Paula Stanghetta June 19, 2020One of the most common questions travellers ask in preparing for our tours is ‘What will the weather be like?’ I know they don’t expect me to predict the weather in Italy; they are looking for an informed answer based on my previous experience. My initial response is to share with them the average temperatures and rainfall for the locations we are touring. However, I’m learning that this information is only part of the answer.
Several years ago I was working on a video project that required us to work outdoors in late Fall after dark. I wondered what the weather was going to be like and worried about being cold, wet, and uncomfortable. My colleague said something that has stuck with me over the years: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”
During two of our back-to-back May trips, I spent 24 days in Italy with two groups. We were in captivating Puglia, which is the ‘heel’ of Italy on the Adriatic side, and then further north in idyllic Le Marche, again on the Adriatic coast.
The average May temperatures in Puglia according to holiday-weather.com, is 18 Celsius. The commentary said: “It’s not too warm (yet) and it’s quite dry…it’s the fourth driest month of the whole year”. That sounds pretty pleasant to me.
In our charming seaside town in the Marche, Pesaro, a local advertisement makes a bold statement in its marketing materials: ‘Do not check the weather, it does not rain here! If you booked a minimum of 7 nights and it rains for 3 consecutive days, you will be offered a free stay of 3 days and 2 nights.’
It rained 21 of 24 days in Puglia and the Marche on the tours. Thankfully, my travelers are hearty and resilient folk who worked with the weather and saw beauty through the rain. Truth be told, a little wine, good humour, and excellent food helped lift spirits as well!
My answer to the weather in Italy question is simple:
- Check the weather forecast one week before leaving for your destination.
- Re-check the weather two days before leaving, as you are doing your final packing.
- Pack layers. A light jacket or sweater, a mini umbrella, a bright scarf for wind (guys and gals), and one pair of closed-toe shoes should help with various weather scenarios.
- Work with the weather – it’s part of the adventure.
- Buy postcards and local art if your photos are not as sunny as you would have liked.
We book our tours deliberately in May and September when weather is generally pleasant – not scorching hot and not relentless rain. However, there are no guarantees with weather, so embrace the weather and enjoy your adventures!
P.S. I imagine the marketing materials are going through a re-write!
