I get conflicting thoughts on this... we have the chance to use some points to fly to Europe (from Canada) at the end of August. We'll go to Paris but were thinking about adding Rome as a second city... only we've had several people tell us it's unbearably hot. Should we avoid it? Or only go for a couple of days?

Eric

The Romans will all be away on vacation, so lots of businesses will be closed.

I was in Italy this past August with my wife and son for the last 2 weeks of the month and we spent 5 days in Rome. While it was hot we did not find it unbearable. We spent most of the days walking all over the city. We usually ended the day at the hotels pool and took a shower before going to dinner.

Lines at the sites, while long, were not horrible. We got into the Coliseum in less than 30 minutes and our Vatican tour wait was about 40 minutes. While it is true most Romans are on vacation at that time the only spot I found closed which I wanted to visit, was Harry's Bar.

I also chose the dates we went based on award availability for 2 seats in C. We had no regrets being there that week, it was an amazing time.

Rome is amazing any time of the year. I would not worry about too many places being closed, there are plenty of wonderful restaurants and sights.
As far as too hot, that varies depending on ups and downs in the weather. It is generally warmer than Paris but I remember a summer in Paris that was horrible (40 degrees Celcius +). The big issue is one: your health and if you can tolerate walking in hot, sunny weather and two: the overall lack of air-conditioners.
I would recommend getting a nicer hotel with air-condition (ask specifically about the a/c - don't assume anything) and if you like pools, that may be refreshing. Most of the sights are close by, there is a hop on hop off bus and there are taxis everywhere.
On the other hand, it is the perfect excuse to have Gelatto for breakfast. In the winter I feel guilty if I eat Gelatto before 2 pm.

There is a saying that the only ones in Rome in August are, "i cani ed i americani," --dogs and Americans. The Romans have been leaving the city in August for more than 2000 years. That said, it will be warm and about every third resturant and store may be closed, but it is doable. Now, the heat may be one thing, the euro/dollar exchange is something else.

I guess a lot depends on what you consider "unbearably hot." As for the issue of many things being closed, you will have encountered far more closures in Paris in August, so you will be accustomed to it by the time you get to Rome.

I think you need to look up Rome average temperature and humidity on something like Yahoo weather. So much depends on what you are used to, and I see you are from Ontario.

I spent some time living in TX and know all too well what 113 feels like. Burn your fingers on the car steering wheel.

Now in MN and when it gets over 90 everybody is fussing (although I have to admit it is also 90% humidity so is pretty soggy).

And I've been in England and seen newspaper headlines of "heat wave" when the high was only to be 88!

The natives anywhere know how to dress for and manage the heat. My TX neighbors were often out gardening in 100, while I was wussing out in the house. I never did get adjusted.

Romelle