We'll be visiting Venice, Sienna, Florence and Rome September 1-17.

What kind of weather can we expect?

We're trying to pack light so any suggestions that would help us trim the packing list would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Early September should still be quite warm especially in Rome!

It was very hot in Florence when we were there in September 2 years ago; it rained for 2 of the 4 days we spent in Venice and was rather cool; Rome was 88 degrees; Tuscany (Pienza area) was about perfect.

We were in Florence/Tuscany/Rome at the same time last year and it was quite warm. There was only 1 day of a light rain, the day we were in Pienza. But I only wore a light sweater and carried a small umbrella. T-shirts/tank tops with a couple of light sweaters should be fine.

OK so maybe a windbreaker/rain jacket and a pair of pants? No coat or heavy sweatshirts?

I'll definitely bring an umbrella and a pullover and/or sweater.

Will I be ok with a good pair of walking sandals, do you suppose?

Here's my tentative packing list. (We'll probably look for laundromats 1-2 times because we want to pack light!) Tell me what you think:

2 heavy cotton "travel" dresses (short sleeve, long skirt)
2 pair cargo pants (lots of pockets!)
4 t-shirts
1 rain jacket
1 light sweater
1 fleece pullover
1 pair walking sandals
3 sets of pajamas
2 pairs of fuzzy socks for night time
lots of clean underwear

(+ toiletries, camera, etc.

That sounds WAY TOO warm for an early September trip to Italy.

You can watch 10-day weather forecasts up until the time you leave. They area not perfect, but if you see temps in the 80s, that should tell you something.

But no matter what temps you see, you must bring at least one pair of waterproof shoes.

You can buy a cheap umbrella in Europe. Don't pack one.

No dress shirts for evenings out to dinner? I'd also suggest a nice pair of shoes as well, as Sandals aren't really appropriate for dinners either.

I agree with zeppole. It will still be pretty warm. You don't need the fleece pullover. That space could be used for a few more shirts. I mean, with 17 days, even if you do laundry twice, 4 shirts is only enough for 12 days (and that's not counting perhaps wanting to change into a different top for dinner). It will be warm enough that you might not want to wear them more than 1 day.

I'd be careful what I put in all those pockets (a pickpocket's dream come true)!

If sandals are inappropriate for dinner, then I've been inappropriate at dinner in Italy many times!

The weather is statically unpredictable. It is that simple.

Unless you are on the move to a different hotel every night, consider taking quick-dry garments (tops, pants, socks, undies ...) which you can handwash, hang & let dry overnight. You will be able to pack fewer pieces.

You will want to bring a pair of sturdy (but stylish!) walking shoes along with your sandals.

As others have said, the weather will likely be warm in September but it can change. It's a good idea to take a light-weight hooded rain jacket. Rather than an umbrella, I prefer a packable rain hat. If you find that the evenings are cool, you can always buy a lovely pashmina there!

I have experienced both unseasonably hot and cold weather in Italy in September. Impossible to predict so I would pack in layers to be ready for anything.

I would not pack cargo pants because they wrinkle and are bulky. I stick with lighter fabrics that travel well, are not bulky and wash and dry easily.

I agree with a pair of nicer shoes for evening. We shower and change into something dressier for our evenings in Italy, personal preference.

I would pack a cardigan for wear as needed, also a pashmina to keep handy. I use mine on the plane as well.

I agree with Susan on a few more tops to give you options - if the weather is hot, you will go through more clothes.

I do not pack pajamas. A t shirt is good enough and then I use them for my workouts before having them laundered.

Summer ends in Italy in the third week of September, on the solstice. If you go to the mountains it will be cooler earlier. Beach locations get evening drafts. But otherwise, it's summer.

We were in Italy last September. It's a great idea to plan, but maybe make a rough plan now...then check the weather before you go and make adjustments.

I was in sleeveless or short sleeved dresses each day with a sweater at night. Agreed, the current plan sounds way too heavy.

But just adjust once you know the forecast. I know the 2 week forecast is not completely accurate, but at least you'll have an idea of how the weather is trending.

