The Best Time to Visit Tuscany

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Updated: April 21, 2022

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• Top Agriturismos in Tuscany

When is the best time to visit Tuscany, Italy?

The optimal times to visit Tuscany are late spring and early fall, when the climate is warm yet not exceedingly hot, al fresco dining is pleasant, and there are many lively art and music galas. A trip in early fall also presents an opportunity to take part in the region’s numerous grape and olive harvest festivals.

• The Optimal Period to Visit Tuscany for Pleasant Climate: The best time to visit Tuscany for favorable weather, with temperatures warm but not excessive and chances for rain fairly low, is from mid-April to mid-May. The subsequent best time for weather is mid-September to mid-October, early fall temperatures are comparable to late spring, but there exists a greater possibility for rain.

For an evening of high drama, head to the Teatro San Carlo. This historically significant theater is among Italy’s top opera houses and its classically elegant interior setting provides a memorable stage for world-class opera, ballet and classical music performances. If you can’t attend a show, you can take a guided tour or learn about its illustrious past at MeMus, a modern museum dedicated to educating visitors about the theater`s history. Note that entrance to the museum is via Palazzo Reale on Piazza del Plebiscito.

• Best Time for Wine Tours, Tasting and Harvest Festivals: Fall is the time to visit Tuscany for a wine-focused escape, particularly mid-September through early October. The days will be warm, nights cool, and just about every town seems to have a harvest festival; if not for grapes, it’s olives. In this region, where cooler valleys tend to see early frosts, grape and olive harvests begin as early as late September.
• Best Timeframe for Viewing Sunflowers: Photographs have likely been seen of the limitless fields of sunflowers in Tuscany. If observing that in person, with the most areas in full blossom is hoped for, intend a trip around late June to early July.
• Best Time to Visit to Experience Major City Attractions: If the primary focus of your trip is to experience prominent city attractions like Michelangelo’s sculpture of “David” at Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia, you may want to go in the low season, between December and February, excluding the Christmas holidays. Queues will be shorter, and you’ll be able to take your time enjoying what each has to offer with little interruption.

Tuscany Travel Seasons

• Prime Season (June through mid-September): Summer is the prime season in Tuscany, a time when the conditions are the warmest of the year with temperatures reaching 30°C and above. Attractions will be crowded and queues long, while accommodation rates are at their highest. Note that in August, many hotels, shops, and restaurants are closed to tourists as locals take their two-week annual holiday, but Tuscany still draws lots of tourists during this time.
• Shoulder Season (March through May, except Easter; mid-September through November): The more milder climatic phase may offer one of the finest windows to explore this region, with relaxed weather conditions and reduced tourist crowds. The spring brings wildflower blooms to the fields while autumn brings beautiful foliage displays, grape, and olive harvests.
• Low Season (December through February, with the exception of Carnival): Winter is the quieter season in Tuscany. Cool climate brings the best possibility for lower airfares and rebated lodging, and couple of stresses over groups or long lines. While it might be somewhat cool, snow is improbable, simply plan to bundle up and plan your schedules around more limited days.

