{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Italy in April

Wondering what to wear for a spring trip to Italy? Well you've come to the right place. Your favorite Europe travel guide will walk you through everything you'll need to discover Italy in style in comfort this April.

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Packing for an April Trip to Italy?

Lucky you! While April is one of the less-popular times to Americans to visit Europe, I think you'll find that leads to much smaller crowd sizes. And everything is open/ you should have plenty to do. 


And there's no bad time to visit Italy. Ancient ruins, unbelievable food, wonderful wine, and those chic Italians. But don't be intimidated as you start packing for your trip. With a few easy tips, you'll fit right in during your time in Italy.


My plan for this post is: few basic tips, then FAQs, then spring in Italy essentials, and then a free packing list for Spring in Italy! Sound good? Andiamo! 

Dressing...as European...as possible.

• Keep the logos to a minimum (Italians don't dress like they're on Jersey Shore circa 2011).
• No athleisure (joggers are OK)
• No baseball caps for women (sorry)
• Neutral colors
• Always add a jacket/scarf

Wait...I can't wear athleisure in Italy?

That's correct. Italians (and Europeans in general) do not wear workout clothes unless they are (imagine!) working out.

Show less skin.

Not only is the weather not terribly conducive to provocative dressing, but Europeans show far less skin than Americans. Let's try to fit in.

Spring in Italy:
​Frequently Asked Questions

What's the weather like in Italy in April?

In Rome, the average temperatures in April are: 67/48, with an average of seven days of rain.

Is it too cold to visit Italy in April?

No! In fact, summer months in Italy can be crowded and uncomfortably hot. April is slightly cooler, with a higher chance of rain, but with a light jacket, you should be able to enjoy your Italy trip in spring, regardless of the weather forecast.

Still worried you'll be cold? You must not be a Midwesterner...

​Focus on  Southern Italy - the average temperature in April in Sorrento is 71/59.

What's the best time of year to visit Italy?

If you're looking for sunny days and slightly warmer weather, consider visiting Italy in September, where average high/lows are 81/60, with 5 days of rain.

​Curious about packing for Italy in September? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Italy in September.

How do I find the best suitcase for a trip to Europe?

​6+ Easy Tips: How to Find Luggage for a Trip to Europe

{2025} The Ultimate Guide to Packing for Italy in April

Let's walk through the 4+ essentials you'll need for a trip to Italy in April.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

The most important thing you'll pack for your trip to Italy (or anywhere in Europe), is walking shoes. Comfortable shoes that can carry you day after day across cobblestones streets, ancient ruins, gravel pathways, dusty paths, hard asphalt, slippery marble, and anything else your Italian adventure may have in store.


The best shoes for Italy are: broken in, neutral color, and sturdy enough for a lot of walking. Leave the flip flops at home.


For a trip of about 10 days in Italy (most Americans go for about a week), I would bring two/three pairs of shoes for Spring:

• Neutral sneakers (No giant logos, please)
• Waterproof Booties (I like Blondo)
• [choice of] Boots or Loafers

Lightweight Jacket and Rain Gear

Spring in most places, including Italy, means a chance of occasional rain showers. I'd include a trench coat/ waterproof jacket in your suitcase. As I've mentioned, Europeans are more likely to wear jackets than Americans, so you'll want one to fit in, regardless of whether you're actually chilly. In addition to the rain gear, I'd recommend a cotton blazer for cooler evenings in spring in Italy. The hot temperatures aren't quite there.

Pants, Pants...& Shorts?

A note on dress codes in Italy

If you've never been to Italy before, you may be surprised to encounter a dress code, which isn't uncommon at a church or posh restaurant.
Religious sites will usually ask for something like "modesty" usually meaning no short skirts/tiny shorts and no tank tops. Posh restaurants may ask for no denim (or at least no distressed denim), no "track suits," and no "trainers" (British English for sneakers).
So when you're packing, be sure to include some "slacks" or a dress for restaurants, and for everyday walking around, just be sure your shorts aren't provocative. You won't want to wear a tank top in April, so you should be for a top.

An easy, chic purse for Italy

The perfect purse for spring Italy is small, hands-free, full closeable, and, ideally water-resistant, or at least you won't be in trouble if it gets wet. On a daily basis, you'll want to bring as little with you as possible - basically just a small amount of euros, your credit cards, hotel keys, driver's license (leave passport in the hotel safe), hand sanitizer, your phone, and any other medications and must-have items.


For me, a leather crossbody bag is a great option for Europe travel. You'll carry only the essentials, and fewer items means less to lug around. Stuff gets heavy as the day wears on! Just be sure it zips fully. Rome is a hot bed for pickpockets/scams. I say this not to make you nervous, but just to remind you to be safe and careful, like you would in Times Square.

Tops for April in Italy

As we've discussed, with an absolute average high in the high 60's, and lows dipping into the high 40's, a light sweater / long sleeve shirts are the go-to for day to day tourism. Leave the tank top at home - it's not summer yet. I'd also avoid any really thick sweaters, as the sun can be quite warm and you'd burn up with a chunky sweater under a jacket. That's more of a London-in-April outfit.

Don't forget the accessories

When in Europe, you'll want either a large scarf and/or a jacket. Not sure what scarf to bring? Buy one there! It's a fun and easily packable souvenir.

Italy Packing List for April [10 days]

• 3 pairs of comfortable walking shoes (ankle boots, sneakers, and boots/loafers)
• Leather, crossbody bag that fully zips
• 1 neutral belt
• 4 short-sleeved shirts/nice blouses/cotton t-shirts (most long sleeve)
• 1-2 dresses
• 1 pair of ankle-length, cropped jeans
• 1 pair of black pants/ joggers
• 1 wrap or scarf
• Small travel umbrella
• Light jacket
• Travel set for return flight
• 10 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Small amount of converted cash
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

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