Florence sits in a basin along the Arno River in Tuscany, which creates a microclimate of hot, sticky summers and cool, damp winters. The city’s inland position 280km from the coast means no sea breezes to cut the heat, while the surrounding Apennine foothills trap humidity from May through September. This month-by-month breakdown uses 30-year averages from Firenze Peretola Airport to help you plan around temperature extremes, rainfall patterns, and seasonal daylight.
Florence Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Table
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity % | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 (50) | 2 (36) | 63 | 8 | 76 | 3 |
| February | 12 (54) | 3 (37) | 59 | 7 | 72 | 4 |
| March | 16 (61) | 6 (43) | 67 | 8 | 69 | 5 |
| April | 19 (66) | 8 (46) | 78 | 9 | 69 | 6 |
| May | 24 (75) | 12 (54) | 72 | 8 | 68 | 8 |
| June | 28 (82) | 16 (61) | 54 | 6 | 66 | 9 |
| July | 32 (90) | 18 (64) | 37 | 4 | 63 | 10 |
| August | 32 (90) | 18 (64) | 52 | 5 | 65 | 9 |
| September | 27 (81) | 15 (59) | 79 | 7 | 68 | 7 |
| October | 21 (70) | 11 (52) | 104 | 9 | 74 | 5 |
| November | 15 (59) | 6 (43) | 113 | 10 | 78 | 3 |
| December | 10 (50) | 2 (36) | 81 | 9 | 78 | 3 |
January: Cold Mornings and Clear Skies
January brings Florence’s coldest weather with daytime highs around 10°C (50°F) and overnight lows dropping to 2°C (36°F). You’ll get roughly 3 hours of daily sun and rain falls on about 8 days. Snow is rare in the city center, occurring maybe once every 2-3 years, though the surrounding hills can see light dustings. Pack a heavy coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes for the 63mm of monthly rain. Museums are empty this month, with no queues at the Uffizi or Accademia.
February: Gradual Warming Begins
Temperatures inch up to 12°C (54°F) for highs with lows holding at 3°C (37°F). Rain decreases slightly to 59mm over 7 days. Daylight extends to about 10.5 hours by month’s end. This is the start of almond blossom season in the surrounding Tuscan hills. You’ll still need winter clothing but can get away with lighter layers at midday. Hotel prices remain at winter lows, typically 30-40% below summer rates.
March Weather in Florence: Spring Arrives
March sees highs reaching 16°C (61°F) with lows around 6°C (43°F). The month brings 67mm of rain across 8 days, often as sudden showers between sunny periods. Humidity sits at 69%. Daylight stretches to 12 hours by the equinox. This is an unpredictable month: you can experience warm sun one day and cold wind the next. Layers are essential. Tourist numbers start climbing in the second half of the month as Easter approaches.
April: Pleasant Days, Occasional Rain
April delivers comfortable highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). This is Florence’s rainiest spring month at 78mm over 9 days, though showers tend to be brief afternoon events. You’ll get 6 hours of daily sun and humidity stays at 69%. The city’s gardens burst into bloom. A light jacket and umbrella suffice for most days. Easter week brings the first major tourist crush of the year.
May Weather in Florence: The Sweet Spot
May is many locals’ favorite month with highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 12°C (54°F), and 8 hours of daily sunshine. Rainfall totals 72mm over 8 days. Humidity drops to 68% and the evenings are perfect for outdoor dining. You’ll want short sleeves during the day but a sweater after sunset. Tourist crowds build through the month but remain manageable compared to summer. This is the last month before the intense summer heat sets in.
June: Summer Heat Takes Hold
June temperatures jump to 28°C (82°F) highs and 16°C (61°F) lows. Rain drops to 54mm over just 6 days. You’ll enjoy 9 hours of daily sun and humidity at 66%. The city starts feeling hot by midday
air conditioning becomes important when choosing Florence accommodation. Mosquitoes appear near the Arno River. The Calcio Storico matches begin mid-month.
July in Florence: Peak Heat and Peak Crowds
July ties with August as Florence’s hottest month. Highs hit 32°C (90°F) with lows of 18°C (64°F). Rainfall is minimal at 37mm over just 4 days. You get 10 hours of blazing sun daily. The stone buildings and narrow streets radiate stored heat well into the evening.
This is when you’ll understand why the best time to visit Florence is not midsummer unless you tolerate heat well. Carry water constantly, seek shade at midday, and book any air-conditioned museum visits for the afternoon hours.
August: Ferragosto Heat and Closures
August matches July’s 32°C (90°F) highs but brings slightly more rain at 52mm over 5 days, often as dramatic thunderstorms that break the humidity. The Ferragosto holiday (August 15) sees many small restaurants and shops close for 1-3 weeks. Tourist numbers actually drop slightly from July as Italians leave for the coast. Book Florence attractions with skip-the-line tickets as the Uffizi and Accademia remain packed.
September: Still Summer, Cooling Slowly
September delivers highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rain increases to 79mm over 7 days as autumn weather patterns begin. The first half of the month still feels like summer, while the second half brings noticeably cooler evenings. Sun drops to 7 hours daily. This is a popular month for visitors who find July/August too hot. Hotel prices remain at peak levels through mid-month before starting to ease.
October Weather in Florence: Autumn Gold
October sees a sharp cooling trend with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). This is Florence’s second-wettest month at 104mm over 9 days. The rain typically comes as sustained showers rather than summer thunderstorms. Daylight shrinks to 11 hours. The Tuscan countryside turns gold and red, making this a favorite month for day trips. Bring a waterproof jacket and layers. Crowds thin considerably after mid-month.
November: The Wettest Month
November is Florence’s rainiest month at 113mm over 10 days. Highs fall to 15°C (59°F) and lows to 6°C (43°F). Humidity climbs back to 78% and sunshine drops to just 3 hours daily. The Arno River can rise dramatically; the 1966 flood reached 6.7 meters in some streets, and while flood controls have improved, heavy rain periods warrant attention. This is the quietest month for tourism. You’ll need winter clothing, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella.
December: Cold, Festive, and Quiet
December matches January for cold with highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 2°C (36°F). Rain totals 81mm over 9 days. The Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce bring some cheer to the short, grey days. You’ll get barely 3 hours of daily sun. The second half of the month sees a spike in visitors for Christmas and New Year, with hotel prices jumping accordingly. Pack thermal layers, a heavy coat, and gloves.
