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I’ve visited Florence in bloom, in heat, in drizzle – and have never not loved my time there.
At the same time, however, when you choose to visit Florence changes everything.
The same piazza can feel poetic or punishing depending on the time of year (or even the day of the week). The light changes, the crowds swell or scatter, and the rhythm of the city shifts with the seasons.
If you’re planning a first trip, this post will help you time it right. If you’re returning, it might inspire you to experience Florence differently.
Either way, this isn’t just about weather – it’s about how to see Florence at her best, for you.
TL;DR? Here’s What You Should Know Upfront:
- Summer is the worst time to visit Florence unless you’re skipping many of the big sights entirely. Think 40°C heatwaves, wall-to-wall crowds, and the real risk of spending more time queuing than wandering.
- The shoulder seasons – especially March–April (pre-Easter) and October-November – are ideal. You’ll still get sunshine and blue skies, but with far less stress.
- Florence in the early morning is magic. From 7–9am, before the day-trippers descend, the city feels like it’s yours.
- Weekends are a bit wild. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days of the week, driven by domestic tourism and European city-breakers.
- Public holidays change everything. Especially late April and mid-August – whole waves of tourists hit at once, and many local businesses close around Ferragosto.
- If you’re a foodie, art lover, or someone who hates feeling herded, winter (especially January–February) might surprise you. Florence is quieter, museums are blissfully empty, and the food is still wonderful.
I’ll walk you through Florence weather by season, plus what to expect in terms of crowds and accommodation pricing (with real data from Florence stays across the year) – and help you choose not just the best month, but the best moment for the kind of trip you want to have.
I’ll also share my own experiences across several trips (including a month living in Florence during a July heatwave), plus tactical advice on how to avoid queues, eat well, and soak in the quieter side of the city.
Table of Contents Show
At a Glance: When to Visit Florence by Season
| High Season (May–September) | Shoulder Season (March–April (pre-Easter) & October–November) | Low Season December–February | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather | Hot and sunny (28–35°C / 82–95°F) Risk of heatwaves in July and August | Mild and pleasant (14–23°C / 57–73°F) Chance of rain or grey skies | Cool to cold (6–13°C / 43–55°F) Crisp air, some rain |
| Crowds | Extremely busy 9am–5pm Major queues at top sights | Manageable overall Quieter early mornings and weekdays | Quietest time of year (excluding Christmas–New Year spike) |
| Accommodation | Most expensive of the year Popular places book out far in advance | Moderate prices Better availability | Best value and widest choice |
| Events & Atmosphere | Summer festivals, Calcio Storico, Firenze Rocks Late sunsets, outdoor dining, lively piazzas | Wisteria in spring, autumn colours. Maggio Musicale, truffle fairs, Dante Day, Firenze dei Bambini | Christmas markets, quiet museums Introspective mood, ideal for art lovers |
| Best For | Return visitors skipping major sights Heat lovers, festivalgoers | First-timers, cultural travellers, foodies Anyone wanting a balanced Florence experience | Budget-conscious travellers, museum-goers People who dislike crowds or want a quiet cultural trip |
High Season in Florence
When is it?
Late May through to the end of September, with July and August as the absolute peak months. School holidays across Europe and long-haul summer travel converge, turning Florence into one of the most visited cities in Europe during this time.
However, from speaking with many locals, it seems like the season has extended in the last couple of years to pretty much from Easter onwards, with things starting to wind down through October.
What’s the Weather Like in Florence in Summer?
This is peak summer: long days, intense sunshine, and increasingly frequent heatwaves. Average highs range from 28–35°C (82–95°F), and July or August often tip into the high 30s. Evenings offer little relief in the city centre – the stone buildings retain heat well after sunset.
I spent a month in Florence during a heatwave, and it really shaped everything about how we lived.
The buildings absorbed the day’s heat and released it slowly through the evening. Even walking home after dinner felt like stepping through warm air – sometimes like a hairdryer pointed at your face.
You adapt quickly: early mornings and shaded streets become non-negotiable – key Florence heatwave tips I learned firsthand.
