Planning a trip but still unsure when to visit Florence?
Read on for a month-by-month guide to Florence’s weather, major events in Florence and to find out how busy the city is through the year.
Florence in January
January in Florence
Generally, one of the quietest months to visit Florence, January only has two big events to draw visitors – both part of Epiphany celebrations. With fewer tourists around, you can enjoy the city at your own pace and appreciate its culture and art — no tourists will crowd your view of David or Botticelli's Birth of Venus.
Sales are underway, so pack light and use the colder temperatures as an excuse to go shopping.
Florence weather in January
January is the coldest month of the year, with a typical daytime high of 7℃ (44℉) and a low of 0℃ (32℉) overnight. Despite an occasional snowfall, the sun shines most days. Remember to pack your sunnies, as well as some heavy-duty winter cashmere.
Days are short — a good excuse to begin your aperitivo at 5pm.
How busy is Florence in January?
Winter in Florence is low season for tourism. With fewer crowds at art museums or cookery classes, you may not need to book ahead. You can easily find a table at typical trattorias which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as Da Camillo, Trattoria Sostanza, Trattoria Omero.
What’s on in Florence in January?
While the rest of the world rediscovers healthy living with juice-cleanses and Dry January, Florence prepares for the feast of the Epiphany. It is a national holiday across Italy. For the Cavalcata dei Magi, participants dress in medieval costume and wind around the streets of Florence singing and dancing. A live nativity and ceremonial mass is held outside of the Duomo.
A glass of juice made from Sicilian blood-oranges — in season each January — will ease your hangover.
Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.
Florence in February
Romantic Florence in February Ponte Vecchio
Still a quiet month to visit Florence, February in Florence is for lovers and anyone with a sweet tooth. With fewer tourists you can see a quieter side to the city. Without a doubt, an ideal period for romantic getaway to one of our Florence villas.
Florence weather in February
February is a cold month, with a typical daytime high of 10℃ (50℉) and overnight lows of 2℃ (36℉). On most days the sun shines, but don’t let that fool you.
You might be lucky to catch a golden winter sunset from the Ponte Vecchio — where better to seal a Valentine’s kiss?
How busy is Florence in February?
Winter in Florence is low season for tourism. If you are arranging a last-minute holiday, you may not need to book activities ahead of time. You can easily find a table at romantic restaurants such as Enoteca Pinchiorri, La Bottega del Buon Caffè and Fuor d’Acqua, which are typically booked all summer.
What’s on in Florence in February?
Short, cold days call for afternoons buried in a book by the fireplace with a piece of Schiacciata alla Fiorentina.
This sweet pastry prepared during Carnival season resembles a sponge cake with a cream filling. Pasticceria Giorgio is renowned for the best; just ask the Florentines who queue outside.
The first Sunday of the month is free admission to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.
Florence in March
As Spring draws closer, blue skies and colorful landscapes return. All the more pleasant for long walks in the Florentine countryside. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a mimosa tree in bright-yellow bloom.
Florence weather in March
Alongside warmer temperatures, March is known for occasional showers. An umbrella is your friend.
Dress in layers because the temperature fluctuates during the day, with a typical daytime high of 16℃ (61℉) and lows of 5℃ (41℉) overnight.
How busy is Florence in March?
Even late winter in Florence is still low season for tourism. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures you can join activities like a countryside Fiat 500 Tour or Truffle Hunting, which are either fully booked or too hot to fully enjoy in high summer.
What’s on in Florence in March?
March 8th is International Women’s Day. Italian tradition is to gift the women in your life a yellow mimosa flower, as a sign of respect and solidarity.
On the first Sunday of the month state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites offer free admission.
Treat someone to a flavorful experience. The Taste fair is dedicated to excellence in food, wine, objects and ideas that rule contemporary Italian culture.
This is the season to try Italian vegetable, agretti. This underrated succulent — sometimes called “Barba di Frate” (Monk’s Beard) — is known for anti-aging, detoxifying properties.
Florence in April
Traditional Colomba di Pasqua
An exciting time to visit, Florence in April has one of the year’s biggest and loudest events: an exploding wooden cart. Spring promises renewal, a new start, and the end of Lent.
Florentines take everything chocolate seriously. Giant Easter eggs appear in store window displays all over the city.
Florence weather in April
Tuscan farmers survive April via the local motto, “Terzo aprilante, quaranta giorni durante”: if it rains on April 3rd, the rain will continue for another 40 days. Better pack that emergency umbrella.
Temperatures are warmer... but not yet bikini friendly. Expect daytime highs of 20℃ (68℉) and an overnight low of 7℃ (43℉).
How busy is Florence in April?
Easter weekend is packed, but the rest of April is still relatively low season for tourism.
If you come during the holiday weekend, however, we recommend you book major museums (especially the Uffizi), restaurants, wine tasting and cookery classes in advance.
What’s on in Florence in April?
