Things to do in Florence

When is the best time to visit Florence? Find out

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Florence is a must-visit destination in Italy, and it rightly deserves to be and timing your visit can greatly affect your experience. While the city doesn't face extreme temperatures like some Northern European cities, it's still worth considering the weather and tourist crowds. The iconic Duomo is always bustling, but there are quieter periods to explore its charm. Our comprehensive month-on-month guide can help you pinpoint the best time to immerse yourself in Florence's rich culture and history. From sunny strolls along the Arno River to admiring Renaissance art, planning your visit wisely ensures a memorable trip to this enchanting city.

Best time to visit Florence: Know before you plan your trip


The best time to visit Florence is from April to June and September to October. April to June sees spring, with mellow weather and the landscapes awash with peculiar flowers all along the Tuscan countryside. September and October, the months of autumn are also great months to visit Florence with a magical nip in the weather and a lot of outdoor events to participate in.

Best time to visit Florence: Based on traveler persona

Best time for Sightseeing: March to May and September to November
Best time for Backpacking: November to March
Best time for Honeymooners: April to June and September to November
Best time to enjoy festivals in Florence: June to October

Florence through the year


  • High Season in Florence is during the summer, from Mid-May to July, although the weather is not the best. September is also high season due to the ideal weather and its proximity to the international tourist season. August is also high international tourist season but there are fewer local tourists as they head to the mountains or the beaches. Airfares and accommodation rates spike during this period.
  • Shoulder Season in Florence is from March to Mid-May and October and November. These months cover spring and autumn seasons, and have pleasant weather conditions. If dates are not a concern, this is the best time to travel to Florence. There are festivals like Easter and Harvest festivals that liven up the city and countryside.
  • Low Season in Florenceis during the winter months of December to February, although many travelers love visiting during the Christmas celebrations. The airfares are cheap and accommodations offer low prices and discounts. There is little chance of snow, which makes it ideal for travelers who do not enjoy extreme conditions but wish to save on travel expenses.

Best season to visit Florence


Florence is a city known for its art and architecture which can be enjoyed all year round. The weather in Florence are not the least bit extreme, pulling in travelers from around the world year round. Here's how each season in Florence looks like.

spring in florence
Florence in Spring

Spring is quite marked in Florence, you will notice the weather getting warmer, days longer and the skies clearer. It is a lovely time to explore the famous Italian Renaissance Gardens of Bobboli and Bardini and watch the Irises bloom. April and May fall in the spring season and while it is shoulder tourist season it is definitely one of the best seasons to visit Florence.

summer in Florence
Florence in Summer

Florence experiences hot summer with temperatures soaring in the months of July and August. These are also the busiest tourist months as international travelers pour in during school vacations. These months make for the best time to grab a gelato and walk the cobbled streets of sweltering Florence. The city also hosts several summer festivals themed around dance, music and art. Despite the heat it is a lively time in Florence!

autumn in Florence
Florence in Autumn

The months of September and October are one of the best times of the year to visit Florence. It is a respite after the summer heat with spurts of rainfall. Autumn is the harvest season for grapes and olives and a visit to the villages in Tuscany is a must-do on your Florence autumn itinerary.

winter in Florence
Florence in Winter

If you don’t enjoy the snow then Florence in winter is your go to destination. It rarely snows in the city and even if it does it’s a light snow which often turns to rain, although the past few years have been unpredictable. The temperatures do not go into minus and it’s quite bearable with the right clothing. Florence is a sight to behold during Christmas with its markets, festivities and decor, making it one of the top places to visit during Christmas.

A month on month guide to visiting Florence


Follow our detailed guide to pick a month for your Florence exploits.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Paris in Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec

Florence in January

Average Temperature: 2°C to 11°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Florence in January experiences one of the coldest months of the year. You will have to wrap yourself up in warm and waterproof clothing, but there is no need to worry about snow. It is also the tourist low season but the festivities in Florence are not yet done! The Epiphany or Befana is a grand event that celebrates the gifts of the Three Wise Men and the biggest event is held at the Piazza Duomo. The winter park is on at the Obi Hall, where you can find a skating rink and snow activities, and shopaholics will love the winter sales with discounts everywhere!



Florence In February

Average Temperature: 3°C to 12°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Winter is easing its grip on Florence in february but you can still experience foggy mornings and evenings with the occasional rain. The later part of the month can open up with soft sunny days that make Florence sparkle and shine. The highlight of the month is the Carnival which is one of the best in Europe and takes place over two weeks, a unique feature is the Children’s Carnival at Borgo Ognissanti. It is also the season of classical music and opera; you can find shows at the Teatro Verde and Opera del Duomo. The Cambia Della Guardia is an interesting costume parade at Palazzo Vecchio which re-enacts the Battle of Siege.



Recommended Experiences in Florence during Winters

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Priority Entrance Tickets to the Uffizi Gallery
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Florence In March

Average Temperature: 5°C to 16°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


It is the start of spring in Florence, so be prepared for longer sunny days as the month progresses. There is still a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings but the days are comfortable, you won’t need as many layers of warm clothing. The flowers are in full bloom and you will find locals honouring the women in the life with the gifting of yellow mimosa flowers on Festa Della Donna. Take your dad along for the trip as it is Festa di San Giuseppe or Father’ day in Italy! Since the weather is good, you can enjoy a Segway tour or a Vespa tour of the city and explore the attractions.



