spring weather in Italy?
 

I'm planning to visit Italy for the first time this spring -- in either March or April -- and am trying to decide if March will be too cold to make the slightly lower air fares worth it. I plan to visit Rome and some towns in Tuscany. I'd like to be able to see some trees in leaf and maybe some flowers in bloom. Can anyone advise?

Ann--<BR>I don't know what the fare differences are, but in my opinion they'd have to be mighty big to make March (especially the first 2 weeks) a choice over April (especially the last 2 weeks). Weather in the areas you named, especially Tuscany, is likely to be a bit cool and showery; and not much is in bloom in Tuscany in early March. Rome won't be so bad, but still I'd recommend the last 2 weeks in April or even early May.

Ann, I'm agree with Wayne. For this current year the best period to visit Italy is between 10 and 20 April. Yes. The last days of March is Easter, so that you'll match trafic and crowd.<BR>In Italy April 25 is holiday and this day is close to May 1, another holiday so that there is a holiday bridge and a lot of Italian people is travelling for leisure.<BR>Write me an e-mail if you need help.<BR>Ciao.

Like many places, those months can be iffy. We were there last March (15-25th). STarted in Venice where it was cloudy, rained 1 day, temps 50Fs during the day and cooler at night. After that it was sunny 60s-70s. The last day in Rome it hit 80F! If you can't go late april or early may as suggested, March should be ok, just bring layers and rain gear just in case.

Just want to add, the hills of tuscany were very green but the a little early for blooming flowers and some trees were just starting to bloom.

Hi ann! Not sure about the flowers in bloom in March - it may be too early.<BR><BR>USA Today's Weather site has nice information on average weather in Italy. According to their stats for Florence and Rome, April is a bit warmer than March and both months get the same amount of rain. March in Florence and Rome is pretty nice. Bring a coat just in case.<BR><BR>Here is the historical weather for Florence:<BR>http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/europe/italy/wflorence.htm<BR><BR>Here is the historical weather for Rome:<BR>http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/wrome.htm

Ann, I did Rome and Florence with my mom and sisters March 20-28, 2001. Beautiful weather, light jacket at night. We had one day at 80 in the piazza in Siena, the rest of the days either light cloud or sunny, 60-70's. Outside the cities, the hillsides showed lots of bright 'spring green' grass and fruit trees in bloom. No leaves on the grapevines yet, but plenty of potted plants in the cities to feel like spring. One afternoon shower, one morning downpour. GO!

Will be cruising Med with my family April 27-May5. Tell me more about May 1 holiday and how will that affect our touring/ We will be in either Malta or Messina. thanks