What to wear
Apr 12th, 2014, 08:46 PM
#1
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What to wear
We are spending three days in Amsterdam, five in Rome, two in Florence and three days in Venice the first 2 weeks of May. We are thinking of light weight clothes such as jeans layered clothing and a jacket. A little concerned we may we be under estimating the over night temps. Am I correct to believe Holland and Venice can be windy?
Apr 12th, 2014, 10:07 PM
#2
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Why don't you look up what was it like in previous years and the most update forecasts just before you leave home?
http://www.wunderground.com/history/...lyHistory.html
http://www.wunderground.com/history/...lyHistory.html
http://www.wunderground.com/history/...lyHistory.html
http://www.wunderground.com/history/...lyHistory.html
Apr 13th, 2014, 01:12 AM
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There is no way of knowing what the weather will be here in the Netherlands in May, even by looking at previous years. Last week we had temps of 22C, this week 13C. In May it could be 13C or (hopefully!) in the mid 20s.
It probably won't be windy. A bit of a breeze maybe, but not real wind.
Normally the last night frosts are around the 10-14th of May, but we have had so few frosts this winter/spring that they are unlikely this year, and are at ground level in the wee small hours when you are probably tucked up in your bed.
Your clothing plan sounds just fine to me.
Do have something waterproof, or an umbrella, too, just in case.
It probably won't be windy. A bit of a breeze maybe, but not real wind.
Normally the last night frosts are around the 10-14th of May, but we have had so few frosts this winter/spring that they are unlikely this year, and are at ground level in the wee small hours when you are probably tucked up in your bed.
Your clothing plan sounds just fine to me.
Do have something waterproof, or an umbrella, too, just in case.
Apr 13th, 2014, 04:06 AM
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It is likely to be warm in Italy at that time, even hot in terms of sightseeing in the midday sun when it includes stair or hill climbing or touring shadeless ruins. In the evening, though, you will want that jacket (bring some mosquito repellant for Venice too). Venice is not particularly windy absent a storm but anyplace in italy can be breezy in the alleyways, in particular after the sun goes down.
You can use this long-term forecast website for Italy just before you pack to go. It is not totally reliable in terms of predicting rain but fairly reliable when it comes to predicting temps. You can see the sharp difference in spring between daytime and nighttime temps.
http://www.ilmeteo.it/meteo/Venezia
You can use this long-term forecast website for Italy just before you pack to go. It is not totally reliable in terms of predicting rain but fairly reliable when it comes to predicting temps. You can see the sharp difference in spring between daytime and nighttime temps.
http://www.ilmeteo.it/meteo/Venezia
Apr 13th, 2014, 04:41 AM
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Leggings, or tights, pashmina, Light sweater, layers, waterproof windbreaker, closed shoe like a Merrell( if its wet out, cobbles are killers)- have used them all in European travels. A parachute cloth bag for carrying stuff. .http://www.reuseit.com/reusable-shop...-bag-solid.htm
Apr 13th, 2014, 05:24 AM
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I live in Europe and know our climate and may help you a little better than statistics or long-term forecasts (which are not reliable - no forecasts that exceeds five days is anything worth in Europe).
In Italy, there is an 80% chance that you will encounter warm or even hot sunny weather. Temps will be between 25° and 30° centigrade and may even be over 30°. You may be unlucky and have one or two rainy days but it will still be mild.
In Amsterdam, there is a 60% chance that it will be warm and sunny and a 40% chance that it will be cool and rainy. "Cool" means 15°.
None of your destinations is particularly windy. Venice can be pretty muggy in summer, but probably not in May.
In Italy, there is an 80% chance that you will encounter warm or even hot sunny weather. Temps will be between 25° and 30° centigrade and may even be over 30°. You may be unlucky and have one or two rainy days but it will still be mild.
In Amsterdam, there is a 60% chance that it will be warm and sunny and a 40% chance that it will be cool and rainy. "Cool" means 15°.
None of your destinations is particularly windy. Venice can be pretty muggy in summer, but probably not in May.
