Tuscany in February has more going for it than you might think. The Christmas holidays are already a faint memory. The air is crisp and cold, and carries with it the promise of snow. Days are shorter and somehow quieter, but everywhere around the region people are getting ready to celebrate the traditional Carnival, with colourful floats and delicious sweet treats. Could it be the perfect time for a trip to Tuscany?
Tuscany without crowds
Tuscany can get busy in high season. So the absence of crowds is the first and more obvious benefit of visiting Tuscany in winter. The Christmas period is usually very busy, especially in bigger cities like Florence.
But once the festive season is over and the crowds depart, the towns of Tuscany enjoy a period of quieter tranquility. The queues outside Florence’s museums get shorter, and you can enjoy the region’s main sights in a more relaxed atmosphere.
=> Check out the museums in Florence you shouldn’t miss.
=> February in Florence: best events, typical sweet treats and more!
Where should I travel to in February?
Famous attractions like Florence, Pisa and Siena are perfect destinations for February. All the attractions and restaurants stay open all year around, and offer better deals during quieter periods.
Smaller but still popular Medieval towns like San Gimignano, Volterra and Cortona can also be very rewarding as the atmosphere is somehow enhanced during winter months.
Lesser known towns like Arezzo are a good alternative, with plenty of things to do for anyone who loves art and architecture. And traditional food is pretty amazing, too!
Bear in mind that it can get pretty cold and it’s better to check weather forecasts before travelling. Other areas that are more out of the way, can be very quiet in February. For winter sports your best bets are Mount Abetone near Pistoia, and Mount Amiata in southern Tuscany.
If you are in the mood for the euphoric Carnival party, head to Viareggio on the Versilia coast. In this coastal town every year throughout February (this is when the Carnival happens, it starts 40 days before Easter) you have the best Carnival floats in Italy.
If you like the idea of Carnival, check out more amazing float parades around Tuscany!
Tuscany in February – what’s the weather like?
If you travel by car remember you are obliged to carry snow chains with you. Temperatures drop at night, but days can often be clear and pleasant. Expect some rain. Temperatures rise slightly towards the end of the month.
Good accommodation deals and Sales!
Hotels are ready to attract guests by offering special deals in late January and February, even in Florence. So you can save a bit on accommodation and have more money for shopping. Considering that the sales are on it can’t be a bad thing.
In all shops in Florence and in the popular Outlets just outside Florence the sales usually begin the second week of January and carry on throughout February. If there’s a chance of a good deal, you’ll find it now. Check out buses or private chaffeur services for Florence’s outlets.
The countryside turns on the magic
Misty mornings, frost on the fields, snow in the air. There’s something charming and mysterious about the Tuscan countryside in winter. The smell of fires being lit, the comfort of a fire place and a glass of Chianti wine. You need to be prepared for the cold of course – those characteristic villas and country houses can get quite chilly. Take sturdy footwear if you want to go walking, you’ll be rewarded with some very magical views.
Explore the Chianti region and taste some excellent Chianti wine on this Half-Day Wine Chianti Tour from Florence: set off directly from Florence and visit two different wineries in the Tuscan hills to tour the vineyards, visit the cellars, and relax over guided tastings. Visit the scenic hilltop town of Castellina in Chianti.
Winter treats
Some of the more typical Tuscan dishes are perfect for the cold weather. There are rich soups like ribollita, made with cabbage and beans, or the different cuts of meat like the famous Bistecca alla Fiorentina or delicious meat stews like Peposo dell’Impruneta.
If you have a sweet tooth, February is your month. It’s Carnival time and irresistible treats start popping up in bakeries and pasticcerie. There are frittelle (fritters made with rice or semolino), cenci (fried dough with powdered sugar on the top) and schiacciata alla fiorentina (light, soft, vanilla flavoured cake). You’ll find them in most areas of Tuscany with variations.
February is a great time to explore Florentine culinary tradition: join this popular Small-Group Tasting Tour to try local specialties and discover Florence’s intriguing wine windows!
Read more about – Florence Sunset Food & Wine Tour with Eating Europe
=> Top Food in Tuscany: 14 Unmissable dishes!
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
Disclaimer: some links to tours and services on this site will earn us affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you. The small commission we earn help us keeping the site going, thanks for reading! 🙂