Florentines take stereotypical Italian loudness to another level with their most exciting festival of the year. The Scoppio del Carro is a folklore Easter Day tradition with 150 white oxen, an antique cart filled with fireworks and a very big, very loud explosion. Earplugs are recommended.
Alternatively you can celebrate Easter local-style, with an abundance of chocolate eggs and traditional Colomba di Pasqua. This sugar-topped sweet bread is similar to Panettone and baked into the shape of a dove.
Don’t forget the first Sunday of the month, when all state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archeological sites offer free admission.
Florence in May
Piazza del Duomo
Seated on the steps of Santo Spirito, enjoying the sun, sipping on an Aperol Spritz, can mean only one thing: summer is in the air.
The Birth of Venus sounds exciting. So does climbing 463 steps to the top of the Duomo. But just ask yourself: “What would Frances in Under the Tuscan Sun do?” When in Rome….
Florence weather in May
Expect a daytime high of 24℃ (75℉), ideal to stay outdoors in the Iris and Rose Gardens. Florence’s flowers are in full bloom and nothing looks more Insta-friendly than #mayinbloom.
Make use of longer days to explore the city but carry a jacket: temperatures drop to 13℃ (55℉) overnight.
How busy is Florence in May?
We may fantasize about summer afternoons strolling Florence, but the reality will also require skills in crowd-dodging.
Genuine peak season has not yet begun, but we recommend you book everything in advance. (Our travel concierges can help.)
What’s on in Florence in May?
One of Italy’s historic classical music festivals, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino takes place in May and June. You can enjoy concerts, opera and ballet.
Cherries — in season each May — are said to have antioxidant properties. A portion of 15 juicy ones counts as one of your 5-a-day, so multiply by 5 and you’re on track.
Night of the Museums (mid-May) sees museums open past midnight, with free or cheaper admission. If you miss the chance, on the first Sunday of the month state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and more) and archaeological sites offer free entrance.
Florence in June
Art in Florence - Via CalimalaA busy month to visit Florence, June is the start of summer and the proper high season.
With the month’s big events all outdoors, you have excuses to be out enjoying the sun. Pack a hat, an extra pair of sunnies, and sunscreen.
Florence weather in June
The weather in June is great for outdoor activities. Temperatures are still tolerable, so you get to enjoy the city without drowning in sweat.
Expect a daytime high of 28℃ (82℉) and lows of 17℃ (63℉) overnight.
How busy is Florence in June?
Summer in Florence is high season, so expect crowds. This may be the time to relax by your private pool in a villa near Florence.
We recommend booking all activities in advance, including making restaurant reservations (especially on weekends).
What’s on in Florence in June?
Summer has sprung, so local events and activities take to the streets. Sixty days after Easter, Florence celebrates the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi with a street procession.
Calcio Storico is a violent version football from the 1500s — ruthless and uniquely Florentine. It takes place throughout the month of June, occupying Piazza Santa Croce.
When the sunshine gets overwhelming, stop by Gelateria della Passera for a thirst-quenching fig gelato. Figs are in season from June to September.
To escape the sun, stop by the Uffizi (or any state-owned museum or archeological site) on the first Sunday of the month for a free visit.
Florence in July
Cooking Classes at Villa di Petroio
Florence sits in a basin surrounded by mountains. This specific geography means cool, wet winters and hot, humid summers.
Summer is the busiest and hottest part of the year. As the city fills up with tourists, locals escape to the seaside and mountains.
No major city-wide events take place, so use the time to visit museums, lounge under a tree at the Boboli Garden, or read a book by the pool in your villa near florence.
Florence weather in July
The Florentine heat has officially arrived. You should expect a daytime high of 30℃ (86℉), dropping to 19℃ (66℉) overnight.
To avoid the blistering sun, explore outdoors in the early mornings and late afternoons.
How busy is Florence in July?
Summer in Florence is high season, and July is the busiest month of the year, so expect crowds. We recommend booking all activities in advance. Or just swap cultural activities for a cooking class or wine tasting at a villa near Florence.
What’s on in Florence in July?
Local-oriented events are thin on the ground, so you get to enjoy Florence’s museums at your own pace. On the first Sunday of every month, state-owned museums and archeological sites in Italy offer free entrance.
Most city trattorias have air-conditioning — much-needed after hours in the heat. A plate of prosciutto e melone (Parma ham and melon) works wonders in cooling you down.
Florence in August
Enjoy the large pool and the beautiful views at Villa di Masseto
Oh, Florence, the dog days are not over. They have only just begun.
August is Florence’s hottest month. Right across central Italy, cities become ovens and those clever locals escape to the mountains and coast.
And who wants to be out in the heat and sun all day? Lounging by the pool at your villa is much more appealing.
Florence weather in August
August is the hottest month of the year, with a regular daytime high of 32℃ (89℉) and low of 20℃ (68℉) overnight.
Humidity is at its highest, so wear loose clothing and drink plenty of water.
How busy is Florence in August?
Summer in Florence is high season. Book all activities and restaurants in advance (or ask our travel concierges to do it for you).
What’s on in Florence in August?
