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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!
August features one of Italy’s most popular holidays, Ferragosto
Everything you need to know about Naples in August
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.
This part of the world is popular with everyone at this time of year, for good reason
That said, August is a great time of year to take a vacation, and combining sightseeing time in Naples with relaxation in Sorrento or the islands is the perfect mix!
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:
Naples weather in August
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.
Get out on the water (somehow!) to keep cool and for a unique experience during your trip
What to pack for Naples Italy in August
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.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the summer:
General Naples packing tips
There are certain things you’ll want to include in your packing whatever time of year you visit Naples, and I recommend that you keep these travel essentials with you in your carry on bags to avoid any problems, including:
You should also make sure to have copies of your passport (either paper photocopies or digital copies on your cell phone), the details of your travel including hotels and transfers and any medications that you need to take regularly.
Sunscreen is essential this time of year. Italian pharmacies and supermarkets sell a variety of sunscreen brands and types so you do not have to bring this with you, but I find it’s good to have at least enough for the first few days of a trip so I don’t have to worry about getting sunscreen immediately!
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
What to wear during a August visit to Naples
There are two rules that apply year-round when deciding what to wear in Naples, but really, they apply anywhere in Italy!
Rule 1 – Be comfortable
My top piece of advice for anyone coming to Naples and Campania, at any time of year is to be comfortable and this is most important for your feet.
As August in Naples is hot you might think you will stay cool by wearing light sandals or flip flops, but the cobblestones and paved streets are killer on your feet if you don’t have sturdy enough shoes, and you’ll actually feel hotter wearing flip flops!
I recommend bringing some sturdy walking sandals or good cotton tennis shoes that give your feet enough support, and make sure you’ve already broken them in so you know they won’t rub or hurt your feet.
Even if you’re planning to spend all your time on the water or at the beach, think about suitable shoes. Many of the beaches on the Amalfi coast are pebble not sand and if you’re getting on and off boats flip flops can easily fall off!
Rule 2 – Dress in layers
The other rule is to always have some layers with you. Whether it’s a light scarf to wrap round your shoulders or knees to go inside a church, a pair of shorts and t-shirt to wear when getting to and from the beach over your swimwear or a light jacket for sitting outside at night, having different options in your packing is extremely helpful!
Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Naples & Campania?
Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:
Is August a good time to visit Naples Italy?
As I said at the start of this guide, Naples is not as hot, busy or closed as people think it will be in August. Yes it’s hot, yes Positano is crammed full during the day and yes there are some closures mid-month for Ferragosto, but none of these should stop you from visiting this month.
Beat the heat by getting up early and staying out late, go on day trips to some of the lesser-visited places on the Amalfi coast and join in the fun on Ferragosto rather than worrying about missing a day of sightseeing.
We visit Sorrento every August because we love it so much, which should hopefully demonstrate what a wonderful time you can have!
From the moment Italians wake up on Ferragosto they are in the mood to celebrate – evidenced by this huge breakfast cake at our favorite hotel in Sorrento!
A lot of hotels and restaurants will do special menus to mark Ferragosto – we wholeheartedly recommend booking a unique dinner to get involved in the celebrations
Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?
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Each experience offers you an easy way to visit sites like Pompeii, Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Transport and tickets are all taken care of, leaving you to focus 100% on enjoying your time here!
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.
What food to eat in August in Naples
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.
Treat yourself to a light dessert during the summer such as a lemon-flavored torta caprese cake
What to do during August 2024 in Naples Italy
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!
Discover what’s on in Naples and Campania
There’s no shortage of special events, exhibitions and unique experiences happening right now in Naples and Campania! Check out the full listing here:
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.
There are less people around in August as southern Italians traditionally head to the mountains in the north of the country for fresher air
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.
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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!
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To sum up…
Join in the Ferragosto celebrations and take advantage of the streets of Naples being quieter during August. Focus on smaller and less well-known places to visit along the Amalfi coast as well to avoid the crowds at Positano!
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