No one knows for sure what the weather will be like in September. However, for now you can check temperature and precipitation averages at www.weatherbase.com Then 10 days before your trip, you can get 10-day forecasts from any of several weather websites. Just keep checking right up to your departure date as weather predictions can change pretty drastically on short notice. That's about the best you can do.

We have found September to simply be perfect weather-wise! Capri's work well and luckily you can carry socks and just slip them on if it gets chilly. I only take one other pair of slacks in addition to what I wear on the plane. (Black, black and more black) Sturdy sandals work well and a light jacket/coat that doubles as a raincoat makes sense. Undies, only need enough to wait for the ones you washed to dry. And the Pashmina! Couldn't be without that. PJ's, just one-air daily and wash on an especially warm or windy day you can hang them out. Light T-shirts go a long way in switching up outfits (and add the color) and I pack more of those than anything else. A light sweater (that can be tied to your bag or tucked in to your bag) also works well. Have a wonderful trip!

Sorry, I should have mentioned: I'm a hot-weather lover. I hate shorts (nothing against them- I just don't find them comfy) and wear cargo pants or long skirts all summer (I live in Virginia). I'm used to wearing clothes that most people would consider "too heavy". I wear my cotton travel dresses when I spend the day in scorching D.C. and I walk the dog for long periods in my cargos (those pockets come in handy for poopy bags and doggy treats but even at home, I don't keep anything valuable in them!)

I bought nice leather "walking sandals" which are closed-toe with good ventilation so I'm hoping to get away with them for play AND dining (We don't intend to go anywhere very fancy but just in case, I tried to buy sandals that are pretty and not too "sporty" looking.)

Thanks for the tips about how to check the weather when we're almost ready to go. That's a brilliant suggestion (as are all the rest!) Thanks Fodorites!

2Aquilas, will your lovely sounding sandals be the only shoes you will have with you? If so I would sure bring one more pair as no doubt you will be doing lots of walking and a change of shoes would certainly help your feet during your trip. I personaly can't imagine wearing the same pair of shoes day and evening the entire trip. Best regards and have fun!

I realize you were mostly interested in the weather but I second most of the packing suggestions you got. 3 sets of Pjs seems not a good use of space to me, but obviously your call. Like others I bring one nightshirt (thin/light) or lately a very very lightweight jjill shift that doubles as nightshirt or cover up, or sleep in the tshirt and undies. I hang nightshirt out every night and wash as needed, also in room sink with small packets of Woolite I bring along.

I bring a pair of shoes and wear a pair. I think cargo pants *can* be ok if they are very lightweight fabric. Only other pair I'd bring would be lightweight washable black silk that can go for day or evening. I too wear sandals that are good for walking and for restaurants but bring a second (closed toe, walking, black leather euro style) for extended walking and rainy days.

Ditto above on the pashmina shawl for eves, for the plane, etc. and a lightweight black cashmere cardigan for any cool weather. I have a very lightweight packable umbrella but if it rains people turn up selling them for 8 euros. A couple of tops instead of heavy dress or extra pair of heavy pants. Just my 2 c.

Agree that after a long day of walking my feet are happy to have a change of shoes. I wear a pair of walking shoes on the plane, bring another of a different style to give my feet a break, and then have a pair to wear in the evenings that are dressier.

I don't pack anything that is heavy. If I need warmth, I layer up. We generally make our trips with carry on only unless flying an airline that is extremely restrictive, as some European airlines are. I use packing cubes and folders as they keep me organized and make packing and unpacking easy.

I can pack for 2 weeks in a 22 inch rollaboard and medium size back pack. That includes several pairs of pants in lightweight fabrics (microfiber), a good selection of tops for day and evening, under garments, my workout clothes, shoes, cardigan and pashmina. I pack black slacks so that mix and match is easy and one pair of dark wash dressier jeans for evenings. I like belts and accessories to jazz things up and we both like to dress up a bit for our passagiata and dinner. In Italy, drinks and dinner is a highlight of our day and something we really look forward to.

Whatever you pack, enjoy your trip.