I will be traveling to Venice/Florence/Rome next month, in October. When I look at the Rick Steves' listing of average October temperatures for theses cities in October, it averages between 53-66 degrees F. To me that means I need warm clothes. However, when I read responses on previous threads, it seems somewhat contradictory, such as: " In my 13 days in Italy in October, I wasn't cold once", or " I recommend a cotton sweater, not fleece" or "it was rather hot in the afternoons; I only needed a light jacket." I specifically wonder whether you recommend I take long sleeve or short sleeve tops. I will not have room to pack for two seasons. Thanks!
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
853 posts
Try this site http://www.timeanddate.com/weather/italy/rome
Venice and Rome are a fair distance apart so you may find quite a range. It looks like during the day Venice has been around 70F, which is not cold, but in the evening you will probably need a jacket. But, Rome has been as high as 75-80 during the day. Definitely not cold! Too warm for jeans, I would say. I'm going to be on this same trip in about a week, and I'm only taking one pair of jeans (for the plane), the rest of the time I will be in lighter clothing, but I am planning to layer if I have to, and I I have a couple of long sleeve shirts that can be rolled up, and I always take an umbrella.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
October is when I usually go. What works well for me in Venice is a short-sleeved T-shirt with a long sleeve oxford shirt over it. That allows me to make adjustments when it gets warm as the day goes on. For evenings I have either a very lightweight fleece zip up, or a lightweight cotton cardigan. And definitely be prepared for possibility of some rain. I bring one of the lightweight rainproof shells, like the ones that REI carries. That also serves as a really nice windbreaker in case it does get cold.
I don't remember ever going out in the morning in short sleeves. I always wanted something a little warmer. I certainly wouldn't have used traditional summer clothes – although I am a real wimp about cold weather.
Posted by
Paris
9566 posts
you need layers and to be ready for either end. It could be warm in Rome and chilly and wet in Venice. Layers, layers, layers!
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
Yes, layers. Also, look at where the person giving advice is coming from. I'm from Chicago, and have lived in Buffalo as well as Minnesota. My threshold for "warm clothes" will be very different from someone from Phoenix!
Also, Italy is big. Look at the different cities you will be in. Here is historical weather data for Florence https://weatherspark.com/averages/32304/Florence-Firenze-Toscana-Italy You can find similar info for other places, of course. In Florence, it looks like an average high is around 70 and an average low is around 55. To me, that means jeans, a short sleeve shirt, and a cardigan or sweater for if I get cold. I assume Rome is warmer - so I can wear the jeans and the short sleeve shirt without the top layer. I might bring a knee length skirt and opaque tights to go under it in the cooler places (with a sweater on top) and then wear the skirt without tights and with a short sleeve shirt in the warmer place. That kind of thing. You don't need 2 wardrobes - just items that can be layered.
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta
796 posts
Hi Diane. I have not been to Italy in October, but have been to Paris in late September, October and last year the first 3 weeks of November. The weather was so variable. I recommend layering. My warmest top layers are a thick fleece, my Scottevest Chloe and my Columbia raincoat and a wide scarf. I also take thin gloves. The gloves really help if it gets unusually cool. I take at least 2 short sleeved shirts that I can add a long sleeve button up shirt to with my outer layers if really cold. I did buy a lovely wool hat at a market that I use at home; what a lovely reminder of a fabulous trip.
When travelling in Italy one fall and also in spring, weather was very cool and wet at times. Some accomodations did not have heat! I slept with a few of my layers on.
I am a scarf-a-holic; a scarf really helps keep out the cold.
Have a great trip.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15582 posts
averages between 53-66 degrees which is why averages are less than useless, they are misleading.
You need to look at actual data day by day, which can be found on the weather underground website (wunderground.com). It's a litttle convoluted to get to the data. Start with "historical weather," then use the trip planner. Eventually you get to a page where you can choose up to a 2-week span of dates and see highs, lows, and more, day by day for the past 10-12 years. It's pretty fair to assume that the weather you'll have will be like what you see there - which means it could be sunny or rainy, very hot or pretty chilly. Weather in Europe is mostly unpredictable. Temperatures well above or well below the normal range can and do happen. Sometimes it rains.
Out of curiosity, I just looked at the daily weather data for Florence from Oct 10-24. In 2014, the highs were mostly between 75-81. In 2010, highs were only in the 60s.
For what it's worth, I was in Italy once in early-mid October. In Venice I managed with a fan in my hotel room, in Florence and Milan I was grateful for the AC. Wore sandals all the time, never needed more than light summer clothes.
If you're packing light, take summer clothes and one jacket (you may need it on the plane or in the airport anyway). If it starts to rain, buy an umbrella there. Also look at the weather reports the day before you leave and be prepared to change what you've planned.