Italy in November...Weather

lisa, While sources like Weather Underground can provide historical data, my advice would be to "hope for the best and plan for the worst". I just returned from Italy and found the weather somewhat unpredictable and subject to changing quickly. For example, one afternoon in Lucca I returned to my room about 16:00 for a rest. The weather has beautiful and sunny. However when I ventured out for dinner at about 18:00, I discovered that a torrential downpour of Biblical proportions was now taking place, along with a thunderstorm. There were ankle-high "rivers" of water in the streets and the rain was falling so heavily that not even an Umbrella was much help. By the time I made the short walk to the restaurant, both pant legs were soaked to the shin and both sleeves were wet. When I finished dinner, the weather had returned to a more "normal" state. In addition to rain gear, it would be a good idea to base your wardrobe on the principle of "layering", so that you'll have the flexibility for any conditions. As Rick often says, "there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing". Happy travels!

There's an app at weather.com that allows you to compare your city to another city. It lays out the two in a bar graph comparing high temps, low temps and precip. Happy travels.

Lisa:
You can look at history of each location over many years, by date, here http://www.wunderground.com/tripplanner/index.asp. We are traveling in Italy in December, Venice to Sorrento and Rome. I expect Venice to be much like Portland, with Rome & Sorrento slightly warmer. Keeps the crowds down!

I was in central Italy during that time last year. It rained, and rained....and rained. Temperature about in the 40's. We still had a great time and appreciated the low season for tourists. We packed light but still each had an extra pair of shoes, which we were really grateful for to have a dry pair to change into. Something to bear in mind, esp. if your from CAchurches are unheated in Italy. The first time I traveled to Italy in winter I thought we would be inside looking at churches and church art most of the time and didn't wear too many warm clothes because I didn't want to burn up indoors. We seemed to be even colder indoors than out. So if you're into churches like I am beware of the chill!

I did a Venice trip for the final week Nov - first week Dec. IMHO Anecdotal reports about weather don't provide much insight into a region's climate. There are numerous websites that present easy to use charts based on long term data, which are useful but they are not guarantees.  They all work off the same NWS data so take a look at any of the major sites.  Having said that anecdotal accounts of the weather are not predictive, here is my anecdotal  account of the weather:  My weather varied between sunny days in the 60s to howling cold rain, to thick fog to sunny low 30's (the Alps are visible across the Lagoon). I never got more than a day or so in a row of the same weather. Venice is one of the best cities that I've visited during rain: the canals, narrow streets and water buses are mysterious in dark foggy weather. Just bring some gortex and fleece and you'll be fine. And the sunny days are worth the wait. The floods last only a few hours and effect just a small area; you never will have to walk in water.

I always check weather.com right before I finish packing. They are usually accurate up to about 4 days ahead. I've been in Rome/Florence in November and January before and both times found the weather to be mild. I wore a light jacket most of the time and just added a scarf in the evenings. Layering things like an extra thin sweater, gloves or hat can also help and be very flexible. Lastly, I always wear my trusty doc martens shoes when traveling in the cooler months. They are sturdy enough to take the cobblestones, always support my feet and are warm enough for rain/snow.