Sorry about the last message, I accidently pressed the enter key.

Has anyone been to Rome, Florence and Venice in April(early April)? If so, would you recommend that time or end of May? Is it much cheaper to go in April? We are trying to plan our first trip to Italy and want to make sure the weather is good.

Any thoughts, will be highly appreciated!!

In April, there is more rain (about 2 to 4 inches per month) in all of those cities than in the end of May. The driest month in Rome is July, but Venice & Florence seem to be about the same throughout the late spring and summer. As for temperatures, expect Venice and Florence to have highs in the low 70's in April, and lows in the 50's. Rome will have highs in the mid to upper 70's in April, with lows in the 60's. A month later, in May, average temperatures will go up by about 5 to 8 degrees.

Remember, however, that although weather in Italy is generally very pleasant that time of year, temperatures can vary from the averages.

Early April will be somewhat less expensive than late May. The weather in late May will be a bit better than early April (warmer days and evenings and less chance of rain) but the downside to late May is that is much more crowded than early April.

You might want to keep in mind that Easter falls on April 11 next year. Airline travel and hotels are always more expensive during holiday periods
and of course the usual tourists attractions more crowded then. Since Italy is good even in the rain, don't let the possibility of a few raindrops determine when you go. Rain or shine have a marvelous time.

Thank you all for your suggestions!!

Sicula: I will be going from April 2nd to the 10th, so just missing Easter.

I was in Venice & Rome in early-mid-April last year, and in Rome in late March the year before. The weather in Rome was very nice both times, warm and sunny during the day and a little cool in the evening. Except for quite a bit of rain, the weather in Venice was also very nice.

I think high season for most hotels begins prior to April, so I'm not sure accomodations would be any cheaper than at the end of May, but airfares might be a bit less expensive in early April than at the end of May.

capo: When you say quite bit of rain, do you mean it was pouring? Did it ruin your plans?

Thanks!

Rent "Enchanted April".

Temperatures will be excellent for sightseeing in April. Rain is a hit and miss proposition.