Italy in June – Things to See and Do

Italy in June is prime time for visitors. The skies are sunny, the days are warm, and the evenings have just the right chill in the air. It’s an ideal time to explore this vast country as everything is in bloom and ready for exploration. While June is considered a high tourist season, the larger crowds and slightly higher prices are certainly worth it. The vibrant atmosphere, lineup of events, and incredible attractions make this month very attractive to visitors. Whether you want to take a summer road trip along the coast, sunbathe on the beach, or go sightseeing in the cities, June is a great time for it. If you’re planning a trip to Italy this summer, here is where to go and what to do while visiting in June.

Weather

June weather is perfect for sightseeing, especially if you plan on being outdoors. This time of year is warm all around, with temperatures in the south being slightly higher than in the north. The humidity hasn’t quite set in so more people may be exploring the countryside rather than the beach.

June can sometimes get hotter than what visitors are expecting, so you may want to pack layers and ensure that your hotel room has air conditioning. Temperatures in June typically look like this:

Northern Region: (13-27°C)

Central Region: (21-30°C)

Southern Region: (16-27°C)

Events & Holidays

Republic Day (June 2nd)

Republic Day is a national holiday that is held each year on June 2nd. Locals get together to celebrate the day Italy declared itself a republic rather than a monarchy. Expect that many people will have off of work and that there will be grand celebrations all over the country. You may stumble upon ceremonies, military parades, and people laying a wreath on the Unknown Soldier’s tomb in Rome.

June Solstice (June 21)

If you’re interested in the solstice, make sure to check the dates before planning your trip as they vary each year. The solstice is celebrated with local events and festivals that take place all across the country. Events also vary year-by-year so make sure to check online for the lineup of festivals wherever you may be visiting.

The Feast of St. John (June 24)

Taking place in Florence, Genoa, and Turin, this public holiday celebrates the honor of St. John, also known as John The Baptist. The parade that takes place in Florence is a must-see, as well as the fireworks display that happens over the Arno River. If you’re visiting Genoa or Turin, expect to find a two-day festival that includes sporting events, bonfires, music, and parades.

The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29)

Taking place in Rome, this holiday is celebrated in honor of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The city is buzzing with religious rituals, many of which involve the Pope. Visitors may see musical performances, fairs, and fireworks. Some businesses close during this holiday so make sure to do your research and plan ahead.

Pizza Festival

Ending on the 5th of June, visitors can make it out if traveling during the beginning of the month. You’ll find it in Vulcano Buono, right outside of Naples. What better place for a pizza festival than the birthplace of the dish itself? Pizza makers from around the globe come to show off their pies and compete in a variety of categories. This festival is great to experience, especially because you’ll have the chance to eat as much pizza as you can.

Game of The Bridge

Come to Pisa on the 26th of June to see more than 700 people dressed in garb from the 15th century. They’ll reenact a battle in order to gain possession of the bridge. Thousands of people show up to watch the event and the extravagant parade that precedes it.

Foligno’s Joust of the Quintana

This traditional joust tournament takes place on June 18th. It features 10 knights who compete in front of the live audience. Guests will find parades, small events, and smaller jousts happening throughout the area on the days leading up to the main battle.

San Gimignano Medieval Festival

This medieval town throws a festival each year to celebrate its history. Visitors will get to experience the street theater, parade full of lavish costumes, and a traditional joust. The festival takes place from June 18th through the 19th and is a great way to soak up some historic culture off-the-beaten path.

Inflorata

This event takes place in Genzano, a town outside of Rome. It happens from June 18th until June 20th, and features large displays of flower arrangements and beautiful paintings. The event got its roots in the 18th century as a religious celebration. Today, the festivities finish off with a parade, led by the bishop, right before sunset.

MUV Music And Digital Art Festival

Florence hosts this electronic music festival each year from June 1st through June 5th. There are musical performances, art installations, and workshops happening throughout the event. Expect upwards of 50 DJs and musical sets while visiting.

Festa della Sensa

This festival takes place on June 5th in Venice and celebrates the city’s love for water. Venice wouldn’t be the same without its canals, so the city puts on a water-based parade. The procession runs through the famous St. Mark’s Square and the event includes a market and Venetian rowing competition.

Opera Festival

Taking place from June 17th until September 3rd is the Opera Festival in Verona. The performances can be seen in the city’s 2,000-year old theater, which adds to the charm. You can catch shows all month and they are definitely worth it for the culture and entertainment.

Battle of Flowers

This yearly event takes place in Ventimiglia and is loved by flower enthusiasts. From June 18th through the 19th the locals come together to celebrate the beauty of flowers. Expect lots of music, dancing, a parade, and flowers sprinkled all throughout the streets.

