Best Time to Visit Florence

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Planning your Florence visit? We are frequent visitor of Florence, and go there throughout the year. So far, we visited early spring, beginning of June, September and end of November. We experienced Florence in different way each time.

The sweet spot for avoiding crowds falls between November and March. While summer brings heat and tourist masses, it's worth noting that Florence rarely sees a true 'quiet period' these days.

If you hope to score a deal on flights or hotel rooms, aim for the off-season of October to April — you might just be able to book a dream stay at one of Lake Como's best hotels, for instance.

January and February offer peaceful exploration, but March hits a perfect balance - you'll enjoy pleasant weather, a reviving cultural calendar after winter's lull, and manageable crowds before the Easter rush. Looking to snag a room at one of Florence's premium hotels? This period might be your best bet.

Easter transforms Florence into a festive spectacle, highlighted by the Scoppio del Carro - a unique tradition where a decorated cart, pulled by flower-bedecked oxen, creates a spectacular explosion right in front of the Duomo.

Music lovers shouldn't miss the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, one of Italy's most historic music festivals. Running from mid-April through mid-June, it features everything from classical concerts to opera performances.

The city's cultural calendar peaks on June 24, honoring St. John the Baptist, Florence's patron saint, with the extraordinary Calcio Storico - an unusual sporting event blending rugby, soccer, and wrestling, where players don authentic 16th-century attire.

Many businesses shut down for vacation around the Italian holiday of Ferragosto, celebrated on August 15. Italians tend to take their own vacations during the end of the month, so you'll need to be flexible if you plan to travel then as businesses can be closed.

Our opinion is that Florence is amazing all-year round, but you need to plan your visit ahead (to book tickets to sights/museums and book accommodation at least 4-5 months in advance).

Our favourite months for visiting Florence are May and October, when the weather is enjoyable and the city is not so crowded as peak summer months.

We found July still good to visit, but you should avoid sightseeing in the afternoon hours, when it's too hot in the city and so crowded. You may still schedule your days, with sightseeing in the morning, having rest in the afternoon. Evenings are pleasant and ideal for walking and dining.

From mid-October and November, the crowds thin out, and the city’s atmosphere is relaxed. You can enjoy local harvests, like truffles and new wines, especially in September and October. The fall foliage also adds to the beauty of the landscape.

The winter months offer fewer crowds and lower prices, but shorter days and chilly weather might restrict some activities.  If you're looking for a more tranquil experience and fewer tourists, winter is a good choice. Florence also has beautiful Christmas decorations and events. Though it’s not very cold, the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack accordingly.

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