Best time to visit Italy
 

My wife and I are planning a trip to Florence, Venice, Rome, and seaside towns. On my previous trips to Italy, I went in July and August. The weather in those months was hotter than I liked and the tourist spots were too crowded. What would be good months to go with pleasant weather and less crowds?

We just got back from the same area. We started in late April thru mid may. Daytime highs in the 70's, nites in the 50's. It is the rainy season. Of 21 days, it may have rained 4. That's perfect, in my opinion.

I was in Rome and the Amalfi Coast mid September last year. Perfect weather every day.

We always go to Italy the last week of September and the first wek of October. The weather is always comfortable which is why we go then. I have been in May and in June and May would be my preference if we couldn't go the end of September.

My favorite times have been March and April, but, since you will be on the seaside part of the time, I would recommend April. The weather was beautiful, and it was slightly less crowded.

Thanks for the responses. Comparing April, May, September, and October, which of those months are the most or least crowded with tourists?

At the seaside towns, are you planning to do seaside-type things, e.g. beach & swimming? If so, April & May are quite likely to be too cool. We holdayed in the Amalfi Coast area in June for several years running and found the weather wasn't reliable until mid-June. The first half of September should be warm enough, although I once experienced a lot of rain then in Sicily, and I've found the second half of September anywhere in Italy can be very hot or quite cool especially at night. Weather is weather! I still like June best.

As for crowds, anywhere you are likely to go in Florence plus the 'hotspots' in Venice & Rome will be crowded in all of those months, although April (outwith the Easter period, if it's in April) will be the least crowded.

Early May was dead...relatively speaking...in early May on the seaside. That's great if you plan on driving, as we did. Cities were busy, but manageable.

We went the last 2 weeks of May and it was perfect in terms of weather and tourists-some, but not too many.

Caroline, we won't be going to the beach or swimming, just sight seeing.

We usually do southern Europe i late April or May - to get the best weather, smaller crowds and longer days. April is hot enough for the beah in southern Spain and in Mid May our hotel in Sorrento had the pool filled - and it was very refreshing. Warm but not really hot day and cooler nights.

My husband and I went last year and started in Sicily in mid April. The weather was very pleasant. We went to Amalfi and although it was not hot enough for swimming at the start of May, it was again warm and sunny. A week into May and we were in Venice where it was hot and some people were swimming at Lido beach. Lake Como was also pleasant weather. Friends of ours went to Amalfi last September and they spent a lot of time swimming because it was hot. If I were to go again, I would choose April or May.

Don't forget about business and conference crowds if you are thinking of late September or October. There may be less sightseeing tourists, but your target city/accommodation may be limited and expensive due to business activities. Check the accommodation availabilities and the pricing before you click that airfare buy button.

Thanks for all the helpful info.