Italy in November?

Question

I'm going to be going to Florence, Rome, and the Vatican City for 6 days in early November for a school leadership program.

What kind of weather can I expect? And, being from Florida, I have no clue on what type of clothing to bring. Would I need a heavy jacket? Will there be times during the day when I could wear a t-shirt, and no jacket?

Also, are things more expensive in Italy compared to other European countries? I've heard that since they switched over to the Euro, things are much more expensive for tourists. And, what are good items to bring back for souvineers?

Thanks so much for the help. :)

Answer 1

November may be wet or warm, it depends on the year. Bring and umbrella and some warm clothes, I don't think you'll be wearing T-shirts (unless for the warmest hours of the day, if you're lucky).

Being Italian, I don't really know if Italy is cheaper or expensive for tourists (I find it cheaper than France of the UK, but I'm a tourist there so that doesn't count!).

Souvenirs ... there's a lot of rubbish sold everywhere, so it's just up to you if you want to bring home an Italian souvenir made in China or not! A real souvenir would be some sort of food stuff, which is definitely Italian (but you'd better check what you can bring to the U.S. when you fly back).

... Italian men - well, I don't find them so bothering (I've been bothered much more by English men in England!) but being there with your group and avoiding empty streets and late hours there should be no problem. If someone talks to you and you don't want company, just ignore him and he'll go away. Pay attention to pickpockets in Roma Train Station and in crowded tourist places and avoid eating in tourist areas, as the food is awful!

Answer 2

You're going to LOVE Firenze (Florence) It's my favorite city in Europe. In november it can get pretty cold there. And if you come from Florida... yeah, bring warm stuff. Rome is warmer, but it depends on the year. T-shirts, probably not, (if you come by the end of nov.) coz you're used to warmer weather. But you might get a chance, in Rome especially.

Yes, it's quite expensive. Especially Rome. Here's a tip: go for the restaurants italians go to. Stay away from tourist traps. They are REALLY expensive and crappy. In Firenze, they make the best pizza I've ever tried anywhere in the whole world. So different from american stuff!  They're huge and rectangular. You say how much you want, they slice it, weigh it and charge you by weight. It's REALLY great. It's called pizza al taglio (pr. ahl tahl-leeoh). And they have so many kinds! I got hooked on that stuff!

Learn some italian, they'll appreciate it. Oh, be very careful with the traffic in Rome, they drive like crazy!

Enjoy!!

Answer 3

I was in Italy in the middle of November several years ago. We had a mixed bag of weather. In Rome, it got up to 75. A couple of days later, in Florance and Pisa, it was 55 with rain. So, bring a compact umbrella, just in case. Without the rain, its was quite comfortable with a light jacket. Remember, to enter places such as St. Peter's, you will need to cover your shoulders to show respect, so I put on my jacket at that point.

Answer 4

November is the rainiest month in Italy.  Bring a compact umbrella and raincoat.  Wear good walking shoes that can get wet.  It will get cold - down to the 40s - so bring some light long sleeve shirts, thin sweaters, sweatshirts, etc.  You won't need a heavy jacket - it's not like America in the winter.  A raincoat should be enough.  Light gloves would be good too.  Think layers - it will help you pack more efficiently.  If you are lucky it may warm up and you can wear a t-shirt, but be prepared for it to be cold.

On the bright side, November is the least touristy month in Italy so you will not have to deal with many crowds.  

I don't know how prices have changed in Italy, since I was there right before they switched to the Euro.  Rome is not as expensive as London or Paris, but it can get pricey.  Since you'll be there in the off season prices may be lower.  Avoid eating at restaurants in tourist areas - the food usually is mediocre and it is very overpriced.  If you are staying near a grocery store, buy food there because it can be a much cheaper way to eat while in Rome.

As for souveniers, a lot of the stuff sold in Italy is tacky junk, so watch out for that if you don't want to spend a lot of money.  Florence is known for leather - but buy it in a reputable store.  Rome, especially the area around the Vatican, is good for religious items.  In November you might be able to get some lovely Christmas items.  

Italian men are pretty over the top in terms of sexual harrassment.  If you stay with your group you all might receive catcalls and such but you will be safe.  Generally in Rome they will sexually harrass you, but it's harmless.  Just ignore them and they'll stop.  During the day in Rome it is also safe to walk around by yourself - at least in the tourist areas.  The area of Rome around the Termini train station is not safe, but otherwise you should be fine.  Don't go out at night by yourself.  Remember it is a big city of 3 million people; use good judgment.  

The biggest danger in Italy is theft.  I can't stress that enough.  Watch out for pickpockets and gypsies, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.  Watch out for people who work in groups to distract you while someone else picks your pocket.  They'll even use little kids, so be alert if a small group of obnoxious kids starts pestering you on the street.  Get a money belt, or always keep a hand on your purse or wallet.