Planning the best time to visit Florence is like choosing between pizza and pasta—there’s no wrong answer. This month-by-month guide to Florence shows off its seasonal highlights, from the wisteria-lined Boboli Gardens in spring to summer’s Calcio Storico and all the truffle and wine feasts in between. Visit the Uffizi or take in the sights at Piazzale Michelangelo—each month layers unique events with seasonal foods and fewer or friendlier crowds. Florence isn’t just about Renaissance art and romance; it’s got year-round beauty, the largest Duomo in Italy, and seriously good food.
Choosing the best time to go to Florence
Best time for art lovers
Art lovers will thrive in winter. Florence’s world-class museums, like the Uffizi and Accademia, are quieter from January to February.
Best time for sightseeing
April to May and September to October offer the best weather for sightseeing. Climb the Duomo and wander open-air attractions like Piazza della Signoria without the summer heat or frosty winter air.
Best time for wine lovers
Wine lovers should aim for September and October, Tuscany’s grape harvest season. Visit vineyards in Chianti and enjoy wine festivals as you sip your way through the region’s finest offerings
Florence throughout the seasons
Spring in Florence
March to May
Spring in Florence is a dream—blooming gardens, outdoor dining, and mild, sunny days. It’s the season of festivals, such as the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino and the city’s traditional Florentine New Year celebration on March 25. Stroll the Boboli Gardens or catch wisteria-covered streets in full bloom.
Summer in Florence
June to August
Summer in Florence is hot, vibrant, and packed with events. Don’t miss Calcio Storico in June, Florence’s medieval football match, or St. John’s Day fireworks. Rooftop bars and evening concerts are an escape from the heat, and day trips to cooler countryside towns are non-negotiable.
Fall in Florence
September to November
Fall is Florence’s golden hour, with grape and olive harvests, thinner crowds, and cozy trattorias serving seasonal dishes like porcini mushrooms and truffles. Highlights include the Rificolona Lantern Festival in September and wine tastings in Chianti. Breezier weather and fewer tourists make sightseeing even more enjoyable.
Winter in Florence
December to February
During the cold winter in Florence, museums are quieter, markets are festive, and indulging in comfort food is a Tuscan custom. The Festa dell’Immacolata celebrations dominate December, while January and February offer discounted fashion sales and crowd-free attractions.