Best Time to Visit Florence

The best time to visit Florence for sightseeing is when the weather is mild, typically in the middle of Spring, April and May, or early to mid-fall, from late September through early November. In either period, you can expect temperatures that range from the mid-60s to mid-70s, give or take, with a higher chance for rain in October and November. By visiting the sights early in the morning or toward the end of the day you’ll usually find the shortest lines. If you aren’t averse to the cold and want to enjoy those sights without the crowds, come in November or early December. With the days short and often chilly, wet and gray, now is the perfect time to focus on the city’s exceptional array of museums and galleries. While it can’t be guaranteed, March and early April (other than Easter week) tend to be quieter times to visit for sightseeing with decent weather.

Uffizi Gallery is one of the world’s oldest and most famous art museums and the No. 1 when it comes to Italian Renaissance art. With highlights that include greats like Michelangelo, Botticelli, da Vinci, Raffaello and Caravaggio, you’ll want to plan your visit carefully to make the most of it. Tourists arrive from across the globe in every season so it’s almost impossible to avoid the crowds but there are times when it is less crowded. Weekends during the busy season, May through September tend to be the worst. The best time to explore Uffizi Gallery is before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. during the off-season, particularly November, January or early March. If you have to come from mid-June through mid-September, avoid the busiest hours which are between 10 a.m. and noon. On Tuesday and Friday evenings between July and September, the gallery has extended hours, with those evenings typically good times to visit. 

If idyllic weather is your top priority, with temperatures around the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit, you’ll want to plan your visit in May or October. The nice weather can start around the middle of April and last through early November, but you’ll have the best chance for sunny skies and pleasant temperatures in May and October. Between those two months, May is your best bet for avoiding rain. Spring is wonderful in the city with the city coming back to life, the markets bustling and filled with colorful produce while alfresco dining is a joy. While there’s an increased chance of wet weather in October, days are often lovely with high temperatures around 70 degrees and vibrant foliage blankets the parks. If you don’t like the heat, avoid July and August when it’s hot and humid. June and September are still quite warm but not as bad as the peak summer months.

While Florence begins to warm up a bit, with temperatures that range from 39 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit on average. The rain is dissipating with about half the month seeing fog or gray days and the other half getting more sun. Rain is still possible, and with those temps still chilly, you’ll want to pack clothing that can be layered and topped with a warm, waterproof coat like last month. As some afternoons can feel warm, removing layers as needed and replacing them easily when it feels colder again is key. As a month of celebration, Carnevale comes to the city, drawing visitors from across the globe. While it won’t be as quiet as January, this is still the off-season, so you’ll be able to enjoy a more laid-back pace when it comes to sightseeing. Sunset around the middle of the month comes at 5:44 pm, providing a bit more daylight too.

With the arrival of April, spring is now in full swing although the weather can be somewhat unpredictable. Typically, it’s quite pleasant with more sunny days than gray ones. Temperatures continue to rise with afternoons in the mid-60s, but the mercury can dip down to just above freezing or climb as high as 77 degrees. Those wonderful days are ideal for taking advantage of the outdoor cafes that open up again this month. But you will need to prepare for just about every type of weather other than snow, once again packing in layers. A heavy coat won’t be necessary, but a light rain jacket is a good idea. This is a shoulder season which means the city won’t be jam-packed with tourists but there will be plenty here. You can expect shorter lines (as compared to the peak summer months) and you can probably still find accommodation that’s reasonably priced. 

Early June continues the delights of May with more comfortable weather and thinner crowds, but as it progresses, it will start to get hot and an increasing number of tourists will be arriving as well – book your reservations well in advance. On average, afternoon highs hit 75 but the mercury can climb into the upper 80s, so now is the time to bring clothing that will keep you stylishly cool. Rain is relatively rare now. You’ll want lightweight summer wear like dresses, shorts, capris, tank tops and short-sleeve shirts. If you plan to visit one of the churches, your knees and shoulders will have to be covered but a light scarf can work well for covering up. Don’t forget sunhats, sunscreen and sunglasses as there will be plenty of sunshine now. With the sun setting just after 9 p.m. on the Summer Solstice (June 21), you’ll have lots of time for sightseeing too.

August is similar to July in terms of weather. It will be just as hot or slightly hotter, with the afternoon high averaging about 88 degrees and occasionally climbing above 100. As many Italians take their vacations in August, mostly tourists fill the streets now and some shops and restaurants may be closed. It could be a bit less crowded with so many locals out of town, although lines at the major sites are likely to be long due to the throngs of visitors. Plan to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid them. You’ll want to pack the same as you would for July, with clothing that protects from the sun while helping you to stay cool. During the day you might want to focus on indoor attractions like the cathedrals and museums while making the most of the cooler evenings by spending time outdoors then.

We can safely say that autumn has arrived, with the scorching hot temperatures a thing of the past, at least until next summer. October can be a wonderful time to be in Florence, with cool but not too cool temperatures averaging around 69-70 degrees in the afternoon. There is a higher chance for rain with nearly four inches falling over 12 days, so bringing a waterproof jacket with a hood and/or an umbrella is a good idea. You can expect plenty of sunshine in between, which means you’ll still need those sunglasses. It’s all about layering when it comes to clothing – think a mix of short- and long-sleeved shirts and pants or skirts with leggings. You can also look forward to colorful fall foliage in the parks and forests, making for some postcard-perfect scenes. Prepare for shorter days toward the end of the month with the time change as the sun will set just after 5 p.m. on October 31.

Early December is quiet, damp and chilly. There won’t be many visitors as the month rolls around but by the middle of the month, many will come to enjoy the holiday festivities. Storekeepers will be decorating their shop windows and the city places decorative lights across all the streets. December 8th is a national holiday that unofficially kicks off the countdown to Christmas. It will continue to get colder, with average highs around 51 degrees and lows at just 37 degrees. This is when you’ll need warmer attire, including a heavy coat, gloves, hat and waterproof boots. There’s plenty of rain now too, although a bit less than November with an average of just under three inches over 13 days. As the holidays tend to attract the crowds, especially later in the month, expect to pay higher prices for hotel rooms and be sure to make your reservations well in advance.