CLothes in Rome/Venice next week
 

Well, I thought I would give you fodorites a break from my questions for awhile, but I am back. We are leaving on Sat for our Rome/Venice trip. What do you experienced travelers recommend for clothing that time of year? If it is flooded in Venice can we get waterpoof boots there or should we bring them? Will it be heavy wool coat and scarf cold or light coat typically? I would like to not bring a TON of clothes (for once
Thanks!
Laura

Laura--have you checked the weather reports for Rome and Venice next week? That might be a good starting point to decide what to wear.

I did check Rome: Highs 60's lows 50's and Venice: highs 50's lows 40. But I cannot find any comments on whether it is flooding in Venice....
Thanks,
Laura

Last I heard, Venice is completely submersed. Be sure and pack a small boat.

Oh great....should we bring mask, snorkel and flippers as well??? Don't think boat will fit in luggage that will be overpacked already. Perhaps we can borrow a gondola to take us through Piazzo San Marco?
Laura

I don't think they allow you to borrow a gondola, but if you're planning to submerge yourself in the waters of Venice this time of year, be sure to pack a wetsuit.

Since the "floods" only usually last three or four hours I suspect the most important "thing" you need to take with you is a little patience, flexibility, and an alternative destination besides San Marco until the tide goes out. Generally, the "flood" means a rise of a few inches of water, enough to inundate San Marco and keep you out of the church, etc. Wait it out at Florian with expensive coffee and blend in like the locals do!

JonJon,
Thanks, is it bad enough that we should skip Venice and go to FLorence instead? Is there any chance the flood could cause us to miss our return flight out of Venice? (Difficulty getting to the Venice airport form our hotel?)
SOrry this is off-topic form the clothes question.......
LAura

LauraD,
The flooding is brief--remember the floodsa are tidal and the tides change every six hours. The entire city does not flood. Do not change your plans because of flooding. In fact, you will impress your friends with flood stories and pictures when you return home.

You probably won't need boots--look for routes around the floods or walk on the wooden platforms provided. Many hotels supply boots if you feel you need them.

Getting to the airport might be a slight problem if your boat stop is near San Marco. Ask at your hotel and plan ahead.

My one memory of weather in Venice in late November. You might feel warmer outside than inside. You'll be visiting old stone buildings and churches with no heating systems. Wear a coat that can work with the warmer Roman temperatures, but also layer with a sweater in Venice if necessary. Gloves and a scarf will always make you feel warmer, even if your coat is not very heavy. And remember, Italy is a great place to buy gloves and scarves.

We arrived home yesterday from Venice, Florence and Rome. Venice was about 45-55 F. The flooding is not as bad as you are thinking, mostly when the tides are up. It can be very rainy however.
We layered our clothing and it worked well. An all-purpose raincoat with a hood, with a sweater , shirt, etc. underneath are fine. Umbrellas are difficult on all the narrow streets. Lighweight gloves and a hat were also useful.
Rome was warmer, but still did not get out of the low 60s F.
Enjoy your trip, we sure did!