I am planning my next trip to Italy. I want to go to the Amalfi coast (as well as Rome and possibly CT/Tuscany). I can get a great deal with FF miles for early March and wonder if it's worth going, or should bite the bullet and pay for the ticket in late May. I am not a sun worshipper, but want to have a good and memorable time. I have been to Italy in late february/early march and had a great time (but we were in Lucca, Florence, and venice)- even though it was cold (they were clearing snow out of the gondolas in Venice). A search of the helpline led me to a post that stated "the rule of thumb is cities in the winter and the coast/countryside in the summer".
Tanya
We were on the Amalfi coast late May a few years ago and it was perfect weather. Even 2 out of the 6 days were 85 or more. I cannot speak for March but in the back of RS book he shows Rome average temperature being 60. The Amalfi coast being further south would probably be aroun 65 maybe 70 which would be quite comfortable. Why not try the FF miles for a flight leaving late March and spend some time there in April? How many days are you going for?
Whatever the time frame have a great vacation.
May...perfect weather. I go in early May after the May 1 holiday.
We were in Sicily and Calabria (i.e., farther south than you're going) a couple of years ago and it was COLD and very rainy a lot of the time. We had some nice weather, too, but I'd hate to chance an Amalfi coast trip in early March.
For me, May would be good. In May you can enjoy the beaches, boat trips, pools, etc. although it is still too chilly to actually go into the water. March will require jackets, etc. Since you are going to the Amalfi coast to experience the sunshine I think May would be much better. Use the FF miles for some other trip.
I went to Amalfi in November (back in 1996) and what was nice was that it was literally deserted. We stayed in the Hotel Luna Convento and I think we were the only guests. We'd sit in the large dining room and they would bring us whatever they were making that day (which was always phenonmenal). The weather was very nice and comfortable; unfortunately it rained the entire 2 weeks we were in Italy. I'd imagine the temperature will be very comfortable for sightseeing in March, I'd just check to see if it's their rainy season.