MyTwoToodles

Unfortunately (?), I may have to change my travel plans for Italy this year from July to the beginning of October. I'm planning on visiting Venice, Florence and hill towns in and around Tuscany for two weeks.

I'm wondering what the weather and scenary is usually like during October in these areas? In July, the flowers are in full bloom - the window boxes runeth over and everything is so colorful! Will I find this in October? What can I expect Italy to be like in early fall? I know July is the high season, lots of tourists, higher prices and Hot....I really enjoyed that though! But...I wouldn't mind a slower paced vacation - as long as I can take pictures of wonderful scenary!

Thanks!

zootsi

Venice and Florence will be much better in October - less crowds, pleasant temperatures. As for Tuscany, we were there in October, and it was beautiful - grapes were being harvested, there were less tourists on the road, and the weather was in the high 70's. Many of the fields were being plowed, so some of the countryside was brown, but there was still lots and lots of greenery. We have some Tuscany photos taken in October that are so beautiful they almost don't look real. I would MUCH rather visit Italy in October than July!

jubilada

If you like mushrooms, fall is THE time!

suec1

I'd pick October over July any time - there will still be crowds but there should be very pleasant temperatures, maybe even some harvesting going on. I would expect taking opportunities.

DonnaD44

I have been to Italy the last three Octobers--it's our favorite time to go. The weather is gorgeous, still plenty of flowers. The Tuscan cuisine really lends itself to fall weather--wild game, red wine and mushrooms taste better on a cool day. Best part is the crowds are greatly diminished. I'd say October was a benefit--not a negative.

michele_d

We were in Italy for the entire month of October last year and absolutely loved it. We started out in Venice for one week, then CT and San Gim, then Pienza for another week, then down to Pompeii and then finished in Rome. I only had to put on long pants, as opposed to capris and sandals, for 2 days in Pienza in the mornings. Absolutely beautiful weather. No crowds, no unbearable heat...just thinking about makes me want to return right now!

The grapevines were starting to turn red/orange and looked beautiful gracing the hills of Tuscany.