We are spending 2 weeks in Italy in late Sept - early October. We will be in Rome, Tuscany (villa near Lucignano w/side trips), and Cinque Terre (departing for US from Milan). We are wondering what temperature/weather to expect and clothing to pack. Will it still be "sandals and capris" weather, for the most part? We want to minimize packing as much as possible. Any input would be most appreciated.

www.weatherbase.com will give you historical high and low temperature averages and records, as well as precipitation, by month.

mktopsks - I have the same type of issue - but I am going end of Sept to beginning of November and will be traveling in Germany/Austria the last week of October... I am very perplexed on how to make it work wihtout over packing. We are moving around a lot and I cannot over pack.

We were in Italy last year for the last 2 weeks of Oct. and it turned quite chilly, downright cold one or two days. I had taken a couple pairs of crop pants, but I only wore them 1 or 2 days...needed my jeans or long black pants most of the time. I didn't take sandals, but my mesh Merrill clogs, which are the best walking shoes. After sloshing around in the rain with wet feet one day, I ended up buying boots.

I always travel with a black cashmere cardigan which is light weight, yet very warm. I pack a colorful pashmina in my carry-on and use it on the plane as an additional blanket if needed. Then it can be used during the trip,to brighten up a black outfit and if it turns too cool, I can wrap it around my light weight raincoat for extra warmth.

It will probably be beautiful weather in Rome and in Tuscany that time of year. I can't speak to Cinque Terre, since I haven't been there. We go to Italy at least once a year, usually in late September - early October, and it has been warm and sunny, for the most part. I would suggest taking one pair of slacks and regular shoes, as well as a sweater, just in case. One year we went to Venice in late October, and it was chilly at night, but ok during the day.

good tips - keep them coming!

Not too worried about Rome - we will be there Sept 24-27, and it should still be quite warm. We will be in Tuscany Sept 27-Oct 5 and the Cinque Terre for Oct 5-7. Have looked at www.weatherunderground.com.
We are interested in hearing from anyone who has been in these areas during this timeframe and the weather conditions you had. This is a transitional time of year, so it makes packing light a little tricky. Any packing/shoe suggestions would be appreciated.

I used to live in Florence, and have traveled to Rome on the average of twice a year since 2002. I would recommend layers (tees, long-sleeved tees and perhaps a couple of cardigans and jacket) and for shoes, forgo fashion for comfort and you won't be sorry. You may be able to wear sandals, but I wouldn't make them the only shoe I have.

Buon viaggio,
BC

There is always the possibility of rain, especially in the Ligurian coast in October. (My son was just in Rome last week; it rained a lot.)

So bring a thin rainproof outer layer and closed shoes. On the other hand, if it's nice, it will be "sandals and capris" weather.