The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement, history and culture permeates the very air in the beautiful city of Florence. Known as Firenze in Italy, it was established in 59 BC by Julius Caesar, and has had an active role in the politics of Europe. The city flourished and became an important economic and cultural centre in the 14th century. It was the language spoken in this very city that would go on to become the structural model for the modern Italian language.
With the city at its busiest and with bustling tourists between May and September, Florence in May marks the beginning of the best time to visit Florence.
What makes Florence in May special?
Florence in May is the start of the tourist season. With very comfortable temperatures and bright afternoon skies, the Renaissance city is teeming with life. Markets with both fresh produce and antiquities are a common sight, and the city seems to come alive as winter recedes entirely. Outdoor dining in restaurants, art festivals and celebration of the coming of spring can be felt in the air.
Weather in Florence in May
With a drastic change of temperature from April, May is a very pleasant month in Florence as winter recedes. With an average temperature of 16°C, it can occasionally hit a high of about 21°C. With nearly 15 hours of daylight and 11 hours of sunshine after its long winter, the city is yours to explore!
Florence in May: Things to do
1
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is the most visited museum in Italy. It houses some of the best collection of artwork, ranging from ancient sculptures, and paintings that date back to the middle ages. Built between 1560 and 1580, the Gallery was initially open to requests in the 16th century, and was opened to the public in 1765. Some of the most notable works - from the Renaissance era, of course - in this gallery are Boticelli's Birth of Venus, Michaelangelo's Doni Tondo, Titian's Flora and Caravaggio's Medusa.
May Timings
Tuesday to Sunday- 8:15am to 6:30pm
Closed on Mondays
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
2
Accademia Gallery
Founded in 1784 by the Duke of Tuscany, the Accademia is home to Michaelengelo's stunning marble sculpture, David. It also has some of the masterartist's unfinished works. Housing many cultural and historical artefacts, it also hosts masterpieces by some of the most well-known artists in the world including Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Pontormo.
May Timings
Tuesday to Sunday- 8:15am to 6:50pm
Closed on Mondays
Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
3
Florence Duomo
An identifying landmark against the skyline of Florence, the Duomo is a magnificent terracotta tiled dome of a church, designed by Brunelleschi. Completed in 1436, it is a major tourist attraction in the Tuscany province of Italy, and one of the must-visit sites of Florence. Be mindful of the fact that there is a dress code, entry might be denied if it's not adhered to.
May Timings
Tuesday to Sunday- 9:30am to 6:30pm
Monday- 10:15am to 3:45pm
Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
4
Palazzo Vecchio
The townhall of Florence, Palazzo Vecchio overlooks the iconic Palazzo della Signoria. With two floors, three courtyards and a hall built to act as a seat of the council, big enough to house 500 members, the palace has a number of secrets to be discovered. One of them is a secret studio which the duke used to spy on the council. The building was originally created as an ode to the growing importance of the city of Florence, and while it's long since been a museum, it is still a political seat and the house of the Mayor since 1872.
May Timings
Friday to Wednesday- 9am to 7pm
Thursday- 9am to 2pm
P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
5
Palazzo Pitti
Make sure to visit this magnificent palace because its history is intricately linked to the House of Medici. Dating back to mid-1400s, the Pitti Palace belongs to the Renaissance era, originally the residence of an ambitious banker, Luca Pitti. The house has changed hands over the years, from Pitti, to the Medicis, and even to Napoleon briefly, and is the largest museum complex in Florence today. With the pleasant weather that comes with May, you can take your time to explore the sprawling grounds of the palace.
May Timings
Tueday to Sunday- 8:15am to 6:30pm
Closed on Mondays
Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Shop at the Food Market and make a Tuscan Meal!
Round off your stay in Florence with a visit to the historic Food Market in Florence under the guidance of a local. Following this, you can pick out the best, and freshest ingredients and learn to prepare a Tuscan meal with seasoned chefs.
San Lorenzo, 50123, Florence
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Take a Day trip to Pisa
The trip from Florence to Pisa is only about an hour and a half away from Florence, so on a clear May day, make sure to visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The city of Pisa has a lot to offer than just the tower that it's so famous for. Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri is a must-visit, only a ten-minute walk from the tower itself; it is a church designed by Giorgio Vasari and houses a bust by the artist, Donatello. The city is also home to the Medici Palace. There are over 20 other historic churches and several medieval palaces scattered across the city, that would make for an excellent walkabout in the weather May offers. Check out other day trips from Florence if you're planning a long vacation in the city of Renaissance.
