silviapr

I'm planning to visit Rome. Florence and Venice at the end of December until January 10th. What can I expect of the weather? Can I lose the magic of Italy because of the winter?

Thanks for your comments.

Steve_James

Hi Silvia - I don't think you lose any of the magic. In fact I think Venice especially is more magical in winter without the crowds. Better still if it snows ...

'What can I expect of the weather?'

The weather is all to pot this year - milder than normal so far. Your best bet is to look at a 5-day forecast just before you leave.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Timlin

Check it out at:

www.weatherbase.com

I hope you have a wonderful time. Nothing should take away the magic of a holiday to new places.......everything is attitude!

tcreath

We've been to Rome in December and Rome/Florence in March and both times we have had decent weather. A little rain, but overall sunny. A sweater and jacket was all we needed and we felt fine. Not sure about Venice, as I have yet to visit.

I personally will only travel to Italy in the winter/off season months, as I have no desire to wait in a 3 hour line to see the Vatican in the summer months! Crowds are about non-existent, which means little to no lines. I love it!

Tracy

sandi_travelnut

I was there late Dec 2004. In Venice and Florence it was rainy and in the 40's during the day. In Rome it didn't rain but was cold enough for the stiff wind to sting at times. Just dress in layers, buy thin silk long johns for under your clothes and a nice wool coat, gloves and scarf. You'll be all set. Don't let a little weather hold you back. Embrace it.

DeirdreStraughan

Agree with everybody that there is plenty of magic to be had in the winter. Just keep in mind that you will be exposed to the weather a lot more than you probably would be in the US, even when you're not specifically out walking aroudn, e.g. while waiting for a train on a windy platform, catching a bus, etc. It can get awfully nippy, so dressing in layers is very good advice.

best regards,
Deirdré Straughan

beginningwithi.com

JeanneB

Yes, train stations were among the coldest locales last February. Ergo, pack as lightly as you can. Gloves make it tough handling multiple bags. Take items you can wash out. Radiators and towel warmers make excellent dryers.

cassparker

I too agree, Venice in the winter with less crouds is wonderful. Also, I have been to Florence/Tuscany in both the Summer & the Winter and prefer the Winter. All the hilltowns are much easier when it is not so hot, along with the food. The incredible Tuscan food (heavy) and wine is appreciated more in cooler weather.
Enjoy,
Cassparker

kaneda

Some years ago the transport people in Rome decided to save some money by not putting anti-freeze in their buses in winter. It went alright for a while then it was very cold one night and busted many of the radiators as the water froze in them. It can be cold.

BlueSwimmer

I'm not sure if this is a year-round phenomenon in Venice, but when we were there in December, magical swirls of fog were everywhere. Not enough to make you fall into a canal, but just enough to make it seem like a fairy-tale.

As a dog lover, I also really enjoyed seeing the chic coats that all the Italian pooches were wearing at that time of year (Burberry, etc.!).

And I have to agree with cassparker- colder weather makes eating all the fabulous food and red wine so enjoyable.

We were in Florence for New Year's and had a blast. I recommend making dinner reservations ahead of time because we saw many people being turned away at the door.

Have a great trip!

sandi_travelnut

Speaking of dogs...watch where you walk! I saw more dog poop in Venice than in Paris. I guess there's not many parks and lawns for them to do their business.....

LCBoniti

My sisters and I were in Rome and Florence last Feb for our first trip ever and it was perfect! Even though the forecast was for rain almost everyday, it hardly rained at all - once at night the thunder woke us up, but the next day it was beautiful!

Florence was colder than Rome, but still magical to the max!

Just prepare with wintersilks (long johns), cashmere socks, shoes or boots with a good tread to prevent slipping on wet cobblestones, a warm coat or jacket, and a small umbrella.

IMHO, absolutely nothing can take away the magic of Italy! You will have a wonderful time . . .

Linda