Page 46 - Tuscany & Umbria: Rustic Beauty in the Italian Heartland

CLIMATE

Lucca, Italy: The coast and valleys near Lucca usually have warm summers, with highs in the
# ^ 5`Wd LYO ,`R`^_ L]P RPYP]LWWd _SP SZ__P^_ XZY_S^ bSTWP 5`YP LYO >P[_PXMP] ZʬP] bL]X
weather without being too hot. April, May, and October have sunny days but the chances of
]LTY L]P STRSP] BTY_P] ZʬP]^ XLYd ^`YYd XTWO OLd^ M`_ YTRS_^ L]P NZZW

Bologna, Italy: The city is located in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna, away from the
coast and close to the Apennines Mountains. As a result, temperatures are generally cooler in
Bologna then in other parts of Italy. It still can be warm—summer highs are usually in the
80s, and can spike into the 90s—but winter can be very chilly, with lows below freezing; snow
is common. April, May, September, and October are all moderate months, with highs usually
staying in the 60s and 70s. Rainfall is possible any time of year, but is most common in the
spring and fall.

Rome, Italy: The city of Rome has a climate similar to that of Tuscany, with temperatures
averaging in the 40s and 50s during peak winter months, and the 60s and 70s in spring and
autumn. Winter rains can be heavy, but periods of sunshine are also common. Summer can be
very hot and humid.
Tuscany and Umbria: The weather is considerably milder year-round in Italy than in the north
LYO NPY_]LW @YT_PO >_L_P^ M`_ bT_S OTʬP]PYNP^ OP[PYOTYR ZY _SP RPZR]L[Sd ZQ PLNS L]PL 4Y
Tuscany and Umbria, the coast and valleys (Lucca) usually have hotter summers than the hills
or mountains (Trevi, Pettino). April, May, and October have sunny days but the chances of
]LTY L]P STRSP] BTY_P] ZʬP]^ XLYd ^`YYd XTWO OLd^ M`_ YTRS_^ L]P NZWO [L]_TN`WL]Wd TY STWWd
]PRTZY^ 5`Wd LYO ,`R`^_ L]P RPYP]LWWd _SP SZ__P^_ XZY_S^ bSTWP 5`YP LYO >P[_PXMP] ZʬP]
warm weather without being too hot.

Bologna and Parma: Both cities are in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna, away from the
coast and close to the Apennines Mountains. As a result, temperatures are generally cooler
in Bologna and Parma then in Tuscany and Umbria. It still can be warm—summer highs are
usually in the 80s, and can spike into the 90s—but winter can be very chilly, with lows below
freezing; snow is common. April, May, September, and October are all moderate months, with
highs usually staying in the 60s and 70s. Rainfall is possible any time of year, but is most
common in the spring and fall.

Winter Departures
If you are traveling during the winter, please be aware that the weather in Italy can be
somewhat volatile at this time of year, though it’s still relatively mild compared to that of
_SP ]P^_ ZQ _SP bZ]WO 8Z]PZaP] bSTWP ɭZʬ ^PL^ZYɮ _]LaPW XLd TYaZWaP ^_TY_^ ZQ TYNWPXPY_
weather, it rewards you with the chance to explore Italy’s museums, piazzas, and ruin sites at
a time when they are wonderfully free of the summer tourist crowds. Just remember to bring
layers, especially if you are taking the Bologna and Parma extension, as both snow and heavy
fog are common in this region.

46