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Tuscany region in November

Considering a 16-day trip to Italy arriving November 20th and departing December 9ish. Wanting to avoid the tourist crowds and enjoy the cooler weather. Looking at starting in Tuscany region and head toward Sicily during our stay. Is this a good time to visit these areas and is the weather typically accommodating? Looking for input before booking.

Posted by
4212 posts

Much depends on where and what exactly in Tuscany--would a deep dive into art in Florence be pleasant without throngs, sure? Would I take the risk of planning an exploration of small villages in late November? Probably not. But would a 16 day trip to Sicily in November be high on my list? Absolutely!
I don't know what you mean by "head toward" Sicily.
Maybe look up some weather specifics for places you had in mind on a site like Wunderground. Sounds like it could be rainy.

Posted by
1674 posts

The weather is pot luck, it's often cloudy and it can be cold, but it can be warm and sunny as well - you'll almost certainly have a 3 day rain event and a 3 day string of perfect fall days - you just don't get to decide when they occur. A big factor is daylight - you'll have only about 9 1/2 hours a day which favors staying in towns big enough to have a choice of services and livelier streets as small towns will be dead as door nails, and hotel rooms get smaller the longer you sit in them. If you rent a car, snow ties or chains-on-board are required after November 15 and sooner on some roads.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you for this information. Reconsidering timing or, at least, the destination. May look at Sicily for several days and experience Tuscany and northern Italy when weather is more ideal. I appreciate your input. Steve

Posted by
3586 posts

Way back in the last millenium, 1994 to be specific, I was an exchange teacher in the UK. With a long break at Xmas time, we wanted to go somewhere sunny. Sicily was a perfect choice. I know weather can be uncooperative, but we had just one rainy day. Mostly, it was sunny and not very cold. Sicily has so many attractions that you will have no trouble filling your entire time. I haven’t checked, but feel certain that you will be able to get flights between either Palermo or Catania and your international segment.

Posted by
274 posts

In 2019, we did a three week trip to Italy from November 16 - December 7. We started in Alba in the Piedmont (for the truffle festival, which was incredible), then moved down to Florence (day trips to Siena, Lucca, and Pisa) and ended in Rome. We had a few rainy days (more in the Piedmont), but in Florence and Rome, the weather was great. Generally sunny and cool, but not cold. We could sit outside at restaurants and cafes without issue. The sun set around 4pm as I recall, but we found plenty to do even after dark. We love traveling during that time of year for the lower crowds, cheaper hotels, and being able to see the Christmas decorations. I'd say book! :)