We know weather is definitely unpredictable, but when packing coats for Rome at the end of November, would you recommend wool coats or raincoats? We have read that it can be rainy--does that mean pouring, driving rain or generally more gray and wet sort of like London? I think we're better off brining layers and wool coats with umbrellas than taking trench coats, but just want to double check. Thanks!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1005 posts
Agree with posts above and wet or damp wool would not be pleasant to smell. Haven't been in November and usually go in summer months but did a Rome/Florence trip the last two weeks of Oct. 2011 and brought along a Columbia waterproof (not water resistant, as there is a diff) jacket and luckily only needed it for rain one morning. The weather was very pleasant and we dressed in layers but got a kick out of seeing many Italians wearing parkas and winter coats! Per Roberto if we need umbrella we just buy off the street.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16236 posts
Wear layers and be ready to peel stuff off during the day. Umbrella is better but don't worry if you forget one. As soon as rain starts there will be dozens of Africans coming out of nowhere ready to sell you all kind of rain gear. Bargain hard.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1898 posts
Bring a rain coat, that will shield you from rain, and will act as a wind breaker, keeping you warmer. On cooler days, wear a light fleece jacket or wool sweater under that. A scarf around your neck will warm you considerably. Consider a small umbrella for rainy days. A rain coat hood is nice, but I find it impossible to really see where I'm walking - even with the hood adjusted. You do not need a wool coat --too heavy, unless it's something more like a wool sweater that zips up the front. (check out Icebreaker and Ibex for styles like that) The wool coat in rain will absorb the moisture- while wool will continue to keep you warm even when wet, it takes a while to dry out, and the smell of wet wool is not one of my favorites. I vote for and suggest a rain coat --- and layers
Posted by
Piedmont, nc, usa
316 posts
I always go to Italy in November and take an all-weather type coat with a zip out lining and hood. It takes care of both cold and rainy weather. If the forecast is warmer I can leave the lining behind and I can add a sweater if it's cold. i really wouldn't want to deal with a heavy wool coat especially after it's gotten wet.