Italy, Europe

The Amalfi Coast in July

Perfect beach weather, but the road traffic, bus queues, and hotel rates are near their worst.

TradeoffsHot, highs near 84F (29C), dry

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

The straight answer

July is a month of real tradeoffs in the Amalfi Coast. Perfect beach weather, but the road traffic, bus queues, and hotel rates are near their worst.

Weather: Hot, highs near 84F (29C), dry
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What July is like in the Amalfi Coast

July is perfect beach weather, with dry days and highs near 84F (29C). It is also the busiest stretch, with road traffic, long bus queues, and near-peak hotel rates. The Ravello Festival stages classical concerts on a stage built out over the cliff at Villa Rufolo. The sea is warm and the evenings are long.

It suits travelers who want hot, sunny days and music under the stars and are fine with crowds. Use ferries rather than the road wherever you can. If you want calmer towns and still-warm water, pick September instead.

Make the most of July

What is especially good about the Amalfi Coast this month.

Ravello Festival

Concerts on the cliff-edge stage at Villa Rufolo are the high point of a summer trip. Book popular evening concerts ahead.

Arriving in Positano by ferry

The boat is faster and prettier than the road in summer, and you skip the traffic.

Early-morning swims

Beaches are calm before 9am. It is the best time for families.

What to pack for July

Light, breathable clothes
High-SPF sunscreen and a hat
Water shoes
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Book Ravello Festival tickets and hotels months ahead, and plan Capri for early morning before the midday crowds.

Book The Amalfi Coast for July.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The Amalfi Coast
Opens a hotel search for The Amalfi Coast in July, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for July
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
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.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The Amalfi Coast
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The Amalfi Coast for July. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in July

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.

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.