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Have you been to Venice or Florence in November?

14 years ago

We're going to Venice and Florence around Thanksgiving time. I can't figure out what to pack! Temperatures seem to be in the 45-60 degree range, and I do realize it can rain and flood quite a bit in Venice at that time of year. Traveling with a family of 5, so packing light is never really an option, but I'm trying to figure out what type of jacket(s) we should pack, as well as shoes. Does anyone have advice? Will I be okay with a raincoat and sweater? or is it really colder than that? We're New Englanders so we know cold weather, but if we don't need the big winter coats, I don't want to bring them. I would also prefer not to pack 5 pairs of rainboots if it's reasonable to think we'll be able to walk around Venice without them.

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

kkay_md
14 years ago
We were in Venice in March one year--and the weather is about the same then as in November. I would recommend some type of waterproof shoes or clogs or boots if rain is in the forecast. Depending on the amount of rain (you're more apt to get rain in November than March), the byways can get pretty sloppy. I would try to have footwear that can get wet without worry.

A nice, warm sweater and raincoat should be sufficient--that's what I wore, and layers are always good when traveling. I'd take some warm scarves and small umbrellas and such to supplement. I also took gloves.

I'm sure you have plenty of guidebooks, but when we went, we used the marvelous children's book "Vendela in Venice" (by Christina Bjork) and followed her itinerary (suitable for all ages). It had the perfect mix of activities for a 1-week stay! Imagine our astonishment when the author of that book got into line behind us in San Marco square! We recognized her from a book signing a month earlier in DC, and showed her our copy of her book. It was a surreal moment.

Have a lovely time. Venice is wonderful no matter what the season! Florence is nice, too, but Venice is just magical. We also rented a car for a day and went up from Venice into the Italian Alps for some of the best food. Venice is many things, but the cuisine there is not quite as marvelous as in other parts of Italy. No matter! We always rent apartments when we travel in Europe, and sometimes I'll go to the markets (there's a splendid fish market in Venice--even if you don't plan to buy, it's incredible to visit) and throw together an easy meal from the marvelous things we've found.
parma42
14 years ago
I've been to Florence three times. The trips have been in January, April, and December.

On one trip I packed fashion boots and no other boots for the others. Some times I bring a light down jacket, often just a leather dress coat. Trench coats are nice to have along. You'll always do well with the layered look.

I just check the long-term weather forecast before we leave.

Have fun!
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mitchdesj
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I second the tip of bringing lightweight gloves and a scarf too, having something warm on your neck helps, specially at night.
We've been to Paris in march one year, and also in early november, it's not Venice but the temp could be similar.

A very thin raincoat could be useful also; I have one that I can roll up in a corner of a suitcase.

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