Festa del Grillo

This festival can be found in Cascine Park in Florence on June 2nd. The entire park is scattered with fake crickets that are meant to bring good luck. Visitors can buy the crickets or just lounge around the park and listen to them chirp. As you wander around the area, expect to find concerts and live entertainment too.

Things To See & Do

San Gimignano

This World UNESCO Heritage Site is a beautiful hillside town with Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It’s buzzing with culture and history, and has 14 towers for visitors to explore. Make sure to pop into the museums and churches while you wander around. Try the bruschetta when you get hungry because it’s said to be world renowned.

Lago di Braies

This stunning lake can be found in northern Italy. It’s a hotspot during the summer months and makes a great day trip if you’re in the area. The water is surrounded by towering mountains, making this place great for photographers. Visitors can spend their time hiking, renting boats to paddle across the lake, and visiting the historic church. If you’re looking for a spot to cool off during the warm June weather, this lake is a great option.

Rome

Rome is an absolute delight when visiting in June. It’s one of the country’s famous cities and is sure to be bursting with culture, excitement, and lots of tourists. Don’t let the crowds scare you off because Rome is big enough to accommodate everyone. Make sure to visit the famous attractions like the Roman Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. After snapping a few photos in front of the main sites, take some time to get lost among the cobblestone streets, stop off for a coffee and gelato, and wander into a museum to cool off. Rome has a great nightlife too so don’t be scared to do a bit of bar hopping once the sun goes down.

Florence

This famous city is a favorite for art lovers. There are incredible museums like the Galleria degli Uffizi where you can get a glimpse of Michelangelo’s famous works. Visit the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, the Gucci Museum, and the main markets. Rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding hill towns on wheels or stay in the main city and get lost. After a long day wandering the museums, fill up on pizza and gelato because Florence has some pretty amazing places to eat.

Orvieto

This village is located on the top of a volcanic mound giving it a fabulous view. While visiting make sure to check out the Orvieto cathedral which is more than 800 years old and one of the town’s most famous attractions. Make sure to wander around while the weather is nice to soak in the views and enjoy the local culture. The outdoor cafes are renowned for their authentic (and delicious) Italian cooking.

Vernazza Cinque Terre

This beautiful coastline is absolutely stunning during June. Rent a car and take an extended road trip if you want to experience it the best way possible. There are various destinations along Cinque Terre but Vernazza is one of the highlights. It’s an authentic fishing village that has no car traffic, beautiful homes, and historic buildings. Make sure to check out the Sanctuary of Madonna di Reggio, Doria Castle, and Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia. The hillside views are incredible, especially from the terrace of a vineyard. Make sure to do some wine tastings, view the beach, and take a stroll around the harbor.

Naples

Foodies should definitely make their way to Naples. It’s said to have some of the best pizza in the entire country, and also has a food scene that rivals Italy’s top cities. It’s a World UNESCO Heritage Site and features bustling markets, castles, and cobblestone alleyways that are both historic and beautiful.

Pompeii

If you love history you’ll need to visit this World UNESCO Heritage Site. Mt. Vesuvius destroyed this town after it erupted, leaving artifacts and people preserved in ash. Visitors should make sure to visit the body casts and open air museum while in Pompeii. While it tends to be more crowded in June, it’s definitely worth it.

Milan

This is one of Italy’s most fashionable cities so make sure to pack your best outfit before arriving in Milan. Once there take some time to shop the latest fashion trends for the summer or just do some window shopping. There’s plenty to do aside from shopping so rent a bike and explore the city’s historic churches and monuments. Take a peek at The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci or stop by the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Venice

Wander the small alleyways and streets of Venice to uncover hidden cafes, art exhibits, and historic buildings. There are colorful canals to explore and prime people watching as couples take romantic gondola rides under bridges. Make sure to visit the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, the Jewish Ghetto, and Saint Mark’s Basilica. Stop off for some gelato or a cappuccino in one of the canalside cafes for the full experience.

Tips For Visiting Italy in June

• Pack layers since June in Italy can get quite hot during the day and cool at night.
• Make sure to double check the holidays as some hotels and businesses may be closed.
• Wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors as the sun can get quite hot.
• Consider renting a car and taking a road trip along the coast since the weather will be ideal.
• Travel south if you want to spend some time on the beaches since the weather tends to be warmer.
• Pack sturdy walking shoes instead of sandals because there is plenty of ground to cover.
• Book accommodations and activities ahead of time since June is a high tourist season.
• Get up early and get in line for the main attractions since the tourist crowds cause long lines.

June is the perfect time to visit Italy if you want sunny skies and great weather. There are holidays and events to keep you busy between checking out the attractions and eating the food. While this month does draw in hefty tourist crowds, the great weather and atmosphere make up for it.