According to Weather Atlas, Florence sees some of its driest and hottest weather in July and August. Heat-sensitive travellers may struggle at this time of year – especially if planning lots of walking or sightseeing outdoors.
How Crowded is Florence in Summer?
Summer brings Florence to capacity. By mid-morning, popular areas like Piazza del Duomo and the Uffizi courtyard are full – not just busy, but standing-room only. From around 9am to 5pm, the historic centre sees dense foot traffic and long queues at major sights.
Based on Statista tourism data, July and August each see over 1.3 million tourist arrivals. Fridays and Saturdays are particularly intense due to domestic and short-haul weekend travel.
If this is the only time you can visit, then I advise you to make peace with the rhythm.
Early mornings are your best friend – especially before 9am, when the city is still relatively quiet. After that, pre-book everything, use skip-the-line tickets, and pace yourself with longer afternoon breaks.
How Much is Accommodation in Florence in Summer?
This is the most expensive period for accommodation in Florence. Demand is high across all categories, and you’ll find even 3-star hotels averaging around €220–€250 per night in summer. Booking.com price trends and Statista data confirm that hotel occupancy rates and prices peak in July and August.
Higher-end boutique hotels – especially those with air conditioning, central locations, or rooftop terraces – often surpass €400–€800 per night. Airbnb prices also rise significantly, especially for in-demand features like balconies or A/C. It’s worth booking several months in advance if you’re visiting in summer.
What Events Happen in Florence in Summer?
Summer also means festival season – lively, celebratory, and often crowded:
- Festa di San Giovanni (June 24): Florence’s patron saint day, with a city-wide holiday, historical parades, fireworks over the Arno, and Calcio Storico played in Piazza Santa Croce. (Destination Florence)
- Estate Fiorentina (June–September): A city-backed cultural programme with live music, cinema, and pop-up events throughout Florence’s parks and piazzas. (Destination Florence)
- Firenze Rocks (June): A major music festival hosted at the Visarno Arena, drawing international headliners. (Firenze Rocks)
It’s an energetic time to visit, and there’s always something happening – but this adds pressure too. You’ll need to plan carefully around event days, book restaurants in advance, and be strategic about when and where you move around the city.
Personally, the best moments I had during that summer came from walking early in the morning – around 7:30 or 8am – across the Arno, when the streets were empty, the light was soft, and the only people around were locals heading to work.
Even in high season, you can still find peace in Florence if you make a little bit of an effort to look for it.
Tips for Visiting Florence in Summer
- Book accommodation as early as possible – particularly if you want central locations, A/C, or boutique hotels with charm
- Start your sightseeing early (before 9am is ideal) to avoid the worst of the heat and crowds
- Use skip-the-line tickets or early-access tours for major sights like the Uffizi or Accademia (Walks of Italy offers excellent early and after-hours options)
- Stay hydrated and take long afternoon breaks – this is the time to embrace Florence’s café culture or museum-hopping
- Cross the Arno to Oltrarno or explore less-touristed areas like Sant’Ambrogio or San Niccolò when the centre feels overwhelming
Should You Visit Florence in Summer?
It depends on the kind of traveller you are.
If you’ve visited before and plan to skip the headline sights – or if you thrive in a high-energy atmosphere or live in a big, busy city – it can work. But for most people, particularly first-time visitors, I wouldn’t recommend summer as your first encounter with Florence.
You’ll likely pay more, see less, and feel more stressed. The city’s charm doesn’t quite disappear, but you will have to work harder to access it.
That said, if this is when you have to go, it’s absolutely still possible to have a brilliant time. Start your days early, use skip-the-line tours, and build in downtime away from the crowds.
I think the fairest thing to say here is that if you’re visiting Florence in summer, then this is the time when planning as much in advance will stand you well.
And if you need a breather, cross the river to Oltrarno. Find a shady bench in Piazza Santo Spirito or stop for coffee in Sant’Ambrogio. Florence is still Florence – even in the heat – but it’s at its best when you let it slow you down.
