Tuscany, Italy Travel Guide
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Best Times To Visit Tuscany, Italy
The best times to visit Tuscany are between late September and October and between April and May. During these months, travelers will find comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at the major sights. As expected, summer ushers in high temperatures and heavy crowds. If you want Tuscany all to yourself, visit during the winter low season, but expect the cold and lots of rain.
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Best Times to Visit Tuscany: Month-by-Month
Grazie to local Tuscan Suzanne Talenti for her take on the best times to visit Tuscany!
When is the best time to visit Tuscany? Here’s my month to month guide to help you decide which month matches your interests and priorities.
There are highlights for each month, important events, and general weather guidelines.
I’ve included all the public Italian holidays, so you won’t be caught off guard by closed stores and restaurants.
You’ll also find my top 3 places in Tuscany to visit every month.
Read more about visiting Tuscany in the Spring – Summer – Fall – Winter
Table of Contents
January in Tuscany: Gennaio
Public Holidays in January to Watch Out For
January 1: Capodanno (New Year’s Day) January 6: Befana (Epiphany)
January in a Nutshell
The Christmas holiday season in Italy doesn’t end until after the Epiphany, or Befana , on January 6. That means kids are still on winter vacation through the first week of the month. In January, Tuscans are recovering from weeks of feasting and hanging out with their relatives. Relative calm returns to the cities.
January Weather
Even though Tuscany is not very big, its diverse topography (mountains, coast, valleys) means that the weather varies throughout the region. That said, January is Tuscany’s coldest month.
At night the temperature dips quite a bit. Low temperatures are about 3.5°C to 5.5°C inland (that translates to 38 to 42°F). Temperatures along the Tuscan coast are usually a few degrees Celsius warmer. Head for the mountains for snow and skiing. Despite the colder temperatures, there are usually a good number of sunny days to enjoy.
Good To Know: The weather in Tuscany and all over Italy has become much more unpredictable in recent years. There have also been more extreme weather events, like heat waves, droughts, and flooding.
Top 3 Places to Visit in January
Abetone for skiing Florence Arezzo
You may want to check out Florence Packing List for Winter Where to Stay in Florence Florence with Kids
February in Tuscany: Febbraio
February 14: Valentine’s Day (not a public holiday) Carnival period
February in a Nutshell
February is Carnival time. The major Carnival celebration in Tuscany is in Viareggio, on the sea. However, Carnival is celebrated everywhere, mostly by children wearing costumes and throwing paper confetti.
My favorite part of Carnival is the incredible sweets. You can only taste them at this time of year! Not only that, different cities and towns have their own traditional carnival sweets that you can only find there. In Florence, make sure you try the schiacciata alla Fiorentina , a spiced yellow cake topped with powdered sugar.
Tuscans who work in tourist destinations like the beach or the Chianti countryside, where summer is high season, often have to take their vacation during this “dead” time of year. Double check if you’re set on going to a certain restaurant or small town. For example, islands like the Giglio and Elba empty out. Many of my favorite restaurants close for a few weeks in January or February.
February Weather
In February the weather is generally on par with January.
Top 3 Places to Visit in February
Viareggio for Carnival Florence San Gimignano to take advantage of low season
Check out Things to Do in San Gimignano
March in Tuscany: Marzo
March 8: International Women’s Day March 19: San Giuseppe : Father’s Day in Italy
March in a Nutshell
Some trees are starting to flower, and you’ll notice yellow mimosas (the Italian flower of choice for Women’s Day) blooming. Foreign tourists start invading the major cities like Florence and Siena.
March is marked by Lent, but it is also the month of Italian Father’s Day ( San Giuseppe ) on March 19, when Italians enjoy delicious regional fried sweets. In Tuscany, there are frittelle di San Giuseppe , delicious, sweet fried rice balls– and the best ones are at a small stand in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. You can also find fresh fava beans and wild asparagus on Tuscan menus.
March Weather
March is the start of the transition out of winter to spring, and in most of Tuscany it’s light jacket weather by the end of the month. Be prepared for rain, however. March can be fickle, flipflopping between rain and gorgeous sunny days.
Top 3 Places to Visit in March
Montelupo Fiorentino for hand painted ceramics Siena to eat frittelle di San Giuseppe up until March 19 Montepulciano and Montalcino
Read more about Visiting Montepulciano Montepulciano with Kids
April in Tuscany: Aprile
Public Holidays in April to Watch Out For
Between March 22 and April 25: Easter Sunday (falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox) The day after Easter Sunday: Easter Monday April 25: Festa della Liberazione ( Liberation Day )
April at a Glance
April is host to many lovely spring holidays in Italy, and flowers are in bloom. School children have about a week of spring holidays around Easter , and parents panic every year when they realize how many days off their children have.
