The capital of Tuscany is characterised by mild winters and sunny summers.
More rain can be expected from November to February, but it is usually showers that usually last no more than a few hours. On the other hand, the sunniest time of the year are the summer months, when the sun shines for an average of 10-11 hours a day.
Weather and temperatures throughout the year
What climate to expect in Florence at different times of the year?
Winter (December-February)
The average temperature in winter is around 6°C to 11°C, but temperatures around zero are no exception. The drop in temperature is often due to the cold northerly wind called "tramontana".
If the tramontana is blowing, the days are really cold and it can be freezing at night.
Spring (March-May)
In spring, the temperature gradually starts to rise to an average of 10 °C to 18 °C.
In general, the weather is least stable during March and April, when warm and sunny days alternate with cold and rainy ones and vice versa. From the second half of April onwards, the rainfall decreases and the weather gradually warms up.
Summer (June-August)
The hot summer months bring tropical weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30 °C. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are no exception.
Although summer is not exactly ideal for urban tourism, the narrow streets of the historic centre always provide welcome shade.
Autumn (September-November)
The rainiest weather falls in October and November, while September is still a full-fledged summer month. Expect heavy rain from October until the end of November, but even then it is far from raining every day. Expect rain an average of 9 days a month.
Temperatures in September hover around 26 °C, gradually dropping to around 15 °C from October onwards.
September and October are the peak of the vintage season.
For a more detailed breakdown of the weather throughout the region by month, see the chapter Weather in Tuscany.
Table of temperatures during the year
Florence - Temperatures during the year
When to go to Firenze
Florence is a year-round destination.
If you're only heading into town for a few days, it's a good idea to avoid the hot summer. The best period for purely urban tourism is from September to May, including winter.
If it starts to rain, you can take shelter in the many galleries, museums or cafes, and the short days will reveal the magic of evening-lit Florence. Especially the December period with its Christmas decorations is truly magical.
Book a hotel with an off-season discount
If Florence is just part of a longer tour of Tuscany, the ideal time is September and October, when it is the main wine harvest season. May is also great, with very pleasant temperatures for hiking in the nearby mountains, for example.