Where I’d Stay in Florence in Summer
In summer, I’d choose an area with some breathing room, like Oltrarno or the hills around Piazzale Michelangelo, where you can retreat to shade, views, or even a garden pool.
Top Picks:
- Villa Cora (Piazzale Michelangelo) – Total indulgence and a pool with city views.
- Horto Convento (San Frediano) – Calm garden courtyard, walkable but peaceful.
Shoulder Season in Florence
When is it?
March to mid-April (pre-Easter), and again from mid-October through November. These months form the Florence shoulder season – a sweet spot between the extremes of summer crowds and winter stillness.
What’s the Weather Like in Florence in Shoulder Season?
The weather during these months is unpredictable but often pleasant. Average highs range from 14–23°C (57–73°F), with chilly mornings and the occasional rain shower or grey day.
In spring, you’ll catch the city awakening – longer days, lighter jackets, and Florence slowly easing back into bloom. In autumn, there’s often golden light and a soft haze in the air that makes the Renaissance facades look even richer.
My own April trip coincided with Easter, and I remember the wisteria bursting into bloom across walls and pergolas. The Bardini Gardens are especially gorgeous at that time, and it is one of the most beautiful spots in the city when the flowers are at their peak.
That said, May can still surprise you.
On my last visit, the skies were overcast, and it rained more than I would have liked or expected. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it wasn’t the warm Tuscan spring people often imagine either.
I think it’s fair to say that Florence has its moods, and shoulder season reflects them well.
How Crowded is Florence in Shoulder Season?
Florence tourist crowds during the shoulder months are noticeably thinner than in high summer, but it’s not exactly quiet, especially in spring.
According to Statista, visitor numbers rise steeply from March and peak again in May. Autumn sees a more gradual tapering off, with a marked drop in November.
Weekends and public holidays still get busy – particularly Easter week and Italy’s Liberation Day (April 25) – but weekday mornings often feel calm and comfortable.
From experience, I find Tuesdays and Wednesdays to be the quietest days. Mondays are better than weekends,as many people seem to leave Florence after the weekend, though you’ll encounter some museum closures.
Fridays and Saturdays, even in shoulder season, see a bump in domestic and European weekend travellers. I was slightly surprised recently by just how busy a mid-May weekend in Florence was, although thankfully, it did quieten down a little come Monday/Tuesday.
How Much is Accommodation in Florence in Shoulder Season?
Accommodation prices tend to be moderate during shoulder season, though spring (especially April–May) has seen rising demand in recent years.
Based on Booking.com data and broader post-2020 trends, boutique and mid-range hotels can average between €160–€220 per night, while luxury properties remain closer to €300–€500. Prices in November, however, drop significantly – often by 30% or more compared to April.
Availability is generally good, but book ahead for Easter week or major autumn festivals.
What Events Happen in Florence in Shoulder Season?
Shoulder season is rich with cultural highlights and seasonal shifts:
- Scoppio del Carro (Easter Sunday): A firework-filled spectacle outside the Duomo involving a centuries-old cart ritual. It’s chaotic, very Florentine, and well worth seeing if you’re in town. (Visit Tuscany)
- Firenze dei Bambini (April): A city-wide arts and play festival aimed at families, often hosted in museums, palaces, and piazzas. (Firenze dei Bambini)
- Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (May–June): One of Italy’s top opera and classical music festivals, with performances in theatres across Florence. (Maggio Musicale)
- Autumn food festivals: In the Tuscan countryside and sometimes within Florence itself, October brings truffle fairs and new olive oil tastings.
Tips for Visiting Florence in Shoulder Season
- Pack layers – days can feel springlike, but mornings and evenings are chilly, especially in March and November
- Be mindful of holiday spikes like Easter and April 25 (Liberation Day), when prices rise and attractions fill up quickly
- Visit Bardini or Boboli Gardens in spring for seasonal blooms
- Book key museum and cathedral tickets in advance – shoulder season doesn’t always mean short queues
- Take advantage of Florence’s cultural calendar – whether you’re into opera, children’s art, or quirky Easter rituals
Is Shoulder Season the Best Time to Visit Florence?
