OK, so originally I wanted to see fields of sunflowers... but I was told that to see sunflowers in Tuscany, I would have to be there in July & August . I wont be able to travel during summer months. So, my question would be if you had the chance to go to Tuscany for 2 weeks, would you go in May- you can see poppies & other spring flowers, or late September and see the leaves change color? (And yes, I will be doing my research on which would possibly be visually better)
Grazie,
Hazel, I was there the first week of May just a few weeks ago -- and I've pledged to make it an annual event!! It is soooooo gorgeous, all the lush green everywhere.
This blogger did a series of what to expect in Tuscany by month. Here's the May entry - on the page you should be able to find the link to her description of September as well.
I've been to Tuscany in May, and while I did not see sunflowers, I did see a lot of other flowers. The weather was lovely, and the experience was far less crowded than I had anticipated.
May. Both have good weather but May is more consistent - as the Allies found out in 1944. The color change in autumn is subtle and mostly later than September. You are more in need of enjoyment in May than September.
Like Mike, my understanding is that fall doesn't come to Tuscany until at least mid-October.
MAY ; have been in mid to late Sept and you will not see fall/autumn color at that time of year, and if that is your goal I am not sure Tuscany would be my destination anyway.
I understand the desire to see wild Sunflowers and Tuscany is great for that, but only in the summer.
May is lush, lush green everywhere though and there are loads of wildflowers, red poppy fields and the like ; it is I think the very best time to go there.
In Sept you have the grapes at the vineyards ready for harvesting, which can be a pretty sight but while the area is still green, much of the land has been cultivated so the wheat fields are dirt at that time of year. I enjoyed it and crowds are less but know May is prettier.
Whole time I was there I was thinking how I would love to return in May.
AWESOME!!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!!
I prefer May.
Similar to April in No. California.
Also longer daylight, which is a plus when you visit places.
My favourite part of the world (most times, if asked). I've been twice, late September to early October, and never noticed a distinct change in colours. Maybe the changes are too subtle for my eyes. Regardless of how much I loved my time there, the owner of the apartment where I stayed in Montepulcano told me that spring time was even more beautiful.
These autumn colors in Tuscany become available only around late October
I agree with those recommending May but should mention I know people who have gone in September/October and loved it. Anyway I just returned from a 17 day trip to Italy of which 5 days were in Tuscany (Montepulciano). The weather could not have been better. We arrived there on May 16. We stayed at Relais San Bruno and the owner told us that up until the previous weekend they had been experiencing unusually cooler and rainy weather which was unusual for them. So just be prepared should the weather not be as perfect as is it might be anticipated. Have a great time!
Arrived there a couple of weeks ago. Weather was perfect. Green, flowers, breathtaking. No bugs. Slept with windows open and no screens. Loved it.
