Hi all,

Husband and I are pretty much set on traveling to Italy next fall! 10-15 days, planning to see the "Big Three." Been looking at our work schedules and it seems we can go anytime in September or November (but not October). We know September will be warmer, which would be nice as it would be fun to hit a beach or at least a pool. Seems November would be cheaper and less crowded, but cooler with possibility for rain. Looking for some advice or input! Thank you!

What do you mean by 'The Big Three"?
(Rome, Florence, Venice i presume?)
I would go September. Yes it's much more crowded but due to good weather you'll be able to sit on outdoor cafes and walk a lot. In my opinion Italy is very beautiful in good weather! You just want to walk, walk, and walk some more and enjoy all the beautiful architecture.

Sorry about that, yes I do mean Rome, Florence, and Venice (although our itinerary is not even close to being set yet). I am personally leaning towards September because of the weather factor - didn't think about the outdoor cafes but that would be a big plus too!

I agree - the weather in Venice especially gets VERY gross around November.

September, esp. late to mid September is substantially less crowded that July/August and the weather is much more likely to cooperate.

Also the days are longer in September so better for sightseeing. And the nights are warm enough to sit outside.

September is still a busy month in Venice, though.

I would go in September because the weather is nicer and the Italian wine festivals are on!

I would choose September over November. We just visited Florence last month and the weather was still mild, but there were a couple of days with rain although we didn't mind it. November it would be more rainy. September the weather should be comfortably warm and dry I am sure.

Hi monalua,

I think it all boils down to what you prefer more, less crowds or better weather.

As everyone stated above, November will be more rainy and this is high season for the aqua alta (high waters) in Venice but with fewer crowds.

September will have warmer weather, and more people.

If you loathe crowds and weather isn't a big deal for you I would pick November.

If you want better weather, and don't mind more people, then September would be a good choice.

I fear I have just stated the obvious and what you already know, as well as what everyone above has posted, but there it is, it is a personal preference.

Either way, Italy is glorious and you are going to have a fab time!

Enjoy!

Thanks for all of the input! Tiff - you have laid it out perfectly and I think that's what it comes down to - crowds and weather...still deciding...

p.s. Monalua, if you want to take a look at winter travel in Italy, I will top my trip report for you... though we were there in Jan/Feb, if will at least give you a glimpse!

p.s.s. It was a verrrrrrrrrrry romantic time to be there.

definitely go for the better weather. You will still have to deal with tourists - July, and definitely August would be the LAST months I would want to be in Rome - May and September are nicer weather-wise.

I did enjoy my November visit to Rome but I liked the May one so much better - and I am sure Sept. is the same.

What everyone has said, plus what I've been finding out as I plan my upcoming December jaunt to the "big three":

Many attractions close earlier in November than in September, and in Venice the musicians in Saint Mark's square don't play as late. Also one of the vaporetti, #1 or #82 (I don't remember which) quits running earlier in the off-season.

I will be in Rome next week and posting to my website while I am there. Maybe you can follow and see if I do anything interesting...

http://richardab.typepad.com/iheartrome/

We were in Europe this September, and it's a nice (and relatively inexpensive) time to go.

I'd go then!

Oh richardab, I am glad you made us aware. I love your site and have read about a few of your trips. It will be good to read of your experiences in bella Roma.

Arrivederci!

I am a big fan of off-season travel, despite the cooler weather and closures, because cities and sites are reclaimed by the locals.

However, I am not sure I would chose to visit the “Big Three” in November, I would go further south in Italy or the south of Spain.

While Rome might be OK weather-wise (on my one visit to Rome in November, I had two days of gorgeous sunshine and one of torrential rain, Venice and Florence are more likely to be cold and rainy (visited both in November, day trips, and Venice was really unpleasant; Florence was very cold but sunny).

I would definitely recommend September for your trip.

Regards Ger

I was in Florence and Venice in late October just last year. While I found Venice very mild, Florence was different. The streets are narrow and the sun doesn't get down to street level very long, if at all. Walking in the shadows on those narrow streets and on the shorter days was trying. I still had a good time, but I remember thinking that I wished I'd come to Florence in September instead. Even Venice was very damp and cold. I'd go in September.