Absolutely – I think this is one of the best times to be in the city.
You’ll get a real feel for Florence: not emptied out like winter, but not overrun either. The city feels more balanced. The light is lovely. And the pace – especially on a weekday morning with a coffee in hand – feels just right.
For first-timers especially, shoulder season offers a chance to enjoy the full range of what Florence has to offer without the exhaustion of peak crowds or the interruptions of summer closures.
And if you’re lucky enough to see the wisteria in bloom, even better!
Where I’d Stay in Florence in Shoulder Season
For this time of year, I’d opt for areas like Santa Croce, Sant’Ambrogio, or Santo Spirito, where you’re close to the heart of the city, but with breathing space and soul.
Top Picks:
- Casa Botticelli (Santo Spirito) – Artful and serene, in the bohemian heart of the Oltrarno.
- Antica Dimora De’ Benci (Santa Croce) – Quiet elegance steps from it all.
- Pietrapiana Boutique Apartments (Sant’Ambrogio) – Ideal for slow mornings and local markets.
Low Season in Florence
When is it?
December through February. This is Florence’s quietest season, with the exception of the Christmas and New Year period, when domestic tourism picks up briefly.
What’s the Weather Like in Florence in Winter?
Winter in Florence is cool and sometimes damp. Average highs sit between 6–13°C (43–55°F), with lows dipping close to freezing at night. Rain is common, but snow is rare.
The air feels crisp and clean, and the city takes on a more introspective tone. It’s not a winter wonderland, but it is atmospheric – especially when the streets are quiet, and the golden glow of evening lights reflect off the wet cobbles.
If you’re coming from a colder climate, Florence in winter may feel relatively mild. For others, it’s worth packing a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes.
How Crowded is Florence in Winter?
January and February are Florence’s quietest months by far. After the festive season wraps up, visitor numbers drop sharply. According to Statista, January consistently records the fewest tourist arrivals of the year.
That said, December does see a short-lived spike around Christmas and New Year – especially with Italian families and domestic travellers – so expect some crowding between roughly 22 December and 6 January.
Outside of that window, you’ll have space to explore. Museums are quieter, queues are shorter, and you can often walk straight into galleries that would normally require advance tickets.
How Much is Accommodation in Florence in Winter?
Accommodation is at its most affordable during the low season. According to Booking.com and Statista, hotel occupancy drops significantly between January and early March.
Expect hotel rooms to start from around €110–€150 per night for quality 3-star options. Boutique hotels and centrally located apartments are also far more accessible. Many offer seasonal deals or added extras like breakfast, early check-in, or free museum passes.
If you’re budget-conscious or looking for a relaxed pace without compromising on quality, this is arguably the best-value time of year to visit Florence.
What Events Happen in Florence in Winter?
Winter is quieter in terms of big festivals, but there’s still plenty of seasonal charm:
- Christmas markets (late November–early January): Piazza Santa Croce hosts Florence’s biggest Christmas market, with stalls selling gifts, food, and mulled wine. (Destination Florence)
- Light installations: Throughout December, Florence lights up with festive projections and installations across historic buildings and piazzas.
- New Year’s Eve (31 December): Public concerts and fireworks – often centred around Piazza della Signoria or Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Feast of the Epiphany (6 January): Includes the Cavalcata dei Magi parade, a historical reenactment through the city streets. (Destination Florence)
While the city is less lively overall, this can be a benefit. The slower pace allows for deeper experiences, like long museum visits, slow dinners, and peaceful walks through the city’s centuries-old streets.
Tips for Visiting Florence in Winter
- Bring a warm, waterproof coat and good shoes – rain is more common than snow, but chill can linger
- Museums are often walk-in friendly, but it’s still worth checking if where you will require advance tickets (although I’d always recommend that you book tickets for the Dome Climb, Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia (where the Statue of David is housed).
