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.

More to Discover in Italy

Rome to Florence Day Trip
Best Places to Stay in Rome
What to Do in Bergamo