Italy, Europe

The Amalfi Coast in August

Ferragosto week is peak Italy. Warmest sea of the year, but book months out and expect crowds everywhere.

TradeoffsHot and humid, highs near 85F (29C)

Positano, the Amalfi Coast — The Amalfi CoastPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a month of real tradeoffs in the Amalfi Coast. Ferragosto week is peak Italy. Warmest sea of the year, but book months out and expect crowds everywhere.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 85F (29C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What August is like in the Amalfi Coast

August is hot and humid, with highs near 85F (29C) and the warmest sea of the year. Ferragosto on August 15 makes that week the most crowded of the year, with fireworks and festivities along the coast and hotels sold out. The Ravello Festival continues. Buses are packed and roads jam.

It suits families bound by school holidays and anyone who loves warm water and a lively scene. Book months out and expect crowds everywhere. If you can move your dates, September gives you nearly the same sea with far fewer people.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about the Amalfi Coast this month.

Ferragosto fireworks

August 15 brings fireworks and celebrations along the coast. It is festive, and also the busiest night of the year.

The warmest sea

Water temperatures peak, so long swims and boat days are at their best.

Ravello concerts

The festival's evening concerts carry on into August. Cool hilltop air is a relief after a hot day.

What to pack for August

The lightest clothes you own
High-SPF sunscreen and a wide hat
Water shoes
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Avoid the week around August 15 if you can, and book a boat day rather than relying on packed buses.

Book The Amalfi Coast for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Amalfi Coast
Opens a hotel search for The Amalfi Coast in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
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Vacation rentals in The Amalfi Coast
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in The Amalfi Coast
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Amalfi Coast for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in August

Ravello Festival

Summer, generally July into August

Classical concerts on a stage built out over the cliff at Villa Rufolo. Book the popular evening concerts ahead.

Ferragosto

August 15 every year

Italy's biggest summer holiday. Fireworks and festivities along the coast, and the most crowded week of the year.

Things to do in the Amalfi Coast

Full guide

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)

Start in Bomerano above Agerola and walk down toward Nocelle and Positano. Go early; there is little shade and it gets hot by late morning.

Tickets and tours →

Villa Rufolo, Ravello

The terrace garden view that inspired Wagner, and the stage for the summer Ravello Festival concerts.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Villa Cimbrone, Ravello

Walk the long garden path to the Terrace of Infinity at the end; mornings are quieter before tour groups arrive.

Tickets and tours →

Amalfi Cathedral (Duomo di Sant'Andrea)

The striped facade at the top of the steps dominates the town square. The Cloister of Paradise sits beside it.

Tickets and tours →

Positano by ferry

Arriving by boat is faster and prettier than the road in summer. Ferries run roughly spring through autumn, not in deep winter.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Pompeii

A full day trip. Go at opening and bring water; the site has very little shade.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Stay in one of the smaller towns (Praiano, Atrani, or Minori) and day-trip into Positano and Amalfi before 10am or after 5pm, when the tour buses and day boats are gone.
Use the ferries instead of the SITA buses between Salerno, Amalfi, and Positano in summer. Buses fill fast and the road traffic can double journey times.
Hike the Path of the Gods at first light. By late morning the trail is busy and exposed to full sun.
Shift to the first two weeks of June or the second half of September for the best balance of warm sea and manageable crowds.

Know before you go

From roughly November to March, a large share of hotels and restaurants in Positano and the smaller towns close. Amalfi town and nearby Sorrento stay more open through winter.
Ferry service between Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri generally runs from about Easter to late October or early November, then shrinks sharply or stops. Always check the current timetable.
Beach clubs with sunbeds and umbrellas generally operate from May to early October only.
Around Easter and Italian public holidays, especially Ferragosto on August 15, expect sold-out hotels and packed buses.

The Amalfi Coast in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

August is a month of real tradeoffs in the Amalfi Coast. Ferragosto week is peak Italy. Warmest sea of the year, but book months out and expect crowds everywhere.

What is the weather like in the Amalfi Coast in August?

Hot and humid, highs near 85F (29C).

Is the Amalfi Coast crowded in August?

August is peak crowd season in the Amalfi Coast; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in the Amalfi Coast in August?

Ravello Festival (summer, generally july into august); Ferragosto (august 15 every year).