Don’t be surprised to find yourself spending your holiday in the pool.
For a dose of culture, enjoy a free visit to any state-owned museums and archeological sites on the first Sunday of the month. They are all air conditioned!
Many Florentines and visitors escape uphill to Fiesole for Estate Fiesolana. This summer festival features classical music and theatrical performances inside churches, gardens, elegant villas and Fiesole’s outdoor Roman Theatre.
If all else fails, max out on watermelon. Its cooling properties are renowned.
Florence in September
As high summer ends, Florence returns to (relative) quiet and calm. Like May, this is an ideal time to enjoy the city, along with its fine late-summer weather.
Florence weather in September
Autumn may be on the way, but Florence weather is still warm. You will be safe packing summer dresses, shorts and sandals. A light jacket for the evening is a good idea.
Expect a typical daytime high of 27℃ (81℉). Lows of 17℃ (62℉) overnight are standard.
How busy is Florence in September?
September in Florence is shoulder season for tourism. With fewer crowds you may not need to book activities ahead of time.
We recommend you reserve at high-end restaurants. Many close over the summer and only reopen in September.
What’s on in Florence in September?
The Festa della Rificolona is the oldest festival in Florence. It marks the birthday of Jesus’s mother with a procession of colourful papier-mâché lanterns, street performances, live music and food stands.
Culinary king of September is the Porcini mushroom. You will see it on menus everywhere, on pasta, pizza or even alone as a thin-sliced carpaccio.
All year, on every first Sunday of the month, state-owned museums and archeological sites across Italy offer free entrance.
Florence in October
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Generally, a quiet month to visit, October in Florence signifies change. As the weather adjusts, autumnal colours appear — just in time for the olive harvest.
Don’t worry: driving with the roof down is still doable.
Florence weather in October
Summer dresses and sandals may be out of the question, but don’t forget your sunglasses.
You should expect a daytime high of 23℃ (73℉) with sunshine and blue skies, typically falling to 12℃ (54℉) overnight.
How busy is Florence in October?
Autumn in Florence is the start of low season for tourism.
With fewer crowds at art museums and cookery classes, you may not need to book ahead. You can easily find a table at typical Florentine trattorias which are either fully booked or closed in summer.
What’s on in Florence in October?
One of the most anticipated periods of the year has arrived: the olive harvest. You must try the new Extra Virgin Olive Oil. All you need is a slice of toast and the willpower to resist finishing the bottle.
Don’t forget every first Sunday of the month, when state-owned museums and archeological sites across Italy offer free entrance.
October also welcomes a new season at Florence’s opera house.
Florence in November
Truffles
Another quiet month to visit Florence, November still draws weekenders. With fewer tourists you can appreciate the city’s culture, art, and most importantly... food.
Indeed, food ends up the star of the show: this month marks the annual return of Tartufo Bianco (White Truffle) season.
Florence weather in November
The temperature drops in November, with a typical daytime high of 15℃ (59℉) and a low of 5℃ (41℉).
The weather is cool and damp. But there’s an upside: this is the perfect climate for truffles.
How busy is Florence in November?
Autumn in Florence is low season for tourism. Excluding Florence Marathon weekend, you should not need to book either activities or restaurants.
What’s on in Florence in November
Firenze Marathon is one of the world’s top 20 marathons. The route passes through and around the historic centre of Florence, close to many prestigious art and architecture sights.
Does 26.22 miles (46 km) sound like a challenge? With just enough sweet bakery treats — the seasonal Schiacciata dei Santi and Castagnaccio — you’ll be running laps around the other competitors.
Florence in December
Christmas streets in Florence
December is a quiet month, yet there are many cheerful reasons to visit Florence.
Christmas is in the air; carols echo around cobbled streets cheered by Christmas decorations and lights. The air is sweet with the scent of mulling Vin Brulé.
With fewer tourists, you get Florence to yourself… including all 3,000 calories in a festive Panettone.
Florence weather in December
December is a cold month in Florence. The typical daytime high is 6℃ (43℉), with a low of 0℃ (32℉) overnight.
Days are shorter, but Christmas lights and hot chocolate at Paszkowski compensate.
How busy is Florence in December?
December is a low season for tourism. With fewer crowds at museums and classes, you may not need to book ahead. You can easily find a table at high-end restaurants and typical trattorias.
What’s on in Florence in December?
If you want to attend Mass, you will find services in most Florence churches. Midnight Mass on the 24th typically begins at 11 pm, with another service on the 25th at 10.30 am.
You can even attend traditional Christmas Eve/Morning Mass at the Duomo, celebrated by the Cardinal of Florence. Our front every year is a life-sized nativity scene, made with terracotta statues created by the artisans of Impruneta.
Although not genuinely Florentine, Christmas markets are in town. One of the biggest is outside Santa Croce. It draws on German traditions in food, wine, and crafts.
To end on something sweet, enjoy a piece Panettone. This festive bread containing candied fruit is best enjoyed with a glass of sweet wine. Buon Natale!