Apr 13th, 2014, 06:28 AM
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Unfortunately traveller1959's weather forecasts are not any more useful or reliable than the one's he says are useless and unrelieable. His crystal ball is just as subject to being totally wrong. Just last year in Italy the May weather was consistently cook and rainy. The statistic of "80 percent chance of sunny and warm" isn't good enough for packing.
You will be able to see a forecast for Italy of less than 5 days before you board your plane for Amsterdam.
For your 3 days in Amsterdam, I suggest packing long underlayers that are lightweight. You probably won't need them in Italy except as pajamas. Things like leggings and pashminas are a style choice. Some people like them, others don't. Closed toe water resistant shoes are a must, but again, Merrill's is but one brand. There hare hundreds of choices (Merrill's never have and never will appear on my feet.)
You will be able to see a forecast for Italy of less than 5 days before you board your plane for Amsterdam.
For your 3 days in Amsterdam, I suggest packing long underlayers that are lightweight. You probably won't need them in Italy except as pajamas. Things like leggings and pashminas are a style choice. Some people like them, others don't. Closed toe water resistant shoes are a must, but again, Merrill's is but one brand. There hare hundreds of choices (Merrill's never have and never will appear on my feet.)
Apr 13th, 2014, 06:32 AM
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I also want to add that living in Europe doesn't give one much of a bead on all of Europe's weather, in particular Italy, which has very distinct micro climates. People rarely realize how hot Florence gets relative to Rome, and predicting the lagoon weather of Venice is very much an insider's game.
Look at weather forecasts for general trends in the cities where you are going. I wouldn't say the same for le Cinque Terre or other parts of Italy, but for those 3 cities, looking 5 days ahead for temps (not rain or sun) can be useful for packing.
Look at weather forecasts for general trends in the cities where you are going. I wouldn't say the same for le Cinque Terre or other parts of Italy, but for those 3 cities, looking 5 days ahead for temps (not rain or sun) can be useful for packing.
Apr 13th, 2014, 07:01 AM
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I live a short distance from Amsterdam, which is why I only commented on the Amsterdam leg. Our weather is totally unpredictable, even one day ahead. Today was to be warm and sunny. It is cool with sunny intervals.
Rain may be forecast and miss you completely, or not forecast and chuck it down (usually while I'm walking my dog
).
I don't think you need long under layers, even if you are from Australia. It is spring, not mid winter.
I have only worn such things in Norway in the winter.
Rain may be forecast and miss you completely, or not forecast and chuck it down (usually while I'm walking my dog
).I don't think you need long under layers, even if you are from Australia. It is spring, not mid winter.
I have only worn such things in Norway in the winter.
Apr 13th, 2014, 07:50 AM
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Wow Sandralist, sorry to elict such a violent reaction to Merrells but mine are for comfort not fashion.
http://www.softmoc.com/ca/searchr.as...fc9amgodgvuakw
To each his own okay??
http://www.softmoc.com/ca/searchr.as...fc9amgodgvuakw
To each his own okay??
Apr 13th, 2014, 08:04 AM
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Last year I was traveling around Europe (France, Italy and Austria) with friends, and we encountered all sorts of different weather. This was in the summer, but even so, there's still lots of potential for a wide variety of weather at any given time; it's hard to predict, even with forecasts. We encountered everything from cold, drizzly chill (Austria, Paris) to scorching heat so intense that we opted to stay indoors in the afternoons and do our touring in the mornings and evening (Venice), to perfectly mild and comfortable temperatures, too. In Paris it would often go from cool and rainy to really hot, and then back too cool again, in one day.
Anyway, my point is, I think you're on the right track when you say you'll bring layering clothes. I actually was traveling with only a carry-on sized backpack, so I did't even bring a jacket, as all of mine were too bulky and took up precious space. I brought a pashmina, a cardigan and a hoodie, for warmth. I brought one pair of black cotton pants, a pair of linen pants and some leggings, a few t-shirts (one long-sleeved) and tank-tops, a couple of light weight jersey skirts and a pair of shorts. For shoes, I brought my Gizeh Birkenstocks, a pair of running shoes and a pair of black strappy-but-still-comfortable sandals that were a little dressier than the Birks.
