Any suggestions on whether to go to Italy at the end of December or early April? Summer is not an option. I am wondering specifically about which time would be prettiest ... is it still beautiful in December? Is the water as blue? What about the vibrancy of the other colors?
Thanks so much!!
I vote for April. Winter will, of course, have the shortest days of the year, as well as the coldest weather. April should have much better weather, but it would be wise to plan for some rain.
More daylight in April. It is also a good time in that it is not overly busy (compared to Summer). The weather can be variable - we have had snow in Puglia in the South in April, and beautiful warm spring days in Turin.
April for sure. Depending upon where u are going some museums etc may be closed in early april so ck ahead for planning purposes. Summer is dreadfully hot, crowded and pricer so u are not missing anything.
Holiday travelers will be in Italy at the end of December, making for crowds and higher prices. Early April is still off-season. For that, and the reasons others have stated, April, April, April.
I also agree with going in April. While it may be colder (especially in the evenings) and possibly some rain, it will be a much nicer time to see Italy.
Has anybody else voted for APRIL yet ??
ps. In Italy the colours are always vibrant. If not the sky or the countryside, then definitely the Ferraris and the lipstick!!
April, April, April!
For my first trip I went in June, and it was amazing, so I can imagine April must be beautiful with all the flowers and so coming up! I would love to go back in the next year, but have noticed rates for the end of the year are very high because of all the religious tourism. For me, it would be nice to go in december for a break from my cold weather in the north, but not at the prices I see around christmas time and new year (the beginning of december looks actually not so expensive at all). Go in the spring so you can enjoy more nice weather and outdoor beauty!
Statistically April has warmer weather than December. Daylight is longer too.
Not sure what you intend for pretty. A statue or a church or a fresco in a museum will be just as pretty in December as in April. The countryside in December will be different, with bare trees and possibly snow or light fog. April will be greener as it is springtime already. Whether one is prettier than the other depends on your taste. Being from Minnesota maybe you prefer below freezing temperatures and snow which make you feel at home. The water is not blue. If it's clean it should be transparent. The blue color of the sea is an optical illusion caused by reflection of the sky above, so if it looks blue or gray will largely depend on the color of the sky and also the color of the sand below. The sea in Sardinia looks vibrant blue on a clear day, no matter which month. The color of the river Arno in Florence or the Tiber in Rome is for the most part light brown year round, due to the muddy waters.
April is a glorious time to visit Europe. We certainly avoid going in the Summer. Winter airfares are inexpensive if you leave the last day or two of March.
We once went in February, and about froze to death in Venice. No thank you.
For sure April, and bring along warm clothes and rain gear. You can get lovely weather then. Where are you going in Italy? The further south, the warmer you will be. The Amalfi at that time of year is wonderful.
Thanks so much for your responses. As you might imagine, because I live in Minnesota, it isn't really the cold weather or possible snow I am most concerned about. This is a trip for my mother, and I want to take her at a time where the country is prettier. I have previously visited Italy in the summer and it was (of course) beautiful. Your responses have been very helpful!
Thanks again.
