We’ve come to the next instalment of our When to Visit Milan series, so welcome to Milan in July!
Italy’s second-largest city is often just seen as gateway for travelers heading to iconic Italian destinations like Venice or Florence. However, we always recommend people to stop in Milan, even for just a night or two.
Besides all the must-visit attractions like the Duomo and Last Supper, there are many excellent restaurants, cultural events like concerts, opera and exhibitions, and even some picturesque corners (Navigli and Brera, I’m thinking of you!)
July is an exciting month to visit Milan, as the city buzzes with summer energy. You can easily while the day away exploring historic landmarks, enjoying outdoor concerts, and spending long, leisurely evenings by the canals.
The city is not usually busy, since many Milanese move to their summer homes by early July to escape the summer heat. However, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city during the summer!
In this article, we’ll dive into the specifics of what you can expect when visiting Milan in July, covering everything from the weather and what to pack, to the best events and activities the city has to offer.
Weather in Milan in July
July is the hottest month of the year in Milan. It’s the height of summer, with warm, sunny days that make it a great time to explore the city.
The summer climate ensures plenty of daylight for sightseeing, but it can get very hot (over 35°C), so it’s wise to prepare for the heat while enjoying the city’s many sights. Make sure you book air-conditioned accommodation, it’s not always a “given”, especially if you are planning to stay in a budget hotel.
Average Temperatures
Milan in July experiences some of the hottest temperatures of the year. Daytime highs typically range between 28°C and 33°C (82°F to 91°F), with occasional heatwaves pushing the mercury even higher. Evenings bring some relief, with temperatures cooling to around 22°C-25°C (72°F to 77°F).
These warm nights are ideal to dine outside – make sure you ask for a table outside when you book, as they tend to be in high demand when available.
To escape the heat, Milan’s urban parks and shaded piazzas provide pleasant spots to retreat from the sun. Many cafes and restaurants also offer outdoor seating with umbrellas or misting systems to keep visitors comfortable during the day.
What to Wear
Dressing appropriately for Milan’s summer weather is essential to enjoy your visit. Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal for staying cool during the day. Loose-fitting dresses, shorts, and T-shirts are common, while comfortable walking shoes are a must for navigating the city’s streets.
For evening outings, consider slightly dressier options like sundresses or light trousers paired with stylish tops. There’s no obligation to be “stylish like the locals” – many locals (i.e. me) couldn’t care less about being stylish.
Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. A refillable water bottle is also a handy item to have, as hydration is key during the hot July days in Milan. Here are some items we recommend packing:
- Light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt: just in case it gets chilly at night, or to wear indoors if the air conditioning is high.
- Tops or t-shirts: something light and breezy for when it’s hot.
- Shorts or skirts: if you’re planning to visit churches, make sure your knees are covered.
- Sandals or light trainers: make sure you pack comfortable shoes.
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen: please apply multiple times daily!
Does it Rain in Milan in July?
Rain is relatively rare in Milan in July, but it is a possibility – the city sees an average of 5 to 6 rainy days throughout the month. These showers are typically brief and often take the form of summer thunderstorms during the evening or night, providing a refreshing break from the heat. Even if you do encounter rain, it’s unlikely to disrupt your plans for long.
It’s still a good idea to carry a small umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket, especially if you’re planning day trips outside the city where weather conditions can vary.
July Events and Festivals
If you don’t mind the heat, July is a good time to be in Milan, as there are a range of events and activities for those who remain in town during the summer. From open-air concerts to lively festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Estate al Castello
One of the standout events in July is Estate al Castello, a series of events taking place in the Cortile delle Armi, one of the Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle) courtyards. The calendar covers the entire summer, from mid-June to early September, including events like concerts, open-air dancing nights, theatre and dance performances.
Events often take place in the evening, allowing attendees to enjoy the magic of live music under the stars. It’s also a very popular place for elderly Milanese to gather – they might even invite you to join for a dance!
Milan Latin Festival
Milan Latin Festival (MLF in short) is dedicated to Latin American music, dance and culture, and it’s especially popular with Milan’s sizeable Latin community. The festival typically starts in mid-June and lasts until mid-August – some of the best artists visit in July, so make sure you check the line-up if you’re interested!
Besides live music, at MLF you’ll find open-air dance floors, Latin American food and handicrafts, all in a really cool location – the EXPO 2015 area in Rho, just outside Milan.
Outdoor Concerts
Similarly to what we said about June, July is also a good month for outdoor concerts. Popular venues include San Siro Stadium and the hippodromes, where the I-Days concert series takes place.
Check the lineup and get ready for a wonderful live music night under the stars!
Things to Do in Milan in July
With warm weather, a lively festive atmosphere and not many people around, July is the perfect time to explore Milan’s iconic landmarks, green spaces, and unique experiences. Here are some top activities to include in your itinerary.
