My fiance and I are just starting to think about our honeymoon in 2010. (Forget planning the wedding, the travel is the best part!) We are thinking 10 days to 2 weeks in Tuscany & Umbria. We've got the Fodors 2009 book but have not yet cracked it open -- still working on Alaska for August...

My question is about the timing: I like to go to Europe in September/October, when many tourists have gone home and you can feel a bit more of the local flavor. In fact my best trip was to Provence in early October one year and it was fabulous. I think Tuscany would be fabulous at this time. My fiance wants to make sure the weather will still be sunny & warm for hiking and biking (our two favorite outdoor activities) and photography. He was thinking the end of August/early September.

The thing is, we need to be home for the Jewish New Year holidays, from Sept. 9 through the 18th. So either we go before then and be home by Sept. 9, or leave NYC on Sunday Sept. 19.

Will we have nice warm weather if we go after Sept. 19? Does it start to rain then?

Thoughts and opinions would be most appreciated. The honeymoon will not be attached to the wedding, so we can go any time. Thanks very much!

I would definitely go at the end of September. August/early Sept. in Tuscany and Umbria is unbearably hot and humid. It can be miserable just walking around, let alone hiking and biking. The end of Sept. and even into early Oct. should be perfect for the outdoor activities you want to do.

Hi, sounds like you've got the best plans already made...September is an excellent time to visit Tuscany - no tourists and less of the heat.

Here's a weather summary and other information:
http://www.tuscany-villas.co.uk/weat...nce-italy.html

Enjoy.

Thanks very much, Grinisa and Web!

Anyone else want to chime in?

I would also suggest late September - we've made several trips to Italy during that time of year, and the lack of big crowds is great, and the weather has been generally very good as well.

Actually, Sep is one of the most popular months for travel in Italy but is certainly more comfortable.

I froze in Tuscany mid-September 2008(arrived the 16th). It was very cool (jackets needed)with some wind, but if you are hiking/biking it might be perfect for you . I ended up leaving and going to the Amalfi Coast to get warm. I was surprised to find the hilltowns were quite deserted.

kybourbon, froze!!?? We were there in September and had great weather. Where on earth were you? hickrchick, I would suggest you go after Jewish New Year.

I second end of September. Usually, it is warm and sunny up to end of October. Freezing in September is very unusual. Kybourbon, you had bad luck. By the time when you arrived in Amalfi, Tuscany had probably warmed up too.

Another vote for the end of September or October. I've been travelling to Italy for the past two years and each time I've gone mid September through mid October. The weather is always fabulous, warm (not extremely hot) and on the cool (not cold) side early morning and early evenings.

Happy travels!

jdc

You really can't predict the weather. You could go in August and get lots of lousy rain or heat so bad you can't move - likewise in September (although in September, cold weather can be made not a problem with lightweight silk underwear).

Bottom line: You should go at a time when neither of you will say "I told you so" if it rains or is too hot.

Peteralan - traveller1959 - I was in Italy 9/15-9/30. Arrived Pienza on 9/17. Left for Amalfi on the 22. Of course at that time of year, no heat and my apartment was freezing. In Montalcino, many people were wearing coats.

Thanks, everyone! This is most helpful. We will definitely discuss it. Zeppole, you hit it exactly right -- we will have to be careful not to say "I told you so."

now off to Alaska in August -- I'll be back after we return to start researching.

I'm starting to look forward to Italy!