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Naples by MonthNaples in July

A Complete Guide to Visiting Naples in July

By Sara MaxwellOctober 22nd, 2024No Comments

Hot, sultry days filled with high season crowds heading to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast, it’s Naples in July!

fiat 500 in sorrento campania Naples in July
Get up early to find quiet streets and lower temperatures in July

Everything you need to know about Naples in July

Is it busy in July here? Yes, absolutely, but the city of Naples is not packed full of visitors in the way Amalfi, Positano, Capri and Sorrento are in July. People naturally head to the coast because of the sizzling temperatures, but I actually prefer to spend more time in the city this month.

wine glass with sunset behind
July is all about slowing down as temperatures rise

The heat becomes manageable if you change how you think about your day and when to go out, and you can always take time out of the city if it gets too much!

Here’s what you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:

Naples weather in July

July is the hottest month in Naples. You may think that would be August, but long sunshine hours and high humidity in July combine to create continuous high temperatures. The average temperature during the day is 86°F/30°C and at night 70°F/21°C, but those average temperatures do not give an accurate idea of what it’s like here at the peak of the day when it can be well into the 90’s°F/over 30°C.

We do see the occasional summer storm but these come and go in a matter of minutes and the streets will be dry again in no time.

On the coast in Sorrento and further south on the Amalfi coast you’ll find slightly more pleasant temperatures which are a few degrees cooler than the city thanks to the reduced humidity and sea breeze.

The sea temperatures are perfect for swimming at this time of year, cool enough to be a lovely contrast to the hot sun but not super cold!

car temperature display
July does not mess around; we took this photo on a very hot (above average) day when visiting the ancient Roman Villa Arianna

What to pack for Naples Italy in July

Packing for Naples in July is all about staying cool. Loose cotton and linen clothing is ideal, so think cotton t-shirts, midi skirts or loose pants and above all, don’t forget to stay hydrated!

Sun protection is essential, so a sun hat or umbrella with sun protection both work well. If you’re planning lots of outdoor activities such as visiting Pompeii or climbing Mount Vesuvius, make sure you have suitable clothing and footwear as you will most likely be outside in the sun for hours.

Please leave the flip flops and light sandals at your hotel unless you’re just going to the beach. They don’t hold up to walking around Naples and I’ve seen people lose flip flops rushing to get on or off a boat at the port. Good quality walking sandals are a much better option – there’s no need to worry about looking like a tourist, that’s what you are!

The hot days become comfortably warm evenings so you won’t need anything heavier. If you’re staying on Capri or somewhere else on the coast you may want a very light wrap or something similar for later at night when the breeze can feel cooler after the heat of the day.

Remember that air conditioning is not particularly widespread or efficient in Italy so the chances of it being much cooler inside restaurants, shops or museums are fairly low! I always have a fan with me in summer, either a hand fan or a battery-powered one, which makes a surprisingly big difference.

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, even if you’re not planning on going to the beach. 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 July 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

With the summer in full force, it’s absolutely vital to look after yourself in the heat. Wearing looser fit clothing made from natural materials, applying high SPF sunscreen, staying out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day and keeping hydrated will all help.

One of the best tips an Italian friend gave me was to remember that in the heat we need salt and water. This advice sounds silly initially, but when we sweat we lose a lot of salt and essential minerals and if we drink lots of water, this gets rid of even more, so topping up our mineral salt level keeps us from feeling tired and getting dehydrated when it’s extremely hot.

They told me to add a pinch of sea salt to a glass of water, but I prefer to keep a few sachets of electrolyte powder in my bag which have the same effect.

Rule 2 – Dress in layers

When I talk about layers in the summer, this is more about layers of sun protection and making sure you’re prepared for whatever you have planned.

Having a light wrap or sarong with you is perfect for putting round your shoulders when you get on the ferry or boat back to where you’re staying and the spray suddenly feels cold. Having a travel umbrella with you means you will have shade when you’re standing in Herculaneum listening to your tour guide.

My top suggestion will always be to make sure you have some different options in your packing to cover multiple situations!

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 July a good time to visit Naples Italy?

July can be a good time to visit Naples, if you can cope with the heat and/or are not planning to do that much. I’ll give you my coping strategy in a moment, but I have to be honest, if you’re not used to the heat and want to do lots of sightseeing, July probably isn’t the month for you. Instead, focus on staying out of the city and keeping activities relatively low key.

beach clubs at vico equense
A beach day is always a good idea – why not go to our favorite in Vico Equense, Antico Bagno?

Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?

If you’re looking to visit Naples or Campania from Rome for a day trip, be sure to check out these incredible tours from our friends at Take Walks.
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!
MORE ITALY TOURS

However, if you are looking for something a bit different (and are okay in the heat) then Naples in July could be for you!