April is a time for picnics in the countryside and day trips to the beach, which are a tradition on Easter Monday and April 25: if you’re on the road look out for traffic heading back into Florence on the evening after these holidays, and on Sundays.
April Weather
The weather is highly variable, with showers and clouds, as well as bright sunny days.
Top 3 Places to Visit in April
Florence for the scoppio del carro on Easter Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery and the Val d’Orcia Lucca
Read more about Visiting the Val d’Orcia Monticchiello, a Val d’Orcia Gem
May in Tuscany: Maggio
Public Holidays in May to Watch Out For
May 1: Festa del Lavoro ( Labor Day )
May at a Glance
May is the time of blooming flowers, street fairs and food festivals, called sagre . It’s a great time to head to the countryside and explore small country towns.
May Weather
May is technically spring, but in Tuscany it’s usually already quite hot . . . when the sun shines. Don’t count on May to be sunny every day though: rain often comes along.
Top 3 Places to Visit in May
Pitigliano and Saturnia Volterra Chianti countryside between Florence and Siena
Read more about Outdoor Art in Tuscany Gaiole in Chianti Radda in Chianti Castellina in Chianti San Donato in Poggio Saturnia Hot Springs
June in Tuscany: Giugno
Public Holidays in June to Watch Out For
June 2: Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)
June at a Glance
June counts as summer in Italy: school gets out about 10 ten days into the month. It’s a great time to go to the beach, because it’s hot but there aren’t crowds or high season prices yet. June is also host to important local events like the calcio storico , Florence’s own high contact sport, with the final match on San Giovanni , or Saint John’s patron saint day, June 24.
June Weather
June is generally nice and hot, with little rainfall.
Top 3 Places to Visit in June
Florence , for the calcio storico and San Giovanni celebrations Giglio Island Elba Island
Read more about Visiting the Etruscan Coast One Day in Castiglioncello Castiglioncello with Kids
July in Tuscany: Luglio
July at a Glance
In July, the Tuscan summer is in full swing. If you like the heat, this is a good time to visit, but don’t say we didn’t warn you! There are a lot of people, and did I mention it’s hot? Places where you can cool off, like the beach and countryside, are your best bet in July. The cities are swelteringly hot and Italians don’t use air conditioning to the extent that Americans do.
There are also wonderful local festivals, like the Palio di Siena horse race on July 2, and the Mercantia street arts festival in Certaldo.
July Weather
Hot. Hot. Hot. and Dry. The average high temperature is 30 °C.
Top 4 Places to Visit in July
Siena for the Palio on July 2 Certaldo for the Mercantia street arts festival in July Poppi and the Casentino
Read more about Siena with Kids
August in Tuscany: Agosto
Public Holidays in August to Watch Out For
August 15: Ferragosto (Assumption Day)
August Summary
August is the highpoint of the Tuscan summer. Not only that, most Italians take their summer vacation in August, taking off the entire week, if not two or three, around Ferragosto . Cities clear out because it’s so hot, and it’s not unusual for small towns to shut down too. Tuscans head to the beach or the mountains, which are crowded and abuzz. Only come to Tuscany in August if you like very hot weather.
August Weather
So hot. The average high temperature is still 30 °C.
Top 3 Places to Visit in August
Siena for the Palio on August 16 Poppi and the Casentino, Tuscany If you like the beach and crowds: Cecina , Forte dei Marmi , Castiglioncello
Read more about Visiting Forte dei Marmi Forte dei Marmi’s Famous Market Forte dei Marmi with Kids Castiglioncello with Kids One Day in Castiglioncello One Day in Cecina
September in Tuscany: Settembre
September Summary
The summer isn’t officially over yet for Italian school children until about September 15, when schools open again. September is a wonderful time to visit if you’re interested in wine, since it’s time for the grape harvest, or vendemmia . Since it’s still hot, it’s a great time to visit beach destinations now that the summer hordes have gone home.
September Weather
It’s usually still quite hot and dry for most of the month. The average high and low temps are 2-3 degrees Celsius cooler than August.
Top 3 Places to Visit in September
Elba Island Giglio Island Chianti countryside between Florence and Siena
Read more about Visiting Chianti During the Grape Harvest Romantic Places in Tuscany Visiting Giglio Island Giglio Island with Kids
October in Tuscany: Ottobre
October Summary
October is a lovely time to visit Tuscany, especially if you like chestnuts ( castagne ) and mushrooms ( funghi ), which are in season. Parts of Tuscany have already started harvesting their olives for olive oil, so keep an eye out for freshly milled extra virgin oil ( olio nuovo ), which is exquisite.
Though Halloween is not as widely celebrated as it is in the US and England, it has become more and more popular in recent years.
October Weather
Temperatures are cooling off (the average high temperature is 22 °C, with the average lows at 11 °C) but it’s still very comfortable and warm in much of Tuscany.
