lewissh3

We are planning a trip to Italy April 24-May 4. Has anyone been to Italy around this time and can comment on the weather? Is this a good time to go or should we wait until May-June?

yestravel

Where in Italy?

lewissh3

Haven't locked that in yet so we are flexible but it is our first trip so we want to go to Rome, Venice and Tuscany.

ellenem

Weather should be lovely in all those places at that time of year. I'd prefer April-May over June anytime.

LBev769375

Overall, 50's in the mornings, 65 - 70 in the afternoon, with rain showers. . You'll get there before the summer heat, haze and crowds. A great time to be in Italy.

LoveItaly

Great time indeed but just pack some type of outerwear and shoes that will be comfortable when it rains as it no doubt will lewissh.

nytraveler

April/May should be fine as long as you're not looking for any beach resorts. for that I would wait until late May or early June. We usually do May for the longer days, less hot temperatures and fewer crowds.

yestravel

We've travelled quite a few times to Italy in that timeframe. Weather even in the south has been cool some of the times, but beautiful other times. Venice was perfect each time. A couple short showers but that was it. Agree that u definitely should make reservations due to the holidays mentioned. I don't recall noticing that rates were any higher (often it was still low season rates), but many hotels are very busy. Some things are closed on both or 1` of the holidays. Because so many Italians are on holiday during that time, lots of sites are crowded.

lewissh3

I will try to push it back a little further in May from some of the replies but I'm using frequent flier points and I so I'm submit to what they give me. Both of the holidays mentioned are on Sundays...does that mean people take Mon or Fri off? Just trying to gauge how long we would have to fight the crowds.

elcon

I was in Rome/Florence/Venice last year during the first week in May. It was quite hote by mid-day in the sun. Mid to upper 80's, but luckily, no humidity and no clouds. Just beautiful!

yestravel

It's a bridge week -- the week between 2 holidays. I guess its like Xmas and New years in the States. Last year the holidays fell on Fridays and ths year on Saturdays. We found the 2 weekends on either end to be the most busy. But I gathered the 1st year people vacationed from Friday of the first holiday thru Sunday following the May 1 holiday. Was also similar this year.

bubbles76

What outerwear would you suggest for early April in Florence and Rome? Leather jacket or trench coat?

bobthenavigator

I love questions like this that can only be answered knowing where. FYI, the average temp in Milan in April is 51 and the average in May in Palermo is 70. Which one is correct for you? Florence, in the middle, has an averge of 57 and 64 for those 2 months. So, plan on 60 and take your raincoat.

LoveItaly

Having been in Italy during April and May I have taken a trench style rain coat that has a zip in lining. The brand is Misty Harbor. It is a tan color. It is long..about below calf length. If it is cold the lining comes in handy. If it is rainy the length means that one's pants do not get that wet. I also have another waterproof trench style rain coat that is black. No lining though so one time when I took it to Italy when it was cold for some days I was pleased to find it fit over the blazer jacket and sweaters that I wore. I also have an unlined waterproof midthigh black jacket. It too can be worn over a heavy sweater or blazer but when it rained I found my pants got very wet of course and it doesn't look good when wearing a dress or any type of skirt. So I would bring a waterproof trench coat. Wear it on the plane, it works well if you are cold during your flight which I often find I am.

bubbles76

Thanks for all of the replies--you are right--I should have mentioned WHERE I was going--Florence and Rome. I think everyone covered those areas. Thanks!