Here’s how I deal with the heat in Naples:

  • Completely rethink your day. Set your alarm to get up early with the sun (between 5.30 and 6AM in July) and head outside as soon as you can. Grab a pastry from a local bar and walk around the historic center without the crowds watching the businesses set up for the day. The tall buildings and narrow streets stop the sun for the first couple of hours of the day so it will feel much more pleasant!
  • Aim to get to the museum, church or other sight you want to go inside for when it opens so you are one of the first to be inside. When you are done, assuming it is around 11AM/12PM, go back to your accommodation. Don’t be tempted to stay outside or walk around more, get some food to takeaway if you’re hungry, but go back to your room or apartment.
  • Stay inside until at least 4-5PM. Nap, read, watch TV, swim in your hotel pool if you have one, do whatever you feel like, but the idea is to rest as much as possible.
  • In the late afternoon, go back out when the sun starts to dip. Many sights are open later in the summer so you will have your choice of what to see and the daytime crowds will have left by this point of the day.
  • Enjoy aperitivo in one of Naples’ piazzas and have dinner later. Everyone stays up late in the summer so get a gelato and people-watch in the cooler air.

The other thing to remember is that even in the summer cool places exist, so if you plan your days right, you will avoid the intense heat.

Naples is busy in July, but most people are passing through the city to get to the vacation hot-spots on the Amalfi coast, Capri and Sorrento, which are all extremely crowded. There are also a lot of cruises that stop in July, which makes the city busier during the main parts of the day.

In some ways July is the city’s shoulder season after the large crowds of May and June, but don’t expect it to be cheaper. Prices for accommodation and transport remain high and popular sights will be booked up quickly.

Pompeii is extremely busy in July and unless you can get there first thing in the morning, I would recommend staying away. The archeological site gets almost unbearably hot and the crowds make for an unpleasant experience. Herculaneum or the sites at Baiae and Pozzuoli are far more enjoyable in the summer if you’re keen to explore ruins from ancient history!

What food to eat in July in Naples

Helpfully, seasonal food in July is full of nutrients, refreshing and the perfect thing to eat when it’s so hot! Summer tomatoes continue to be available in abundance as are eggplant and zucchini, but you’ll also see melons of all types appear, along with figs, berries, peaches and plums.

I love when melon comes into season as it’s served cold from the fridge as dessert in a lot of restaurants, which is the perfect end to a meal in the heat!

I find eating little and often is better when it’s hot rather than having larger meals, so take full advantage of Naples’ wide choice of street food. A cuoppo is a paper cone filled with all sorts of fried snacks to eat on the go, or try the pizza fritta, pizza dough filled with tomato sauce and cheese before being fried, or my personal favorite, the frittatina. Made from pasta mixed with bechamel sauce formed into small pieces, breaded and fried, there is something incredibly satisfying about eating pasta this way!

sara at dinner in sorrento
Find a rooftop during the summer to benefit from a breeze – I was happy with Warren’s choice here at Terrazza Vittoria in Sorrento!

What to do during July 2024 in Naples Italy

July holidays and special dates in Naples

While there is no national holiday in July, there are a couple of important events to be aware of:

July 15 – Festa della Madonna del Carmine

The religious celebration of the Madonna of Carmine has been celebrated in Naples for a very long time, with the main event held in Piazza del Carmine (a short walk from the Duomo) on the evening of July 15.

Based on a story whose origins are unclear, the Carmine church tower appears to start burning, created with a mix of light projections and fireworks. The ‘fire’ ends when the icon of the Madonna is placed close to the bell tower.

The following day is the official saint’s day so there are masses throughout the day before the celebrations end with a big fireworks display in the evening.

Summer sales begin

In Italy there are big sales in stores twice a year, once in winter and once in summer. Outside of these periods stores are not allowed to hold full sales so they are a big deal here!

In summer the sales usually begin on the first Saturday of July, but ironically, this also means that the new fall fashions will begin to appear in stores. I can never face trying on warm jumpers and jeans but you can get some real bargains!

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:
VIEW ALL EVENTS HERE

Free Things to do during July 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:

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
villa ariana frescoes
Another great way of beating the heat (and crowds) is to head to a lesser known site such as the Stabiae villas (also know as the Pompeii suburban villas)

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. Go up to the large park on the Capodimonte hill to find a shady spot and relax with a picnic or visit one of Naples’ many churches, there’s plenty of possibilities!

Discover Naples and Campania easily with this pass!

Access over 100 Naples and Campania sites, museums, archeological parks (including Pompeii) with the official tourist pass of the city and region! Save money and make visiting the top sites stress-free – click here to find out more:
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More ideas for things to do in Naples during July

If you have more time to spend in Naples or Campania this is a great month to take advantage of this opportunity, with lots of fun things to see and do besides the main attractions.

Read our page all about exploring beyond Naples for some inspiration, or set your aim further afield in Italy. With the excellent rail network you could easily do day trips to Rome or Florence, or head south to Salerno, so why wait?

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To sum up…

While July in Naples is very hot, it’s still possible to have a fun trip as long as you adjust your expectations and sightseeing schedules. Stay hydrated, eat lots of gelato and enjoy the summer vibes!

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