- Take advantage of off-season hotel perks like discounts, breakfast-included rates, or free upgrades
- Try wintery Tuscan dishes: ribollita, wild boar ragù, or roasted chestnuts from street vendors
Should You Visit Florence in Winter?
If you value quiet, depth, and a more contemplative pace – winter in Florence is a dream. It’s when the city exhales.
It may not offer postcard sunshine, but it gives you space: to wander, to reflect, to see art without the crowd. And for culture lovers, photographers, and off-peak travellers, that can be worth far more than perfect weather.
It’s also one of the best times to visit if your focus is on museums, food, and atmospheric strolls – or if you simply want to experience Florence without the intensity of high season.
I haven’t been in winter yet, but it’s firmly on my list – and based on every local I’ve spoken to, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the city.
Where I’d Stay in Florence in Winter
When the crowds vanish and the air turns crisp, winter is your chance to stay right in the heart of the action, without the usual chaos. I’d stay near the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, where early mornings feel like a private viewing.
Top Picks:
- Hotel Pendini – Old-world charm and piazza views.
- Relais Piazza Signoria – Gorgeous windows overlooking Florence’s beating heart.
Case Study: Florence Accommodation Prices by Season
Curious about Florence hotel prices by month and how much they fluctuate across the year?
I ran an independent comparison using live rates for three types of stays – a central 2-bed apartment, a high-end boutique hotel, and a great-value 3-star – across low, shoulder (spring and autumn), and high seasons.
Prices were pulled directly from Booking.com and Plum Guide for 2025–2026.
| Accommodation | Season | Midweek € per night | Weekend € per night |
| Plum Guide Apartment (2-bed, central) | Low Season (Tues 27 Jan & Sat 31 Jan 2026) | €321 | €348 |
| Shoulder Season (Spring) (Tue 17 & Sat 21 Mar 2026) | €385 | €467 | |
| Shoulder Season (Autumn) (Tue 28 Oct & Sat 1 Nov 2025) | €409 | €415 | |
| High Season (Tues 16 & Sat 20 Jun 2026) | €557 | €683 | |
| High-End Boutique Hotel Cerretani Hotel (room only) | Low Season (Tues 27 Jan & Sat 31 Jan 2026) | €256 | €256 |
| Shoulder Season (Spring) (Tue 17 & Sat 21 Mar 2026) | €310 | €336 | |
| Shoulder Season (Autumn) (Tue 28 Oct & Sat 1 Nov 2025) | €400 | €364 | |
| High Season (Tues 16 & Sat 20 Jun 2026) | €468 | €482 | |
| Boutique 3* Hotel Hotel Pendini | Low Season (Tues 27 Jan & Sat 31 Jan 2026) | €161 | €161 |
| Shoulder Season (Spring) (Tue 17 & Sat 21 Mar 2026) | €205 | €227 | |
| Shoulder Season (Tue 28 Oct & Sat 1 Nov 2025) | €282 | €293 | |
| High Season (Tues 16 & Sat 20 Jun 2026) | €469 | €482 |
📌 Clear Takeaways from the Price Data
- Florence hotel prices remain flat in the low season: January and February are the most affordable months, with minimal difference between weekend and midweek stays – ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
- Spring prices rise steadily from early March: For example, I saw how the same Plum Guide apartment that’s €385 per night at the end of February increases to €432, then €440, then €467 over successive weekends – peaking at €766 by Easter weekend (first weekend of April 2026).
- Avoid Easter if you’re watching your budget: The week leading into Easter (5 April in 2026) sees the steepest spike, particularly in apartments and family-friendly properties.
- Autumn shoulder season remains elevated through October: Prices stay high until after Halloween, with some weekend hotel rates dropping sharply from 1 November. This makes early November an excellent value window.
- Summer prices are significantly higher, especially for apartments: That same 2-bed apartment jumps from €321 in January to €683 in mid-June – more than double. High-end hotels and 3-star stays also increase by around 80–100% from low to high season.
