. Seem like lots of places are not into A/C. As mentioned foro romano is no shade and that's part of the overall issue with hot and places like this. Later in afternoon and evening is nice for walking around rome.. and overall a good walking. Rome is pretty good actually. Also as mentioned folks on vacation in august so lots of businesses/things closed. Surely the heat isn't going to kill you but it is uncomfortable. That said paris in august can be pretty steamy too..same for barcelona. Either way you will have fun and enjoy yourself since rome is a good spot.
I'll be going to Italy and Paris in a week. Doesn't look to be that hot in Italy compared to Houston lol. Paris weather should be cool!
Frankly, you must do both. Italy has largely 3 flavors: northern, central, and southern, however many will disagree with that. For your trip, you should do Florence and then drive to Cinque Terre region. It's the alternative to the Amalfi Coast. I prefer it because AC seemed to be more of a tourist trap/overpriced. It's about 100 miles from Florence! This way you can throughly explore the central part of Italy and not feel like you missed out too much. Then, y'all can return to Italy and finish the northern and southern parts later. Here's what it looks like:
10 years ago I was in Rome in June. It was very very hot. But that was also during one heck of a heat wave, so my experiences may not be representative. That being said, I was in Italy (incl Rome) last month a few times and the weather was pleasant.
I have been in Rome in both early July and late August. It can be a beast in August, especially if you are staying somewhere that doesn't have A/C. Luckily, there are public fountains everywhere with cold and clean water (aqueducts of course, Romans!). August can be hit or miss, the crowds will not be as large, but a lot of places will be closed as Europe quite literally goes on vacation for 2-3 weeks during this time. That said, it is my favorite city on Earth. It has a character and feel to it that are unmatched in any city I've ever traveled to.
Capri! You have to go to Capri and see the Amalfi Coast! I really enjoyed all of Italy, but these stand out the most to me. You can even take a day trip to see Pompeii while you are there.
