The best times to visit Florence are April, May, June, September and October, when average highs sit in a comfortable range and the light is generous. April averages a high of 19 °C with 10 rain days, while September brings 27 °C and around 10 rain days and October eases back to 22 °C — ideal for exploring the Duomo without midsummer heat. July and August are peak season, with school-holiday crowds, high prices and highs climbing to 32 °C. Winter (December to February) is the quiet, low season, cooler and damper but rewarding for travellers who want the city to themselves.
Best months AprilMayJuneSeptemberOctober
Florence month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.7 °C | 2.6 °C | 11 | 6 h |
| February | 13 °C | 3.8 °C | 11 | 6.9 h |
| March | 15.4 °C | 5.1 °C | 11 | 8.7 h |
| April | 19.1 °C | 7.7 °C | 10 | 10.5 h |
| May | 22.6 °C | 11.9 °C | 14 | 11.5 h |
| June | 28.9 °C | 16.5 °C | 7 | 13.2 h |
| July | 32.1 °C | 19 °C | 5 | 13.8 h |
| August | 32.2 °C | 19.3 °C | 6 | 12.5 h |
| September | 26.5 °C | 15.4 °C | 10 | 10.6 h |
| October | 21.5 °C | 11.6 °C | 11 | 8.3 h |
| November | 15.4 °C | 7.3 °C | 13 | 6.5 h |
| December | 11.9 °C | 3.7 °C | 13 | 5.6 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
Excellent for sightseeing in mild light — April and May are among the year's best.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is a sweet spot; midsummer suits only those who don't mind the heat.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are ideal — warm, golden and calmer.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Best for museum lovers who want short queues and don't mind the chill.
Notable events
- Easter Sunday (spring)
- Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart)
- June
- Festa di San Giovanni, patron saint of Florence, with fireworks
- May to June
- Maggio Musicale Fiorentino music festival
- December
- Christmas markets and festivities
Frequently asked
Is Florence too hot in August?
It can be — August highs average 32 °C, the hottest of the year alongside July. With only 6 rain days it's dry, but the heat and peak crowds make spring or autumn more comfortable.
What is the rainiest month in Florence?
May has the most rain days at 14, followed by November and December with 13 each. Even so, May still brings 11.5 hours of sunshine a day.
Is winter worth visiting Florence?
Yes if you want a quiet city. Winter highs sit at 10.7 °C in January and 13 °C in February with 11 rain days and around 6 hours of sun — cool and damp, but ideal for uncrowded museums.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Florence area guide →
Areas of Florence
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Florence — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.