Best Season For Mediterranean?

[gjkov]

We are looking at a Mediterranean cruise (Venice to Rome) late April/early May 2019. We would be interested in everyone’s thoughts if that is a good time of year to visit this region? Weather, crowds, etc? Would Fall be better?

[wripro]

May is probably the best month of the year in the Med imo. Weather still not too hot. Crowds still not too large. Best of all possible worlds.

[Keith1010]

I agree with Henry.

 

I love May.

 

Nice weather but not the humidity in the heat of the summer nor the crowds.

 

Second choice for me is September.

 

Keith

[UUNetBill]

I say May as well. We went in early April last year and a few stops were still fairly cold (relatively speaking). May should be safer. July and August are too hot and too crowded for my tastes. September is my second choice.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I agree. May or September. Early May will be cooler, as would early October. But all is good, and the earlier you go, the less crowded it will be.

[RachelG]

Either May or Late September are my favorites. Weather is usually good, and there are fewer crowds.

[Bellaggio Cruisers]

We are sailing that itinerary on the Explorer in October 2019. We love Italy and will probably spend a week there before the cruise. Hopefully, the weather is good.

Sheila

[Travelcat2]

Due to heat issues, our personal preference is mid to late April and October. While weather is alway a question the crowds are not - it is just overwhelmingly crowded during the summer months. I just read somewhere that Santorini will be limiting cruise ships due to overcrowding. I can't imagine a more beautiful island that becomes miserable because there are too many people ashore.

[JMARINER]

Never in Summer. To crowed, schools are out. Don't forget that besides the ships the locals are on vacation too. Southern port can be very warm and humid mid summer. Late spring can be ok if the weather cooperates. Spring can be rainy and sometime very cool/cold.

 

IMO the best time is from late September until end of the season in October. Weather is usually dry and cool. It is never cold. Crowds are gone, shops have end of season pricing.

 

Just to add, I hope that the ships return to Turkey soon. Some of the best ports in the med.

 

J

[Jay23]

September is the best time in the Med. Weather far more reliable than in May and comfortably warm. J

[Travelcat2]

It really depends upon what temperature you prefer - cooler or warmer. I checked two sites for average weather in Venice for May (here is one http://www.holiday-weather.com/venice/averages/september/ ) and compared May to September. May's average is around 5 degrees cooler on one site and has a couple more days of rain. The difference is really minimal. It also depends upon whether you are going early or late in the month (whether it be May or September). Our personal preference is May because everything is new and fresh (trees getting new leaves, flowers, etc) and we do appreciate the cooler temperatures. Also, there is three more hours of sunlight in May than in September.

[gjkov]

Thanks to everyone for your input and sharing your own experiences!

[LondonTowner]

As we live in Europe we always choose May, June, late September or early October to go anywhere in the Med. Not too hot and less crowds.

 

 

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