Cinque Terre in Winter?

Jerry's example shows that there are always exceptions to the rule and that you could get lucky. But if you plan to go to CT at that time of year I would definitely have a backup plan in case you encounter poor weather conditions.

"some things will not be open" -> change that into almost nothing will be open. And that does affect the trails as well. They tend to be wet and slippery in the winter and get closed when the park authorities think they would be too dangerous. And that will be most of the time during the winter months.

Some sections of the trail would be VERY dangerous in winter. Italy, after all, is just one big safety code violation. :-)

We went there three years ago during Thanksgiving break, and the weather was beautiful! Most of the local restaurants were open and it was absolutely uncrowded. It was cool at night but probably in the 50's during the day.

hello,
some advices regarding your travel plans:

Negative:
-most of the restaurants-shops will probably be closed, but there're always some open for tourists
-weather conditions could be bad..in this case it will be hard to hike but the "Via dell'Amore" should be open in any case, and there're some short walks around each village you can always do, except in case of heavy rain (btw...it's raining hard now [may 2nd] in a period known as "good"...)

Positive:
-you can experience the Cinque Terre in a different perspective, without the crowdness of the touristic season, in a special feeling.
-you will find the lowest hotel and B&B rates