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Florence

As one of the world’s most important hubs for art and culture, the attractive city of Florence draws in millions of visitors every year. Known as the ‘Athens of the Middle Ages’, Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance movement and has retained its cultural importance as the home of world-famous museums and galleries, including the impressive Uffizi Gallery. Enjoy exploring the city by foot and gaze upon the architectural majesty of the Pitti Palace and the Piazza della Signoria. Food and drink are central to any Florence holiday with the delicious fresh produce of the Tuscan region providing the ingredients to outstanding dining experiences. Meanwhile, the friendly backstreet enotecas will showcase some of the area’s best vintage wines. Florence is also the gateway to Tuscany where you can enjoy breathtaking countryside views and witness the laid-back local lifestyle.

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What you’ll love most about Florence

  • Immerse yourself in Florence’s rich artistic heritage with visits to iconic landmarks like the Uffizi Gallery, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci
  • Marvel at Florence’s stunning architecture, including the Florence Cathedral, with its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi, and the Ponte Vecchio, a historic bridge lined with shops
  • Explore Florence’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring medieval streets, Renaissance palaces, and charming piazzas like Piazza della Signoria and Piazza del Duomo
  • Indulge in Tuscan cuisine at local trattorias and restaurants, savouring dishes like bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, and gelato, accompanied by regional wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino
  • Relax in Florence’s beautiful gardens and parks, such as the Boboli Gardens and the Bardini Gardens, offering serene escapes from the city’s hustle and bustle
  • Browse artisan workshops and boutique shops for handcrafted goods and designer fashion, or explore markets like the Mercato Centrale for fresh produce and gourmet delights
  • Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

  • Statue of lion at Loggia Dei Lanzi in front of Florence Palazzo Vecchio and statue of David in Florence, Italy

  • Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy

  • Ponte Vecchio Bridge, Florence

  • Piazza Degli Uffizi Square, Florence on an autumn morning

  • Aerial view of Florence, Italy

  • River Arno, Florence at night

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • 11℃
  • 12℃
  • 16℃
  • 19℃
  • 24℃
  • 28℃
  • 32℃
  • 32℃
  • 27℃
  • 21℃
  • 15℃
  • 11℃
  • 11
  • 8
  • 9
  • 13
  • 9
  • 8
  • 5
  • 6
  • 9
  • 12
  • 14
  • 13

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Florence in January feels hushed and reflective. The festive crowds have thinned, and locals reclaim the streets. A morning walk along the Arno offers frost-edged views of Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo often emerges from a pale winter mist. Museums are blissfully quiet. Days are cool, with highs around 9-11°C.

February

Still in low season, Florence maintains a gentle, local energy. Carnivale touches down lightly here with masks and small parades, though most celebrations unfold in nearby Viareggio. Rain is common, but so are moments of golden light on wet stone. Cafés are warm and welcoming, and deals on accommodations are easy to find.

March

Spring stirs. Buds appear on trees lining the Boboli Gardens and sunbeams start warming south-facing terraces. The Uffizi sees more visitors, but the city is still manageable. By late March, daffodils and fruit trees bloom and temperatures climb to around 15°C. Outdoor gelato returns to the agenda.

April

A beautiful, if sometimes unpredictable, month. Sunshine often reigns, though sudden downpours can sweep through. Easter brings celebrations and fireworks with the Scoppio del Carro - a lively local tradition. Parks bloom, and narrow lanes fill with the scent of wisteria. The city feels bright and full of anticipation.

May

Florence is glorious in May. Warm but not yet too hot, this is an ideal time for open-air lunches in Santo Spirito, wine tastings in nearby Chianti, and long strolls along the Oltrarno. Museums extend hours and piazzas hum with street musicians. Expect highs around 22-24°C and plenty of sunshine.

June

Early summer arrives with long days and sultry evenings. Festas and concerts fill the calendar, and locals head outdoors. The Feast of St John on June 24th brings fireworks over the Arno and the historic Calcio Storico match in Piazza Santa Croce. Warmth intensifies, and the city buzzes well into the night.

July

Hot and heady. Days can climb above 30°C, and many escape to Tuscan hills or the coast. Still, Florence offers shady cloisters, breezy rooftops, and riverside strolls at dusk. Gelaterias and fountains become essential stops, and museum interiors offer a cool refuge. Early mornings and late evenings are best.

August

A slower, quieter Florence emerges. Many locals leave for holidays, and shops shutter for Ferragosto mid-month. Yet the city remains magical in its emptiness. Fewer crowds mean space to linger in the Duomo or wander gardens in peace. It’s warm - often very warm - but peaceful in a rare and lovely way.

September

The city reawakens. Students return, cultural events resume, and the air turns gentler. Vineyards in the surrounding countryside begin harvest, and wine bars in Florence showcase new pours. Days hover around 25°C, and the golden light across terracotta roofs makes this one of the most photogenic months of the year.

October

Autumn paints Florence in softer tones. Leafy squares grow quieter, and locals sip espresso indoors again. Truffle and mushroom dishes appear on menus, and markets brim with seasonal produce. Rain is more frequent, but so are striking sunsets. Daytime temperatures fall to the mid-teens - perfect for city wandering.

November

Cool, damp, and serene. Museums and churches offer shelter and stillness, while foggy mornings along the Arno are wonderfully atmospheric. It’s olive oil season, and tastings pop up across the region. Few tourists visit now, making it a peaceful moment for deeper discovery. Highs range between 12-15°C.

December

Florence sparkles. Twinkling lights hang above narrow streets, and festive markets fill piazzas with chestnuts, gifts, and mulled wine. Churches host classical concerts, and nativity scenes dot shop windows. Snow is rare, but the seasonal mood is rich. Expect temperatures around 8-11°C and a warm spirit throughout the city.

Our Ratings

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Where to book


For more than 35 years, Long Travel have been guiding curious travellers to discover hidden gems in Italy’s most iconic regions. They specialise in crafting award-winning, tailor-made holiday experiences. Their commitment includes exceptional customer service and as true local experts, their travel specialists live locally, ensuring you receive the best advice and support.

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Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

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