What's the best time to visit Florence, Italy?
The best time to visit Florence is between April and June when the city blends mild weather with cultural vibrancy. April offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, perfect for peaceful exploration. As May arrives, the city warms up and gets busier, yet retains a comfortable balance.
June sees Florence at its most lively, with warm weather and vibrant events like the Scoppio del Carro and Florence Maggio Musicale, making it an ideal time to experience the city’s full charm.
Visiting Florence is something every world traveler and appreciator of history, food, art, and architecture should do at least once. Knowing the best time to visit is key to enjoying your trip.
Over 15 million people come to Florence each year, so understanding the most popular and least busy seasons will help you plan the right time for a visit. Here’s our take.
The Overall Best Time to Visit Florence
Florence, Tuscany, Italy – September 16, 2023: Cathedral square in Florence street artists stations with paintings and tourists strolling, young and old girl at her side strolling in the foreground/Di Gregorio Giulio/Shutterstock
The best time to visit Florence is from April to June. During this time, sunshine warms the city, festivals kick into high gear, and every attraction, shop, and restaurant is bustling with activity.
Peak tourism seasons often align with the best time to visit a city – there’s a reason that so many people arrive during a specific part of the year. In Florence, the peak season runs from April to August, but April to June are the best months to visit overall.
Come in April to enjoy slightly cooler temperatures around 65F, more affordable hotels, and shorter lines at museums and galleries. Note that rainfall is a little heavier with just over 3″ falling throughout the month.
Visit Florence in May for warmer temperatures around 74F with less rain than April, though you’ll pay a little more for a hotel and start seeing bigger crowds.
June is phenomenal for a Florence trip, as the weather warms to about 81F and rain is minimal. Hotel prices rise to $107-$281/night this month, but most travelers will find it’s the optimal month to come.
Visiting Florence during the peak season requires some planning and forethought. Book your room and flight up to 6 months in advance to ensure better availability and prices.
When you’re comparing hotels, keep the average nightly rates for the peak season in mind:
- April: $98-$257/night
- May: $102-$268/night
- June: $107-$281/night
You’ll be able to enjoy all the museums, galleries, restaurants, nightlife, shops, and festivals around the city to the fullest from April to June.
Plan to check out the following events during the best time to visit Florence:
- Scoppio del Carro (“Explosion of the Cart”) if you’re there for Easter
- Florence Maggio Musicale from late April to May
- Fireworks and football at the Patron Saint Feast Day in late June
- Florence Dance Festival at the Teatro Romano, Fiesole
- Outdoor concerts at Sesto d’Estate Music Festival
Cheapest Time to Visit Florence
FLORENCE, ITALY, JANUARY – 2018 – Winter day scene at famous piazza di santa croce at historic center of florence, Italy/DFLC Prints/Shutterstock
The cheapest time to visit Florence is from November to March, when tourist numbers dwindle and low prices are the reward for rainy-season travelers.
Temperatures between the mid-30s and upper 50s keep tourists at a minimum. But if you’re willing to brave the cold conditions – sometimes icy and windy – you’ll enjoy fewer lines at major attractions and reduced hotel rates.
Florence experiences a good amount of rain with cooler temperatures from November to March, making it less popular with tourists and contributing to the lower cost of visiting this time of year.
Expect daily highs in the low 50s from December to February, with warmer temperatures approaching 60F in November and March. Rainfall is heaviest in November (4.4″), the rainiest month of the year here.
December sees around 3.5″, with January, February, and March getting around 3″ on average. November and December see the fewest visitors of the year in Florence, and the drop is mirrored in hotel prices around the city during this time.
Tourist numbers stay relatively low through January, February, and March, but things are on the upswing by the end of February as the spring shoulder season arrives.
November is when you’ll find the lowest hotel rates of the year in Florence, with rooms costing as little as $58/night. December, January, and February are similarly priced.
By March, tourist numbers are still somewhat low, but beginning to rise ahead of the peak summer season. That pushes hotel prices up a bit this month.
- November: $58-$152/night
- December: $60-$157/night
- January: $60-$158/night
- February: $59-$155/night
- March: $66-$174/night
November is the absolute cheapest month to visit Florence, but the difference between it and drier months like January, February, and March is pretty negligible.
If you love finding great deals, the winter “saldi” sales event takes place after Christmas in Florence. Most clothing is on clearance, but competition for the best items can be tough!
Least Busy Time to Visit Florence
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October to December is the least busy time to visit Florence, with a steady decline in tourist numbers as the warm summer and early fall peak season wraps up.
October, November, and December are considered the low season in Florence. This is when the fewest tourists come to the city, which is perfect if you’re hoping for a less-crowded visit.
There’s a significant drop in temperature come October, when daily highs drop from the upper 70s to 70F with lows in the 50s. Rainfall is considerable, with about 3.5″ falling throughout the month.
Festivals and events are few and far between this time of year, but you can check out the parade and ceremony at Festa di Santa Reparata in early October at the historic Santa Maria del Fiore.
November is when things really get wet with roughly 4.4″ of rain soaking the city this month. November sees the fewest visitors of the year in Florence and the rain has a lot to do with it.
December is slightly wetter than October, but not as bad as November with about 3.6″ of rain this month. October and December see about the same number of tourists in Florence, but it’s not much more than November.
Here’s a look at how much Florence hotels may cost on average during October, November, and December according to data from Google Hotels:
- October: $83-$220/night
- November: $58-$152/night
- December: $60-$157/night
It might be worth planning your visit during the slightly more expensive month of October when it’s warmer and less rainy. You’ll be able to avoid the biggest crowds with better weather.