Tuscany Weather by Month

• Weather Conditions in Tuscany during January: While the specific climate varies somewhat based on location, January is typically the coldest month throughout the region of Tuscany, where typical high temperatures range from 9°C to 12°C. Snowfall is unusual and usually melts quickly when it does occur. If visiting at this time, be sure to bring warm winter wear like a coat, hat, and gloves. Precipitation levels are relatively low, averaging around 63mm spread over approximately 8 days in January, but a waterproof jacket may still prove useful. Notably, days will be short, with sunrise not until nearly 8am and sunset before 5pm, especially early in the month. (Average Peak Temperature: 11°C. Average Rainfall: 63mm.)
• Weather in Tuscany during February: February in Tuscany is virtually identical to January in Tuscany, although by the end of the month temperatures will start to warm up. Daytime highs stay consistent for the first half, with the thermometer climbing to 11°C, but the latter portion of the month sometimes sees days as warm as 16°C. Late evenings will be quite chilly, with the average low of 4°C. Rainfall is approximately the same as last month, not very problematic, which implies the most important thing is to pack apparel that can be layered to keep you warm. (Average Daytime High: 11°C. Average Rainfall: 67mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in March: While March can be hard to predict, temperatures are warming with average highs reaching approximately 15°C, meaning snowfall is unlikely. Precipitation increases slightly, elevating the chance of needing a waterproof outer layer, but since it won’t be as cold, bringing a versatile wardrobe allowing layers to be added or removed as conditions change is wise. Daylight hours are growing longer at a rapid pace, providing over 12 hours of sightseeing by month’s end. (Average Maximum Temperature: 15°C. Average Rainfall: 69mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in April: April delivers vastly warm and more extended daylight hours, with many dry durations in between moderate rain amounts – on average 78mm falls across 13 days this month. The countryside will be lush and green with many flowers and fruit trees in bloom. The mean high temperature has increased noticeably now to 19°C, which implies you’ll require attire for warmer conditions along with some items for cooler times and a light waterproof outer layer to stay dry when rain arrives. Evenings are somewhat brisk with the low temperature at 9°C, so be sure to bundle up for any late nights out. (Average Max Temperature: 19°C. Average Precipitation: 78mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in May: Considered one of the most popular months to spend in Tuscany, May is marked by increasingly warm temperatures that can achieve 24°C or higher in some locales. Odds of sunshine are favorable now, typically featuring more brilliant sunny days than cloudy ones, and precipitation decreases somewhat too. With sunrise at 5:36 a.m. and sunset at 8:48 p.m. on May 31st, you’ll have ample daylight for enjoying the outdoors. Clothing for warmer weather will mainly be needed now, like tops with short sleeves, shorts, and dresses, but long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and a jacket should also be brought for cooler days, early mornings, and evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 72mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in June: The climate in Tuscany during June ushers in the summer season, with daytime temperatures regularly reaching 28°C and occasionally exceeding 30°C. It tends to be quite dry at this time, with an average rainfall totaling approximately 50mm spread over 8 days, eliminating the need to carry rain gear. Consider protection from the sun such as sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats in addition to lightweight clothing. You may want to pack a swimsuit as well. Sweaters and jackets are unnecessary as they only add bulk; even the evenings remain moderately warm with a low of around 17°C. (Average Maximum Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: 50mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in July: The month of July in Tuscany typically experiences hot conditions, with temperatures occasionally reaching or exceeding 35°C, though on average highs are around 31°C. Most days will feature a brilliant blue sky and radiant sunshine, as cloud coverage is rather scarce during this period of the year. Precipitation is sparse now too, averaging only 31mm. You`ll need ample sun protection as well as breathable items like sandals, short-sleeved tops, lightweight cotton pants, shorts, skirts or dresses. Be mindful that if visiting churches, your attire will need to cover your shoulders and knees. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 31mm.)
• Weather conditions in Tuscany during August: August is also a particularly hot month in Tuscany; many Italian residents escape the heat this month by heading to mountainous or coastal areas. The first half of the month is usually dry, while the latter half of the month tends to bring some summer storms, with precipitation increasing slightly from the previous month to an average of 48mm. By late August, there are usually some cooler days and the weather begins to change. (Average Maximum Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 48mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in September: It’s likely to be warm early in the month, with lots of sunny skies, but it probably won’t be too hot. While the average high temperature dips a few degrees to 27°C, it’s still a good time to go to the beach, enjoy picnics, and dine outdoors. If you plan on visiting during the latter part of September, you may need a light jacket for mornings and evenings – the low-temperature averages 16°C at this time. In general, you’ll mostly need to pack warm weather attire, along with a few items for cooler weather and perhaps a light waterproof jacket for that slight increase in precipitation this month. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 76mm.)