- Book early for summer to get better deals: I found lower rates for July 2025 than for the same dates in 2026 – suggesting that hotels and apartments offer meaningful early-bird savings if booked 6–12 months out.
What This Price Research Means for You
If you’re still deciding when to visit Florence, use this pricing data as a guide. Travelling just a few weeks before or after peak season could save you hundreds – especially if you’re booking multiple nights or travelling as a group. Planning a trip in March (before Easter) or early November can unlock excellent value without sacrificing atmosphere.
Accommodation pricing is one of the clearest indicators of demand. Use it to your advantage – whether you want to avoid the crowds, splurge smart, or simply make your money go further.
When to Go to Florence Based on Your Interests
When should art and culture lovers visit Florence?
If you’re coming to Florence for the museums, galleries, churches and palazzos – and you actually want to experience them without being jostled – you’ll want to avoid the summer peak. Even with skip-the-line tickets, the energy in July and August can feel relentless.
In my view, the best months are March, early April, November, January or early February. These are the times when you’re most likely to find shorter queues, more room to breathe inside places like the Uffizi or the Accademia, and a quieter city overall. Florence’s greatest cultural treasures are mostly indoors – which makes winter the perfect time to explore them.
Skip-the-line tours like Walks of Italy’s early Accademia or Duomo after-hours tour can still be worth it year-round, but especially in shoulder and off-season months, they become even more enjoyable.
When should food lovers visit Florence?
There’s great food in Florence year-round – but if you’re after seasonal depth and a bit of culinary atmosphere, autumn is probably the sweet spot. Late October and November bring white truffles, new olive oil, chestnuts, porcini, and wild boar to menus across the city.
That said, Florence is not a rural village where you’ll only find these things seasonally. You’ll find truffle pasta even in July – it just might not be freshly shaved at the table. For a more seasonal rhythm, plan your visit for late autumn or early spring.
Avoid Ferragosto in mid-August, when I found that some local, family-run spots close for holidays.
When should you go if you hate crowds?
January. Or February. Or even November!
If you’re someone who gets physically uncomfortable in packed piazzas or overwhelmed by queues, I’d strongly recommend planning your visit for any time outside April–October, with the exception of the Christmas period.
Florence doesn’t get truly quiet anymore – but in these winter windows, it gets closer. I’ve spoken to locals who say November is when things finally settle down.
When is the cheapest time to visit Florence?
If budget is your biggest consideration, January is typically the most affordable month, followed by early February and late November. You’ll find the best hotel rates, shorter queues, and flight deals – particularly if you avoid festive spikes around Christmas and New Year.
For example, boutique stays drop significantly in price compared to their spring and summer rates (you might see €110/night instead of €280+).
You won’t get sun-drenched strolls – but you will get a quieter, more affordable version of Florence that’s still rich with cultural appeal.
When should first-time visitors go to Florence?
If it’s your first time in Florence, and you want a sense of the place – the Renaissance grandeur, the views, the light on the Arno – without burning out, then the best time to visit Florence is March–April or late October–November.
These months give you a chance to experience the city without it feeling like an endurance test. There should be some sunshine, the gardens are blooming or golden, and you’ll still get that feeling of arrival – of finally seeing Florence for yourself – without all the stress and squeezing through crowds.
If you have to go in summer, consider skipping the big sights (or doing them first thing in the morning) and instead focusing on Florence’s quieter treasures: places like the Bargello, Santa Croce, or Santo Spirito – where the city has a chance to breathe a little more freely.
How Long Are the Wait Times at Florence’s Main Attractions?
If you’re planning to visit Florence’s most famous sites, it’s really important to understand how much wait times can vary depending on the season – and whether or not you’ve pre-booked tickets.
I’ve pulled together the most accurate, up-to-date estimates based on a combination of first-hand accounts, official sites, and booking platforms. Where possible, I’ve distinguished between those who’ve booked skip-the-line access versus those turning up on the day.
Uffizi Gallery
- Without skip-the-line: Expect to queue for anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours in summer. The middle of the day is particularly bad.
