When is the best time to visit Florence? Find out

Florence in January experiences one of the coldest months of the year. You will have to wrap yourself up in warm and waterproof clothing, but there is no need to worry about snow. It is also the tourist low season but the festivities in Florence are not yet done! The Epiphany or Befana is a grand event that celebrates the gifts of the Three Wise Men and the biggest event is held at the Piazza Duomo. The winter park is on at the Obi Hall, where you can find a skating rink and snow activities, and shopaholics will love the winter sales with discounts everywhere!

Winter is easing its grip on Florence in february but you can still experience foggy mornings and evenings with the occasional rain. The later part of the month can open up with soft sunny days that make Florence sparkle and shine. The highlight of the month is the Carnival which is one of the best in Europe and takes place over two weeks, a unique feature is the Children’s Carnival at Borgo Ognissanti. It is also the season of classical music and opera; you can find shows at the Teatro Verde and Opera del Duomo. The Cambia Della Guardia is an interesting costume parade at Palazzo Vecchio which re-enacts the Battle of Siege.

It is the start of spring in Florence, so be prepared for longer sunny days as the month progresses. There is still a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings but the days are comfortable, you won’t need as many layers of warm clothing. The flowers are in full bloom and you will find locals honouring the women in the life with the gifting of yellow mimosa flowers on Festa Della Donna. Take your dad along for the trip as it is Festa di San Giuseppe or Father’ day in Italy! Since the weather is good, you can enjoy a Segway tour or a Vespa tour of the city and explore the attractions.

April is one of the best months of the year to visit Florence as the weather is simply perfect! Yes, there are a few rainy days but on an average the weather is spectacular. The countryside is blooming and you must make a visit to Borgo San Lorenzo for the spring festival and enjoy a wine tour in Tuscany. Florence is gearing up for the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter as well as the Liberation Day. April is also the perfect month to get outdoorsy with marathons like Vivicitta and Ecomarathon, and the Florence Bike Festival. Make sure you attend the International Handicrafts Fair where you can pick up authentic Florentine craftwork.

May is one of the best months to visit Florence; however the tourists hordes have not yet trickled in as schools don’t close until June/July in most parts of the world. The weather is almost perfect in Florence in May as the days are long and sunny without the heat that starts in June. One of the most awaited events is the blooming of Irises at the Iris Garden. It is a good idea to spend time outdoors among Florence’s parks like the Boboli Gardens, Giardino Bardini, and Parco delle Cascine. Join the locals celebrate Labour Day and Giorno Della Mamma or Mother’s Day in May.

Florence is on the cusp of summer in June, the days get longer with as much as 11 hours of sunshine. Chances of rain go down drastically which means clear skies and sunny days that are ideal for sightseeing. Tourists start making a beeline for the city and it is a good idea to invest in Skip the Line tickets at attractions in Florence in June to avoid the serpentine queues. The highlight of the month is the Italian Republic Day when you can witness parades, events and patriotic fervor. Other exciting events are the Festa Di San Giovanni and wine-tasting event Mostra Del Chianti.

Florence in July experiences one of its hottest and busiest months of the year. Climate change is rearing its ugly head and temperatures are soaring reaching up to 40°C with the occasional heat wave. Yet, that does not stop tourists who are seeking to discover the secrets of this spectacular city. The days are long, so it’s best to spend the hot afternoons inside the beautiful cathedrals and art galleries like Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell'Accademia, and stroll the city in the mornings and evenings. Events like Fiesole Summerfest, Florence Dance Festival and Saint Anne’s Feast Day take place during the month, giving you a taste of the local zest.

August marks summer vacation in Italy and Florentines head for their vacations leaving tourists to run the city, who are flocking in high numbers. Most of the large establishments are open, with the exception of the family-run restaurants and hotels. August is the peak of summer and the temperatures are quite high, so slather oodles of sunscreen and put on your floral, breezy clothes! The city’s exquisite galleries and museums are a refuge and the evenings are filled with cultural outdoor activities like Estate Fiesolana. Don’t miss out on the Feast of San Lorenzo and keep a look out for the Perseid meteor showers!

The weather gets pleasant as September kicks in, but there is higher humidity in the air and increased chances of rain towards the end of the month. It is high tourist season so make the most of your time in the city with discounted online tickets in advance. It is the ideal time to take quick day trips from Florence, especially to Tuscany for the Vendemmia or the grape harvest season. Chianti, Pisa, Siena, Cinque Terre, and Lucca also make for great day trip destinations from Florence. The most awaited event of the month is Salamarzana which celebrates medieval history with live enactments, live music and more.

Finally winter is knocking on the doors, with magically chilly air in hand. International tourists have long gone and only weekends might seem busy. It is the best time to explore the countryside and enjoy the brisk weather while you search for truffles and chestnuts! Impruneta, Marradi and Vicchio are festivals held around the countryside, while you can also hitch a ride in a hot air balloon at the Festival Dell Mongolfiere. The highlight of the month is however the Florence Biennale which is an art and culture extravaganza.

Winter in Florence is wet and cold, it rains almost every other day and its best to keep a raincoat and umbrella handy while walking about the city in November. However, the cold does not put a damper on things to do in Florence. You can enjoy the short queues at tourist attractions like the Florence Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery and leisurely meal in restaurants savouring seasonal specials like freshly pressed olive oil, and white truffles. It is a great time to pick up holiday souvenirs at antique fairs like the Fortezza da Basso and Largo Pietro Annigoni. Make sure you pay a visit to the winter park at Arno River where the city has an ice skating rink!

Florence is one of the best cities in Italy to experience the festivities of Christmas. While the weather has now turned to grey and cloudy, the chance of rain reduces with almost no chance of snow. However, it is the sweater season and it is best to layer up. Since the days are short, make sure you wake up early and get up and about before the sun sets. The best features of Florence in December are the Christmas events starting from Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce and Piazza Santissima Annunziata, to viewing the Christmas tree and nativity scene displays in Piazza del Duomo.