Florence
Florence
Italy
Ready to explore?
Florence, the crown jewel of Tuscany, is a city where every cobblestone tells a story of the Renaissance. Nestled in the Arno Valley, Florence experiences a transition between a Mediterranean and a hu...
About Florence
Florence, the crown jewel of Tuscany, is a city where every cobblestone tells a story of the Renaissance. Nestled in the Arno Valley, Florence experiences a transition between a Mediterranean and a humid subtropical climate, leading to hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. Unlike the sprawling energy of Rome (/best-time-to-visit/rome) or the industrial pulse of Milan (/best-time-to-visit/milan), Florence is intimate and walkable, making the choice of season critical for your comfort. While the peak summer months offer long days and vibrant street life, they also bring sweltering heat and massive crowds. Conversely, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn provide a perfect atmospheric backdrop for exploring world-class galleries like the Uffizi without the crushing humidity found in southern cities like Naples (/best-time-to-visit/naples).
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Florence at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Florence, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Euro (€) daily budgets: €70–€100/day to €450+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Florence
Best Overall
May, June, September, and October
Cheapest
January and February
Busiest
June, July, and September
Best Weather
May and September (avg 24°C–27°C)
For Events
June (Calcio Storico and Pitti Uomo)
For Families
April and May (mild weather for walking and garden visits)
For Couples
September and October (wine harvest and romantic sunsets)
Budget Travel
November to February (excluding Christmas and New Year)
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Florence.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Florence — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Florence
January
Average 3°C–11°C (37°F–52°F). Low sunshine (4 hours), crisp air, and occasional fog.
“Best for art lovers who want the museums to themselves and budget travelers seeking the lowest rates.”
February
Average 4°C–13°C (39°F–55°F). Slightly warmer but still chilly and damp.
“Best for foodies and those looking for a quiet, romantic escape before the spring rush.”
March
Average 5°C–16°C (41°F–61°F). Unpredictable weather with frequent rain showers.
“Best for those who don't mind a little rain in exchange for lower prices than late spring.”
April
Average 8°C–19°C (46°F–67°F). Bright days and fresh, cool evenings.
“Best for families and photographers seeking the iconic 'blooming' Florentine experience.”
May
Average 12°C–24°C (54°F–75°F). Perfect sightseeing weather: warm and sunny.
“Widely considered the best month for weather, though hotel bookings are essential.”
June
Average 16°C–28°C (61°F–82°F). Hot days, but manageable humidity. Long daylight.
“Best for those who want to experience Florence's most passionate local traditions.”
July
Average 19°C–32°C (66°F–90°F). Intense heat and high humidity. Driest month.
“Best for travelers who enjoy a bustling, high-energy atmosphere and don't mind the heat.”
August
Average 18°C–32°C (64°F–90°F). Very hot; some humidity. Occasional summer storms.
“Best for those who can handle the heat and want to find slightly better hotel deals than June.”
September
Average 14°C–27°C (57°F–81°F). Balmy days and comfortable nights. Lower humidity.
“The premier month for Tuscan wine lovers and those seeking perfect outdoor dining weather.”
October
Average 10°C–21°C (50°F–70°F). Crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and falling leaves.
“Best for couples and luxury travelers who want sophisticated vibes and culinary highlights.”
November
Average 5°C–15°C (41°F–59°F). The rainiest month. Grey skies but shorter queues.
“Best for the budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes indoor cultural treasures over outdoor heat.”
December
Average 3°C–11°C (37°F–52°F). Cold but festive. Beautiful holiday lights.
“Best for those who love holiday magic and want to see Florence at its most sparkling.”
Festivals & Events in Florence
Pitti Immagine Uomo
The world's most important platform for men's clothing and accessory collections. The city fills with the world's best-dressed people.
Hotels sell out early and prices spike; fashionistas crowd the restaurants.Scoppio del Carro
A 500-year-old tradition where a wagon filled with fireworks is exploded in front of the Duomo to ensure a good harvest.
Huge crowds in the Duomo square; roads are closed for processions.Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
An outstanding arts festival featuring international opera, concerts, and ballet performances.
High demand for cultural venues; book performance tickets months in advance.Calcio Storico Fiorentino
A violent, medieval form of football played in 16th-century costume in Piazza Santa Croce.
Tickets are hard to get; the square is occupied by a sand-filled arena for weeks.Feast of San Giovanni
The patron saint's day, celebrated with a parade and a massive fireworks display over the Arno.