Florence In April

Average Temperature: 8°C to 19°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


April is one of the best months of the year to visit Florence as the weather is simply perfect! Yes, there are a few rainy days but on an average the weather is spectacular. The countryside is blooming and you must make a visit to Borgo San Lorenzo for the spring festival and enjoy a wine tour in Tuscany. Florence is gearing up for the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter as well as the Liberation Day. April is also the perfect month to get outdoorsy with marathons like Vivicitta and Ecomarathon, and the Florence Bike Festival. Make sure you attend the International Handicrafts Fair where you can pick up authentic Florentine craftwork.



Florence In May

Average Temperature: 12°C to 24°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


May is one of the best months to visit Florence; however the tourists hordes have not yet trickled in as schools don’t close until June/July in most parts of the world. The weather is almost perfect in Florence in May as the days are long and sunny without the heat that starts in June. One of the most awaited events is the blooming of Irises at the Iris Garden. It is a good idea to spend time outdoors among Florence’s parks like the Boboli Gardens, Giardino Bardini, and Parco delle Cascine. Join the locals celebrate Labour Day and Giorno Della Mamma or Mother’s Day in May.



Recommended Experiences in Florence during Spring

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From Florence: Half day Pisa Excursion
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Day Trip from Florence to San Gimignano, Siena, Monteriggioni, Chianti with Wine Tasting & Lunch
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Skip The Line Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets with Cathedral Access
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All Tuscany in a day - Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa
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Florence In June

Average Temperature: 16°C to 29°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Florence is on the cusp of summer in June, the days get longer with as much as 11 hours of sunshine. Chances of rain go down drastically which means clear skies and sunny days that are ideal for sightseeing. Tourists start making a beeline for the city and it is a good idea to invest in Skip the Line tickets at attractions in Florence in June to avoid the serpentine queues. The highlight of the month is the Italian Republic Day when you can witness parades, events and patriotic fervor. Other exciting events are the Festa Di San Giovanni and wine-tasting event Mostra Del Chianti.



Florence In July

Average Temperature: 18°C to 32°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Florence in July experiences one of its hottest and busiest months of the year. Climate change is rearing its ugly head and temperatures are soaring reaching up to 40°C with the occasional heat wave. Yet, that does not stop tourists who are seeking to discover the secrets of this spectacular city. The days are long, so it’s best to spend the hot afternoons inside the beautiful cathedrals and art galleries like Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia, and stroll the city in the mornings and evenings. Events like Fiesole Summerfest, Florence Dance Festival and Saint Anne’s Feast Day take place during the month, giving you a taste of the local zest.



Florence In August

Average Temperature: 18°C to 32°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


August marks summer vacation in Italy and Florentines head for their vacations leaving tourists to run the city, who are flocking in high numbers. Most of the large establishments are open, with the exception of the family-run restaurants and hotels. August is the peak of summer and the temperatures are quite high, so slather oodles of sunscreen and put on your floral, breezy clothes! The city’s exquisite galleries and museums are a refuge and the evenings are filled with cultural outdoor activities like Estate Fiesolana. Don’t miss out on the Feast of San Lorenzo and keep a look out for the Perseid meteor showers!



Recommended Experiences in Florence during Summer

Best Safety
Priority Entrance Tickets to the Uffizi Gallery
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€20
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Skip The Line Access to the Accademia Gallery with Audioguide
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€41
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Florence In September

Average Temperature: 15°C to 27°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


The weather gets pleasant as September kicks in, but there is higher humidity in the air and increased chances of rain towards the end of the month. It is high tourist season so make the most of your time in the city with discounted online tickets in advance. It is the ideal time to take quick day trips from Florence, especially to Tuscany for the Vendemmia or the grape harvest season. Chianti, Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, and Lucca also make for great day trip destinations from Florence. The most awaited event of the month is Salamarzana which celebrates medieval history with live enactments, live music and more.



Florence In October

Average Temperature: 11°C to 21°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Finally winter is knocking on the doors, with magically chilly air in hand. International tourists have long gone and only weekends might seem busy. It is the best time to explore the countryside and enjoy the brisk weather while you search for truffles and chestnuts! Impruneta, Marradi and Vicchio are festivals held around the countryside, while you can also hitch a ride in a hot air balloon at the Festival Dell Mongolfiere. The highlight of the month is however the Florence Biennale which is an art and culture extravaganza.



Florence In November

Average Temperature: 6°C to 15°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Winter in Florence is wet and cold, it rains almost every other day and its best to keep a raincoat and umbrella handy while walking about the city in November. However, the cold does not put a damper on things to do in Florence. You can enjoy the short queues at tourist attractions like the Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery and leisurely meal in restaurants savouring seasonal specials like freshly pressed olive oil, and white truffles. It is a great time to pick up holiday souvenirs at antique fairs like the Fortezza da Basso and Largo Pietro Annigoni. Make sure you pay a visit to the winter park at Arno River where the city has an ice skating rink!



Florence In December

Average Temperature: 3°C to 11°C

Best Time To Visit Florence


Florence is one of the best cities in Italy to experience the festivities of Christmas. While the weather has now turned to grey and cloudy, the chance of rain reduces with almost no chance of snow. However, it is the sweater season and it is best to layer up. Since the days are short, make sure you wake up early and get up and about before the sun sets. The best features of Florence in December are the Christmas events starting from Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Santissima Annunziata, to viewing the Christmas tree and nativity scene displays in Piazza del Duomo.



Florence Duomo Guided Tours
Guided Tour

Florence Duomo Guided Tours

Wondering about booking yourself a Florence Duomo Guided Tour? Explore your options here!

Florence itinerary: For one day


Whether you're visiting Florence in May or November, here's a handy one day itinerary to experiencing the best of Florence in just 24 hours! Read our handcrafted Florence 1 day itinerary.

If you're planning a slightly more relaxed and longer day trip to Florence, check out our Florence 3 day itinerary.


Florence Through The Year Guide