Even with the weather so unpredictable in recent years, we have noticed a trend: October seems to be getting hotter. So hot that some years you can take an October swim in the sea. My kids almost never have to wear a jacket on Halloween.
Top 3 Places to Visit in October
Chianti between Florence and Siena Val d’Orcia San Galgano
November in Tuscany: Novembre
Public Holidays in November to Watch Out For
November 1: All Saint’s Day
November in a Nutshell
November means three things to me: truffles ( tartufi ), chestnuts ( castagne ) and olive oil ( olio di olive ). It’s an incredible month for eating. Tasting freshly pressed olive oil ( olio nuovo ) is a must: when it is fresh it is the extraordinary color of ectoplasm.
November Weather
November is Tuscany’s rainiest month. Though the weather is colder and rainer, but there are usually plenty of warm, clear days.
Top 3 Places to Visit in November
San Miniato – for the White Truffle Market Fair Pisa and Lucca Val d’Orcia – hot springs, Bagno Vignoni, Pienza
Read more about Things to Do in Lucca with Kids 5 Things to Do in Pisa Pisa with Kids Leaning Tower of Pisa with Kids Visiting the Val d’Orcia Tuscany’s Hot Springs Saturnia Hot Springs Visiting Bagno Vignoni
December in Tuscany: Dicembre
Public Holidays in December to Watch Out For
December 8: Immacolata (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) December 25: Natale (Christmas) December 26: Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day) December 31: New Year’s Eve is not a public holiday, but most shops close early
December in a Nutshell
The festive mood of the Italian Christmas holiday season ( le feste ) livens up most of December. Cities set up elaborate light displays and decorations, and churches put up nativity scenes ( presepi ). Italian schools close for the Christmas holidays for two weeks starting at Christmas. The closer to Christmas, the more crowded cities become, with holiday shoppers and local Italians admiring the dazzling Christmas decorations.
December Weather
Average temperatures range from a low of 4° C to a high of 12 ° C in December. Not exactly cold compared to what a lot of Americans are used to in the winter!
Top 3 Places to Visit in December
Florence Siena Abetone for skiing
Read more about Christmas in Tuscany Montepulciano’s Christmas Market Florence in December
Suzanne Talenti
Suzanne has been living in Italy for almost two decades. Based in Tuscany with her husband and two children, she uses her BA in Italian and Master’s in Gastronomy to teach about Italian food, culture and language, as well as organize food tours and events. She has over 15 years of teaching experience with students on two continents. Suzanne is always on the lookout for fun, interesting places to explore in Italy, ideally with a stop for yummy local delicacies along the way! You can find her at GettingToKnowItaly .
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When is the Best Time to Visit Tuscany?
Planning a trip but unsure when is the best time to visit Tuscany ?
Read on for a month-by-month guide to Tuscany’s weather, major events in Tuscany and to find out how busy Tuscany is through the year.
Tuscany in January
While the rest of the world enjoys Dry January and juice cleanses, Tuscany continues to celebrate the holidays with feast of the Epiphany. Despite being one of the quietest months to visit, there is still plenty to see, do and eat, as well as sunshine to enjoy.
Tuscany weather in January
January is the coldest month to visit with a typical daytime high of 10℃ (50℉) and a low of 3℃ (37℉) overnight.
Snowfall and cold snaps are common towards the end of the month — Tuscans call these “giorni della merla” (blackbird days). An old tale recounts how January was outraged by the blackbirds complaining about the winter, and borrowed 3 of February’s days. He made them the harshest and coldest days of all months.
The Estate of Petroio, snow-covered fields
How busy is Tuscany in January?
Winter in Tuscany is low season for tourism. With fewer crowds you may not need to book activities ahead. You can easily find a table at renowned trattorias and restaurants which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence, Bistrot in Forte dei Marmi and Osteria di Passignano in Badia a Passignano.
What’s on in Tuscany in January?
Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy. Florentines celebrate with the Cavalcata dei Magi , where participants dress in medieval costume and wind their way around the streets of Florence singing and dancing.
Towards the end of the month one of Tuscany’s longest-running horseraces, the Palio di Buti , takes place. While the traditional Palio routes are circular, this race runs in an S-shape.
A glass of juice made from Sicilian blood-oranges — in season each January — will give your immune system that extra boost it needs to survive the winter.
Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums ( Uffizi , Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.
Tuscany in February
As one of the quietest months, February is a good time to book a romantic getaway in one of our Tuscany villas . With fewer tourists, you can explore cities such a Florence , enjoy a gondola ride along the Arno , and feast at any Michelin-starred restaurant of your choice.
Gondola Ride along the Arno
Make sure to pack a fancy dress costume, because this is also Carnival time .
