Generally speaking, when it rains in Rome, is it an all day soaking- or the 'blows through' rain we often see on the coast. I am looking at the weather forcasts and wondering how much space to save for rain gear. Umbrella/ vs slicker?

I suppose people who actually live there should answer this. But in our ten days at the end of Feb/beginning of March, there was just one rather constantly rainy day (although the day we left appeared that it might be as well), but even that was much lighter by afternoon. There were patches of rain off and on. But you know, if you're caught without an umbrella, there will always be someone at your elbow ready to sell you one!

in general very rarely you will have day-long rains.

more chances of having long rains during november and january through march

Does the rain in Rome seep gradually into catacombs? Boo Hiss, get the hook.


Ginger

Last October we had three days with constant poring rain. We got by with good umbrellas that we bought there and chose many indoor destinations.
The May before it rained most every day, but only for short periods of time. We got by with small foldable umbrellas.
Other visits we had no rain.
When we go to Italy I always pack 2 small foldable umbrellas and that's usually more than sufficient.
Some of the hill towns are actually harder to "navigate" in the rain because of the winds.I've lost more than one umbrella in Montalcino.

hello,
i vote with jim on packing two small foldable umbrellas - but i think you should also buy one of those cute knee-length lightweight trenchcoats because if its breezy, the rain is not just going to be coming down on the umbrella... and, you might need a bit of warmth if you're traveling in spring or fall weather.

And we had 21 days of continuous rain in 2004 From February 21 through March 14. In truly never stopped raining from a light drizzle to a steady downpour. My advice would be a rain coat (I have a preference for London fog) with a zip out liner. That way if it gets cold you will also have warm weather gear. And the liners work beautifully as bathrobes (if a bit funky looking). We pack our raincoats and buy umbrellas in Rome. For a couple of bucks why schlep the things. Much easier to just buy them there. Raincoats however can get $$$$

jabez, you and i must have been in rome at the same time last october. we too had three days of good, solid rain (the kind ya think twice about going out in - or at least catch a cab rather than walk to your destination) and two of misting/sun.

we didn't take an umbrella cause they sell 'em everywhere! elizabetta's got a good idea 'bout the knee-length trench.

Thanks for the advice, I am in search of a gold lame raincoat.
LOL

In Rome you should always have a lightweight folding umbrella and a pair of sunglasses in your handbag. The weather is very variable. You won't want a slicker in the city, but an all-purpose raincoat with zip-out lining could be useful, depending on the time of year. You should choose footwear with rain in mind. I live in various pairs of the Flexa line of Fratelli Rossetti, completely waterproof but don't look it. I still haven't found a solution for the summer, however.

Maureen
www.maureenbfant.com

I have an Arnold Palmer golf rain jacket that I always take. It's wind and rain "peoof" and takes up almost no space in a bag. It's not as bulky as a trench and really does a great job. Since we always leave with carry-on only, this has been an important part of my wardrobe.

In Feb-March 2005 we were in Rome for 8 days. It rained on 4 of those days. Only one day did it start raining in the morning and continue all day. The other 3 days, it was sunny and somewhat clear in the morning and it clouded up and rained by 1-2pm in the afternoon and then rained for several hours. Only one thunderstorm with blowout rain and that happened at night; nxt day was crystal clear.

I wore my raincoat and tried to do without an umbrella but on the day that it rained all day, we alked so much and it was cold that Iwas wet and cold by the time we got back to the apartment.