Italy in April
 

We will be in the Lucca area the first two weeks in April and then on to Rome and a tour. I am curious as to what the weather will be and what type of clothing I should take. Are bermuda shorts OK. These are to the knee.
Thanks for any input.

Hi clucchesi, weather around the world seems to be unpredictable. Bermuda shorts are OK if you like to wear them but I would also pack some clothes that you will be comfortable in if you get rain, which you probably will. Have a wonderful trip.

According to records on www.weatherbase.com, average temp in Lucca/Pisa during the month of April is 54 degrees F. Lowest temp on record in April is below freezing, and highest temp was in the 80s. Average rainfall in April in 3+ inches.

I was in Italy in April a few years ago. It was actually quite cool and we had light clothing- but not summer wear- (no shorts) so we layered. I'd take clothing you could layer and a leather coat with a sweater for layering or wearing seperately. Take umbrellas, too. The weather in Italy isn't too different from the weather in the north east US in April. If your in the higher regions expect cool evening. If you venture towards southern Italy it may be warmer - light jacket weather but probably not shorts.

Thanks for the tips. Sounds like I will need my raincoat and umbrella. Wanted to pack light but guess that is out.

I'm not excatly a fashionista, but I think "Bermuda shorts to the knee" sounds like a candidate for "What Not To Wear." I can't even imagine how out of place that would look in Italy, no matter what the weather. Surely you have something more up-to-date than that! Bermuda shorts are so, well, yesterday! Don't you have any capris or linen or lightweight pants you could pair with a nice top and sweater? Bermuda shorts to me would absolutely SCREAM, well, Bermuda.......and that's a long way from Italy.

Actually (Stcirq), bermuda shorts aren't 'yesterday',but rather 'last season'...as in last summer!
If we all are worried about "how out of place we'll look in Italy" then we might as well all stay home!! Who cares!!
Is traveling the world about impressing the people you encounter,or rather whatever you want to take from it? How shallow!!
The question was geared more towards seasonal-dressing and how they could expect the weather to be in April more so than asking for anybody's opinion or approval of what to wear!

I was in Italy (Lucca! I love that place) a few years ago in October and it was really warm but everyone was in their fall clothes. Seems they dress for the season there, not the weather. I don't think April is officially Spring so my guess is they will still be wearing winterish clothes.

Clucchesi, I would not recommend shorts in Rome if you are going into any churches, particularly St. Peter's. You will be turned away.

For myself, I don't dress to impress but I don't dress to draw attention in a negative way either.

If you want to blend in Italy, wear a lot of black, no gym clothes, tennis shoes or... shorts.

April is still spring in Italia and cool. I have been there every year for both March and April and there was rain and wind. This last April was not an exception, I even needed a scarf around my neck at night when the temps got downright cold. Please do not bring shorts! You can still pack light with 1 or 2 pairs of pants, mixed with some light-blend sweater and/or long sleeve heavy-weight shaped T-shirts (Eddie Bauer carries a great selection of these items that withstand wrinkles and suitcase travels) and a jacket. A leather coat has always worked for me because looks stylish and is warm (with the lining), plus works at night when going to a restaurant, etc. Don't forget your mini compact umbrella to throw in your purse should you get a surprise rainfall. Lucca is wonderful and one of my most favorite cities in Italia. Have a great time and buon viaggio!