Tuscany weather in February
Tuscans live February through the old saying, “Per la Candelora, dell’inverno siamo fora, ma se c’è sole o solicello siamo a mezzo dell’inverno” . If there is sunshine or sunny intervals on February 2nd, also known as Candlemas, then winter is still not over.
February can be one of the coldest months of the year. Expect a typical daytime high of 13℃ (55℉) and a low of 3℃ (37℉) overnight
How busy is Tuscany in February?
The Tuscan coast can get busy during Carnival, but the rest of February is still relatively low season for tourism.
If you are planning a romantic holiday for two, you may not need to book activities ahead of time. You can easily find a table at Michelin starred restaurants which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence , Bistrot in Forte dei Marmi and Arnolfo in Colle di Val d’Elsa.
What’s on in Tuscany in February?
Carnevale di Viareggio is one of Europe’s renowned carnivals. If you are staying in a villa near Pisa or Lucca , visit the seaside town Viareggio on any of 4 consecutive weekends for partying, costumes and float parades.
Cenci are traditional sweets prepared during Carnival made with fried puff-pastry and topped with powdered sugar. Pasticceria Patalani is one of the best bakeries in Viareggio.
Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.
Tuscany in March
After 3 consecutive months’ celebrating, Tuscany enjoys a month of relaxation . Despite no large festivities taking place, those with a healthy appetite or an eye for medieval games will be entertained by a flurry of smaller, local events.
San Gemini, Medieval Games
Tuscany weather in March
The weather in March fluctuates between rain and blue skies , so keep an umbrella handy.
Expect an average daytime high of 16℃ (60℉) and a low of 6℃ (42℉) overnight.
How busy is Tuscany in March?
The end of winter is still low season for tourism. With fewer crowds and warmer temperatures, you can enjoy activities like a countryside Fiat 500 Tour or a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Tuscany, which may be either booked up or too hot to fully enjoy in high summer.
What’s on in Tuscany in March?
March 8th is International Women’s Day . As a sign of respect and solidarity, Italians gift the women in their life a yellow mimosa flower. Artichokes are in season from March to May. They make beautiful flowers as well as a delicious dish, sauteed or fried. Keep an eye out for Carciofi alla Toscana and Carciofi Fritti.
Two fairs dedicated to food and wine take place in March: Taste (Florence) focuses on food, wine, objects and ideas that rule contemporary Italian culture; and Terre di Toscana celebrates the wine areas and DOCs of the Tuscan region.
Wine, Tuscany market
Palio dei Somari is a medieval race held in Torrita di Siena, with donkeys instead of horses. Expect medieval dances, flag-throwing, parades and banquets.
On the first Sunday of the month state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission.
Tuscany in April
A sweet tooth and a set of earplugs is enough to hop on a flight to Tuscany in April. While the rest of the world celebrates Easter with chocolate eggs, Tuscans add sweet breads and an exploding cart to the mix.
You can burn off the extra calories in the Tuscan countryside. Make sure to bring a camera, because the arrival of Spring brings wild popp ies, roses and marguerite daisies.
Tuscany weather in April
The Tuscans survive April with the local motto (and umbrella): “Terzo aprilante, quaranta giorni durante”. If it rains on April 3rd, rain will continue for another 40 days.
Temperatures are still not yet bikini-friendly. Expect a daytime high of 19℃ (66℉) with a low of 8℃ (46℉) overnight.
How busy is Tuscany in April?
Easter weekend in Tuscany is packed, but the rest of April is still relatively low season for tourism. If you come over the holiday weekend, we recommend you book major museums (especially the Uffizi ), restaurants, wine tasting and cookery classes in advance.
What’s on in Tuscany in April?
Prepare yourself for the loudest event of the month: Scoppio del Carro . The folklore Easter Day tradition features 150 white oxen, a 30-ft. an antique cart filled with fireworks and one very big explosion.
Scoppio del Carro
Celebrate Easter with chocolate eggs and a traditional Colomba di Pasqua , sweet bread similar to Panettone baked into the shape of a dove.
Sinalunga (south-east of Siena) host one of Italy’s sweetest festivals : Sagra del Ciambellino . The mini-donut is best enjoyed soaked in Vin Santo, coffee or cappuccino.
Don’t forget that on the first Sunday of the month , state-owned museums and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission.
Tuscany in May
May is a great time to visit Tuscany, right before the peak season begins. Experience the Tuscan summer without scorching temperatures and crowds. May also features many different outdoor events and activities.
Evenings are warm enough to enjoy a glass of wine below the pergola of your Tuscany villa .
Tuscany weather in May
May is a warm and sunny month , with a typical daytime high of 25℃ (77℉).
Make use of longer days to explore the outdoors , but carry a light jacket as temperatures drop as low as 12℃ (53℉) overnight.
