The climate of Florence
Florence, situated in
Italy, enjoys a Marine west coast climate with warm summer, categorized as Cfb in the Köppen climate classification. The climatic condition imposed by the geographical location is intrinsically linked to the city's charming appeal and influences daily life and tourism.
The city experiences a considerable diurnal temperature range annually with average highs soaring up to 31.5°C (88.7°F) and lows plunging to 2°C (35.6°F). Regardless of season, light to moderate rainfall is relatively frequent throughout the year. The highest average rainfall reaches 114mm (4.49") in
November while the driest month on average is
July with 37mm (1.46") of rain. The city, however, sees an annual shift in the length of daylight from 9 to 15.4 hours.
While UV index varies significantly throughout the year, ranging from 1 in
December to 8 during July and
August, the duration of sunshine witnesses a proportional increase from 3 hours in
January to 10 hours in July. Overall, Florence shows a wide divergence in climatic parameters, making it unique and captivating to travellers and inhabitants alike.
The best time to visit Florence
Given the city's hot summer Mediterranean climate, the best time to visit
Florence is spring - specifically from
April to
June. During these months, the temperature warms to a comfortable range from 10.9°C (51.6°F) to 18.5°C (65.3°F). The amount of rainfall experiences a mild decrease which contributes to the congeniality of the weather.
In addition to favourable temperatures, spring in Florence also offers longer daylight hours, increasing up to 13.5 hours in April, providing ample opportunity to explore the city's rich architecture and art treasures. With the sunshine duration increasing to 6 hours, it is a sublime time to enjoy the blossoming gardens and piazzas that Florence offers.
The worst time to visit Florence
Regrettably, the months from
November through
February can be considered as less desirable for visiting
Florence. During this period, the city often experiences cold weather with temperatures descending to average lows of 2°C (35.6°F) and highs peaking only at 11.1°C (52°F). This time of the year also witnesses the longest rainfall durations, leading to a surge in the average rainfall up to 104mm (4.09") in
October and reaching its highest in November at 114mm (4.49").
Complementing the increased rainfall, daylight hours are significantly reduced during these months, curtailing to just 9 hours in
December. Thus, sightseeing and other outdoor activities can be less enjoyable and somewhat restrictive during this period.
Spring weather in Florence
Spring in
Florence, stretching from
March to
May, is mild and offers an attractive climate for outdoor pursuits. With temperatures rising from an average of 4.9°C (40.8°F) in March to an agreeable 11.6°C (52.9°F) in May, spring is a season of warm and comfortable weather. Rainfall decreases as the season progresses, dropping from 86mm (3.39") in
April to 70mm (2.76") in May. Concurrently, the daylight hours extend from 11.9 hours in March to 14.7 hours in May, offering more hours of sightseeing.
Summer weather in Florence
In
Florence, summer extends from
June to
August and is characterized by high temperature swings. Highs can reach a sizzling 31.5°C (88.7°F), while minimum temperatures maintain a warm nocturnal climate around 15°C (59°F) to 17.7°C (63.9°F). Despite the heat, rainfall falls significantly during the summer, reaching a low of 37mm (1.46") in
July. The city basks in long hours of daylight extending up to 15.4 hours and 10 hours of sunshine, the highest throughout the year.
Autumn weather in Florence
Autumn in
Florence is characterized by cooler temperatures from 14.4°C (57.9°F) to 17.7°C (63.9°F), with rainfall levels peaking in
October and
November recording an average precipitation of 104mm (4.09") and 114mm (4.49") respectively. While daylight hours and sunshine duration both taper off to 11 hours and 5 hours respectively by October, the change of colours in the landscape make autumn a visually delightful season.
Winter weather in Florence
Winter in
Florence, occurring from
December through
February, tends to be cold with average lows of 2°C (35.6°F) and highs reaching up to 11.1°C (52°F) in December. Rainfall levels sit between 61mm (2.4") in December to 81mm (3.19") in
January. The hours of daylight shrink to a yearly low of 9 hours in December, with a corresponding drop in sunshine to just 3 hours daily. Despite the colder weather, Florence's adorned streets during holiday seasons present a magical aura to the city.
Weather in January
January harbors the coldest weather of the year in
Florence,
Italy, as winter is at its peak. It tends to be a quiet month with shorter days and fewer hours of daylight, relative to other months. Despite the cooler clime, temperatures can sometimes rise upto 10.9°C (51.6°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving onto
February, the weather shows a slight increase in temperature, hinting at the approaching spring. This month is less snowy than
January, but rainfall is still quite prevalent. With temperatures that can reach 12.5°C (54.5°F), the city begins to warm up slowly as winter starts to recede.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the advent of spring in
Florence,
Italy. The weather displays a steady rise in temperatures, and days continue to lengthen. During this month, the mercury can even climb to 15.7°C (60.3°F), inviting locals and tourists to spend more time outdoors.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees a significant change in the
Florence's weather. As spring fully makes its presence felt, temperatures continue to climb and rainfall starts to diminish in intensity. The highest temperature recorded during this month can reach 18.5°C (65.3°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May showcases more predictable and warm weather; a harbinger of the approaching summer season. The temperature keeps increasing steadily, making it a delightful time to be outdoors and explore the city’s wonders. Mindful of the month's peak temperature of 23.7°C (74.7°F), it's advisable to carry light summer clothing.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, carrying the heat of summer, arrives with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours. This month is typically hot but tolerable, with the temperature often hitting highs of 27.7°C (81.9°F). Despite the sometimes scorching temperatures, June presents incredible weather for tourists to bask in the beauty of the city, provided they're dressed appropriately for the heat.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the hottest month in
Florence,
Italy, with heat peaking in the city. The month's searing temperatures, with peaks reaching impressive highs of 31.4°C (88.5°F), may demand frequent retreats to cooler indoor spaces.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August brings another round of intense summer heat to
Florence, with temperatures equivalent to those in
July. The weather is predominantly hot, often causing locals to escape to the coastal areas for cooler climes. Despite the soaring temperatures that can reach highs of 31.5°C (88.7°F), it remains a popular month for tourism.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the gradual transition from hot summer days to milder autumnal weather. Although temperatures start to drop, warm weather still persists in the initial half of the month. During this month, temperatures can hover around 26.7°C (80.1°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Florence slides further into autumn. The weather, growing cooler day by day, prompts locals to pull out warm clothing from their wardrobes. October can see highs of 20.9°C (69.6°F), a noticeable drop from
September's heat.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November sees a significant plunge in temperature as
Florence heads towards winter. The city turns quieter as tourists depart and locals prepare for colder months ahead. Despite the chilling temperatures that can drop to 5.1°C (41.2°F) at night, the beauty of Florence remains undiminished.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the last month of the year, brings a wintry chill to
Florence. As the year winds down, daylight hours recede considerably, and more frequent rain showers are experienced across the city. In December, the temperature can cool down to a low around 2.6°C (36.7°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]