e-guide | Page 66

WEATHER IN ITALY Spring in Italy can be unpredictable. The temperatures can vary from chilly to warm and sometimes even hot, from a minimum of 15°C to a maximum of 28°C. When it rains, and during early morning hours, the temperature can go down to 10°C. With fluctuating weather in the months of spring, layers are an absolute must! This should include two outer layers that can be worn together to protect you from the elements. Clothing should also be versatile and work for all of your trip activities. Choose fabrics appropriate for the weather. Summer in Italy is insanely hot: temperatures can reach 35°C or higher. Not only is the heat strong but the air can feel muggy and humid. Tropical-type showers may occur in some areas such as Venice. Be careful to protect yourself during the hottest hours of the day by wearing sunblock and a sun hat. When deciding how to dress in Italy in the summer, dress comfortably with loose and light clothes. Light dresses might be the most comfortable this time of year, particularly in places such as Rome where the heat can feel unbearable. Autumn does not differ much from spring. Temperatures fluctuate from 15°C to 24°C and it rains quite a lot. In the plains in the north of Italy, you can experience foggy days, which are quite fascinating in cities like Venice or Milan. You should pack the same items mentioned in the spring section above. These two seasons are similar and the only variations may be an umbrella and trench coat. Layers are essential especially as the weather begins to cool. As mentioned before, winters can be quite cold. In the north, it snows a lot and sometimes it’s difficult to move around the city without slipping. The south is warmer but it snows at least once a year. Temperatures range from 10°C down to -8°C. And where the climate is humid, it’s colder–you can feel it in your bones. Pack a pair of warm gloves, a thick scarf, and a hat. If you are planning to go to the north, I suggest a padded winter coat and layer of merino wool thermals, too. In the south, you can take a winter coat or a quilted jacket. The rule in winter is to dress in layers as temperatures might change during the day. A waterproof rain jacket can be useful, but I would suggest taking an umbrella, as it is more handy and fashionable.