How busy is Tuscany in May?
May is a great month to visit Tuscany before peak season really gets going. With various festivals and events taking place, we recommend booking everything ahead of time ( our concierge service can help ).
What’s on in Tuscany in May?
Two major wine events are staged in May. Mostra del Chianti is dedicated to the traditions, practices and culture of Chianti wine . Cantine Aperte is one of Italy’s most important wine tourism events. Wineries all across Italy open their cellar doors to the public . Read up on Italian wine — written by our local experts.
Wine may not count as one of your 5-a-day, but cherries do! Cherries are in season (and are said to have antioxidant properties ). A portion of 15 counts as one of your 5-a-day.
Chianti wine
Maggio Musicale is one of the oldest classical musical festivals in Europe. Concerts, opera and ballet performances are staged all around the historic centre of Florence.
Barberino Val’d Elsa blossoms each May for “Barberino in Fiore”. Over one weekend, this fortified little town fills with stalls selling local flowers, food, wine, and art — dedicated to the skills, traditions and creativity of Chianti.
Every year in mid-May it’s Night of the Museums across Italy. Museums remain open past midnight, offering free admission or reduced prices . If you miss this chance, don’t forget the first Sunday of the month , when state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and more) and archaeological sites offer free entrance for everyone.
Tuscany in June
Summer has officially arrived! Tour buses, flip-flops and the drifting smell of sunscreen signal the beginning of high season . Outdoor events take place all over Tuscany, so bring a hat.
Tuscany weather in June
June is a great time to get outdoors before temperatures hit their summer peak. Expect a daytime high of 27℃ (80℉) and a low of 15℃ (59℉) overnight.
How busy is Tuscany in June?
Summer in Tuscany is high season . We recommend booking all activities in advance, including making restaurant reservations. You may prefer to dedicate more time to relaxing by the private pool in your villa in Tuscany .
Il Cortile Pratolino , Shaded pergola with seating and dining area by the pool
What’s on in Tuscany in June?
On June 2nd Italy celebrates the Festa della Repubblica . This marks the official abolition of the Monarchy and formation of the Italian republic . Celebrations take place all over the country.
Pisa hosts 2 big events this month. The Luminara di San Ranieri includes a regatta contested by the city’s 4 ancient neighbourhoods in honour of their patron, San Ranieri. The Gioco del Ponte is a medieval battle of strength on Pisa’s oldest bridge.
In June Florence hosts the renowned Calcio Storico. This early form of football is played between Florence’s 4 traditional neighbourhoods. It’s historic, ruthless and not to be missed.
You can also join the city in celebrating Corpus Christi . A procession begins in Piazza del Duomo and ends in Piazza Santa Trinita with street celebrations and festivities.
Escape the sun and stop by any state-owned museum or archeological site on the first Sunday of the month for a free visit.
Stay hydrated with the seasonal cantaloupes . As a snack, or paired with prosciutto as an antipasto, cantaloupe melon is hydrating, refreshing and sweet.
Tuscany in July
July in Tuscany is one of the busiest and warmest months. Hot summer calls for a cool pool, a cooking class or a Chianti Wine Tour.
Cooking class at I Corbezzoli
For music aficionados there’s a trio of treats in Fiesole , Montalcino and Torre del Lago. If you are staying in a Villa near Siena , don’t forget to pick up scarf colours for Tuscany’s most anticipated horserace of the year — the Palio di Siena. .
Tuscany weather in July
July is one of the hottest months of the year with a typical daytime high of 30℃ (86℉) and a low of 18℃ (64℉) overnight.
You will avoid the most intense heat if you explore outdoors in the early mornings and late afternoons.
How busy is Tuscany in July?
Summer in Tuscany is high season — and July is the busiest month of the year. Expect crowds close to major sights in cities like Florence and Siena.
Book all activities and restaurants in advance — or ask our travel concierges to do it for you.
What’s on in Tuscany in July?
The first annual staging of Italy’s most famous horse race, the Palio di Siena takes place in July. Supporters from all over the world gather in Piazza del Campo to watch 10 of Siena’s 17 neighbourhoods compete against one another. The celebration begins with a historical procession at 3pm which winds through the city centre, followed by the race at 7:30pm.
Palio di Siena, Piazza del Campo
Tuscany is renowned for wild boar. Its rich and succulent meat tastes divine with pasta or as a stew. On the first Sunday of the month, residents of Gavigno celebrate the wild boars that roam their valley with their annual Wild Boar Festival.
The annual Puccini Festival stages works by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, a native of Lucca. A specially built open-air theatre beside Lake Massaciuccoli is open from July till the end of August — and a must for all opera fans.
