Tuscany has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers balanced by cold winters. The southern coast has the milder climate, while the mountainous north is the cooler. The best time to visit Tuscany is in the Spring, and September to late October.
Spring is one of the best times to visit Tuscany
Spring is a perfect season to visit Tuscany. By the end of March days are starting to get longer and the temperature is mild and pleasant (18°- 20ºC max), with the occasional shower. The trees are in blossom and the countryside is alive with birds and activity. Discover what’s great about Tuscany in Spring!
TIP! Keep in mind the Easter Holidays are a popular time for Italians to travel to Tuscany, and main cities like Florence and Siena get pretty busy during the Easter weekend. Other Spring bank holidays are the 25th of April and the 1st of May.
Things to do during Easter in Florence.
Check out top events in March in Tuscany, and April in Tuscany, weather and events.
May and the beginning of June is a perfect time to visit Tuscany. Temperatures hover around 25 °C, and the countryside is at its most colourful. It’s a good time to go to the coast as there are fewer people around (Italian school holidays last from 15 June to the first week of September). You’ll enjoy half empty beaches, and the sea in June is usually warm enough for a swim. It’s a good time to visit the cities as the temperature is still pleasant, but bear in mind that the peak season starts in mid-June and ends at the end of August.
Find out the best destinations to enjoy Springtime in Tuscany. And everything that’s special about Florence in May and all events in Florence in June. And best events and some trip ideas if you’re visiting Tuscany in May.
=> Tuscany in June: best events and traditional festivals
Summer is perfect for a country stay or a beach holiday
Summer is hot and busy, but it’s a good option if you’re planning a stay in the countryside or in the cooler areas. But it’s not the best time for sightseeing. July and the first half of August is the hottest time, with temperatures occasionally reaching 35°C, making it quite uncomfortable particularly in Florence (that is why prices of hotels go down in August). But it’s pleasant in the hills and on the coast, where the breeze helps and the evenings are cooler.
If you’re planning a beach holiday remember that from the end of July to the end of August, it’s peak season for Italian tourism, and beaches get packed with families. The beaches in the southern Maremma are your best bet in these months. And July, everywhere, is less crowded than August.
Discover the best way to enjoy your summer holiday in Tuscany and why September is a special time to visit this part of the world.
⇒ Trip ideas for your Summer holiday in Tuscany.
Autumn is a delight in Tuscany
Autumn is a perfect time to visit Tuscany. Temperatures are still pleasant in late September (26°C max) and October (20°C max), cities aren’t too crowded and the vineyards and forests turn every shade of yellow and red. You can still enjoy the beach in September, as there are fewer people and agreeable temperatures. In October it’s still mild, with the occasional rain shower as the only drawback. November is a good month to visit Florence, as it is less busy.
Find out some of the best destinations for an autumn trip to Tuscany. And our favourite small towns for an autumn trip, like scenic Radda in Chianti or Barga in the Garfagnana.
⇒ What to do in October in Tuscany, best events and food festivals.
⇒ Find out What to Wear in Tuscany in Autumn.
Enjoy the cities’ attractions in Winter
Winter: January and February can get quite cold (average 7°C). While snow in Florence is rare, it can snow in the countryside and always in the mountains. Rainfall is low. => see more details about Winter Weather in Tuscany.
November to February is low season, making it a very good time to visit the main cities like Florence and Siena, but also San Gimignano or Cortona. Fewer crowds means that you can better enjoy the sights. In December the towns are twinkly with Christmas atmosphere. In the winter smaller centres in more remote areas become very quiet, and that can also be a blessing.
Discover all the delights of December in Florence, December events in Tuscany, and why Winter is a very special time to visit Tuscany.
=> Why Winter is the best time to visit Florence.
When does it rain the most?
Spring and autumn get more rain. April and November are the wettest months. March also usually gets a good amount of rain.
=> March in Tuscany: best events and weather
When can I swim?
From late May/early June to September. The southern coast is warmer all year round, with mild winters.
Do I need a heavy coat?
Yes, from November to March. Bear in mind that in spring and autumn temperatures vary a lot from day to night, especially in the hills and mountains. So while you can wear a t-shirt during the day you might need a jumper or heavier layer in the evening.
When is the best time for outdoor activities in Tuscany?
For walking in the countryside and hiking in the mountains or the coastal areas, the best time is Spring and September, the time of the grape harvest. October is also a delightful month with mellow colours in the vineyards and forests, while the days are still long enough and the temperature mild enough to enjoy the outdoors and all the delicious smells of mushrooms and new wine.
For a beach holiday, think end of May to June, and September. If you don’t mind the heat, July is less crowded than August. Avoid August if you can, it’s when everybody in Italy heads for the coast. The last week of August starts to get less crowded but it’s usually rainy.
⇒ What to pack for your trip to Tuscany.
Italian holidays
Official state holidays include January 1, January 6 (Epiphany), Easter Sunday and Monday, April 25 (Liberation Day), May 1 (Labor Day), June 2 (Republic Day), August 15 (Ferragosto, Assumption Day), November 1 (All Saints’ Day), December 8 (Day of the Immaculate Conception), December 25, and December 26 (Santo Stefano). Florence honours its patron, St. John the Baptist, on June 24.
