Florence is small enough to walk end to end, so people pack for sightseeing and forget about the stone. The streets around the Duomo and Santa Croce are hard, uneven paving, and July and August hit 33°C (91°F) with very little shade. Pack for your feet and the heat first, and the outfits sort themselves out.
Florence weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 12°C54°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 23°C73°F | 30°C86°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 27°C81°F | 22°C72°F | 16°C61°F | 12°C54°F |
| Low | 4°C39°F | 4°C39°F | 6°C43°F | 8°C46°F | 12°C54°F | 17°C63°F | 19°C66°F | 19°C66°F | 15°C59°F | 13°C55°F | 6°C43°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 10 | 15 | 11 | 14 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 12 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 12–13°C (54–55°F), lows down to 3°C (37°F) in December, and 10 to 13 rain days a month. The upside is short lines at the Uffizi and the Accademia. Bring a warm coat, a sweater to layer under it and a rain shell, because damp cold by the Arno feels lower than the number says.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month of the year with 15 rain days, and May isn't far behind at 14. Highs climb from 16°C (61°F) to 23°C (73°F), so pack light layers and a packable shell rather than an umbrella you have to juggle on narrow pavements. Crowds start building by Easter.
Summer
June–AugustThis is the hard one. July and August both reach 33°C (91°F), nights only drop to 19°C (66°F), and there are about 7 rain days a month. The climb to Piazzale Michelangelo or through the Boboli Gardens is brutal at midday, so carry water, wear breathable fabrics and save the museums for the afternoon.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember still hits 27°C (81°F), then it's 22°C (72°F) in October and 16°C (61°F) in November. The rain comes back hard, with 14 rain days in October. A great time to go, as long as you pack a rain shell and a warm layer for the evenings.
What to bring to Florence
0 of 23 packed- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Florence's stone streets punish thin soles, and this light, washable knit sneaker has the cushioning and grip for a full day from the Duomo to the Oltrarno.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
If you're walking the centro storico all day in summer heat, a breathable knit sneaker with a traction outsole is the one shoe we'd pack.
With 15 rain days in March and 14 in October, a jacket that packs into its own pocket beats an umbrella on Florence's narrow pavements.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 33°C (91°F) in July and August you want water that stays cold for the whole climb up to Piazzale Michelangelo, and this one keeps it cold for 24 hours.
The sliding EU plug fits Italy's C and F sockets, and three USB-C plus two USB-A ports charge everything off one outlet in an old hotel room.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
The crowds around the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio are where pickpockets work, and this crossbody's steel-wire strap and lockable zips keep your phone and passport put.
Plenty of Florence hotels sit up a flight of old stairs, and a 19-inch softside bag at 5.3 lb is one you can actually carry up them.
Clothing
- Breathable linen shirts · 3July and August hit 33°C
- Light scarf or shawl · 1Cover shoulders in churches
- Knee-length skirt or long pants · 2Church dress code
- Sun hat · 1Very little shade
- Light sweater · 1
- Warm coat · 1Dec–Feb highs of 12–13°C
Footwear
- Sandals with support · 1
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1March has 15 rain days
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Blister plastersHard, uneven stone paving
Documents and money
- Passport
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Museum reservationsBook big museums ahead
Tech
- Power bank · 1
- Phone charger and cable
What shoes should you pack for Florence?
Comfortable sneakers with real grip. The paving in the centro storico is uneven and gets slick in the rain, and you'll cover a lot of ground between the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and the Oltrarno. One pair of broken-in walking shoes beats three cute pairs.
What do people wear in Florence?
Florentines dress neat and a bit understated: dark trousers or jeans, good knitwear, a decent jacket. Shorts and tank tops are fine on the street in summer, but bring something that covers shoulders and knees for the Duomo and other churches. Dinner out leans smart-casual.
What plugs does Florence use?
Italy uses type C, F and L sockets at 230V. Type L is the Italian three-pin, but most hotels also have C or F sockets that take a standard EU plug. Bring a universal adapter with an EU plug and check that your chargers list 100-240V.
Tours and things to do in Florence
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Florence.
What should you leave at home for Florence?
Heels, a big umbrella and an oversized suitcase. Plenty of hotels in the center are in old buildings with steep stairs, and dragging a large bag over stone from Santa Maria Novella station is miserable. Pack light enough to carry your bag up a flight of stairs.
Around Florence
Packing for Florence: questions people ask
What should I wear in Florence in summer?
Light, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes. July and August hit 33°C (91°F), so keep a scarf or light layer in your bag to cover your shoulders in churches.
What should I wear in Florence in October?
Layers and a rain shell. Highs are around 22°C (72°F) with lows near 13°C (55°F), and October averages 14 rain days.
Do you have to cover up in Florence churches?
Yes. The Duomo and most churches ask you to cover your shoulders and knees, and you can be refused entry if you don't.
What shoes are best for Florence?
Broken-in sneakers with good grip and cushioning. The stone streets are uneven and slick when wet, and you'll walk far more than you plan.
Do I need a plug adapter in Florence?
Yes, if you're coming from the US, UK or Australia. Italy uses type C, F and L sockets at 230V, and a universal adapter with an EU plug fits the C and F sockets most hotels have.
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