When you are planning a trip, timing is everything. There are certain benefits you can gain from traveling to Florence depending on the time of year. On one hand, coming in late fall or winter will save some money, as rates for airfare and hotels tend to be lower. This is before temperatures drop. What you make up in room costs might go to buying a winter coat to bring with you! On the other hand, spring and summer’s higher rates reflect more desirable warm weather, a calendar of art festivals, and open-air dining through the streets of Florence.
Of course, a traveler should be mindful of their priorities and budget! Below is a calendar to help you with the highs and lows of each month in Florence – use the information provided to create your pros and cons to see for yourself what time of year would be best to travel.
January
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 34.5 / High 50.2
If you decide to travel to Florence in January, there’s plenty to do indoors to avoid the cold weather. Between museum visits and wine tastings, you’ll stay busy while staying warm.
Events: The Feast of the Epiphany
The Feast of the Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy that falls on January 6. This holiday commemorates the Magi’s visit to the baby Jesus and the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. It is often celebrated with special pastries and children receiving small gifts in their shoes.
February
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 37 / High 53.6
February is Carnival time! Martedi Grasso (literally translating to ‘fat Tuesday’) is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. So, to prepare for fasting, Florence bursts into parties, feasts, and carnival festivals.
March
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 40.8 / High 59
Festivals continue through March, as St. Paddy’s Day and Florentine New Year give cause to celebrate through the streets as they start to get warmer.
April
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 45.9 / High 65.8
Florence loves their traditions – so traveling to Florence would not be complete without engaging in one of these traditions that make this beautiful and culturally rich city what it is. April is full of these traditions!
lo Scoppio del Carro – ‘The Explosion of the Cart’ – on Easter Day, is one of the city’s most loved traditions.
Il Brindellone is the historic carriage which is ignited in front of the Duomo in a fabulous pyrotechnic display that has been wowing the crowd for centuries.
Liberation Day, a holiday commemorating Italy’s liberation in WWII and the country’s war heros. Take part in the remembrance ceremony and free concert in Piazza Signoria.
A busy month, there’s also an Artisan Crafts Fair, a Medieval Carnival, the Notte Bianca, a flower fair as well as museum initiatives, art exhibits, live music and opera, wine tastings and more.
May
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 52.3 / High 74.1
There are so many things to do in Florence in May. The rainy season should be over by now and the Italian sunshine welcomes flag throwing ceremonies, flower homages, and open air festival markets.
Head to a May Day Market at the Cascine Park and spend some tme amongst the local Florentines. The Cascine is the city’s most loved (and largest) park, and several times a year outdoor markets of all sorts are organized there. May 1st is one of these days – for May Day! May Day is a holiday similar to Labor Day. The market hosts stalls selling everything from designer clothes to traditional foods and cooked dishes.
June
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 58.5 / High 81.1
With the temperatures climbing, tourism does too. Anticipate an increase in rates (hotel and airfare) starting this time of year. June 2nd is a national holiday, the Festa della Repubblica commemorating the forming of the Italian Republic in 1946.
Locally, Florence celebrates Saint John the Baptist, its patron saint, on June 24th. Many businesses and museums will be closed on this day.
To celebrate festivities include a much loved fireworks display in the evening.
July
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 63 / High 88
~ Least Anticipated Rainy Month ~
What better way to spend time in Florence during the hottest and driest month of the year? Head to the beach! Catch some rays along river white sand without leaving the city at the Arno ‘beach’.
August
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 62.6 / High 87
At the height of summer, you can expect a lot of outdoor celebrations through Florence this time of year. Live music, operas in open-air venues, and more! Be prepared to eat outside along the streets of Florence.
In terms of celebrations, August 10th is the Feast of San Lorenzo. A historic procession of marchers representing the Florentine Republic make up part of the festivities. In the evening treat yourself to complimentary servings of baked lasagna and watermelon slices on offer in San Lorenzo square and a concert by the Florence Philharmonic Rossini orchestra.
September
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 57.6 / High 79.9
As temperatures cool, tourism starts to drop throughout Florence.
September 7 is the Feast of the Rificolona – the fest of the paper lanterns in Florence. The Rificolona is a tradition of ancient folklore which dates back to the 1600’s.
People celebrate by parading through the streets with paper lanterns made of bright colors and original shapes and lit up with a candle.
October
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 50 / High 70
Believe it or not, Florence – set in a beautiful, antique world – celebrated Halloween! What more fun can you have dressing up and going through the traditions of Halloween with the Florentines!
November
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 41.9 / High 58.8
~ Most Anticipated Rainy Month ~
The crowded tourist season is over, so all the city’s museums, restaurants, gelaterie, and sights can be ‘just for you’!
This month welcomes the Feast of Tuscany, a local holiday in which the whole of the Tuscan region is celebrated on the 30th of November.
December
Average Temperature (°F)
Low: 36.3 / High 50.7
Strolling through the streets of Florence may be enough festivities for your trip in December. Christmas exhibits and store windows are alive with the holiday spirit. Christmas markets, tree lighting, and the anticipation of the New Year make Florence a magical place to be.
My recommendation: Come to Florence, Italy in May!
WHY?
May is just the start of the tourism season. You may be able to save some money booking early enough to beat the high rates of the other summer months. The weather is also gorgeous, and everyone in Florence is grateful to be celebrating the sunshine and celebrations under the Florentine sun!