The Jazz & Wine Festival in Montalcino is the place to enjoy blockbuster red wine Brunello di Montalcino , washed down with some local jazz. Estate Fiesolana is a festival of classical music and theatre at venues around Fiesole , including the town’s ruined Roman amphitheatre. It is a great way to escape the heat of Florence.
And don’t forget, all state-owned museums and archeological sites in Italy are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month.
Tuscany in August
August is the hottest month of the year . Locals flock to the mountains and Tuscany’s best beaches , so cities like Florence are given over to tourism. The sights and beauty remain unchanged.
If you’re not lounging by the private pool in a Tuscany villa , then you might like to hit Siena for the second annual staging of its famous pageant, the Palio di Siena .
Tuscany coast, maremma, beaches
Tuscany weather in August
August is the hottest month of the year with a daytime high of 32℃ (89℉) and overnight low of 20℃ (68℉).
How busy is Tuscany in August?
Summer in Tuscany is high season . Book all activities and restaurants in advance, or ask our dedicated travel concierges to do it for you.
What’s on in Tuscany in August?
The second annual Palio di Siena takes place on August 16th. Like July’s race, this edition includes representatives from seven neighbourhoods which didn’t race in the previous year’s Palio plus another three drawn from the hat. Even the draw is a major event, and fills the Campo with a mix of contrada members and curious tourists.
During the race itself, the first horse to run three laps around the Campo — with or without its jockey — wins the hand-painted silk banner, the Palio — sometimes known as the Drappellone.
Eating a slice of watermelon is one trick to cope with the heat — on Palio day or at any other time in August. At the Watermelon Festival (last weekend of August) in Castellina in Chianti , you get to enjoy an abundance of watermelon, live music and dancing.
Alongside its fine wine, Montepulciano is renowned for a medieval competition which takes place at the end of August. The Bravio delle Botti involves racing uphill for a mile pushing giant wine barrels.
Enjoy a free visit to any state-owned museum or archeological sites on the first Sunday of the month. They are all air-conditioned!
Tuscany in September
While the rest of the world returns to reality, Tuscans continue to indulge their summer. The weather remains favourable for visitors.
During September in Italy, you can explore historic festivals in three charming cities , including a cheese fair, a candle-lit procession and a street procession.
Tuscany weather in September
Summer may be over, but the weather in Tuscany is still warm . We do recommend you pack a light jacket for the evening.
Expect a typical daytime high of 27℃ (81℉), and a low of 17℃ (62℉) overnight.
How busy is Tuscany in September?
September in Tuscany is shoulder season for tourism. With fewer crowds around, you may not need to book activities ahead of time.
Many restaurants which close over the summer reopen, so book in advance or ask our travel concierges to make table reservations for you.
What’s on in Tuscany in September?
Festa della Rificolona is the oldest festival in Florence . If you are staying in one of our villas near Florence , head into the city centre for street performances, live music and food stalls. Those really in-the-know bring their own papier-mâché lantern to the street procession.
Lucca hosts a sacred candle-lit procession as part of its religious festival, the Luminara di Santa Croce . Following the parade, there’s a concert inside the Cattedrale di San Martino followed by fireworks. The town walls in the San Frediano neighbourhood usually provide the best vantage point.
Pienza is known for its pecorino sheep’s milk cheese and streets of love. Every year they honour their local cacio (cheese) with the Festa del Cacio. The festival concludes with a folkloric game where competitors have to roll a cheese wheel at a target.
Pecorino cheese
Pecorino is especially delicious paired with figs. This seasonal flower — not fruit (!!) — can be enjoyed raw or made into a cheese-friendly compote.
Tuscany in October
Summer has come to an end, but don’t let that stop you enjoying a holiday in a luxury villa in Tuscany . Bask in some much needed R&R by your private pool , weather permitting. (If it doesn’t, we have villas in Italy with heated pools and spa villas in Italy .)
Two big outdoor events take place in October, so bring your trainers.
Tuscany weather in October
Autumn in Tuscany is characterized by sunshine and blue skies. Expect a daytime high of 22℃ (72℉) and a low of 11℃ (52℉) overnight.
How busy is Tuscany in October?
Autumn in Tuscany is the start of low season for tourism. With fewer crowds around, you may not need to book activities ahead and can easily find a table at sought-after restaurants like La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence or Osteria di Passignano, close to many of our Chianti villas .
What’s on in Tuscany in October?
It’s just €10 to participate in Certaldo’s Boccaccesca Festival. This pretty medieval Tuscan town lures food and wine fanatics each year with cooking classes and tastings.
In southern Tuscany, Montalcino hosts its own food festival dedicated to a local delicacy, il tordo (thrush). This songbird is now protected (and no longer on the menu), but you can still feast on local dishes like wild boar.
Keep an eye out, pretty much everywhere, for chestnuts . Roasted, boiled, baked in cakes or mashed into a puree, it is a seasonal treat.
