The Seasons of Florence

The city awakens with brilliant, comfortable weather and the blooming of the hillside botanical gardens. The famous Iris and Rose gardens burst into vibrant colours, offering spectacular photography against the skyline. Outdoor cafes fill up quickly as locals eagerly shed their heavy winter coats to enjoy the sunshine. It is arguably the most beautiful and pleasant time to wander the cobblestone streets before the intense heat arrives.

The weather becomes incredibly hot, often driving tourists indoors to the air conditioned galleries and museums during the midday peak. The evenings, however, are beautifully long and warm, perfect for late night gelato strolls and energetic open air concerts. Many locals abandon the city for the coast, leaving the streets to a highly international, bustling crowd. Escaping the heat requires early morning exploration or frequent breaks in heavily shaded cloisters.

The harsh summer heat finally breaks, bringing crisp, extremely comfortable weather perfectly suited for heavy walking. The surrounding countryside begins the famous grape and olive harvests, leading to an influx of incredible seasonal food festivals and fresh wine tastings in the local trattorias. The intense tourist crowds thin out slightly, allowing for a much more relaxed, authentic museum experience. It is a phenomenal season for serious food connoisseurs.

The temperatures drop to chilly, damp levels, but the city takes on a beautifully moody, romantic atmosphere. The massive holiday markets set up in the main squares, selling hot mulled wine and local crafts under glittering festive lights. The famously long queues for the major art galleries virtually disappear, allowing you to admire absolute masterpieces in near silence. Hearty, thick Tuscan soups and rich red wines become the ultimate comfort food after a cold day of exploring.