- With skip-the-line tickets: You’ll still pass through security, but the total wait is usually under 15 minutes. You can choose a timed entry slot when booking.
Sources: Tiqets, Rick Steves forum, Reddit
Accademia Gallery (David)
- Without skip-the-line: Lines of 30–90 minutes are common, especially around midday in peak season.
- With skip-the-line tickets: Entry is usually within 10–15 minutes. Again, you’ll book a timed slot.
Sources: Reddit, Rick Steves forum
Florence Cathedral Interior
- No skip-the-line option: Entry to the cathedral itself is free, which means everyone queues. I’ve seen lines that stretch around the piazza in summer, with waits over an hour.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or just before closing – and even then, bring patience.
Tips to Avoid Long Queues in Florence
I’ve tested a lot of different timings over the years – here’s what I genuinely recommend if you want to make the most of your time (and energy):
- Pre-book “skip-the-line” tickets (ie those with an allocated entry time) for the Uffizi and Accademia – ideally for first thing in the morning
- Visit the Uffizi at 8:15am when the doors open – it feels like a completely different place when you’re not shoulder to shoulder
- Do your big sights Tuesday or Wednesday mornings – they’re typically the quietest days
- Go across the Arno before 9am – the air is cool, the streets are empty, and the city still feels like it’s yours
- Don’t underestimate the Duomo queue – it’s free, but often one of the longest lines in the city
When to Visit Florence: FAQs
What are the quietest days of the week in Florence?
From my own experience from multiple trip to Florence:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the quietest (especially in the mornings)
- Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest due to weekend city breaks and domestic tourism
- Mondays can be quieter, but note that many museums are closed
- Sundays are mixed: some people leave, but others are still out enjoying the city
If you’re crafting a short itinerary, try to schedule Florence’s top attractions for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings and spend the weekends in more rural areas or secondary cities like Arezzo or Lucca.
What public holidays should I avoid in Florence?
Public holidays can dramatically affect crowd levels, opening hours, and prices. These are the ones to watch:
- Easter Weekend (dates vary – often in March or April)
- April 25 – Liberation Day
- May 1 – Labour Day
- June 2 – Republic Day
- August 15 – Ferragosto (many restaurants and shops close)
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day
- December 8, 25, 26 – Christmas period
- January 1 and 6 – New Year and Epiphany
Florence also has a local holiday on June 24: the Feast of San Giovanni (with fireworks and Calcio Storico).
Tip: If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, expect Italians to take a long weekend. These are known as “ponti” (bridges) – and they can bring heavy domestic travel surges.
My Favourite Insider Tips for Avoiding Crowds in Florence
- Visit the Uffizi at 8:15am sharp (first entry). It’s quiet, cooler, and feels utterly different to mid-day.
- Always walk across the Arno before 9am. The city is half asleep, and it’s pure magic.
- Use early or after-hours tours – Walks of Italy does a brilliant Duomo evening visit and early Accademia entry.
- Avoid the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria between 10am–5pm in summer. They’re overrun by then.
- Head to quieter quarters like Sant’Ambrogio, San Niccolò or Santo Spirito during the middle of the day.
Next Steps for Planning Your Trip to Florence
There’s no single right answer as to when the best time to visit Florence is. It depends on what you want from the city.
For me, it’s all about the balance between experience and atmosphere. I’ll always favour the shoulder months, where you can wander without crowds but still feel the sunshine.
However, for me, I really do have to say that Florence never disappoints – even at its busiest, its beauty still finds a way through.
If this post helped you figure out the best time to go, these next steps will help you plan the rest:
- Where to Stay in Florence: Neighbourhood & Hotel Guide
- How to Visit the Florence Duomo Complex (Without Confusion)
- Best Day Trips from Florence: My Favourite Escapes
- Best Towns in Tuscany to Visit (Beyond the Obvious)
- Florence Travel Hub: See All My City Guides
From choosing your neighbourhood to finding the right day trips or deciding what to prioritise – these guides are here to help you build a Florence itinerary that actually works for you.
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