Planning a 3 week trip to Italy in 2008.
May or June?...September or October?

My wife and I would most likely travel by Trains/Buses.
We're looking at touring Rome north.

-Would like to avoid crowded 'Peak' times as much as possible.
-Would like avoid too hot of weather...but would like it warm and dry.
-Looking for better in-country travel/accommodation availability.
-Want sites to be open (not closed for off-season).

All input welcome.
Thanks.

Since Italy is not a desert warm and dry is not very likely. I prefer sping to fall since the days are longer and you can do more. The temps are reasonable (perhaps light jacket, but likely not during the day) but spring and fall do have more rain than summer (this is true of all of europe) - and in 3 weeks you will most probably get several days of rain.

Unless you're going camping or mountain climbing a little rain shouldn't be an issue - just bring a folding umbrella.

I prefer late October through February personally. Few crowds, better prices and just a better experience without the hordes of tourists.

I've been in all seasons except winter, and would definitely encourage you to go either in the Spring or the Fall. BUT: there is a big difference between May and June as far as crowds, etc. The earlier you can get there in the Spring, the better, I think. And late September/early October is also better than early September.
IMVHO!

DH and I were in Rome March 8 to 16th and had the most fantastic weather possible - warm and sunny. We were lucky because weather in March is iffy in Italy. However, there were fewer tourists but Rome was full of high school and college kids on school tours. Personally, I would rather have the tourists.

We were in Tuscany in September and were disappointed that the fields were mosstly brown, having been already tilled. We wished we'd been there in the Spring for that reason...

I have been to Italy 3 times in the Fall and once in the Spring.

I loved the Wild flowers and longer days in the spring. Rome was hot and crowded in late May last year.

I enjoyed the fall weather which was just perfect and definately less crowds.

I would say narrow it down to May or September...mid to later in the month.

I agree with CRAZY4TRAVEL. We've been to Italy in May to early June and loved it. Flowers blooming, great weather, etc. We've also gone From mid September to early October and found the same to be true.

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Hi T,

Mid May to mid June or mid Sept to mid Oct are the best times.

The advantage to the Fall is that the Porcini mushrooms are out and the olives have just been harvested.

Of my trips:
The smallest crowds :Jan. and March
The most "perfect" weather: May and Oct.
The hottest (but dry):June
The wettest: May (on the non-perfect days) and Oct.

My overall choice: Late April to early May. Lots of blooms and the day is longer than Oct. There is more rain,but that can happen at anytime.
Sept. is my second choice, but the days start to shorten and early in the month it can bve quite hot.

Bottom line, most anytime id great. I really love the longer days,so this weighs a lot for me.

My thanks to everyone that responded here...your input is most appreciated.
Lots of good points and counter-points have been enlightened.
My wife and I are leaning towards making this trip in May (2008).
Thanks again.