Weather and packing list for Italy in May

I would definitely expect cool temps in the north and in evenings throughout until the latter part of May.

I’ve been in Italy during May a few times and my experience is that it varies. We have sweltered in Rome but needed to wear leggings and a raincoat in Florence. In Cinque Terre we wore bathing suits on the beach but were grateful for our jackets in the evening. It absolutely poured buckets with thunder/lightning at the Pisa train station. It was very windy and cool in Chianti in the morning but afternoons we stripped off our jackets and donned wide-brimmed hats as shade. Overall it was ideal — not too hot and not too cool but we used all the “just in case” items we brought: shorts for hiking, long pants, bathing suit, sweater/light jacket, raincoat, umbrella, sun hats. We are smart, light packers and planned for days as you described - clear, sunny 70’s, which was the norm - and bringing items for layering kept us comfortable no matter what nature threw at us.

Edited to add we were only in the Alps in July and it was by far the most unpredictable weather we encountered. Definitely plan for cooler weather there.

Valadelphia, thank you so much for your advice. That's very helpful.

Amy, thank you so much for your very helpful detailed response. Exactly what I am looking for. I will bring probably 2 pairs of capris, more long pants, a lightweight jacket or sweater, and my waterproof windbreaker. The only time we were in Italy was decades ago when we spent a week in Rome in May, and I remember it was hot. So that's what I was expecting. I prefer temps in the 70's when we are sightseeing so I won't complain. We will be using trains a lot, so I am trying to be a smart, light packer, too. Planning on bringing my 21-inch suitcase to check in (instead of my 24-inch) and my 16-inch carry-on.

70s during the day (low 70s at start of month, high 70s to low 80s in early June)
50s during the night (low 50s at start of month, high 50s to low 60s in early June)
Not much difference in May between north and central Italy cities (at low altitude), but the Alps will be cooler or even cold at higher altitude. I remember being caught in major snow in mid May at Madonna di Campiglio many years ago.

There could be large swings from year to year. In 2019 I remember that May was very cool and rainy. It resembled March. But in 2005, I was there in May all month till June 2, and I remember sweltering heat, well into the mid 90s in Florence at the end of May. It was a relief to go to London for a few days after that.

You will likely need a jacket in the evening, especially in early May, even if it's a normal average year. Italians don't usually wear shorts in May, except for going to the beach (when the weather allows). You should pack mostly long pants and maybe something shorter for the CT, if weather permit. But you can always buy something there if needed.

Roberto, thank you so much! At my age I don't wear shorts that often unless it's in the 90's. I wear capris and sandals instead so that will be my warm weather outfit for Italy. And a casual dress. I will definitely bring more long pants than I initially planned on doing. Your detailed information is very helpful and much appreciated.

We will be in Italy a month before you, from April 1st to the 17th. And we will be traveling north-to-south, starting in Florence, to Rome, to Salerno, finally to Taormina in Sicily. If you go by average temps, we're looking at 61-68 for highs and 42-52 for lows. Actually, perfect for us.

This will be our 4th trip and I've been fixated on building a better mouse trap re: packing. We'll be riding trains a lot--albeit first class--thus a fair amount of rolling & hoisting. So at least I am holding religiously to only bringing a 22" x 14" x 9" carry-on, although I will be checking it for the overseas legs. FYI I will purchase either a TravelPro or Briggs & Riley soft-sided carry-on bag within the next week or so.

And part of that packing less mantra is what do I wear on my person when out & about. And what I've already bought and am thrilled with is a featherweight travel vest with 16 pockets by Scott E Vest. It looks to be of high-quality--it's not cheap--seems to provide at least a little warmth, and over either a long-sleeve shirt or even a fleece should cover all the bases temperature-wise:

https://www.scottevest.com/products/featherweight-vest-for-men

In the past, I've resorted to a 2-pocket fleece, and seems like I was always scrambling for one of multiple items in one pocket. This time it should be much more sane, even at the beginning when going through security at the airport--zip up the pockets, take it off and lay it on the belt. Can't wait to try it out!