• Weather Conditions in Tuscany During October: Autumn is firmly established at this time. While sunny days will still be plentiful, rain is more frequent, averaging 96mm over 12 days. The first half of the month typically involves pleasantly warm temperatures in the range of 20°C to 25°C along with cool evenings dipping into the 50s. By mid-October, daytime highs usually do not exceed 20°C and can drop as low as 12°C. These cooler temperatures bring gorgeous autumn foliage to the forests and parks of the region, making October an outstanding time to explore Tuscany. Travellers should pack clothing that can be layered for changing conditions, along with a waterproof jacket prepared for potential precipitation. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Precipitation: 96mm.)
• Weather conditions in Tuscany during November: While the early portion of November often brings fairly pleasant conditions, this month can demonstrate unpredictable variability. There are more overcast, rainy periods now present; November sees the highest average rainfall in Tuscany at 102mm. Afternoon high temperatures are around 15°C while overnight lows dip to a rather chilling 7°C, so travelers will need to pack attire suitable for colder conditions. Northern areas are likely to experience cooler and windier weather. Bringing a warm, waterproof jacket and sweaters along with waterproof footwear can help visitors stay comfortable while exploring outdoors. (Average Maximum Temperature: 15°C. Average Precipitation: 102mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in December: The chill continues in Tuscany during December, bringing the risk of snowfall to further enhance the region`s picturesque landscapes. Temperatures fluctuate moderately with daytime highs ranging from 7°C to 11°C and overnight lows dipping to around 4°C. Appropriate cold weather attire is necessary, preferably items that repel water such as a warm coat and boots alongside gloves, hats, and scarves. With under 9 hours of daylight surrounding the winter solstice, it advised to arrange activities with consideration for shorter days. (Average Max Temperature: 11°C. Average Precipitation: 72mm.)

Tuscany Events and Festivals

Tuscany in January

• The first day of the new year – January 1st is considered a public holiday across Italy, including Tuscany. Many attractions like museums and historic sites will be closed that day, along with some stores and restaurants. Public transportation will run on a holiday schedule. Locals traditionally gather with friends and relatives to share greetings and well-wishes for a happy new year. Special foods symbolic of fortune and wealth are often prepared for feasts, such as zampone, lentils, and raisins.
• Epiphany/La Befana 🎅 – Epiphany is also a nationwide holiday, celebrated on January 6th to mark the 12th day of Christmas. It commemorates the day the Three Wise Men brought gifts to the infant Jesus. Government offices, businesses, and many shops will be closed. When visiting town squares, you’re likely to encounter the Befana, complete with a broom, hat and long pointed nose. She brings stockings, candy and other goodies to all who behaved well the year before.
• Festival of Saint Anthony the Abbot/ Palio of Buti – The Celebration of Saint Anthony the Abbot brings festivals all through Italy, incorporating Tuscany, over two days in mid-January. On the Sunday succeeding the formal feast day, in Pisa, differing districts of Buti race horses for a reward in the town center. In the main square will be a reenactment of history and a series of happenings that highlights local foods.
• On January 31 each year in San Gimignano, there will be a great celebration held day and night to honor the patron saint of the city. There are food stands and crafts in several piazzas, such as Piazza del Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza della Cisterna.

Tuscany in February

• Carnival – Carnival is one of the most extravagant events across the country, typically happening in February, but contingent on the year it can be anytime from late January to early April, occurring over two weeks. You can expect functions throughout the region, such as colorful processions with floats as well as an assortment of activities for children and adults. The carnival in Viareggio, a tiny coastal town, is one of the most popular for its masquerade parades. One of the earliest carnivals is the Carnival of Foiano della Chiana in the Arezzo region, held annually since the Middle Ages.
• Veliche Regatta – The Yacht Club Santo Stefano sponsors the Monte Argentario Winter Series and Argentario Coastal Race in Porto Santo Stefano over two days, once in early February and again in mid-February.
• Chocolate Exhibition – Calling on chocolate connoisseurs to Florence for this Chocolate Exhibition that takes place over 10 days during the initial half of February at Piazza Santa Croc. You’ll be able to do lots of chocolate tasting, watch a cooking demonstration and enjoy all sorts of chocolate-related activities.