Discovering beauty outdoors is another big theme for October in Tuscany. You can explore Chianti’s backroads during the historical cycling event , L’Eroica , or head to the Tuscan coast for the annual Historical Sailing Boat Gathering , where around 100 historic boats race.
Plus, there is free entry to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites on the first Sunday of the month.
Tuscany in November
It’s easy to lose your grip on the #healthylifestyle when surrounded by the best food and wine in Italy. If pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar sauce), bistecca alla fiorentina (flamegrilled beef on the bone) and pappa al pomodoro (thick fresh tomato soup) are not enough, a famed seasonal delicacy returns each November: white truffles.
White truffles
Lucky for you, one of Europe’s most scenic marathons also takes place in Florence this month. Pack your running shoes. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it?
Tuscany weather in November
Temperatures drop with the onset of winter. Expect a daytime high of 16℃ (60℉) and a low of 7℃ (44℉) overnight.
With the weather generally cool and damp , November is the ideal month to enjoy a wine tasting or cooking class at your villa in Tuscany .
How busy is Tuscany in November?
Late autumn in Tuscany is low season for tourism . With fewer crowds you should rarely need to book seasonal activities like truffle hunting , or even restaurants. Our concierge team can arrange it all.
What’s on in Tuscany in November?
November begins with a national holiday: Ognissanti, All Saints’ Day. Traditionally Italians attend mass, followed by a long lunch.
You can experience this holiday like a local and indulge in two traditional sweet breads: Schiacciata dei Santi – crispy, thin focaccia with raisins, figs and walnuts – and Castagnaccio, a bread made with chestnut flour and garnished with pine nuts, raisins and rosemary.
Work off the carbs in one of the world’s top 20 marathons through one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Firenze Marathon passes through the historic centre of Florence close to all the major sights.
The last three weekends of the month are dedicated to San Miniato’s White Truffle Festival . You can learn about the history and culture of this prestigious fungus , and all the many ways to incorporate it in your cooking.
Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.
Tuscany in December
December in Tuscany is a quiet month to visit. Days are short and colder, but Christmas lights and Vin Brûlé bring out plenty of local festive spirit.
Just like for every other special occasion, Tuscans don’t miss the opportunity to feast. Pack a big appetite as well as a warm wardrobe.
Christmas in Florence at night
Tuscany weather in December
December is a cold month to visit Tuscany. Expect a daytime high of 12℃ (53℉) and a low of 7℃ (44℉) overnight. It can get colder up in the hills of the Chianti and Maremma.
How busy is Tuscany in December?
Winter in Tuscany is low season for tourism . Escape the cold and join Tuscans as they feast their way through winter at many a local trattoria.
Book ahead of time to secure your table around major holiday dates — or ask our concierge team to arrange it all for you.
What’s on in Tuscany in December?
December 8th is a national holiday for the Immaculate Conception . Religious services and celebrations take place across Tuscany. In Florence the Christmas tree appears in Piazza del Duomo with a ceremony and concert. Every year a life-sized nativity scene with terracotta statues, created by the artisans of Impruneta , also decorates the cathedral square.
The biggest Christmas market in Tuscany is held in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence . The market draws on German traditions for its food, wine and crafts.
You can attend traditional Christmas Eve/Morning Mass at the Duomo, celebrated by the Cardinal of Florence.
No Christmas in Tuscany is complete without a slice of Panettone . This festive bread with candied fruit is best washed down with a glass of Vin Santo sweet wine.
Don’t forget the first Sunday of the month , when all state-owned museums and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission.
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The best times to visit Florence
Apr 7, 2024 • 5 min read
Choose the right time for your visit to Florence with our seasonal guide © Matteo Colombo / Getty Images
Many of Florence ’s most iconic sights are iconic precisely because they haven't changed in hundreds of years.
But while the allure of medieval and Renaissance art may be timeless, your experience in the city will change depending on when you visit. While there is no shortage of things to see and do throughout the year, each season offers the chance to see the Tuscan capital from a different perspective. No matter what your motivation – perhaps avoiding crowds to enjoying outdoor dining – you’ll find plenty of reasons to come back to Florence season after season.
Here is a round-up of what you can expect during spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The city blossoms between March and May
There are many good reasons why spring is often described as the best season to visit Florence. The weather improves and days get longer following the typically gloomy winter, pushing people outside to enjoy the sunshine. The tables of restaurants and cafes are once again scattered on sidewalks and piazzas and the city’s gardens invite long strolls amid the blossoming flora.
This is the ideal time to explore the hilly neighborhoods of the Oltrarno on foot. In mid-April, for about 10 days, the wisteria covering the passageway that runs through Villa Bardini ’s garden turns pink and purple, creating a unique, natural frame for one of the most captivating city views.
