Squeak

We're planning a family trip to Italy in 2007 and we plan to go for 2 or 3 weeks. We're leaning toward the middle of May because it's hopefully not too hot and not too cold. We're also trying to choose a month that is likely to have less rain. My husband and I have been at the end of June and in July, both times were oppressivly hot.

I know no one can predict the weather so I was just hoping that some knowledgable folks might share their input as to whether May or late September would be best.

Any thoughts?

tuscanlifeedit

Hi Squeak

I personally prefer early September. I too am planning for 2007, and I'm thinking about either the end of May into early June, or early September.

I look forward to reading what others have to say.

ira

Hi S,

Mid-May to mid-June or mid-Sept to mid-Oct.

Squeak

So are you thinking it's pretty much a wash--either May or September would be pretty much the same? I've looked at the weather history and it does look fairly similar.

Is one of these months months prettier that the other as flowers or foliage? The one thing I love about the summer are the fields of sunflowers but I'll let that go this time around. May is probably too late for poppies....

Viajero2

Early October.

sfosjcoak

We travelled in Italy 3 times in recent years, all from mid May to first week of June. We could not stand hot weather (anything above 78 F). It also depends on which part of Italy u will be travelling to. We found mid May to be perfect for Tuscany, Amalfi coast, Cinque Terre, Rome and points south. It did shower from time to time. No big deal. Late May may be better for points north, like Milan and Venice. Pre-season prices and fewer toursits are additional incentives for doing it in May. Whatever you decide, you will have a load of fun in Italy.

Squeak

sfosjcoak, You bring up a good point. I neglected to mention that we will indeed be traveling all over Italy. I think we'll start in the south (Amalfi Coast area) and end in the north (Venice) ..that is, if we go in May. September might be less of an issue but, we may reverse it.

I suppose the deciding factor will be when/if we can use our FF miles. We haven't had a lot of luck with Delta & their partners lately!

Ultimately I just wanted to know if there was a reason to go one month opposed to another.

BergamoGirl

October is the best! It's cool and not busy. I have not been to Italy in May so I am not sure about that, but I have been there in early june and it was busy.

Either way it's Italy! Italy is always beautiful!

Leely

For some reason, each time I have been to Italy in May it's been unseasonably warm; at least that's what the locals have said to me. So, yes, your plan of working your way south to north is a good one. I was in Rome this time last year and we were positively sweltering. There were thunderstorms, too!

If you don't care for hot weather, try early May or early October. In any case, I'm sure you'll have an incredible time.

JandaO

I have been late Sept/early Oct. 3 times and am going this year. This is the best time IMO.
Good weather
light crowds
reduced rates
and it is harvest at the vineyards.

LuvToRoam

Hands down best month has to be September! We travel to Italy this year in September. Last year we were in Austria/Germany in September, year before that Italy in September and the year before that Germany in September. We did France in April and found more cold and rainy weather than all-around nice weather. Fall has those warm days and cool nights for walks and sleeping. Enjoy your trip! Shirley

Vera

If you want flowers--May is great. We were there May 5 to May 21 (Rome, Florence, Venice and then Le Marche) and saw fields of poppies. Along the Le Marche roads poppies, anemonies and some tall wild yellow blossom along with wild grasses looked like bouquets. AND the wonderfully fragrant acacia trees were in bloom, drooping over the roads.
We did have about three days of rain, but only one day slowed us down at all.
Vera

Mimar

I favor spring over fall -- because the days are longer and the countryside is freshly green.

annhig

Not been to Italy in September, but would prefer May anyway - the gardens are greener and fresher, the nights are shorter, and it's likely to be less hot, I would think. It's the extra daylight that tips it for me.

nytraveler

Agree with Ira - in both seasons the weather is better for travel and there are fewer tourists.

If I had to choose one I would do May/June since the days are longer - and at the beginning of the season everything is fresher - including the locals' desire to see hordes of tourists.

Rchristine

I spent the first two weeks of October, of last year, in Rome. The Temperature was fine, but all my friends there were complaining at the unusual amount of rain. One just never knows any more!
I still had a great time,umbrella in hand.
I wish you a wonderful visit. Ruth

rex

I second ira's answer, and underscore that the sunlight hours are considerably longer, mid-May to mid-June.

Best wishes,

Rex

LoveItaly

Twice while in northern Italy there was quite violent rain and electrical storms starting about the 20th of September. My friends in Italy consider the middle of May or early June the best weather wise. But I have been in Italy during that time period when there was rain also.

Quite frankly I have never been in Italy when the weather was perfect every day. But mid May to early June or around mid September on for a few weeks is probably the best. Do know you will have a beautiful time in Italy, even if there is rain etc. Enjoy!!

nytraveler

I had assumed we were talking about temps, crowds etc. There's really no point in discussing rain - since it can happen anytime, anywhere (except Cairo when it's once every 8/9 years).

(I never get why people are surprised/ upset about rain - unless they're camping or something. Just get an umbie and keep going - no one's going to melt from a few drops of water. Much better, IMHO than 95 and humid.)

kcprof

We just returned from a May 23 to June 5 trip from Milano to Sorrento and the weather was perfect. Ten years ago the opposite was the case - rain and cool - it is hard to predict.