Hi Everyone-
We're trying to nail down dates for our first trip to Italy next Spring. We're planning on taking the Rick Steves Heart of Italy tour and given our schedules, the dates that work best for us are either April 3-11 or May 1-9 (likely with a couple days tacked on the end to visit Siena). Any strong preferences between those dates, in terms of both weather and general crowdedness?
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15799 posts
April will have fewer crowds. I was in Florence briefly in early May last year and was surprised at the large numbers of tourists in the streets. I didn't go into the major sights, though.
Weather will probably be better in May with less likelihood of rain. While April may be cool, it is unlikely to be cold.
Which do you want to avoid more, crowds or rain?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7180 posts
I can't answer specifically about spring since I've always been to Italy in the autumn. However, a good rule of thumb is: when weather is likely to be best, crowds will be larger and vice-versa. So, as the other poster asked, what do you wish to avoid more - crowds or bad weather?
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
Early April can be wintery. I would choose the May tour. Early May should not be too crowded.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23671 posts
We were in that area two years ago in mid May till the 30th. The weather was very nice - but did have several days of light showers, generally in the PM, and it was a light jacket most of the time. The showers were generally short (less than 30 mins) but mornings and evening were very cool. We rented a house and should have paid for the heat option because the house never very warm.
Posted by
Washington
920 posts
I was in Rome a few years ago during Holy Week (which was mid-April that year) and the weather was great. It was sunny, but you still had to wear a windbreaker. Perfect travel weather in my book. And the wisteria were in bloom. Beautiful! None of us are meteorologists so it could be anything! I think either time would be fine.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I think Rome and to the south are great by April.
Anywhere north of Rome then if I could I would wait til May.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15799 posts
Wintery? I looked at Florence weather for the last 10 years April 3-11. At 9 a.m. the record low was 42F and at 10 a.m. it was 51F.
Posted by
Seattel, Washington, USA
125 posts
Look to when Easter is that year. Things tend to shut down in Italy around Easter. Also, early May has a lot of holidays when things are closed. Look at a holiday calendar for Italy and that may help. Also, the weather should be OK for both time and the nice thing about the weather is that it will change...enjoy
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15799 posts
EAster's in March.