Locals and tourists crowd the bridges and riverbanks for the show.Festa della Rificolona
A charming children's festival where hundreds of paper lanterns are carried through the streets to Piazza SS. Annunziata.
A festive, local atmosphere; great for families but central streets are very busy.Florence Marathon
One of Italy's major marathons, passing the city's most famous landmarks.
Extensive road closures; many central hotels are fully booked.F-Light (Florence Light Festival)
Video mapping and light installations transform the Ponte Vecchio and Palazzo Vecchio into works of art.
Brings night-time crowds to the historic center during the colder months.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Florence?
Euro (€)
Daily Budget
Peak
€180–€300 (Mid-range center)
Off-Peak
€90–€150 (Mid-range center)
Accommodation prices in Florence can fluctuate by 50-60% between February and May. While dining and transport prices remain stable, museum booking fees are essential during peak months.
Where to Stay in Florence by Season
Centro Storico (Duomo/Uffizi)
PremiumWinter
The heart of the action. Staying here in winter allows you to be steps away from museums, avoiding the cold walk back to other districts.
Oltrarno (Santo Spirito/San Frediano)
Moderate to HighSpring & Summer
The 'cool' side of the river. Perfect for summer nights with its vibrant piazza culture and artisan workshops that spill onto the streets.
Santa Croce
ModerateAutumn
Home to great leather shops and local food markets. The festive atmosphere here is great during the harvest and truffle season.
San Marco
Budget to ModerateYear-Round (Budget)
A quieter, more residential area north of the center. Excellent for budget travelers who want to be near the Accademia but away from the main tourist throng.
What to Pack for Florence
Spring
Pro tip: Italians dress up even for casual walks; leave the flip-flops at home unless you're at the beach.
Summer
Pro tip: To enter the Duomo or other churches, your shoulders and knees must be covered.
Autumn
Pro tip: September is still summer-hot, but October nights require a real jacket.
Winter
Pro tip: Museums are heavily heated, so make sure your outer layers are easy to remove and carry.
FAQs: Visiting Florence
What is the best month to visit Florence?
May and September are the best months. You'll enjoy temperatures between 20°C and 27°C, long daylight hours, and the full beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Florence?
January and February (after the Epiphany on Jan 6) are the cheapest months. You can often find significant discounts on both flights and high-end hotels.
What is the weather like in Florence in July?
July is very hot and humid, with highs often exceeding 32°C (90°F). It is the driest month, so while you won't need an umbrella, you will need frequent breaks in air-conditioned museums.
Is Florence worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. Winter is perfect for art lovers. The Uffizi and Accademia are quiet, the city is beautifully lit for the holidays, and the hearty Tuscan cuisine is best enjoyed in cold weather.
When does the wine harvest happen in Florence?
The 'Vendemmia' usually takes place in the surrounding Chianti region from late August through September. Many wine-themed events happen in Florence during this time.
Does it snow in Florence?
Snow is rare in Florence, though a light dusting occurs once every few years in January or February. It rarely stays on the ground for more than a day.
Is Easter a good time to visit?
Easter is culturally fascinating due to the 'Scoppio del Carro' event, but it is one of the busiest and most expensive weeks of the year. Book everything months in advance.
How many days do I need in Florence?
3 to 4 days are ideal to see the main museums and enjoy the atmosphere. If you plan to use it as a base for day trips to Pisa, Siena, or Bologna (/best-time-to-visit/bologna), stay for a week.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Italy
Rome
Rome is warmer and busier year-round; it offers ancient imperial history compared to Florence's focused Renaissance charm.
Milan
Milan is the place for modern fashion and business; it has colder winters and a faster pace of life than artistic Florence.
Venice
Venice is more humid and prone to winter flooding; it offers a unique canal-based experience that is more expensive than Florence.
Naples
Naples provides a much warmer, grittier Mediterranean vibe and acts as the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, contrasting with Florence's orderly beauty.
Turin
Turin features a cooler, alpine climate and grand royal boulevards, offering a less crowded alternative to the central Italian tourist trail.
Bologna
Known as the culinary capital, Bologna has very similar weather to Florence but feels more like a lived-in university city than a museum.
United Travels
Want to visit Florence,
but still have questions?
Leave a request and our team will help you plan the perfect trip from Halifax, Atlantic Canada, or anywhere across Canada to Florence.
UNITED TRAVELS