One of the most common questions I am asked by my clients when they travel to ITALY is: What kind of weather or temperatures can I expect? How should I plan when I pack?
I answer all my clients individually, and as specifically as I can since I know where and when they are traveling.
I will however take the opportunity here for some generic answers to those questions.
First of all, I am not a fan of alarmism when it comes to matters of nature and weather. I shudder when I hear: “ the coldest in memory” “the hottest ever recorded”, the stormiest, snowiest, etc..etc.. We have short memories and our lifespan on earth is relatively brief in the larger spectrum of time, and the newest instruments for measuring weather phenomena are a very recent innovation. Which begs the question, what are you comparing this year’s weather to? To a time when measurements and record keeping were not as sophisticated and therefore less accurate?
Weather is cyclical, giving us long periods of warming, and then other periods of cooling. Periods of more frequent and intense storms, and other periods of relative calm.
I’m now off my soapbox!
A basic knowledge of geography is helpful whenever traveling.
Italy enjoys its location anchored to the north by the snowy Alps, and sticking its toe (literally) in the mild Mediterranean waters to the south.
Think of it as a narrow piece of land,surrounded by water stretching from NY to Georgia. In summer it’s hot all over, with cooler spots on higher elevations. In winter it’s cold all over, with snow more prevalent in the north, but possible in the southern regions in rare cases, including in Sicily.
My least favorite month to travel in Italy is August, not only because it can be unbearably hot and humid, but also because most Italians close their businesses and go on vacations themselves. You will find many restaurants closed, as well as some shops. The art cities will be bustling with tourists, who in some cases will seem to outnumber the locals. You lose the local flavor, when surrounded by every nationality, but Italians.
My favorite months are May and October for quite different reasons. In May it is usually pleasantly warm, so you can enjoy a dip in the Adriatic or Mediterranean, but you can also enjoy visiting monuments and tourist sites without having to endure oppressive heat. You don’t have to pack heavy sweaters or coats.
In October, the weather matches May, but you have the added benefit of the harvests, from olives to grapes. Truffles are prevalent, as are all the new productions of salumi, cheeses, wine and olive oil to name a few. Another benefit, the latest season for fashion is always a bonus and an incentive for shopping.
In the winter months the chances of more frequent rains, sometimes quite heavy and causing flooding is higher. But there can also be very pleasant and sunny days with clear bright blue skies. Fewer tourists, therefore easier access to tourist sites without obnoxious crowds.
The shoulder season months (spring and fall) are a time when I suggest layering clothes, so that you can easily shed clothing items midday when it can be very warm, while adding those items back in the evening when cooler temperatures will prevail.
I also always suggest looking around at the Italians...follow their cue when dressing. They do it better than anyone on the planet.
Try not to stand out as a foreigner, both for safety reasons as well as for your own esthetic satisfaction. Pack light when you depart and buy clothing as you travel. You will be the envy of friends and family when you return with your purchases!
Contact me for your travel plans to Italy and for the most accurate and up to date suggestions!