Pisa, Tuscany, Italy
Getting There ›
Florence in May: Events to look out for
Inside Van Gogh: Il Concerto
May 19, 2024
Take a step into the mesmerizing world of Vincent Van Gogh like never before! This immersive event brings together the work of Van Gogh's masterpieces with live music in a unique concert experience. It's a one-of-a-kind fusion of art and music that you won't want to miss this May in Florence!
Gentleman's Ride
May 19, 2024
Ride for a cause? This is your chance! The Gentleman's Ride in Florence, where dapper riders come together for a day of stylish cruising on classic and vintage motorcycles, will be held in May! But it's not just about the ride - it's about raising awareness and funds for health issues related to men, particularly prostate cancer and mental health. So don your finest attire and rev up your engines.
What to eat
Traditional Italian biscuits, a.k.a, biscotti, these almond cookies are traditionally meant to be dipped in a sweet dessert wine, Vin Santo. The biscuits by themselves are not too sweet. Il Cantuccio di San Lorenzo specializes in these biscuits.
This is a dish not to be missed when in Florence. This specialty is a sizeable t-bone steak, grilled just enough to leave the insides rare. Lemon, salt and pepper are used to flavor it while chestnut smoke penetrates deep into the steak. Try the dish at Osteria di Giovanni.
A simple vegetarian local dish, this pasta is tossed in mushroom sauce made of two types of mushrooms found locally - truffle and porcini. This dish can be found practically anywhere in Florence, but Trattoria Ponte Vecchio does it best, and you can make reservations here.
An antipasto with assorted types of bruschetta, crostini comes in many varieties. Topped with different types of sauces, vegetable salsas and even meet, this appetizer makes an excellent accompaniment with soup. Have a traditional version of it at the rustic Boccadama.
Florence in May itinerary
Check the 3 day itinerary to Florence and plan your vacation to this Renaissance city. Even if you're only going to be in Florence for day, we've got you covered with our 1-day Florence itinerary.
Florence essentials in May
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, L, F
CurrencyEuros €
Florence Weather in May
May is one of the best times to visit Florence, as the long winter thaws completely in the city to give way to sunshine. With an average temperature of 16°C, it can occasionally hit a high of about 21°C. The city sees nearly 15 hours of daylight and 11 hours of sunshine, giving you ample opportunity to breathe in everything this city has to offer.
Where to Stay in Florence in May
Florence is a very popular destination for tourists visiting Europe. As a result, there are a number of hotels to choose from, so you can have a comfortable stay as you savour the city. Here is a list of a few of the many hotels, sorted by budget.
What to Pack
Winter is mostly over, so you can pack light. Maybe a carry a shawl, just in case you're prone to getting chilly. Carry on umbrella to be on the safe side, because Florence receives a little bit of rain in May. While summer dresses, shorts and tee-shirts would be perfect vacation clothing, keep in mind that a lot of the institutions in Florence ( like the Duomo ) are active religious insitutes that require dress codes. So pack at least a pair clothing that covers your knees and shoulders. And summer is just starting, so a lightweight waterbottle would come in handy!
Getting Around
Florence is not as big as the major cities of Italy, but is still pretty well-connected, with a multitude of options to choose from to explore. There are many buses connecting different parts of the city. You would most benefit using the City Line, which connects the historic center to other parts in Florence, and therefore covers a lot of the tourist spots. Tram and railway networks are also an option should you so choose. Make sure to check the schedules before you set out to travel!
Tips to visit Florence in May
- Pack light without fear, because the weather will be pleasant!
- Florence has many outdoor-dining experiences, so make sure to check out at least one of them because the weather is perfect for it.
- Climb to the top of the Duomo so you can enjoy an aerial view of the best Florence has to offer.
- Tipping is gracious in Italy, however not necessary. 5-10% would be ideal.
- Shop for leather goods in Florence from Via dell’Ariento and Piazza San Lorenzo.
Explore Florence through the year
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