August in Italy is the time when cities melt in the heat, and locals head either to the water or higher into the mountains. If you want to swap +35°C for refreshing cool air, here are three perfect scenarios:
What to see in Piedmont in August
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Rassa
Pontechianale, Valle Varaita
Lake Maggiore
Lake Orta
Alagna Valsesia
August in Piedmont is a month of contrasts. While Turin grows quiet and locals leave en masse for their holidays, the alpine valleys and lake shores come to life. This is the time of Ferragosto, the main Italian summer holiday, when no one works and everyone celebrates.
The atmosphere of August: a time to slow down
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August is the hottest and most “lazy” month. In the first half of the month, cities empty out, while the region’s nature reveals itself at its fullest. If you enjoy quiet megacities and energy in nature, August is perfect for you.
Why go: There are no queues at museums in Turin, the mountains offer perfect hiking weather, and in the evenings every village comes alive with sagre (local food festivals). Main nuance: The period from August 10 to 20 is the peak holiday season. Many small family-run shops and restaurants in cities may be closed with a sign “Chiuso per ferie”.
Main events of August
In August, events move from concert halls to town squares and the mountains.
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Stresa Festival (17 July – 6 September, Stresa, Lake Maggiore). For lovers of classical music and jazz. Concerts take place in villas and gardens overlooking the lake.
Bolle di Malto (31 August - 7 September, 2026 - tentative, Biella). A major national festival of craft beer and street food. A lively, free-spirited atmosphere. During the day — tastings and gastronomic workshops; in the evening — large free concerts with popular Italian bands and DJs.
Ferragosto (August 15). The main summer celebration in Italy. On this day, many large and small towns (including Pontechianale and Alagna Valsesia) host fairs, free concerts in town squares, special events in restaurants, and spectacular fireworks over the lakes.
On August 15–16 in Alagna Valsesia, guided group ascents are organized to Capanna Margherita — the highest mountain hut in Europe (4554 m). The ascent is done roped together with alpine guides. The program includes an overnight stay at over 4500 m and sunrise over the Alps.
Where to escape the heat: Alpine freshness
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Alagna Valsesia
Maggiore, Orta and Mergozzo
Chianale
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Alagna Valsesia
The gateway to Monte Rosa. At an altitude of about 1212 m, the air is already noticeably cooler than in the plains. This is one of the best places in Piedmont for active summer holidays: hiking and trekking along alpine trails, one of the best rafting experiences in Italy on the Sesia River, and climbs to mountain huts with breathtaking views of Monte Rosa.
In addition, thanks to three consecutive cable cars, you can ascend in just 15–20 minutes from summer into the harsh high-altitude spring of the Punta Indren glacier (3275 m). Skiing is not available here in summer, but you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views and even play in the snow in the middle of the summer heat.
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August gastronomy: summer flavors of Piedmont
August is a month of vibrant colors on the plate.
It is the peak season for blueberries, raspberries, and wild berries.
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What to try
Wine
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What to try
Insalata di carne cruda (a salad of raw Fassona beef) with lemon and olive oil - a very light and nutritious dish for hot weather. And of course, gelato - look for gelaterias with the sign gelato artigianale: it is more aromatic and “honest” in taste, as it is made directly on site, often daily. It is characterized by natural ingredients - fresh milk, cream, seasonal fruits, nuts, without colorings or preservatives.
After hiking, rafting, or mountain ascents, order a hearty and warm dish in the evening: polenta concia - polenta with plenty of cheese and butter. It is a true Alpine classic - simple but authentic - and pairs perfectly with a glass of Gattinara or Ghemme.
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Practical tips
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In August, at the lakes of Piedmont (especially Lake Maggiore), you should look for parking near the beaches before 10:00 in the morning. Otherwise, “escaping the heat” may turn into waiting in a long line of cars.
While there are plenty of available places in Turin, in restaurants around the lakes or in Alagna Valsesia in August it is almost impossible to get a table without a reservation. Everything is occupied by Italians celebrating their holidays.
In Alagna itself, daytime temperatures in August are usually around +20 to +23°C, but as soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops sharply. For evening time in outdoor cafés, be sure to bring a warm sweater.
At Punta Indren (3275 m), the temperature is around zero. Be sure to dress in layers: a T-shirt, a fleece, and a windproof jacket.
A car is ideal for visiting Alagna, as it allows you to easily reach Rassa and Riva Valdobbia, although buses do run between Alagna and Riva.
In August, on weekends (approximately August 16, 23, and 30), evening cable car rides are organized to the station Pianalunga (2046 m), where dinners take place in mountain huts such as Alpen Stop or Grande Halte.
The perfect 3-4 day itinerary in August
August in Alagna Valsesia is a time when the mountains breathe cool air, and the atmosphere is filled with the scent of alpine herbs and fresh hay. This 3-4 day itinerary combines active trekking, a deep immersion into Walser culture, and gastronomic pleasure.
routes
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Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
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Day 1
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Discovering Alagna and Walser culture
Start with a walk through the historic quarters of Alagna. In the morning, visit the Museo Walser in the village of Pedemonte. It is the best way to understand how people managed to live in comfort at an altitude of 1200 meters more than 400 years ago. The architecture of their houses, with wooden terraces used for drying hay, is unique.
In the afternoon, walk to Riva Valdobbia (3 km from Alagna). The main highlight is the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Its façade is entirely covered by a monumental fresco of the “Last Judgment.” This is a world-class sight hidden in a quiet alpine village, and it looks especially impressive at sunset.
In the evening, have dinner in one of the restaurants in the center of Alagna. Be sure to try the local cheese Toma della Valsesia and wine from the Gattinara area.
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Ready for autumn? Read our guide: Piedmont in September: Vendemmia, Palio and Food Festivals.
Lake Orta in August
- Annual Events
- Best Viewpoints
- Lake Orta Beaches
- Boat Trips
- Hiking Trails
- Romantic Places
Discover more events in Piedmont this month.