Warm weather questions- leaving 10/1

Take a pair of shorts and a short-sleeved shirt just in case. You can buy more lightweight clothes once you're there, if you need to. The open air stalls offer good bargains. Happy travels.

I'm in Tuscany, not far from Bologna and Florence. Men are still wearing short sleeve shirts. I don't see as many shorts as I did a month ago, but they're not impossible to find. If you think you may be too warm, bring a pair of shorts. I would say it definitely still feels like late summer weather here. When I was in Slovakia 2 weeks ago, I really felt the season fall there. Returned to Italy, it felt like summer again. Women are still wearing dresses and skirts during the day (it gets cooler at night), and men are still in t-shirts.

We just got back this weekend from Parma (near Bologna) Florence, Siena, Rome, etc, etc, and I can tell you for the entire 3 weeks we were there it was HOT. Especially if you're in the sun. It was also very, very humid. Definitely summer weather, not warm fall. I didn't pack shorts but I did wear lightweight linen pants and lightweight, breathable short sleeves/t-shirts. My wife wore a lot of skirts. Jeans were definitely out, except for later at night when it cooled off a bit. We were ok. Not the most comfortable we've ever been, but not miserable either. There was probably a day or two when I regreted not having shorts (I don't own a pair, so it wasn't an option anyway. We just don't need shorts here in Seattle.) But I also know I would've totally stuck out like a tourist if I had worn some. Keep in mind we're coming from the Pacific NW, which is much cooler and less humid than the midwest (I grew up in Chicago and Wisconsin, so I know). So the heat probably hit us harder than it will you. By that same logic, if I didn't need shorts, I doubt you will. As for the Italian men (whom I paid particular attention to, as I'm a style-minded type of guy), you won't see anyone over the age of 25-30 wearing shorts. The under 25 crowd dresses pretty much like the kids here in America, but the 30+ crowd dresses FAR nicer. Even in the heat we saw countless men in suits and ties (perfectly tailored, as always). No shorts (outside of the beach anyway). A few jeans, but not many. Lots of polo style shirts (collar's popped, which I hate). Also, Italian men are big into the tailored/slim fit look - even when dressing casual.

We were in Italy last Oct and expected to wear more layers. Many days we were in shirtsleeves by late morning, although long shirtsleeves. Only needed a jacket a few days, some mornings and evenings.

Just returned from Italy, Rome, Tuscany and Sicily. It was very we warm and humid. I saw lots of men wearing shorts in all three places. I even allowed my husband to pack one pair of shorts thinking he could wear them in Sicily. He was happy to have them. Wished he packed a second pair. It was very warm. Keep checking the weather reports. Our last few days in Taormina, the weather was less warm and humid.

I'm near Bologna. The last week or so it's been cool enough for pants/light jacket at night and early morning and warm enough for shorts/tshirt during the day.

You're leaving for Italy exactly 1 year after I did! It was cooler in the mornings and evenings, but during the day it got pretty warm, especially with all the walking around you'll be doing. Bring short sleeve shirts and at least a pair of shorts, and a light fleece jacket or sweatshirt for the cooler temps. Our forecast had called for rain, which we got in Venice or Naples but it warmed up as soon as the rain stopped. I just brought jeans and it got a little too warm for me with all the walking around. I remember wishing I brought a pair of capri pants (men in Europe actually wear capri pants!) Have a great time! So jealous!

I just got back yesterday (Venice, CT, Siena, Florence, Hill Towns, Milan). It was quite warm. I was very happy that I packed a pair of shorts. I was also happy that I had a pair of Eddie Bauer Travex pants. I actually bought a pair of sandals in Vernazza, and was glad I did. Many men at each place we went to were wearing shorts.

My shirts tend to be t-shirts and long-sleeve button-up. If it's really warm, I'll just wear a t-shirt or long-sleeve with the sleeves rolled up. As it gets cooler I roll down the sleeves, layer a t-shirt under the button-up, add a sweater, add a second warm layer (usually fleece or second sweater), and/or a rain shell. I doubt you will need more than the first light sweater and rain shell. I don't regret what I wear. I now buy clothes with an eye toward traveling with them. If I'm not wearing an item at home, there's a good chance I won't be happy with it on the road, so it doesn't make the pack list. Another idea is try on everything you plan on packing. Can you mix/match it with at least three other items you're packing? Does it layer well? Does it wash and wear well? If the answer isn't yes to all three, try something else.