A Complete Guide to Visiting Naples in August

You’ve probably heard that Naples in August will be too hot, everything will be shut and it’s extremely busy, but none of these are actually true!

Okay, so yes, August in Naples is going to be hot, but it’s actually slightly cooler than it is in July and isn’t so hot that you can’t do anything at all. Similarly, some businesses will be shut or have reduced hours but things are very different now and most people can’t afford to take a whole month off work during a busy tourist period.

Where you stay in Naples or Campania during your August trip will make a big difference to your overall experience here. As such I believe getting your choice of location right is one of the most important things about planning any travel.

When it comes to August, we would recommend staying in the Posillipo area of Naples, just outside of the city center area on the coast.

Posillipo is not only one of Naples’ most picturesque and historic neighborhoods, but also home to most of Napoli’s top beaches and offers easy connections to the city center and wider area.

Staying in Posillipo means you’ll be able to enjoy the best of what Naples and Campania has to offer with the ability to cool off during the summer heat.

In no way in August in Naples a mild month, but the average temperature is lower than we see in July. Daytime high temperatures are around 84°F/29°C and the average low temperature at night is 68°F/20°C, but these start to drop towards the end of the month and there is also an increase in the average wind speed which makes the air feel cooler.

You’ll still want to stay somewhere that has air conditioning as standard, but there is a freshness in the air that does not exist in July.

August is our favorite time to take a vacation in Sorrento because the weather is slightly cooler than in the city and by evening we get far more pleasant temperatures for sitting outside, with less humidity as well.

If you’re going anywhere in southern Italy in August you will want to pack a wide selection of light, cool clothing that will be suitable for the sizzling temperatures, especially at the start of the month.

Make sure to take steps to avoid suffering from heat exhaustion and bring loose outfits that are breathable – natural fabrics like cotton and linen will help with this unlike clothing made with synthetic materials. A reusable water bottle is also an essential item in August to make sure you stay hydrated.

If you’re visiting towards the end of August or will be mostly on the Amalfi coast and the islands, I recommend bringing a light cardigan, wrap or jacket for the evenings. Anywhere near the water picks up a lovely breeze which can feel a little cool if you’re sat outside all evening.

How crowded is Naples during August?

Certain places are crowded during August in Naples, with large numbers of cruise ships depositing people who want to do a day trip to Pompeii, Positano or Capri, but the city itself is not too busy.

This means when you’re walking around the historic center you won’t have any issues getting a table in a restaurant, and you won’t need to book super far in advance to visit the MANN or catacombs of San Gennaro for example.

It is high, high season for the Amalfi coast however, particularly the towns of Positano and Amalfi. Capri is also very busy in August. Lots of people get on the ferries to visit for the day and leave when the sunshine hours start to wane, which to be honest is not enjoyable.

Combining this with high prices for accommodation and food, I suggest avoiding these towns and instead trying something different! Ravello offers stunning views and Maiori has better beaches, or if you want an island experience, Ischia and Procida are just as charming as Capri.

Similar to July, seasonal food in August is all about fresh, sweet fruit and vegetables. Eggplants are particularly good in August along with all sorts of varieties of peppers, and my favorite, zucchini, so I always get a plate of mixed grilled vegetables as a side in restaurants this time of year.

Figs are also perfectly ripe now, which I prefer paired with salty prosciutto in a sandwich rather than alone, and delicious sweet watermelon is also sold all over the city – try some on the go for a refreshing treat!

As some of the Neapolitan pasta dishes can be quite hearty, in the summer I tend to go for spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) more often than anything else as it feels somehow lighter, and the hint of chilli and lemon feels appropriate in the heat.

August holidays and special dates in Naples

There is one huge holiday in August to be aware of:

August 15 – Ferragosto

The origins of Italy’s biggest holiday go back to the ancient Romans, and the Italians take it super seriously!

Taking a long vacation in August is extremely common, and often whole businesses will close to allow everyone to be off work at the same time. It used to be the case that very few businesses were open on or around August 15th as a result, but nowadays you’ll find far more options open if you’re in Naples at this time of the month.

The main thing is to be aware that your favorite restaurants and shops could be closed, so always check in advance if you have a particular place in mind that you want to visit.

August 15 is a national holiday so many places will be closed this day and the beaches will be absolutely packed. The best way of dealing with the closures is simply to join in with the festivities!

August is a quieter month for events, concerts and exhibitions because many people are on vacation or simply trying to stay cool out of the city. This doesn’t mean that there is nothing for you to enjoy however, with a selection of evening concerts and other events available through the month.

Free Things to do during August in Naples

On the first Sunday of each month, a number of museums, art galleries and archeological sites are open for free to all visitors all over Italy.

In the city of Naples you can get free entry to many places, including these locations:

• MANN – National Archeological Museum of Naples
• Royal Palace of Naples
• Capodimonte Museum
• Castel Sant’Elmo
• The Museum and Charterhouse of San Martino

In Campania, you can visit some locations for free as well, including:

• Pompeii
• Herculaneum
• The archeological park and museum at Paestum
• The ancient Roman villas at Oplontis and Stabiae
• The sites within the Phlegrean Fields area

Booking in advance for the Free Sunday is not generally possible so aim to arrive early and expect large lines at the most popular sights – particularly Pompeii.

If you have another day when you could visit Pompeii, I would recommend avoiding the Free Sunday event and visiting one of the other free sites, saving your Pompeii sightseeing for a different day when it will be easier to get in.

Of course, there are lots of other things you can do for free at any time. You could head to a free beach and relax in the sun, take an early walk along the lungomare and watch the boats leaving the marina or visit Naples cathedral.

More ideas for things to do in Naples during August

There are lots of fun things to see and do here besides the obvious must-sees so if you want to see a different side of Naples, take a look at our page all about exploring further afield for inspiration. There’s so much to do in Naples and Campania that even if you’ve visited in the past you will have plenty to choose from!

You could also consider traveling a little further away in Italy. From Naples there are easy and fast connections to both Rome and Florence so you can see another part of this wonderful country!