Hello, I will be in Rome, Venice, Florence and Lake Como from March 30 to April 17. I have traveled to the country a number of times but usually in July and August. One time I spent Christmas in Florence and it was fantastic. I am not sure what to expect in terms of crowds and weather. Some say April can be crowed as it begins peek season. I am going before Easter. I heard the crowds pick up for Easter. I saved my trip into the north by the lakes for the end. Hoping mid April will be better than late March. Wondering if anyone can share experiences with crowds and weather. I realize it can’t be predicted and looked at almanacs to see the patterns but just wanted to see what you say. Thank you in advance for your advice
Posted by
San Diego, California
5630 posts
Easter is April 20, 2025, and I have experienced increased crowding in Italy the week before and after Easter. In addition, the Jubilee is 2025, drawing in additional travelers. Predicting weather is always a guess, especially in the last few years of extremes.
Enjoy your trip. Safe travels.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1709 posts
The week between April 25th and May 1st, both national holidays, is always trafficked, even more when it is close to Easter week. Also remember that the Monday after Easter is also a national holiday.
Let us explain a typical Italian word, "ponte". It means bridge, but it also means that a person taking away from work April 22nd to 24th,can "bridge" between Easter and Liberation day, so having free time from April 19th to 27th with only three days out of job. But the bridge can extend to May 1st... (six days out of job for 12 actual free days).
Posted by
1 posts
April is now considered high season.
The last 3 years in a row we have had beautiful Marches and it has snowed in April.
Posted by
Chicago
2086 posts
We'll be doing Florence, Rome, Salerno (A.C.) and Taormina (Sicily) next April 1-17. I have travelled to Italy this time of year before, but a little earlier. In late February it was delightful in Rome (45-60 F.), but blowing rain and 40-ish in Sorrento in early March. Early March in Florence has been very chilly and Salerno/Amalfi 50's to 60.
In short, a crapshoot. I'm planning for anything between 45 in Florence to as high as 75-80 once we get down to Sicily.
I do expect crowds, from post-Covid pent-up demand to travel as well as the Jubilee 2025 factor. But that's OK--we'll deal with it!
Posted by
OP
NYC
21 posts
I was there for Jubilee in 2000 and there were noticeably more people but not so much that it was unbearable. I think will we be fine dealing with the added people and I do look forward to the cooler weather. It makes travel a delight. Thanks for the input everyone. Be safe in your travels.