Worst Time to Visit Florence
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If there is such thing as the worst time to visit Florence, it would have to be July and August. It’s hot, dry, and many attractions and restaurants shut down in August – the “ghost month.”
During July and August, the beauty and history of Florence is dimmed a bit by the hot temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s. July is dry, but August gets about 3″ of rain throughout the month.
Even if you don’t mind the heat, much of Italy “closes” in August – it’s often called the ghost month, as it’s the time of year most Italians take their vacations. As a result, many of the shops, restaurants, and attractions that make
Florence so special close down in August and leave Florence feeling a bit like a ghost town in parts. Prices are lower than in the peak season during the late summer, but it’s not the cheapest time of year to visit.
Here’s a look at the average hotel rates in July and August:
- July: $86-$228/night
- August: $79-$208/night
If you must visit Florence during this period, aim for the first or last week of August, when businesses are more likely to be open. July can be great if you love hunting for bargains as the summer “saldi” sales event takes place, with businesses discounting clothing up to 70%.
Florence by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Florence? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Florence range from 3 to 10°C (37-50°F). It’s an ideal time for exploring the city’s museums, including the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia, and enjoying the winter sales in local shops.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cool temperatures between 4 to 11°C (39-52°F). Visitors can experience the Carnevale celebrations, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, and enjoy the quieter atmosphere in Florence.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 6 to 14°C (43-57°F). March is perfect for admiring blooming flowers in the Boboli Gardens, attending the International Handicrafts Trade Fair, and exploring the city’s historic sites.
April
Spring temperatures in Florence range from 9 to 17°C (48-63°F). It’s an ideal time for visiting the Florence Cathedral and Giotto’s Bell Tower, enjoying outdoor cafes in Piazza della Signoria, and attending cultural events.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 12 to 21°C (54-70°F). It’s a great month for exploring the Pitti Palace and its gardens, attending the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and taking day trips to the nearby Chianti region.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 16 to 26°C (61-79°F). June offers opportunities for walking along the Arno River, attending open-air concerts and festivals, and enjoying gelato in the city’s charming streets.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 18 to 30°C (64-86°F). It’s a popular month for exploring the Boboli Gardens, attending the Florence Dance Festival, and enjoying outdoor dining in the city’s trattorias.
August
Temperatures in August range from 18 to 30°C (64-86°F). Despite the heat, it’s an excellent time for visiting the Palazzo Vecchio, experiencing the Summer in Florence program, and enjoying the quieter streets as locals go on vacation.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 15 to 26°C (59-79°F). September offers a pleasant transition, with opportunities for wine tasting in the Chianti region, attending the New Generation Festival, and exploring the city’s markets.
October
October sees temperatures ranging from 11 to 20°C (52-68°F). It’s a great month for visiting the Bargello Museum, exploring the Oltrarno district, and enjoying the fall colors in the city’s parks.
November
Fall temperatures range from 6 to 13°C (43-55°F). November is perfect for exploring the Florence Opera House, attending the Florence Art and Restoration Fair, and experiencing the city’s culinary scene.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 3 to 9°C (37-48°F). December brings opportunities for enjoying Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce, attending holiday concerts, and experiencing the festive atmosphere in Florence.
Things to Consider
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Visiting Florence is the trip of a lifetime! You don’t want to miss any of the spectacular sights, cuisine, shopping, and entertainment in the city.
Here are some helpful travel tips to make the most of your Florentine journey!
- Book a guided tour. It’s worth it to book a guided tour of Florence to ensure you don’t miss anything. When you book a tour, you’ll be able to skip the long lines, learn fascinating facts and trivia, and discover hidden gems off the beaten path that grow your respect and appreciation for the culture, art, and history of Florence.
- Check out the sales in summer and winter. Italians love fashion, and clothing goes on clearance twice a year throughout the country. The summer and winter “saldi” events see prices slashed anywhere from 5% to 70% off, with some items reaching even deeper discounts further into the sales season. Summer sales from July-August are much busier, but you can find great deals without the crowds during the winter saldi from Janaury-February.
- Learn a little Italian. People in Florence speak a Tuscan dialect of the Italian language. In fact, Florence is where the Italian language was developed and began to evolve! Many people working in the tourism sector speak English, but it’s so valuable to learn a few key Italian phrases to help you communicate and connect with the culture here. At minimum, learn to greet people in Italian: “Buongiorno” means good day and “bueno sera” means good evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tourists taking photos at The Birth of Venus painting by Sandro Botticelli in Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy July ’22/canbedone/Shutterstock
You probably have a few more questions about the best time to visit Florence. Which months are ideal to go? How long should you stay? Check out the most frequently asked questions below to learn more.
What is the cheapest time to visit Florence, Italy?
The cheapest time to visit Florence, Italy, is from November to March, with November offering the lowest hotel rates despite being the wettest month.
Is November a good time to go to Florence?
November in Florence is rainy and not the best time to visit, but it offers low prices on hotels, making it a budget-friendly option for those who don't mind the rain.
Is September a good time to visit Florence, Italy?
September is a great time to visit Florence, offering warm temperatures and fewer tourists, though hotel prices are higher during this period.
Is September too cold for Italy?
September is not too cold for Italy; in Florence, temperatures are in the upper 70s, and throughout Italy, temperatures range from 55°F in the North to 80°F in the South.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Florence?
You can’t plan a better visit to Florence than one during April, May, or June. It’s warm and sunny, everything is bustling with activity, and the city feels alive.
Save a little money by going between November and March, when prices on hotels are at their cheapest and you’ll find a steadily declining number of tourists in the city.
When you plan your trip to this magical city, you’re sure to enjoy a memorable trip that enriches your world with a new appreciation for all things Florentine. Happy travels!