Italy late April to Early May

There's no guarantee on the weather but I was there last May for 2 weeks over Mothers Day. It rained.... a lot! I packed sneakers, my Keens sandals, a few nice capris and 2-3 long sleeve along with 2-3 tees. I started in the north in Venice and it wasn't until Rome that I used my short sleeves consistently. I have a lighter coat rated for 30-45F and wore it often.

I carry a packble raincoat for every trip. Fleece pullover or jacket. Agree with what Deborah said about long- and short-sleeve tops. Lightweight bottoms (skirts if you like) as long as you have something that covers your knees for church entry.

See the Rick Steves packing list on this site for other suggestions. Enjoy!!

One item I always pack is a little pair of slippers to wear in the hotel. My feet are usually really, really tired from walking in my outdoor footwear, and I don't feel comfortable in just socks or bare feet. I have a pair of Nufoot ballet flats that have gotten me through countless trips -- and in a pinch I've worn them outdoors for surprisingly long distances without any problem. https://www.nufoot.com/women.html

Along with that, I try to pack a comfortable "lounging" outfit warmer & more modest than pajamas, again to wear in the hotel at day's end. Something decent enough to run down to the lobby in (say, to get a newspaper or a soda), but more comfy than what I'd wear out on the street.

I've traveled to Italy three times in the last ten years--once in mid-October (decent weather but too busy) and twice in late February/early March. Then, while it met my criteria of the lack of tourists, the weather was so unpredictable (beautiful in Rome, horrendous on the Amalfi Coast) that ever since I've through long and hard about the prime window of time to visit Italy for our next journey.

And I've pretty much picked your timeframe as the sweet spot. Because we will be coming from the north (Munich, to Hall in Tirol AU, to Verona, to Florence, to Rome), I will have to once again employ my previous packing strategies for weather, which includes a down jacket that folds up to the size of a softball, an all-purpose fleece jacket with zippered pockets, even a stocking cap & gloves. Layers are key so that you aren't cold. So are slippers, as stated upthread. Cold floors! And one more thing--plan on doing laundry at least once in your two-week stay, thus you can pack less. A single spinner suitcase, size not larger than a carry-on, weighing in the 20-22# range max.

Both April 25th and May 1 are national holidays, some sites could be closed or - worst - free.

I am also headed to Italy during those dates, so I appreciate your question. I am visiting Bellagio, Santa Margherita Ligure, Florence, and Anzio. I always pack layers, and I love the slipper idea.

Sorry to barge in on your post, but it's very timely. Maybe I'll see you in Florence!

Thanks for all the great advice! Looking forward to a wonderful trip.

We were there over May Day this last spring.
1) unless you're going for a LONG trip, you'll be able to check the two-week forecast before you leave and you'll have your answer.
2) we were just in the Naples area, so didn't have the latitude change impact. The days were sunny and warm or sunny but cool (so we used long sleeve and short sleeve shirts). But the nights needed a coat. It was cool walking the towns at night.