Italy in February

My first trip ever was in February 2002, I think and suggest that you go. It will be a better experience to go by what you saw in pictures than to over think or read the responses here that may lead you to over think this. Or ask your friend.

With Italy you only need to ask questions about stuff you do not understand related to plane or train tickets or how to get around

While it wasn't Venice, i visited Rome, Florence and Milan through the New Years. While it wasn't as crowded as Jun-Jul-Aug, it still attracted a sizable number of tourists, many were Italians themselves visiting their own country's treasures. Certain restuarants won't be open as they may be seasonal, however you will definitely get favorable hotel rates.

One aspect I really enjoyed was the weather was much colder and wetter, it made walking long distances much easier, as you didn't build up a good sweaty lather like you would in the Summer. Another was photography, most images you see of Venice or other parts are of a sunny, blue-bird day, going in Feb, you'll get a different light.

I love visiting Italy in February. I've been to Venice 3 times in February, at the beginning of Carnavale which is 2.5 weeks and high season, and the last week is super-high season. In 2020, the dates are February 8-26. Here are a few of my photos from the first Sunday of Carnavale in 2015. They were shot in Piazza San Marco at 8.30-9.30 am. The only people out were the people in costumes posing for photos and the amateurs photographers like me. So even during Carnavale you can find empty streets even in the busiest parts of the city. And most of the city is not filled with tourists at any time.

Are you planning to go anywhere else in Italy?

I have been to Venice and left 2 days before Carnivale, when we were told that it becomes manic. There were no long queues for most of the main sights, but it was cold (5 degrees maximum daytime temperatures) - the hotel staff said we were very lucky with the weather as we had no rain which was very unusual. We did see some high tides and we had to use the wooden boards.

There were no cruise ships for the entire week that I was there.

The downside was few of the walking tours were running, opening hours were shorter (some places were closed) and many of the cafes and restaurants were closed for several weeks. At the Doges Palace, they were rearranging some of the exhibits in the quieter season, so the audio guide was useless. If I returned, it wouldn’t be at that time of year.

I've been to Rome, Milan, Naples and Florence in February. In the sun all were quite warm but obviously chillier at night (also at lot depends on your personal tolerance, a Minnesotan is going to perceive temperatures differently than a Floridian) however my wife has been to Rome in February and experienced significant snowfall. I've also travelled by train from Milan to Rome and the higher elevations were covered in snow and a complete contrast to both Milan and Rome so it also depends on where you intend to go.

I see that you're from Canada. For you, this is probably a fine idea. For me, it falls in the "No way" category, because the combination of cold and wet makes me want to hibernate in my hotel room.

I spent a week in Tuscany in February many years ago, we had some showers in Florence but otherwise it was very pleasant. Even the countryside was green, thanks to the many evergreen trees. If February suits your plans, then go ahead!

We've been to Italy twice in late February. First time was Florence to Salerno, then up into the foothills in Campania to do some geneological research, then in 2017 we spent a week at an apartment in Rome, then down to Sorrento.

Bottom line is this, from my perspective. When the weather's good--and by good I mean anywhere from 45-60 degrees F., and no rain--it's magnificent because it's like you have the place to yourselves, which you do other than a few other tourists & then locals.

When the weather is not good--we've experienced high winds in Florence, and driving rain and low 40's temps in Sorrento--it's still OK, you just find inside things to do, and we realized that we were still much better off that time of year being in Italy than home in Chicago.

In the two trips, we've spent 21 days in February (and early March) in Italy, and I would say 60% of the time it was good weather--in fact the week in Rome was 60 and temperate, a total joy--and then 40% not so nice. I'm going to try April next time, hoping the tourists still won't be there but we might catch some warmer weather.