My SO & I are in the process of planning a trip to Paris, Rome & Florence. We were looking at the first 2 weeks or middle 2 weeks of October. I thought the crowds would be much less during this period. Am I right?

Thanks for any help!

These are major cities and as such, are always crowded/busy just as NYC or LA will always be busy/crowded.

They will be busy but you won't have to face the same tourist hordes as you do in summer. I think it is a lovely time of year to visit all those cities. Have a great time.

While I cannot speak to Paris (too many years have passed since we were there in the fall), we have been in Italy the past two Octobers -- the Lake District, Florence and Milan in 2010 and Amalfi, Rome, Florence and Milan in 2011. As was mentioned above, the cities were "busy" but not in a burdensome way. Much calmer than in August, I can assure you. I personally would not hesitate to visit in October.

If you want to avoid the crowds in Paris, go in August. September and October are the busiest months of the year as this is prime trade-show and convention periods.

Thanks for all the information. Sounds like October is good for Italy, Paris not so much!

These are huge cities. While you may find "crowds" at certain tourist attractions, it's not like tourists take over entire cities, regardless the month of the year. I would base it on your own preferred timeframe and the weather, not the presence or lack of "crowds".

We have been going to Paris in mid Sept. for many years. Last year we went a bit later, from 9/27 to 10/6. It was unusually warm and beautiful. We have never found the crowds to be unmanagable just reserve your hotel or apt. early. We've also been in Italy in Sept. and found it to be the same.

The weather is quite variable and you should watch it right before you go. We've had rain & floods ("02) and 80's & hot ('11) and everything in between. Most of the years it was 70's with 1 or 2 days/nights of soft rain.

Have fun in your planning. IMO, it's the best time to be in Europe.