Visit the Duomo
No visit to Milan is complete without a stop at the Duomo di Milano, the city’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. This architectural masterpiece is one of the largest churches in the world, and took nearly six centuries to complete.
In July, the long daylight hours make it an ideal time to visit the cathedral and its rooftop terrace. You can climb to the top or take the elevator, and you’ll be rewarded you with panoramic views of the city skyline and, on clear days, even the distant Alps. Sunset is a very popular time to visit, so make sure you book your tickets early!
Don’t miss admiring the intricate spires and statues that adorn the Duomo’s façade, a testament to the craftsmanship of generations of artisans.
See The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of the most famous artworks in the world, is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. This iconic painting depicts the moment Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him, capturing the emotional reactions of the figures with remarkable detail.
Due to its popularity and the need for preservation, access to The Last Supper is limited, and tickets often sell out well in advance. Be sure to book your visit as early as possible to secure your spot. Seeing this masterpiece in person is a truly unforgettable experience.
Picnic in Parco Sempione
When the summer sun is shining, a picnic in the park under the shade of a tree is a lovely way to spend part of your day. Parco Sempione offers a peaceful retreat from the city centre. This vast city park is Located just behing the historic Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle), as it used to be the hunting reserve of the Lords of Milan.
Bring along a blanket, something to eat, a cold drink or a bottle of wine, and find a shady spot to relax. You can pick up excellent panini at the two kiosks just outside the castle’s main entrance, or head inside the park and look for Poke House, a good poke chain with many spots around Milan.
The park also features charming walking paths, a picturesque pond, and landmarks such as the Arco della Pace, as well as many of Milan’s museums. It’s a great place to unwind and soak up the laid-back Milanese summer vibe.
Evening on the Navigli
The Navigli district, situated along Milan’s two surviving historic canals, is lively and charming at all hours of the day – but on summer evenings, it truly comes alive.
It’s a popular spot for dinner or an aperitivo, the Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks and snacks. The beating heart of the Navigli district is the Darsena, the artificial basin where the Naviglio Grande and Pavese meet.
All around the Darsena and the initial part of the two waterways, you’ll find many waterside spots offering cocktails accompanied by generous buffets. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the twinkling reflections of lights on the water, makes for a magical evening experience – trouble is, quality is often poor.
We recommend steering clear of all places with people outside inviting passer-bys in. Opt for Rita Cocktails, Morgante or Luca e Andrea for a drink – the latter also makes a mean cotoletta. Alternatively, along the Navigli you’ll also find Fat Sam, specializing in the unusual combo of fried chicken and wine, Erba Brusca, a charming restaurant in a garden, and Tandoori Bites, the best Indian restaurant in Milan.
Bike Ride Along Naviglio Martesana
I said there are only two surviving canals in Milan, but I was wrong! There’s actually a third one, Naviglio Martesana, flowing east from Milan towards the Adda River 40 km to the northeast. It’s ideal to explore on a bike – if you are a strong cyclist, you can easily ride to Milan and back, alternatively you can take the M2 metro back, as the Gessate branch of the line rides pretty much parallel to the canal.
Cycling along the Naviglio Martesana takes you through charming neighborhoods, lush greenery, and even quaint villages beyond Milan’s borders. The path is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for cyclists of all levels. We recommend renting a mountain or city bike if you are planning to ride to the end, as the final 10 km are unpaved.
Day Trip to the Mountains
If you are visiting Milan in July, chances are you’ll want to escape the heat sooner or later. You’re in luck, because the Alps are just a quick train ride away!
Driving to the Alps, especially in summer, is not recommended. There’s very little parking in many Alpine villages, roads are narrow and traffic is commonplace, especially in summer. The same thing can be said for visiting Lake Como, one of the most popular day trips from Milan – between June and August, it’s absolutely packed.
Here are 3 easy mountain day trips from Milan, all including an easy hike and doable by train!
- Asso-Canzo to Terz’Alpe – from Asso-Canzo station, walk about 1 hour 30 to Rifugio Terz’Alpe via a shaded forest with wooden sculptures. The Rifugio at the end serves excellent mountain specialties – try the polenta uncia (cheesy polenta) with sausages!
- Cascate dell’Acquafraggia – take a train to Chiavenna station and discover this picturesque mountain village before taking an easy 45-min walk to the Acquafraggia waterfalls just outside town. If you’re hungry, head to one of the many crotti (traditional restaurants) around town.
- Castello dell’Innominato – take a train to Calolziocorte and an easy 30 min uphill walk to a castle where you can get great views over the southeastern branch of Lake Como. Nearby Rifugio Camposecco is also very good!
Looking for more month-by-month Milan guides? There you are!