In this way I was prepared for pretty much everything, weather-wise, while I was traveling around. I think a big benefit was keeping all the individual pieces light-weight, so that when I wanted to be cool I could be, but I could easily layer things up if it was cold out.
One other thing I'd like to point out is that pretty much anything you need, you can buy in any of the places your visiting! So don't worry too much
Anyway, my point is, I think you're on the right track when you say you'll bring layering clothes. I actually was traveling with only a carry-on sized backpack, so I did't even bring a jacket, as all of mine were too bulky and took up precious space. I brought a pashmina, a cardigan and a hoodie, for warmth. I brought one pair of black cotton pants, a pair of linen pants and some leggings, a few t-shirts (one long-sleeved) and tank-tops, a couple of light weight jersey skirts and a pair of shorts. For shoes, I brought my Gizeh Birkenstocks, a pair of running shoes and a pair of black strappy-but-still-comfortable sandals that were a little dressier than the Birks.
In this way I was prepared for pretty much everything, weather-wise, while I was traveling around. I think a big benefit was keeping all the individual pieces light-weight, so that when I wanted to be cool I could be, but I could easily layer things up if it was cold out.
One other thing I'd like to point out is that pretty much anything you need, you can buy in any of the places your visiting! So don't worry too much
Apr 13th, 2014, 08:51 AM
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For a jacket, have a look at a packable rainjacket such as the Marmot Mica. Wind and waterproof top layer that weighs only 7 ozs. and packs into one of its own pockets.
http://www.rei.com/product/867852/ma...in-jacket-mens
No need to leave home without a rainjacket ahiddenbird. I'd leave the pashmina, cardigan and hoodie along with 2 pair of the shoes at home. But then, my weight goal is under 5kg. including the weight of my pack.
http://www.rei.com/product/867852/ma...in-jacket-mens
No need to leave home without a rainjacket ahiddenbird. I'd leave the pashmina, cardigan and hoodie along with 2 pair of the shoes at home. But then, my weight goal is under 5kg. including the weight of my pack.
Apr 13th, 2014, 10:00 AM
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Amsterdam is definitely likely to be cooler than Italy - but it shouldn't be cold. I would bring spring/summer clothing, making sure you have a sweater for evenings, a tissue weight rain jacket (you WILL get some rain), a sturdy folding umbrella and waterproofed comfy walking shoes.
Apr 13th, 2014, 11:34 AM
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What to wear
Posted by: bogarts on Apr 13, 14 at 12:46am
We are spending three days in Amsterdam, five in Rome, two in Florence and three days in Venice the first 2 weeks of May. We are thinking of light weight clothes such as jeans layered clothing and a jacket.
You are thinking right. I suggest a light weight sweater under the jacket for early morning. Then doff it into a shopping bag for the afternoon. As mentioned, rain protection is essential. Rubber sole shoes, a water repellant jacket, and umbrella should serve you well.
Posted by: bogarts on Apr 13, 14 at 12:46am
We are spending three days in Amsterdam, five in Rome, two in Florence and three days in Venice the first 2 weeks of May. We are thinking of light weight clothes such as jeans layered clothing and a jacket.
You are thinking right. I suggest a light weight sweater under the jacket for early morning. Then doff it into a shopping bag for the afternoon. As mentioned, rain protection is essential. Rubber sole shoes, a water repellant jacket, and umbrella should serve you well.
Apr 13th, 2014, 01:10 PM
#20
take your jeans if you like but they are uncomfortable if you wear them on a flight especially if long-haul, and heavy to pack if you don't. Better take 3 pairs of trousers - medium, light and capri, all matching your layering tops. I would add a waterproof jacket with a hood [saves the weight of an umbrella] and can help if it's windy when an umbrella is useless, walking shoes, and sandals for if it's warm, though these can be bought if necessary. [but italian feet are narrow and you may not find ones are comfortable as the ones you have at home].
with a pashmina for warmth and style, you're in business!
with a pashmina for warmth and style, you're in business!
