chelle101979

Italy trip is planned for March (last week). Woohoo!!!

I arrive in Venice then travel via train to Florence and then train to Rome before we fly home.

Looking for tips on what to pack and what the weather may be like at this time. I like to be comfortable for walking but love fashion as well. Recommended shoes? Should I bring rain boots?

Thank you.

vincenzo32951

http://www.holiday-weather.com/rome/averages/

The link above gives the weather for Rome. You can plug in other cities as needed.

It's awfully hard to predict what the weather is going to be in a certain week several months into the future. (I realize there are places in the world where the weather at a certain time of year is consistent day to day, but I don't think you're going to one of those places.)

For instance, in Rome, the average temp for March is about 55. You'll get days lower and higher. The average number of rainy days is about 10. Will they come the days you're there. I dunno.

traveller1959

The Italians will wear their winter attire - American tourists will wear shorts and make ridiculous figures with their goosebumps.

Earnestly, it will be pretty chilly, especially in Venice. If you are lucky, you catch a few sunny days in Florence or Rome. You may wear short sleeves when you will be sitting outside for lunch, but the evenings will be chilly.

So, take some warm things and dress in layers. Taking raingear is always a good idea.

You need shoes which are comfortable for walking long distances over cobblestone pavements.

StCirq

This is something you might be thinking about 3 days before you leave, not 10 months.

I don't ever take rain boots anywhere. I wear them at home in the garden, would never think of traveling with them.

traveller1959

I just googled "rain boots" - OMG, these are Wellingtons!

Never, ever walk with these through elegant cities like Florence, Rome of Venice! These are cities, not swamps!

indyhiker

We were in Italy a few weeks ago--Umbria and Rome--and encountered weather substantially cooler and wetter than at the same time last year during another visit. We were told that this past March was unseasonably hot. Averages will only give you a vague sense of what to bring. Just keep an eye on the weather a few days out and pack accordingly.

vincenzo32951

The "few days out" advice is the best.

chelle101979

@
StCirq - I thought this was a forum I could ask questions about traveling and planning my trip which includes what the weather may be like. I know I won't know ubtil it gets closer obviously but I wanted to ask for those who have traveled during this time what their experience has been.
@ traveller1959/As far as rain boots. I have a pair of packable Hunter boots that are very comfortable and stylish. The reason I asked was because I have read on a few blogs that women have taken these same boots on trips to Europe.

ticino

Hunters are ok in Europe, they are a common sight in upscale neighbourhoods in cities with big parks. At times Hunters make perfect sense.

Acqua alta happens mostly in October-February. November is by far the worst month, but you may get some instances of acqua alta in March so it may make sense to take the Hunters. I passed Venice's airport twice this March and both times it was raining heavily and the wind was terrible. But acqua alta is not that bad, I have some incredible pictures of lights reflected on the water at San Marco and the city seemed very well prepared for it. I love Venice in the winter.

My favourite shoes for walking are Hogan's Interactive. You'll see tons of Italians wearing those, they are incredibly comfortable and perfect for cobblestones. I find them a lot more comfortable than Hunters.

bvlenci

In March, I would always be prepared with layers I can put on or take off. Even a day that starts out chilly can get quite warm by mid-day. I would also carry a small day pack to put the layers in when you peel them off.

Acqua Alta is caused by tides and winds, not by rain. It only lasts a few hours. If it happens, you can buy cheap rubber boots or just wait it out. There will be wooden walkways put out in a lot of the center. Nothing stylish will be suitable for walking through acqua alta.

isabel

For Italy late March I bring ankle high leather boots. Not sufficient for acqua alta but as stated above, you can buy cheap rubber boots or these disposable plastic boot things. But for other than that you want something that will keep your feet dry if it's raining, for the most part you won't be walking through high water.

You could expect some days will be quite warm in the middle of the day, so a few short sleeve tops, with layers of sweaters and a rain coat/jacket. I worn jeans every day of my last March Italy trip, which included two weeks of temps ranging from evening lows of about 32F to some day time highs in the low 70s.

janisj

>>StCirq - I thought this was a forum I could ask questions about traveling and planning my trip which includes what the weather may be like. I know I won't know ubtil it gets closer obviously but I wanted to ask for those who have traveled during this time what their experience has been.