What's the weather like after September the 17th in Italy ... and in france.. I want to pack light. I get the feeling it will start getting chilly in the evenings

Hello! I know you have had a few problems posting and getting responses, so take a look at your "backpacker" thread and read Rex's recommendations. "What to pack" is a really general title that shows up here about once a week, so you will get little response.

That said, how long after September 17th? Yes, it will get chilly at night and maybe even during the day, especially if you are in the mountains. I would not be without a jacket and a few longsleeved shirts, and definitely a pair of jeans.

oh that was just me throwing a tantrum to get some attention. Thanks laclaire. So far my pack pile consists of only ONE long sleeved shirt eek!!

What parts of Italy and France? the weather is dramatically different in Palermo versus Florence-Nice versus Biarritz? more info will permit better responses.

Provence, Avignon, Paris

The weather can really vary in those locations and in that time of year. Layering is the key.

Two years ago, we went to Italy (Venice, Tuscany, Rome) at the end of Sept/beginning of October. I wore long pants every day, though one day I was a bit warm doing so; my husband wore shorts most days. I took a light-weight fleece and some other long-sleeved layer. I would usually wear one of those at 9 am, but soon shed it for short sleeves for the rest of the day. I wore my jacket one evening, and that was it.

In contrast, in Paris and the Loire Valley last year, at the same time of year, I wore most of the layers that I brought most of the time: long pants (of course), long-sleeved shirts, silk 3/4 sleeve top underneath, the same jacket, which is lined (thinly, zip-out). I spent the best 5 Euros of the trip buying a cheap scarf in Paris. Now, keep in mind that I tend to always be one layer colder than everybody else in my family, but that gives you an idea of the variety.

www.accuweather.com is a favorite site of mine.

Layering is really the key. You can bring all short sleve shirts if you have a sweater/fleece and a jacket to throw over them when needed. Last week in London I saw someone (perhaps Lexma90) walking around in a fur lined parka. Today it is 85 degrees. You never know - but I wouldn't bring the parka. And I would also skip the shorts. Just make sure you can walk in your shoes.