Travel time: Year-round
Florence is characterized by a transitional Mediterranean climate, sitting at the intersection of a coastal influence and the more continental conditions of the Italian interior. Unlike coastal Tuscan cities, Florence is situated in a basin surrounded by hills—the foothills of the Apennines to the north and the Chianti hills to the south. This geography traps air, leading to distinct weather extremes: summers can be significantly hotter and more humid than in Rome or Pisa, while winters are noticeably crisper and prone to fog.
Spring is famously transformative. In March, the city slowly shakes off winter with temperatures around 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). By May, the mercury regularly hits a pleasant 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75°F). However, spring is also one of the rainiest periods; May surprisingly holds the record for the highest number of rainy days (averaging 16), often manifesting as quick, intense afternoon showers that leave the city air smelling of limestone and blooming jasmine.
Summer in Florence is defined by heat and stillness. Because of its basin location, there is often little wind to disperse the warmth. Daytime highs frequently exceed 30°C (86°F), and heatwaves can push temperatures toward 40°C (104°F). This is the sunniest time of year, with July offering up to 11 hours of daily sunshine. While humidity is statistically lower in early summer, the lack of air movement in the narrow stone streets can make it feel much more oppressive.
September is arguably the most comfortable month, with clear "azure vault" skies and temperatures settling back into the mid-20s°C (70s°F). As the season progresses into November, Florence enters its wettest phase. November is the month with the highest total rainfall volume, often characterized by persistent, grey drizzles and occasional heavy downpours that cause the Arno River to run high.
Winters are cold but rarely freezing. Average highs hover around 10°C (50°F), with lows dipping toward 2°C (36°F). Snow is rare but not unheard of; most precipitation remains as cold rain or mist. The city often wakes up to morning fogs that cling to the river valley, giving the Renaissance architecture a haunting, ethereal quality.
There is a notable difference between the Centro Storico (historic center) and the surrounding hills like Fiesole or Settignano. The stone-heavy city center acts as a heat island, retaining warmth long into the night. Conversely, the surrounding hills are usually 2–3 degrees cooler and benefit from light breezes that never reach the Duomo, making them the historical choice for summer retreats.
Florence’s relationship with its weather is best seen in its architecture. The massive stone walls of the palazzi were designed to keep interiors cool during the sweltering summers. Historically, the city has faced significant flood risks, most notably the devastating 1966 flood of the Arno, a reminder of the region's capacity for intense autumn rainfall.
Today, locals adapt to the summer heat by observing the calandra—closing shops and staying indoors during the peak heat (1 PM to 4 PM) and emerging for the passeggiata (evening stroll) once the sun dips behind the Oltrarno hills and the stone streets begin to cool.