spring or fall in northern Italy

First, Rick Steves himself does not frequent this board. We are all "members of the traveling public," just like yourself. Either April or October works well. April is a bit rainier, but the days are longer. Neither one is too hot (more important the further south you go). If going in April, watch for Easter (larger crowds and harder to get accommodations in some places, such as Rome).

Thank you.

I've been to Italy 3 times and always in Sept/Oct. All three included northern Italy. I would vote for October - harvests are taking place and fall colors are beautiful. All 3 times the weather was mostly sunny and warm (70's). Only 2 days of rain in 3 trips and they weren't all day downpours - that happens more in the Spring.

I'd also vote for October, but for a different reason. European school groups take trips in the spring. Sharing the floor of a Florence hotel with a large group of teens and escorts who didn't speak English was enough to convince me that fall has a lot to be said for it. Think dormitory or frat house after a kegger... And when I called the front desk to complain (it was after midnight), they just connected me to the escort's room, which is when I learned they spoke no English. Early October would probably be better than late October. I've experienced pretty dramatic weather changes in both Florence and Venice in October in recent years. And in Venice, think about spending some time in the other islands in the lagoon. There are wonderful discoveries out there.

We went in October too and would choose October next time.

I vote for October too. We went late October/early November and it was a bit cool. We've also been in January/February and it was so cold and snowy!