I thought I had decided on mid-September 2011 for a First Anniversary-moon trip to the Dolomites, Florence and Venice -- my thinking was that the mountains would be best at that time.

Well, I just read the thread by TDS about her upcoming trip to Italy and PalenQ had responded that May and June would be a lovely time to visit because it is not yet hot and humid in Florence, which I guess would still be late-ish summer in mid-Sept?

So now I'm wondering if I should think about spring instead so that the weather will be nicer in Florence (and less crowds, too, it seems) -- but will the Dolomites still have snow and ice? I guess that's my real concern, that we will have trouble hiking in the mountains because it won't be as accessible, or the weather will be more changeable.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks!

I love May in Italy but not in the Dolomites where it can get muddy that time of year. And, many of the hotels are closed in May---between seasons.
We have spent time in the Dolomites twice in Sep and loved it. Heer are some shots from last year--in late Sep.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/show...y.php?cat=4441

I think that JUNE would be fine, but May could be iffy, higher up in te Dolomites. On the other hand, June is crowded in Florence as you get the (other) tourists, plus every Italian school group as daytrippers. September seems better for both areas of your focus.

OK, thanks very much. Bob, I know you are the voice of reason on this issue. And your photos are fantastic -- yesterday at work I wanted to get on a plane and go hiking right away! And I liked seeing that you were wearing just a light Goretex jacket or a sweater. That's perfect.

I tend to be a bit colder all the time, so warm weather doesn't bother me, but my new husband runs hot and even in the winter he's wearing polo shirts. I think it's that classic difference in body temps in men and women. So I wouldnt' want him to be uncomfortable in September. But it sounds like it will be quite nice. Ooooh, I'm so excited to get there, how am I going to be patient for 14 months...