Sweater or Fleece In September

Thank you all for the comments, that was so helpful. Now I think instead of taking two long pants and one cropped pant, I should at least take two cropped pants. We will be 2 nights Sorrento, 4 nights Florence, 2 Siena, 4 Rome. Trying to fit it all in a wheeled carryon. Cindy

To plan most accordingly, check the weather right before you go. However, based on the information you have provided, I would simply take a couple of cardigans/sweaters and use it in combination with the pashmina you mentioned. Dress in layers, and you should be ready for the hot days and cool nights. Personally, I would skip the jacket unless the weather is drastically cooler than expected.

Based on my experience of decades living in Italy, the first 2 weeks in Sept, at all those locations, is likely to be so hot, that you won't even dream of wearing a fleece jacket. I even doubt you'll need a sweater at night. I'd go for the cotton sweater. If it's not enough you can always buy something there (like an ultra light wind/rain jacket). I'd take something heavier only if the weather forecast calls for extraordinarily cooler than normal weather. Check www.Wunderground.com the day before you leave. Weather forecast beyond one week out is not reliable.

On a mid sept. trip to Tuscany (left home on Sept. 17) 3 years ago my husband and I packed like we have for previous summer trips to Italy and were very comfortable. With 3/4 length shirts you should be fine and I can't imagine that you would need any kind of jacket particularly since Florence will be your northern-most destination. Although having recently returned from Italy we saw people with jackets on in Rome and it was hot! Buon Viaggio!

I was in Venice, Florence and Rome beginning on September 16 in 2011 and it was hot. I don't recall needing a sweater at night. Check the
weather just before departure and adjust your packing list accordingly.

Two years ago we were in Europe from Sept 4-17. first 5 days were Germany to northern Italy (Lake Como), Then balance of trip Venice and Tuscany. I did take a lightweight zip polar fleece, but the only time I wore it was on a rainy day in Germany under a lightweight windbreaker. In Italy, you may need something long sleeve later in the evening, or a lightweight jacket, but not fleece. Also, most of the low temperatures occur early morning hours long after you've gone to bed, or several hours before you are up and about in the morning. And if you leave your hotel and the temperature is 62 degrees and sunny, you know the temp will rise pretty quickly in the next couple hours.

Remember that it takes time to cool off after the sun disappears. The lowest temperatures are usually only reached shortly before dawn. You may find (if you're lucky) that the early mornings are brisk and refreshing, especially when you know that it's going to heat up all too quickly. I would worry more about being too cold in an airport or on a plane. On my first visit to Italy, I was glad of the AC in my hotel in Florence in mid-October.