The best time to visit Florence really depends on what you’re looking for. If you don’t fancy crowds, and you’re after a more intimate experience in this fascinating city, the best months to visit Florence are November, February, and March – being the cheapest and less crowded period.
If you want warm, mild temperatures, and being able to sit al fresco and enjoy the long evenings, then choose May, June, September – but bear in mind that these are the busiest, and most pricey, times to visit.
July and August are really too hot to be recommended, and if you don’t function well in sizzling temperatures (that can reach 35-40 degrees, with high humidity) you’re better off avoiding these months altogether.
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Best time to visit Florence – Autumn & Winter months
Autumn is a very good time to head to Florence, and from the end of October throughout November the city is definitely less crowded, while temperatures are still not too cold. Autumn is also a perfect time to take a trip to the nearby Chianti region, when the foliage colours are changing in the countryside, making it a spectacular sight.
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December gets busy from the 8th – a bank holiday in Italy – throughout Christmas, and during this period prices tend to go up. In January, Florence hosts Pitti Fashion Fair and during Pitti the accommodation prices rocket in the city centre. Outside these dates, January is a great month to visit Florence.
February and the first half of March are also perfect for visiting Florence and having a more relaxing experience. Nearby popular destinations like Siena or San Gimignano can be quite quiet during these months so you can savour your day trip in peace. And this is also the cheapest time!
If you enjoy art, and want to immerse yourself in the ‘cradle of the Renaissance’ and its countless works of art, you may want to choose the Winter months. Weather is not at its best – as it can be pretty cold and wet – but you do get some sunny days. If you’re planning to do some shopping, sales are on from 7th January.
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Spring in Florence. Beautiful and busy.
Spring is a lovely time to be in Florence, with longer days and warm and pleasant temperatures. Just bear in mind that from April onwards the high season starts, with plenty of tours heading to Tuscany’s main city. Consider that Easter is the start of the high season, and the Easter week is always very busy.
May and June are great for the weather, but are among the busiest months, and the most expensive. (The same goes for September and October.) Remember that major attractions, and restaurants can fill up quickly, and be prepared for some queueing for the most popular museums like the Uffizi and the Accademia. Booking a guided tour in advance will certainly save you time and enhance your experience!
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This said, it’s true that in Spring you’ll be able to enjoy some of the city’s historic and beautiful gardens, like Boboli and Bardini Garden. Evenings are long and everybody is out in the streets enjoying outdoor dining and endless aperitivi, and the countryside just outside Florence is simply idyllic in Springtime. You can enjoy the best of Tuscany on this full-day tour of Siena, San Gimignano and Pisa.
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What is Florence like in Summer?
Hot. Very hot. Temperatures can reach over 30 degrees in July and August, and it’s quite humid and stifling. Summer is definitely not the best time to visit Florence. Sightseeing in those temperatures might be a strain if you’re not used to them.
If you still want to visit Florence in Summer, the best plan is to be based outside Florence, in a small town – from where you can reach the city by public transport. Alternatively opt for a farm or villa stay in the countryside (where temperatures are more forgiving!), and take day trips by leaving early in the morning.
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