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Italy in February

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Italy in February

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Old Nov 7th, 2004, 01:57 PM
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Italy in February

I am planning to go to Venice-Florence-Rome the middle of February next year. How is the weather? Has anyone been there during Feb?

Was it raining or snowing?
Is it very cold?

Please help!

elizabeth022 is offline  
Old Nov 7th, 2004, 03:50 PM
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Answering your questions in the order asked: (1) yes; (2) yes; (3) yes.

Now for the real information:
The weather in those 3 cities can be different by several degrees. Rome is obviously warmer, with highs in the high 50's (Fahrenheit) typically, but remember the temperature can vary by several degrees from that average. It will be cooler in Venice and Florence by about ten degrees, but remember the uncertainty of averages.

As for rain, there really isn't a whole lot, but when it's cool it will feel like there's more moisture. If averages mean anything, the average rainfall in any of those places would be around 2 inches in the month of February. That would translate to a high probability of your getting wet over a random period of a week or more. Good luck.
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Old Nov 7th, 2004, 04:11 PM
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elizabeth, if I could not go any other time I would go in Feb. but do pack properly for cold wet weather. And do be aware that you will probably not have as much heater warmth that you are us to in public buildings and possibly even your hotel room.

A warm nightgown and robe would be advisable.

But the residents survive it (although they often complain how cold they are) and you will also. Again, just pack accordingly.

And do allow enough time between flight changes (if you will have any) as bad weather can keep a plane from leaving on time and consequently being late on arrival.

If you go, enjoy bella italia!
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Old Nov 8th, 2004, 06:11 AM
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I was in Florence, Rome and Venice last year for the lst week in January and the first week in Feb.

it snowed in Venice for Carnivale and I understand this is unusual. We had rain in all three cities about 60% of the time. It was cold and damp.

That being said, I love Italy that time of year and heading back over 1/19 for ten days. Very few tourists, no lines and great room rates.

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Old Nov 9th, 2004, 09:43 AM
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Thank you for all the helpful response. I will bring a jacket and hope that it does not snow. Is the snow light? Does any museums close due to the weather in Feb?

LoveItaly does bring out a good point. Heater! Im use to turning on the heater when its cold and the A/C when its hot.

Thank you everyone for helping me.



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Old Nov 9th, 2004, 11:41 AM
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elizabeth,

We have been in Italy in February for the past three years.

In February 2002, we were in Rome, with a day trip to Orvieto, and the weather was sunny and actually pretty warm. I think we probably took our coats with us at night, but during the day were comfortable in sweaters.

In February 2003, we were in Venice, Lucca and Florence. We again had clear sunny weather the entire time. Venice was windy and considerably cooler than Lucca and Florence, especially at night, but we were cozy with coats, gloves, and hats--in fact, one of the highlights of the trip was a gondola ride under a full moon. Nobody remembers being cold! (There were four couples.)

In February 2004, we went to Sorrento, Positano, and Rome, and had good clear weather (except for rain one night in Positano) until we got to Rome, where it snowed! It really wasn't very cold, and the snow was mixed with light rain, but it was definitely snow.

But we are from Alabama, and were delighted and charmed by the snow.

So we have been very lucky with the weather, and wouldn't hesitate to go back to Italy in February. You'll have a great time!

Byrd


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Old Nov 9th, 2004, 07:58 PM
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Hi Byrd

Wow! Three times in a row? It must have been nice. You have definetly made me feel better. I was a little worried. Thanks for letting me know where you went. This will help me with the planning.

Now, Im getting excited =)

Thanks,
Elizabeth
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 06:27 AM
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I'm excited to read that kfusto and Byrd have been to Venice for Carnevale. I would like to go this Feb. but am wondering if I would have difficulty with getting on/off and around the islands(boats trains) due to the crowds. How crowded is it? In your opinion, which are the best days to attend? (and why/what events take place an what days).

PS: elizabeth002, high tide in Venice takes place during Oct and Nov. March and April are the 2nd wettest months. Jan and Feb are good, dry months to go.
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 06:59 AM
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tina,

We were in Venice in February, but not during carnival (sigh). We arrived there, I think, on Feb. 16 (I know we left JFK the night before, just hours before a huge snow storm closed the airport.)

Anyway, I wish I could help with info, but when we were there, crowds were nonexistent.

I know being there for all the celebration will be great--the crowds will be part of the fun! Please go, and tell us all about it!

Byrd



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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 08:15 AM
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Byrd is right. It wouldn't be Carnevale without the crowds.
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 11:35 AM
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Today Piazza San Marco is 4 feet underwater.
In Rome airport pretty much closed down due to storms.
Lightening hit a church steeple on Capri.
Streets along Tiber River are flooded.
Electrical storms woke up the Romans.

So maybe the storms are coming early and February will be beautiful?
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 11:47 AM
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I was in Rome last February for a week. We had one day of pretty miserable rain, but the rest of the week was fine. People in Rome were dressed much more warmly for the weather than I felt necessary; they must be much less used to the cold than I am in Massachusetts. It was definitely warmer there than at home. Palm trees grow in Rome.
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 12:00 PM
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LoveItaly, I don't think St. Mark's Square was under four feet of water today. I think the tides rose four feet (120 cm) which did of course flood the area. Does anyone know for sure?
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 12:08 PM
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February is perfect for Rome and parts south, including, most especially, Sicily. Always a favorite month for us in Rome. You'll see why.
 
Old Nov 10th, 2004, 12:20 PM
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to kfusto, which hotels did you stay in to get "great rates" ? I am planning to go the end of Feb/March 2005. Thanks.
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 01:08 PM
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WillTravel, yes unfortunatly, Piazza San Marco is under four feet of water.

Read an update on Yahoo Italy news and also talked to a friend this morning who lives in Veneto area.
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 01:21 PM
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Yikes. That's terrible, LoveItaly.
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Old Nov 10th, 2004, 01:44 PM
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WillTravel, yes it is. Venice is not only the jewel of Italy and Europe but the world. My dear friend sounded rather depressed about this. The sad thing is all the fighting that has been going on for years over how to correct the problem. What is the name of the project? Is is Moses?

I remember back in the 70's my DH donated some money to the fund to "Save Venice" while we were there. And here it is 2004 and nothing has been accomplished. Truly sad.

Among other reason think this is why so many younger people have moved away from Venice.

By the way, my friend said it is freezing cold too.
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