jamocha151

I'm leaving tomorrow (4/27) for a 3 week vacation in Europe - 2 days in London, 1 week in Rome, 1 week in Florence, and 3 days in Venice.

Rain is expected in both London and Rome. Is it still cold there? What should I be packing (besides an umbrella)?? Should I bring a pair of boots with me (along with my other walking shoes)? How much does it rain - is it usually all day?? or light showers or on/off rain?? Do I still need my gloves/scarf/hat?? Typically, does the weather warm up as we get into May?

Obviously, I don't want to pack too much - but I want to be prepared. It'll be difficult to pack clothes for rain and sun!

Thanks!

tcreath

We just got back from Italy and it rained a few days while we were there. I would pack one of those small travel umbrellas and a light jacket. When we were in Italy it was beginning of March so it was a little chilly but I would think it would be warmer now. If you are bringing a good pair of walking shoes, you should be fine.

Unfortunately rain is uninviteable and is usually bound to happy on any trip of length. Try not to worry about it too much and have a great time!

bobthenavigator

React as if it were New York and Atlanta--same deal !

Marilyn

Ah, jamocha, if only there were straight forward answers to your questions, how much simpler a spring trip to Europe would be. The one thing you can count on, even without a weather forecast, is that it will rain in Europe in April/May -- always, always, always!

I can't say for Italy, but it can still be quite chilly in London, and you will feel it more if it's raining. We had 17 straight days of rain last May in England. Once I had snow (!) the last week in April in London.

Besides an umbrella, you should bring a good, full-length raincoat with a hood. One with a zip-out lining would be perfect, but otherwise I would go for a lightweight raincoat that can be layered over a sweater or worn alone. Bring a sweater or 2, or a blazer-type jacket, or a thin silk sweater to wear underneath -- an extra layer of some sort, whatever your style.

I would skip the boots, but I would make sure you have some closed walking shoes that are at least water repellant if not waterproof. You can buy some spray for your existing shoes if nothing else.

With only 2 days in London, I'd probably skip the gloves and hat. I wouldn't take a winter scarf, but I always take a few silk scarves, and they will keep you warm enough.

The weather should warm up as you get into May and as you head to Italy. I will hope for sunny skies for you!

Parker

We were in Rome from April 2 to April 12. As of March 31, the day before we left, rain was forecasted every day! Fortunately, it only rained twice, and then only in the evenings. When it began to rain, hundreds of umbrella vendors appeared. I took a waterproof jacket with a hood and had no problem. We spent our last evening having dinner at a restaurant in front of the Pantheon under some umbrellas. We got a little wet but it was wonderful!

nanb

an umbrella will be fine.
we just got back from london and rome.
When it rained, it poured!
and I did find that london felt chilly in the rain.
so take a sweater that you can fit under your coat/jacket.
rome was warm, even when it did rain.
May of course is warmer and sunnier, at least in Italy.

tledford

I'm leaving for Vienna and Prague on Wednesday and I'm in the same boat.
But I'm only going for 7 days and you are going for 3 weeks so you are bound to enjoy some decent weather at some point.
I can't decide if I should bring a heavy waterproof warm coat or just a rainjacket with layers underneath. I keep going back and forth.
I have been to Ireland and England in 50 degree rainy weather and never brought rain shoes or boots. My feet didn't get too wet since I used an umbrella. I don't think it ever just rains ALL day. One day would vary between a little sun, showers, and pouring rain that you want to go inside for.
As for gloves, scarf, hat- I have chosen gloves only. I really hate the feel of scarf and hat and if I'm desperate I'll buy it there.
The weather can surprise you and really warm up in Italy. Last year it was very hot there in early May.
It sounds like a great trip. I actually enjoy being in London in the rain- running in somewhere to get a cup of tea and waiting for the sky to clear. Have a great time.

jamocha151

Thanks for the tips everyone!! Hopefully it won't rain too much!

ira

Hi jam,

We're leaving for Paris tomorrow. It will be rainy there as well.

We are bringing umbrellas.

rj007

This subject came up on previous posts and what we said then still applies. A lot of what is worth seeing in London and Rome is indoors. If you have one of those days where it is pouring rain then a day spent in the British Museum, National Gallery or the Vatican Musuem is time well spent.

As other people have noted, you might be surprised and get a stretch of nice weather. I made 3 trips to London before I saw one drop of rain. I have spent much of the last 2 Novembers in London and the weather was great. I usually just bring an umbrella and jacket. I have never taken any rain gear to Europe yet, but I did buy a pair of gloves and hat last month in Iceland. Not much need for them in San Diego!

Enjoy your trip and please tell us how it went when you get back.

nytraveler

If you re going to be in europe for 3 weeks - any 3 weeks - you will encounter rain. All you need is an umbrella and 2 good pairs of walking shoes - if the rain is heavy the first pair will be too wet to wear the following day.