0 of 73 packed
Documents & money 0/12
Tech 0/9
Clothes for churches, cobblestones and heat 0/10
Pickpockets & valuables 0/4
Health & toiletries 0/10
Driving 0/7
Hiking & beaches 0/5
Traveling with kids 0/5
Before you leave home 0/11
Clear every tick on this list?
What to add, month by month
The basics above work all year. This is what to add for the month you travel. Italy runs about 750 miles (1,200 km) from the Alps to Sicily, so the same week can bring snow in Cortina and swimming weather in Palermo. What catches Americans out is summer heat in the cities, damp winters in the north, and church dress codes in every season.
| Months | Rome, Florence and the south | Venice, Milan and the lakes | Dolomites and mountains |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to February | A warm jacket, layers and an umbrella; Rome's January highs are about 55°F (13°C), Palermo's about 60°F (16°C) | A winter coat, hat, gloves and waterproof shoes; highs about 44°F (7°C), with fog in the Po Valley and acqua alta (high water) in Venice | Full ski and snow gear; Cortina's January highs are about 34°F (1°C), and the ski season runs from early December |
| March and April | A light jacket, a sweater and an umbrella; Rome's April highs are about 67°F (19°C) | A warm jacket and layers; April highs are about 62–64°F (17–18°C) | Still ski season, often into April in the Dolomites; hiking trails and huts are mostly closed |
| May and June | Light clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen, plus a layer for evenings; heat waves have started arriving in June | Light layers and a light rain jacket; a swimsuit for the lakes | From mid-June, hiking boots, a warm layer and a rain shell as lifts and huts open |
| July and August | The lightest clothes you own, a church cover-up, a hat and a water bottle; Rome's highs are about 89°F (32°C) and Florence's 91°F (33°C) | Summer clothes and sunscreen; Milan's highs are about 86°F (30°C), Venice's 84°F (29°C) | Hiking kit plus a fleece; Cortina's July highs are about 73°F (23°C), and summits are much colder |
| September and October | Summer clothes into September, then layers and a light rain jacket; Rome's October highs are about 73°F (23°C) | Layers and a rain jacket; October highs are about 65–66°F (18–19°C) | Warm layers; the hiking season ends in late September, and many lifts and huts close |
| November | A warm jacket and an umbrella; coast and island towns largely shut for the season | A winter coat and waterproof shoes; Christmas markets open in the north late in the month | Winter clothes for Bolzano, Merano and the Christmas markets; ski gear from early December |
Watch out
Church dress codes are enforced at the door. At St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, staff turn away visitors with bare shoulders or knees, and the strictest sites refuse very short shorts and miniskirts. Keep a light scarf and something knee-length in your day bag, even in August. See the Vatican and etiquette.
What to leave at home
- US hair dryers, flat irons and curling wands that run on 120 V only. On Italy's 230 V they will burn out or catch fire, even through an adapter. Use the one in your room or buy one in Italy. See phones, plugs and apps.
- Meat and dairy from home. You cannot bring meat or dairy products into the EU from the US, including beef jerky, salami, cheese and the ham sandwich from the plane. Packaged snacks such as granola bars, crackers and candy are fine. See customs allowances.
- A wardrobe of only shorts and tank tops. You will be refused at the Vatican and many churches. Pack at least one outfit that covers shoulders and knees.
- Heels and new shoes. Cobblestones, hill towns and miles of walking punish both. Bring shoes you have already worn for a full day.
- Cannabis and THC products in any form. Leave them at home, even if they are legal where you live.
- Euros bought at your US bank or the airport. Exchange desks give some of the worst rates you will see; a fee-free US debit card at an Italian ATM almost always comes out ahead. See money.
- A huge suitcase, if you are traveling by train. You lift your own bags onto trains, over Venice's bridges and up stairs in old buildings. One medium bag each is easier. See getting around.
- Large amounts of cash, unless you declare it. You must declare €10,000 (about $11,200) or more when entering or leaving the EU.
- Room for beach sand. Taking sand, pebbles or shells from Sardinia's beaches is illegal and can cost up to €3,000 (about $3,360). See Sardinia.
Not sure what the weather will be? Check our month-by-month guide. For pickpockets and emergencies see safety, for the rental car see driving in Italy, and for timed tickets see art and churches.