When deciding the best time to visit Florence, there are several factors to consider. It’s not just about the weather—you’ll also want to think about crowd sizes, prices, and any seasonal festivals that might influence your plans.
Having visited Florence in every season, I’ve found that the best months to go are April, May, October, and November. During these times, the weather is mild, and the city is far less crowded than during the peak summer months.
Here’s a season-by-season breakdown of what to expect when visiting Florence.
Spring in Florence (March to May)
Springtime in Florence is lovely, with flowers in bloom at the gardens and nice weather for sightseeing.
- Weather: Spring in Florence brings mild and increasingly warm temperatures. March starts off cooler, with highs in the 60s°F, but by May, you can expect sunny days reaching the mid to high 70s°F. While there’s a chance of rain throughout the season—April is typically the rainiest month—it’s still less rainy than autumn.
- Crowds: As the weather improves, so do the crowd sizes. School vacations, particularly around Easter, contribute to the influx of visitors, but the numbers remain far more manageable compared to the summer high season.
- Festivals: Easter in Italy is a significant celebration, and Florence is no exception. One of the city’s most exciting traditions is the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) on Easter Sunday. A 500-year-old cart is paraded through the streets, culminating in a fireworks display—a must-see event. Another spring highlight is the Maggio Musicale, a series of classical music concerts.
- Personal Insight: From my experience, spring is one of the best times to visit Florence. The gardens are vibrant, and the crowds are far smaller than in summer. It can be rainy but it rains almost every time I go to Venice – no matter the season.
- Packing Tips: Although spring weather is generally comfortable, it’s wise to pack light layers. A spring jacket and a cozy sweater, paired with pants or skirts, will keep you prepared for the varying temperatures of Florence’s spring days and nights.
Summer in Florence (June to August)
Summer is by far the busiest season in Florence, but if it’s the only time you can visit, don’t let the crowds deter you. There are ways to make your trip smooth, even during peak season. Make sure to book hotels and tickets for attractions several months in advance. Restaurants should also be reserved at least a few weeks ahead of time.
- Weather: Summer in Florence is hot, with August being the hottest month, as temperatures soar into the 90s°F. June is generally more comfortable, with highs in the low 80s°F, but the heat intensifies as the season progresses. Summer is also Florence’s driest season, with July receiving the least rainfall.
- Crowds: As the high season, summer sees Florence packed with tourists. Expect long lines, fully booked restaurants, and congested streets. The city can feel overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak travel months.
- Festivals: Festa di San Giovanni is on June 24th, honoring Florence’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. The day is celebrated with a fireworks display and a historic “football” game (Calcio Storico) that dates back to the 16th century. This sport combines elements of football, rugby, and wrestling, played between teams representing Florence’s neighborhoods. If you want to attend, you’ll need to secure tickets well in advance.
- Personal Insight: Florence during summertime really is beautiful. The gardens are green and the city is buzzing with activity. Be prepared for hot, sunny days and potentially no A/C. You’ll want to double check that your hotel or Airbnb offers air conditioning, as it’s not the most common in Italy.
- Tips: For major attractions, like the Duomo Complex, Accademia Galleries, and Uffizi Galleries, reserve your timed entry months in advance. Do not wait to buy at the last minute as you risk missing out and having to wait in hours-long lines. I also suggest getting out early in the day, especially if you want nice photos of the Duomo and.
Fall in Florence (September to November)
Fall is my favorite time to go to Florence. Not only is the weather perfect for walking around but also the seasonal foods, like pumpkin and mushrooms, make it even better.
- Weather: The weather in Florence during fall is nearly perfect—not too hot and not too cold. Daytime temperatures in September often reach the low 80s°F, gradually cooling into the 60s°F and low 70s°F as autumn progresses. By November, evenings can drop into the mid-40s°F, but this is as chilly as it gets. Fall is also the wettest season in Florence, with November being the rainiest month. That said, packing waterproof shoes and an umbrella will keep you prepared and comfortable.
- Crowds: September is one of Florence’s busiest months, but as autumn wears on towards winter those crowds greatly thin out. November, while the rainiest month, is also one of the least crowded times to visit. If you’re willing to trade a bit of damp weather for shorter lines at museums and easier-to-get restaurant reservations, this can be an ideal time for a peaceful visit. September
- Festivals: Fall festivals kick off in early September. La Festa delle Rificolone (Festival of the Paper Lanterns) is a Renaissance-era procession where locals carry paper lanterns lit by candles through the streets. Another popular event is one that only takes place every two years, the Florence International Biennial of Antiques, which is a collectors dream. The fair runs from the end of September into October and presents works for sale to museums that have been well vetted for authenticity.
- Personal Insight: I frequent Florence most often in the fall. Late October is my ideal time to visit, as the weather is still warm enough without needing a heavy jacket and the food scene is at its peak. September is really busy still and November is much quieter.
- Travel Tips: To make the most of your fall trip to Florence, pack with the weather in mind. For later in the season, bring a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and a sturdy umbrella. As November approaches, add layers like a cozy sweater and thick socks to stay warm and dry.
Winter in Florence (December to February)
Winter is one of the quietest times to visit Florence. While the weather may be cooler, you can get some great perks out of a visit during these months, such as cheaper accommodation and a more relaxed experience.
- Weather: Florence gets decently cool in winter, with January being the coldest month. Daytime temperatures hover in the low 50s°F, while nights drop into the 30s°F. Snow is extremely rare, but rain is common, particularly in December.
- Crowds: Winter is Florence’s least crowded season, offering a much calmer experience. Museums and attractions are far less busy, with shorter lines and more space to enjoy the art and history. Even the city’s most popular restaurants are easier to book, making dining and sightseeing a more relaxed experience overall.
- Festivals: The holiday season is festive with the Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce, which runs from late November through late December. Here, you’ll find classic holiday stalls selling souvenirs, seasonal treats, and plenty of mulled wine. Another highlight is the Florence Light Festival, which takes place from early December to early January. Many of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Ponte Vecchio, are illuminated with stunning light displays each evening.
- Personal Insight: Winter can be a fantastic time to visit Florence. Not only will you enjoy a quieter city, but you’ll also benefit from off-season prices at hotels. Plus, most of Florence’s main attractions, like its museums, are indoors, making winter weather less of a concern. Make sure to double check opening hours, as some attractions have shorter hours during the winter.
- Packing Tips: Packing warm clothing is essential for a winter trip to Florence. Bring hats, gloves, wool socks, and cozy shoes to stay comfortable in the cooler temperatures. That said, layering is key—you might find yourself shedding your jacket during sunny midday strolls through the piazzas.