I would have to say from what I hear only since I've not been to Italy, you have one on me!.
Probably about the same machismo. Bring your camera! its a must just don't blame me if someone takes it :) in all reality you need to be careful everywhere. I've found some rough spots in Amsterdam and London which you've been to.
I'm not sure on the weather specifically but take a look over at
http://weather.yahoo.com/regional/BRXX_I.html . Looks pretty nice!
I've traveled most of central and south america, some asia, some europe, alot of the US.
I just returned from St. Louis yesterday. Not a place I'd add to my top 50..I'm excited about Asia this fall though.