Northern Italy august or sept??

August will probably more crowded than September. given your destinations, the weather will also probably be a bit more comfortable in September as well.

All things being equal, Sept would be the preferred time and the later the better.

Gina,

I'd also recommend September. I've travelled in that area in the fall, and the scenery is beautiful and the weather usually quite good (no guarantees though).

I wouldn't recommend going in August, as it's PEAK season and will probably be hot and crowded.

Happy travels!

September is less crowded. Late September or early October is when the rates go down from High Season.

The Venice film festival ends on 12 September and Gina said late September.

I would definitely not travel anywhere in Italy in August!! I lived there for three years and that's not a good time for touring/sightseeing. September is much better, Crowds are lighter. Weather is quite nice, still warm. I myself will be going to Italy this September in northern Italy then going south.

August the the time that many Europeans take their vacation, plus the kids are not back in school yet. We went to CT and Varenna in late September last year. There were many people, but it wasn't too bad. I want to go back!

August is awful. September for sure. :)

september without any argument! first, it is harvest time and the food is fabulous in september. second, august is blisteringly hot and all the italians go on vacation. it is an AWFUL time to be in Italy!

We were in Venice a few years ago during the film festival and didn't notice any difference. Most of the festival action happens on the Lido, away from the main island.