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Florence sits in a valley on the Arno River at about 50 m (164 ft) elevation, ringed by the Fiesole hills to the north. This position gives it a borderline climate between Mediterranean and continental: hot, muggy summers and cool, damp winters, with the Apennines blocking the heaviest Atlantic weather. Summer highs routinely clear 31°C (88°F) in July and August, while January nights drop to around 1°C (34°F). Rain is spread across the year with a clear autumn peak, so a November visit is the wettest bet and July the driest. Here is the month-by-month breakdown for planning a trip around the weather. For more on the things to do, read our things to do guide. For more on the events and festivals, read our events and festivals guide.
Florence Weather by Month: January to June
January
Average high 10°C (50°F), low 1°C (34°F), about 57 mm of rain over 9 wet days. Frost is common before dawn and snow falls in Florence proper once every few years, usually a light dusting that clears by midday. Sunny but cold days are ideal for museums, which are emptier than any other month. Pack a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes for the damp stone streets. For more on the neighborhoods, read our neighborhoods guide. For more on the where to stay, read our where to stay guide.
February
High 12°C (54°F), low 3°C (37°F), 55 mm of rain. Still winter, but the February sun is noticeably stronger and outdoor terraces begin reopening. This is the cheapest month for hotels and flights, and the Uffizi and Accademia have almost no queues. Keep the same winter wardrobe as January. For more on the travel tips, read our travel tips guide.
March
High 15°C (59°F), low 6°C (43°F), 62 mm of rain. Spring arrives with the first almond and magnolia blossoms and days lengthen past 12 hours of daylight. Weather swings sharply, so layers are the rule: morning frost one week, a 20°C (68°F) afternoon the next. Rain falls as showers rather than all-day drizzle.
April
High 18°C (64°F), low 9°C (48°F), 76 mm of rain. One of the two busiest shoulder months, with school holidays filling the centro storico. Expect sudden showers, so carry a compact umbrella. Wisteria and iris are in bloom and the Boboli Gardens are worth the entry fee at this time of year.
May
High 23°C (73°F), low 13°C (55°F), 72 mm of rain over 8 days. Progression toward full weather stability, with long, warm, bright days and evening temperatures comfortable enough for unheated outdoor dinners. This is arguably the single best month to visit, though prices climb sharply from the winter low. Book attractions 2 to 3 weeks out.
June
High 27°C (81°F), low 16°C (61°F), 55 mm of rain. Summer proper begins and the city thins only slightly as Italian families leave for the coast. Daytime heat in the narrow, stone-lined streets can feel 3 to 4 degrees hotter than the official reading. Still dry enough overall for sightseeing into the late afternoon.
Florence Weather by Month: July to December
July
High 31°C (88°F), low 18°C (64°F), just 32 mm of rain, the driest month of the year. Heat builds all month and afternoons routinely sit above 32°C (90°F). Sightseeing before 11:00 or after 17:00 is far more comfortable. Many small, family-run restaurants and shops close in August, so a July visit avoids those closures while still getting summer weather.
August
High 31°C (88°F), low 18°C (64°F), 37 mm of rain. Peak heat and peak humidity, with the city at its most crowded around the Ferragosto holiday on 15 August. A significant number of independent trattorias and boutiques close for the month. If you travel in August, confirm restaurant opening hours directly before setting out.
September
High 26°C (79°F), low 15°C (59°F), 67 mm of rain. The heat eases and the city reopens for business. Temperatures stay beach-warm through mid-month, then cool in the final week. Combined with the late-season wine harvest, September matches May as the best value-to-weather compromise of the year.
October
High 21°C (70°F), low 11°C (52°F), 88 mm of rain. A genuinely pleasant month for walking, with golden autumn light over the Arno and olive harvests starting in the hills. Rain increases noticeably through the month, so a waterproof layer is essential. Truffle and porcini seasons make this a strong month for food-focused travel.
November
High 14°C (57°F), low 6°C (43°F), 101 mm of rain, the wettest month in Florence. Persistent grey days and occasional Arno flooding risk mean this is the least appealing month for a sightseeing trip, though hotel rates collapse to their yearly floor. If you do come, prioritise indoor museums and pack for real rain.
December
High 11°C (52°F), low 2°C (36°F), 66 mm of rain. Cold and crisp, with the Christmas markets in Piazza Santa Croce and along the Arno drawing crowds in the first three weeks. Heating-dry air and short days make for cosy museum days. A warm coat and gloves are non-negotiable.
Florence Weather by Month: At a Glance
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Wet Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 57 | 9 |
| February | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 55 | 8 |
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 6°C / 43°F | 62 | 8 |
| April | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 76 | 9 |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 72 | 8 |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 61°F | 55 | 6 |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 18°C / 64°F | 32 | 4 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 18°C / 64°F | 37 | 4 |
| September | 26°C / 79°F | 15°C / 59°F | 67 | 7 |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 88 | 9 |
| November | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 43°F | 101 | 10 |
| December | 11°C / 52°F | 2°C / 36°F | 66 | 9 |
Florence has no true rainy season, but autumn is clearly the dampest stretch and late spring the most settled. For the specific months to book a trip, the best time to visit Florence guide breaks down prices, crowds and outdoor conditions in detail.
