Raining now in Italy...this could ruin our parade!

TJ, you're from Seattle (me, too) and you're asking for advice on what to do if it rains? You're pulling our leg, right? You'll either suck it up or spend more time inside in museums, churches, shops, restaurants. Hey, at least it's Italian rain, right?

I've lived in the Pacific NW my entire life. Isn't our motto "umbrellas are for tourists."? Get one of those really cheap light weight clear rain ponchos and have it available just in case if you aren't willing to brave the elements. My daughter uses them for parades.

I've had trips where the forecast was for 70% chance of rain every day while I was there. When I got there I carried an umbrella with me everyday and only ended up using it once for about half an hour. I don't put too much into extended forecasts but take an umbrella just in case. Don't let a little rain ruin your trip. Donna

Most people don't understand what the % means. If it is 75% most people think it means that you have 3 chances in 4 that it will rain on your that day. Actually it is for the area. It really means that for the area of the forecast (however big that area is) there is a 100% change that rain will occur in 75% of the area. Or to look at it another way, 25% of the area will have no rain. And second, it rarely rains for 24 hours. So it might rain for a few minutes to maybe a couple of hours. You cannot forecast it so just go prepared. If it rains, it rains. Generally the rain will reduce the crowds. Enjoy it.

After walking through Pompeii on a 95 Farenheit cloudless day I would have welcomed a 100% chance of rain!

TJ, I seem to encounter rain on just about every trip to Italy, so I always pack accordingly. I usually have both an Umbrella and Rain Poncho, as they're compact and light and will cover most situations. The one trip that I didn't encounter rain was a trip to South Italy and the Amalfi Coast in April & May. My usual strategy is to "hope for the best and plan for the worst". One thing I've found is that the rain doesn't usually last too long. Happy travels!

TJ, last summer in early June it seemed to be raining all over Italy. But it was usually over in an hour or less. The only problem you may encounter is if you plan on going to the Blue Grotto in Capri - it's the most weather-sensitive place I've seen in Italy.

Your too Funny! Bring an umbrella we did for rain and hot weather.

Well I'm hoping it doesn't rain on you! I was there exactly a year ago today and keep thinking how glad I am it's not this year. I would have been upset - I hate rain. Hope it clears up for you! I have a great unlined North Face jacket with a hood - it folds up small and is easy for a daypack. Well worth having. No other advice, just understand your concern - I would be too.

I completely forgot my ID shows Seattle still. I moved away from Seattle because I could not take the rain & cloudy, soggy days. Love Seattle but not the rain. Clearly not going to miss say, Pompeii, because of rain but what a drag if it does rain the whole time. Hopefully, as some here have said is common, it won't last too long and hopefully it isn't heavy rain. I know I'll get beat up for the "heavy rain" comment so let me explain. I have been in rain so heavy that it was splashing back up & my pants were wet from the knees down! This is not what I want to deal with on my vacation. We decided to opt for bringing a compact umbrella and scottevest jackets. We got the windbreaker version that is also waterproof and has a tuck away hood...should work as well as the rain poncho...at least I think! We haven't had a chance to test them out in the rain yet. Thanks for the suggestions & for those of you who were able to give me some insight into typically rain paterns near Sorrento & Rome. And, like you said...at least it'll be Italian rain! More wine please?!

"at least it is Italian rain" great line from a wonderful movie Enchanted April.... I would rather be in Italy in the rain, or cold, or snow, or heat than at home.... Enjoy!

It's been pouring here for most of the last week and is supposed to continue until later this week. It's really cutting into my fishing time...