Italy in April

Hi Jenny,

I've gone to Italy in April several times and although the weather can be more unpredictable, it's my favorite time of year to travel there. You don't have all the tourist crowds, people are generally happier to see tourists after a winter off and everything is so green. You may get some days of rain, but you can also have days of beautiful sun. I say go for it!

April is also my favorite month to go to Italy. It's very comfortable then.
Airfares are also more reasonable than in the Summer. I usually leave the last day or two of March--to get the Winter airfares.

We spent mid May around Florence. It was cool and damp. Most days were pleasant but did have nearly daily little showers. The nights were very cool especially after the sun went down. Bring a rain jacket, a fleece, and sweater and you will be ok.

jenny,

I normally prefer to travel in May / June or Sept. / Oct. but I have been in Italy in April a couple of times. The weather on those occasions was a bit "mixed" but generally not too bad. If you get sunshine it will be quite pleasant, albeit likely cooler in the evenings and possibly some rain, so pack accordingly.

Which parts of Italy were you planning to visit? The south should be slightly warmer at that time of year.

Hi, Jenny.
As Ken mentioned, where you plan to go is very relevant. Rome is nice in April although, as with anywhere in the world, one can get rain, wind, or storms any time of the year. Still, that beats the heat and crowds of summer. I have been to Venezia in April with light rain one evening and clear, warm sun the next days. And in a big city -- Roma, Firenze, Venezia -- one can plan museums and churches for days that are less ideal for outdoor activities.

Sorrento can be lovely in April as well. Being further south, spring comes earlier. In fact I have been told mid-April is a perfect time to be in Sicily.

We have made several trips to Italy in April. As others have said, the weather is highly variable. Mostly, we've had sunny days, with highs in the mid-60's to low 70's. However, one time we landed in Rome, in the morning; and the temp was 32. It reached only 40 that day, and we were miserably cold. People told us that the prior week had seen highs in the 70's.

I would check the 10 day forecast just before leaving and adjust my packing accordingly. (I always do that now.) You can expect cool nights, so a light-weight wool cardigan or some kind of fleece layer is a good idea, no matter what is predicted. Also, some rain gear.
Other than the uncertain weather, April a great time for Italy, especially because the crowds are not so bad. Do check for when Easter falls, however. Unless you want to be in Rome during Holy Week for religious reasons, stay away. The crowds are unbelievable; and hotel prices jump, accordingly.

I would check the 10 day forecast just before leaving and adjust my packing accordingly.

Not sure that is the best advise. We did that twice and got burned (actually frozen) badly both times. I think you have to plan for a range of weather especially in the spring and fall. Spring is very variable. You can pack on the warm side and always buy a sweater or fleece if it is cooler than expected. However, that is an additional expense and lost of time.

Because of the school vacation schedule here in ME we have had to travel to Italy in April our last three trips and found it to be a wonderful time to be there. Yes, the weather can be changeable but some reasonable jackets or sweaters should fill your needs if you are not I the far north or I the mountains. This past April we were in Pompeii in shirtsleeves and had several lunches in outdoor cafés in Rome. I bring an LLBean travel blazer(for all the zippered pockets), long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, chinos and a PAC-lite rain jacket. My wife brings an LLBean jacket, sweater, long and short sleeve tops, and mid-length skirts(which she prefers). We are in our seventies but have never found the April weather to be a deterrent. Our travels in April are usually between Florence and Naples. I agree that Rome at Easter could be challenging. However if you are in Italy at Easter the smaller towns are a great place to be for the parades and other festivals.
Go for it and enjoy April in Italy!

I did five weeks in Italy this year, starting mid-April to end of May. Ravenna, Rome, Assisi. I loved it. Be prepared for some cool days and rain. One bonus: the wisteria was blooming everywhere.

ME too my first trip, middle of April 2016 , and I love hearing about the wisteria blooming great for photography. Some of the best photographs are taken after showers when everything is still wet. Color's seem to pop out at you ! Don't like cold , getting wet but the prices are right , less crowds I am going for it.

Thank you all for the replies! We are not sure of our itinerary just yet- in the very early stages of planning. We would like to see as much as we can but yet not feel like we are running around in chaos every day.

I would not hesitate to go in April. Weather is always unpredictable in Europe. You are not likely to have chilly, rainy, cloudy days all the time, and you may not have any. You are unlikely to encounter any really hot days that early in the year. There will be substantially fewer tourists, especially since Easter is in March next year.