Florence sits inland in a river valley, which means it runs hotter in summer and colder in winter than the Tuscan coast or Rome. That valley setting also traps humidity in July and August, which is why the heat there feels heavier than the thermometer alone suggests.
Typical conditions by season
| Season | Typical highs | Rain | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 8–12°C (46–54°F) | Regular, sometimes for days | Warm coat, waterproof shoes, layers |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 15–23°C (59–73°F) | Scattered showers, especially March | Layers, a light rain jacket |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 28–35°C (82–95°F) | Rare but occasional thunderstorms | Light fabrics, sun hat, refillable water bottle |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 14–25°C (57–77°F) | Increasing into November | Layers, a packable rain jacket |
How the heat changes your plan
In July and August, the historic centre offers very little shade — the piazzas are open stone and the streets are narrow but not consistently shaded. Most experienced visitors flip their schedule: outdoor sights and walking in the early morning or after 6pm, air-conditioned museums in the early afternoon, and a slower pace overall than they'd use in a cooler month. See our itineraries for how to structure a summer day.
Church dress codes and the weather
Florence's major churches — the Duomo, Santa Croce, Santa Maria Novella — enforce shoulder-and-knee coverage regardless of temperature. Carry a light scarf or shawl in summer rather than arriving in a strappy top and being turned away, which happens to visitors daily in high season.