The Giardino dell’Iris, found steps away from Piazzale Michelangelo , opens for about a month as the iris flower – one of Florence’s symbols – shows its true colors in April. Likewise in the nearby Giardino delle Rose, red roses open up, dotting the grounds that host the sculptures of the Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon.
On Easter day the Scoppio del Carro ceremony takes place in Piazza del Duomo . In the morning, a 500-year-old cart filled with fireworks is brought in front of Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and ignited by the cardinal to wish the city a plentiful spring season.
Spring is also a good time for classical music lovers. Between April and June, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival takes place in the city’s Opera Theater, tributing an ancient celebration held in the city during the Middle Ages at the beginning of harvest season.
Ready to plan your trip? Here are the top things to know before going to Florence
Go in June for festivals, before locals flock to the coast in July and August
The high season opens with one of the most awaited events of the year in the city. The Calcio Storico tournament, where Florence’s historic neighborhoods compete in a brutal game that blends elements of soccer, rugby and boxing, is held in Piazza Santa Croce in June. The square – one of the largest in Florence – is turned into a sand arena where 4000 spectators gather during three consecutive weekends to support their district as they clash with their opposers.
Folklore isn’t all Florence has to offer in June. The Visarno Arena, on the outskirts of the city center in the Cascine Park hosts Firenze Rocks , one of Italy’s largest rock music festivals for a week in June, bringing artists of the caliber of Metallica, Green Day and Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Tuscany.
Prices rise together with temperatures at this time of the year. On the hotter days of July and August the city can turn into a furnace, making evenings the only time to enjoy the city’s many squares. August is also the peak holiday season in Italy. The majority of locals will take their yearly work leave around the holiday of Ferragosto (August 15), moving en masse to the coast to cool down in Mediterranean waters.
Part sport, part historic reenactment – learn more about calcio storico with our guide
September, October and November are full of flavor
As tanned residents return to the city and kids go back to school, Florence’s second shoulder season begins. Like spring, this is a great time to visit: prices decrease and the queues in front of museums get shorter.
Autumn is an especially important season in Tuscany, as many of its most highly prized food products reach the table at this time of the year. Chianti wineries are busy with harvest in the final weeks of summer together with olive oil producers in the farms that surround the city. White truffles from San Miniato appear on the menus of high-end restaurants, followed by chestnuts and porcini mushrooms.
Besides trattoria hopping, it’s worth taking a stroll through Florence’s lively markets – in Sant’Ambrogio , San Lorenzo , Santo Spirito or the Cascine Park (on Tuesdays) – to stock up on seasonal products to take home with you.
It's festive in December and there are low-season deals and discounts in January and February
With the end of autumn, the Christmas spirit takes over lighting up the city’s streets with installations and bright decorations. Artisans and food vendors set up their stalls in Piazza Santa Croce for Florence’s largest Christmas market, while Ponte Vecchio , Palazzo Vecchio and other major monuments are covered in colorful patterns during the Green Line Festival .
The action slows down after the festivities and January is typically quiet in Florence. The weather may not be appealing, but visiting in the middle of winter offers the chance to tour the museums free of crowds. Also, the Uffizi , Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens all offer discounts between January 10 and February 10, allowing access at up to half the price you would pay during the rest of the year.
Reduced tourism doesn’t mean that the city is dead. In January, Florence hosts one of Italy’s biggest fashion events: Pitti Uomo draws in designers from all over the world to the Fortezza da Basso, with many exclusive events popping up around the city during the days of the event. In February, wine producers meet at the Stazione Leopolda on the occasion of the Chianti Classico Collection , a fair organized to showcase the latest vintages of Tuscany’s best-known wine region.
This article was first published Oct 26, 2021 and updated Apr 7, 2024.
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COMMENTS
Tuscany's best travel months (also its busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, and October. These months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather. June is especially festive in the area, with parades, dances, and games in Florence for the feast of St
The best times to visit Tuscany are between late September and October and between April and May. During these months, travelers will find comfortable temperatures and fewer...
When is the best time to visit Tuscany? The best time to visit Tuscany is in the spring and fall. In May, the Tuscan hillside is lush and green and this is the best time visit Tuscany if you want to photograph Val d’Orcia.
When is the best time to visit Tuscany? Here’s my month to month guide to help you decide which month matches your interests and priorities. There are highlights for each month, important events, and general weather guidelines.
Planning a trip but unsure when is the best time to visit Tuscany? Read on for a month-by-month guide to Tuscany’s weather, major events in Tuscany and to find out how busy Tuscany is through the year.
Many of Florence’s most iconic sights are iconic precisely because they haven't changed in hundreds of years. Whether you're a budget traveler or want to be part of the crowd at festivals, this seasonal guide can help you decide the right time to visit Florence.