Tina

What type of clothes should I be packing for a casual sightseeing trip to Italy in January? How warm will it be? I'm concerned about my jacket choice and my shoes. When I travel to Europe in the winter, I normally take my Ecco boots, but am afraid that these might be too warm. Do I need sweaters or t-shirts for this trip?

elaine

Tina<BR>I think you should mention where in Italy you will be.

Tina

Not exactly sure yet. We're heading to Rome and then just taking the train from there. Definitely Florence, but not sure if we're heading to the coast or up to Venice. We're still working out the last details with lodging.

Mae

I was in northern Italy in Jan of last year, and I was cold and very cold. But I come from So. Cal. so what I call cold may be different from your perception. In Milan it got to be snow like temperature, and at night in Venice it wasn't that bad, even sitting out in St. Mark's Square. I had on wool socks, eccos, a wool coat and gloves and was comfortable. Oh yes, my old favorite wool beret, like Monica's.<BR>:^)

Tina

Are Florence and Rome going to be that cold as well? I thought the temperatures are warmer as you head south. Any help?

BOB THE NAVIGATOR

Tina, Rome is 55 to 39 in Jan.<BR>Florence is 49 to 35. Plan for that.<BR>Good luck !

pam

And keep in mind that the churches, museums, etc, do not have central heat. The stone gets cold and stays cold. Last March, I was colder during Mass in Santa Croce in Florence than I have ever been in my life. And it was in the low 60s outside. Take layers, gloves, wool socks, and a hat. Take a waterproof coat/jacket with a removable liner. Rain is likely in Rome, other precipitation as you go north.

Dawn

I was in Italy 8 years ago for Carnevale, and it was one of the coldest times I'd ever experienced. Actully Venice was warmer than Rome. It was quite cold. You have to really go far south before you have mild winter weather. You need to be prepared withour carrying everything you have from home. Think mid-atlantic weather, but don't factor in that its unusually warm right now. It's a freak thing. My Father-in-law lives in Pietrasanta in Tuscany and told us on Sunday that it had been quite cold.

JD

Florence in January is rainy if nothing else and around 50-55 degrees on average. I was there in mid-Jan this year and brought my wool coat plus a raincoat and used the raincoat everyday. Layers are a good idea. Have fun.