Though Italy has become a year-round destination over the past few seasons, bustling with visitors even in the historically quiet winter months, summer remains the busiest time of year to visit by far. We always try to nudge travelers towards the calmer and cooler spring and fall seasons, but book the bulk of our client trips in the months between May and September.

In addition to peak crowds, this is when the country hits its peak temperatures and the mercury soars in both the cities and the countryside. Choosing what to pack for Italy in summer requires thinking about how to protect yourself from the Mediterranean sun while still dressing modestly enough to pop into churches and other religious sites where shoulders, knees, and midriffs must be covered to enter.