My spouse and I might choose to go Italy in February, because of our schedules and budget. We hope to see Rome-Siena-Florence-Venice most likely and I'm wondering what other experienced visitors to Italy can recommend. That is, what would be good about going at that time of year? Obviously the crowds would be down, and hotel reservations might be easier and cheaper. But what else? Why would we be glad to go in February?

Feel free to add any negatives, as well.

Some will undoubtedly say the weather could be a limiting factor..perhaps more rain, etc., but are there any "alternatives" to your time frame (I assume not given the schedule/budget restrictions).

I would hope hotels would be cheaper and if they are you can congratulate yourself on getting that same great hotel room for a LOT less..for some folks that is more then enough reason to go and the weather be damned!

Undoubtedly the time would be cheaper and less crowded for obvious reasons. The weather would be too cold for me. I would imagine my suitcase would weigh about three times as much if I packed for a February vacation to Italy instead of July .

In Venice though, depending on your timing, if you hit the carnival your prices and crowds will rival mid-summer.

I traveled to Rome last February and had a great time. I didn't make it up to Florence. Rome was perfect though--- I was able to see all of the sites without battling too many lines. It was cold---- but it's just like going to Paris around the same time. It can be romantic! I remember feeling really relaxed the whole trip-- something that would have been impossible during peak season.

Cheap airfare sales (I went for $264 round trip Newark/Milan in Feb.-March 2002)

Less competition for hotel rooms, but in smaller cities some hotels may be closed for the season.

The usually crowded major tourist cities won't be so crowdedl so you will see the real character of these cities with local people going about their normal business. (I was in Florence in Feb., and have heard similar comments about Rome and venice in winter.)

You can be active and climb hills and walk fast without feeling overheated.

Tourists will be more of a novelty, so people will be curious and eager to chat with you, instead of looking at you as part of an annoying horde. (That may not be a good thing if you prefer not to chat, but I really liked it.)

You might be lucky and have very mild winter weather as I did in late Feb. 2002.

Hi GLU54,

Just as a FYI to you Carnival is February 17th - 28th.

My DH and I have decided to go in early Feb. I think it will be a nice time of year for us. We don't mind having on a jacket, I would rather have that than crowds and humid, hot weather. Should be interesting, I'll post when I return, sorry that will be too late to be any help to you.

Good luck! Tiff

I prefer to travel in winter time to any destination round the Mediterranean. I live here and I absolutely hate the summer heat and the "seem they never finish " crowds so I think February is great for visiting Italy. Just don't forget it is not the Caribbean, it can be very cold

Why not go in Feb. We always go to Europe in Dec-Jan around Christmas. The crowds are non-existant and the weather not too bad. We live in Seattle so the weather is very similar. This year we are flying in and out of Marseille and will do the southwest of France and the north of Italy.

We have been to Italy in February three times and had remarkably good weather. Well, it did snow in Rome in 2004, but we're from Alabama so we thought that was great.

If you have seen Italy in the warmer more crowded months, I promise that walking into a nearly empty Piazza Navona or San Marco will be a wonderful experience.

Byrd

Hi GLU,

There is no bad time to visit Italy. Some times are better than others.

GLU54, I should have been more specific by stating next year's Carnival (2006) is Feb 17th-28th.

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Hmmmm. Intriguing question. So, the Italian Lakes being closer to the Alps--would they be sleety, and windy? Do their little boats and water taxis run in the winter? Actually, if you wanted to sip a drink on your terrace, what about late March? Still too early?

hopingtotravel, Lago Maggiore never gets below 4C in winter, which is just above 39F. Palm trees line this lake, and manage to do well all year long. In Rome it's likely you can savor the beverage of your choice on a balcony in March. I was there in March a couple of years ago, and was almost too toasty in a blouse and blazer, and began to look at switching into a short-sleeved tee shirt.

To the OP, I can say that you save a LOT of time by not waiting in line, and a lot of physical discomfort, too. Sweating while waiting to get into the Vatican Museum in August? I'll take February any time! And Mardi Gras/Carnivale....well, that's only once a year!

Buon Viaggio,
BC

The Winter Olympics are in Turin in February 2006. I'm not clear what the impact on tourism in other parts of Italy will be. But it's possible there might be more than usual, as people take advantage of the opportunity to go elsewhere in Italy at that time.

I went the first two weeks in March of 2002. The weather was great, few crowds, and better room and air fair rates. With fewer people, you can see a lot more a lot faster.

It did rain a couple of times, but not that much. Florence cooled down at night, but a light jacket was fine. Other than that, I never wore a coat, except for dinner. The weather in Rome was about 55F in Florence 45-50F. I did not make it to Venice, so I'm not sure of it's weather.

I prefer winter to summer in Italy; much better rates, fewer tourist and a general sense of being able to experience a less hurried environment.

I was there in Feb 2003 and 2004. There was some rain but not enough to be bothersome. The only thing I miss this time of year is the outdoor dining that is very enjoyable in good weather and the "passagiata" which is fun both as a participant and as a voyeur.

All seasons in Italy hold their own special charm and I am 100% with Ira is that there is no bad bad time for a visit.

Feb. is a wonderful time in Italy..and you have received many good reports on this. I ditto!
We were in Italy twice end of Feb. first of March...Sorrento one year, Siena another........The weather is crisp, sometimes rainy, but cool and nice and we feel MUCH better etc, and one can experience the true country. This is not to take anything away from those who can ONLY go in the sUMMER (teachers, educators, children etc), as has been said "Italy is great all the time".