What to pack for Italy for the middle of May

About the same thing you would pack for Seattle. Could be hot, could be cool, could be rainy. You need a variety of layers that can be added or deleted as temp dictates. We have froze in Rome in the first week of June and hit a hundred the next year at the same time. May will be more seasonable.

Ruth, a lot depends on where you are going. Late May was abnormally chilly in much of Europe last year, so I'd suggest checking weather reports as you get into late April/early May. However, at that time of year, I typically bring a light fleece zip-up, some tailored oxford-style shirts, some short sleeve tops, and silk "thermals". Layering those keeps me warm enough no matter what, and yet I have things to wear if it warms up.

Thanks, Frank and Sherry. Sherry, I will be going to Venice, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Pompeii, Positano, Amali, and Capri/AnaCapri. Ruth

Hello Ruth! I was in almost all of those places last May, from May 20 to June 3. It was hot, everywhere, everyday, except for one rain day. Venice was very, very warm during the days. I wore a tank and a skirt. For the evenings, I wore dresses and brought along a light cardigan. Rome was the same, though perhaps it was slightly cooler in the evenings. I wore jeans once or twice I think, but with sandals and a T-shirt, with a sweater carried along. The only rain we had during the trip was at the end in Sorrento. It down poured for an entire day. That evening we ventured out and it was cooler. But again, jeans, a top, and light sweater or fleece and raincoat was fine. And, I should add, I'm always cold. I'm that girl -- the cold girl! And it was very, very warm. I loved it! Best of luck in your travels and enjoy!

Great advice everyone. If your shoes get wet, stuff them with newspaper. They should dry overnight.

Watch the weather in the cities you'll be in, every day a couple weeks before your trip - I use weather.com. Then you'll be able to pack more specifically.

Been to Italy in May 4 times in May. Each trip it was really hot. I was on a bike trip, so my mornings were on the road, but we were in each town by lunch. I packed short sleeved t-shirts, shorts (1) and capri pants (2). I mostly wore the capri pants/t-shirts. Took a lightweight sweater for evenings and of course a rain coat. Wore Chaos sandals, they are comfortable for me for walking in. Always had one pair of Puma athletic shoes for the plane ride over and for cooler nights. I have started to pack one skirt, and it's nice to be able wear that to dinner at night, or sightseeing during the day. Never got fancy with clothing. Didn't take more than one pair of earrings and a simple wedding band and my watch. Plan for warm days, but also bring a sweater or some cover up and of course never travel without a rain coat...you never know! If you want to feel Italian, bring or buy a scarf to wear as well...Most of all, be comfortable in your clothing, and realize you don't have to run out to buy "travel" clothing, what you wear at home will work on vacation.

Excellent advice Ellen. We got caught in several torrential downpours in Florence last year that literally came out of nowhere- and the streets were flooded with ankle deep water for a while so I was VERY glad to have brought a second pair of comfortable walkable shoes as it took almost two days for my main shoes to dry lol. I also agree with the addition of a skirt, or simple travel knit dress for evenings out. I also recommend coming up with a color chord in your most flattering hue so that every thing goes with something else.Minimal jewelry and minimal make up are a plus. I'm a big fan of the Dove body sprays they are light and refreshing (expecially the tangerine, citrus and cucumber) and are 3oz so perfect for travel. I fill an empty bottle with febreze which comes in handy for freshening clothes and shoes in a pinch.