Travel in April or May in Italy?

Hi Linda, I traveled to Italy April 28-May 12 this year. Rome, Florence, Venice, Como, Zurich. It was fairly hot in Rome, the rain came and it rained almost my entire visit to Florence (4 nights) and then the weather was beautiful in Venice, Como, Zurich. Venice was pretty hot. Since Easter is in March next year you won't have the holiday as an issue for availability. Hope this information helps you in your decision. Good luck! By the way, the rain didn't bother me a bit - I just brought a small umbrella. :-)

We traveled from 5/20 to 6/2 this year in Florence, the CT and Venice. Our first two days were very hot. Our 5th day was in Assisi and it rained a bit but it didn't stop us from doing anything. It then cooled off into the 70s. Our 5th day was in Assisi and it rained for about 2 hours but it didn't stop us from doing anything. The weather in the CT was so perfect, it was unbelievable. In Venice, it rained hard one day but the remaining 3 days were just great and very comfortable.

Linda, you stand a chance of rain in either month. I have seen April more crowded (spring break people) than May! The latter part of May is probably the best...cool weather, fewer people. I was just there June 1-17 and we did not experience crowds until the last few days. Weather was cool until 14th; we had only one day of rain. That is why I am thinking May; it is similar to first part of June.

I go every year in late March or early April and the weather has always been good. Two years ago I got one day of rain but otherwise it's been great. Mid 20 degree C and cooler nights. You can never be sure though. It may be less crowded in April, I must admit I have never had a problem getting into tourist sites and restaurants.

Thank you everyone for your helpful advise. We will use it all when booking our Italy trip for next year. I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way. Thanks again!

I was there from May 1 through May 21 and we had only one day of rain. That was in Siena, and the sun came out after 11am.

Amazing, mild weather.

• Andrys

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We travelled in Rome from April 29-May 8, 2007, we had great weather (despite a few showers). The weather was not too hot yet. We also went to Florence and Pompeii/Naples also encountered good weather there.

Linda , I was there the end of April, first of May. The weather was great but all of the leaves were not out and the flowers were not in bloom. That is part of what I wanted to see so am going a little later next time.

Have fun! It is really great just about anytime!

I was in Milan/ lake como the 2nd week of May 2006. The weather was beautiful and so nice in the day, cool at night.

You can't predict the weather or crowds, so pick the more convienient date and have fun.

It appears that early May is the favorite time for most of you, so I'm going to try for that time off from work. I appreciate all the comments and help in selecting when to go....Thank you!

What about traveling in March?

I considered traveling in March but I assume even though the days are nice, the evenings have to be quite chilly or even maybe cold. Coming from Chicago, I want warm weather to sightsee in. Also, so much more clothes to pack when you don't know what kind of weather to expect and we plan to take the train everywhere, so I want to be able to pack lightly.

We usually go in the middle of March and usually in the north. Rarely getting south of Sienna. Our experience has been very good. The weather is usually good with sunny days and cool nights. We take a layered coat approach. Rain shell with a hood and a fleece liner that can be worn separately. Most days you'll need the fleece in the early morning and at night, but not during most of the day. There are fewer crowds in March but there can be some places thataren't open yet for the tourist season.