Tuscany in March

• Festa della Donna – March 8th is recognized worldwide as “Women’s Day,” officially established in the United States back in 1909. In Italy, celebrations have occurred since 1922 to honor females while drawing attention to unfavorable situations still faced by many. Throughout Tuscany and the nation generally, it`s customary to gift mimosa flowers to women on this day, which are small yellow blooms. Free entrance is provided to females at all state and civic museums in Tuscany as well.
• Celebration of Saint Joseph – March 19th is considered Father’s Day in Tuscany and across Italy. People celebrate fathers and often consume zeppoles which are similar to doughnuts.
• Feast of the Annunciation – The feast of the Annunciation occurs annually on March 25th, A day that was once seen as the beginning of the new year. Some still use it as an excuse for a second celebration, with all sorts of activities taking place in Florence and Pisa around this date and often for several days beyond.

Tuscany in April

• Holy Week and Easter – Holy Week ranges from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, sometimes occurring in late March, but generally it takes place in early to mid-April. Throughout Tuscany, and the entire nation, numerous events will transpire all week. One of the highlights is in Florence, with the “ Explosion of the Cart” on Easter Sunday morning in Piazza del Duomo. The cart, filled with fireworks, decorated in garland and pulled by oxen, are ignited to furnish a magnificent spectacle. In many cities and small towns there will be parades that recreate events from the Crusades, elaborate floral decorations in churches and folkloric festivals.
• Festival of Spontaneous Herbs – An annual occasion held in mid-April in Gallicano where workshops and trips are organised to collect wild herbs that have traditionally featured importantly in the local diet of individuals facing hardship. A unique soup will be prepared utilising “hidden components” comprising up to thirty differing wild herbs.
• Festa delle Rocche – This festival occurs in Siena over nine days to honor the Virgin Mary during the latter half of April. Activities include a historic procession, a sizable marketplace, live music, a race, and more.
• Liberation Day – April 25 is Liberation Day, a national holiday honoring those who battled for the freedom of Italy. Locals often pay respects at war memorials and other sites that represent the Resistance, with many sacrificing their lives for the country. Numerous businesses are likely to be closed, and some attractions may have restricted hours.

Tuscany in May

• Labour Day/International Workers’ Day: This national holiday is celebrated annually on May 1. While many businesses will be closed, many museums are open at significantly discounted rates. Live concerts and special events take place throughout the region and beyond.
• Pirate Night – Notte Dei Pirati, or Pirate Night, takes place in Porto Ercole for three days over the first weekend in May. There will be many costumes, organized scenes, and entertainment related to pirates on the waterfront, beaches, restaurants, and bars.”
• Festival Della Fragola – This annual strawberry celebration has taken place near Terricciola for nearly four decades. Over the first pair of weekends in May, it salutes the succulent red fruit through diverse musical performances, continuous consumption of berries, and enjoyment of sunny spring climate.
• Gioco del Mulino – This traditional festival held in mid-May in the small town of Calci in Pisa features a costumed procession through the community. Then, 8 neighborhood teams composed of groups of 3 compete in a reverse tug-of-war type game aimed at pushing a waterwheel. The winning team receives a trophy while the losers are dusted with flour.

Tuscany in June

• Republic Day – June 2nd is a nationwide holiday commemorating Italy becoming a Republic in 1946 after fascism`s fall and WWII`s end. Many businesses will close and some attractions like monuments and museums may have limited hours. Concerts, parades, and village festivals are held across Italy, including Tuscany. The grandest events take place in Rome.
• Borghi in Festa – Held in Castelmuzio in the province of Siena, this festival brings together the town with a wide variety of food, markets, music and games over the first weekend in June.
• Festa delle Rocche – This celebration occurs in Siena over nine consecutive days honoring the Virgin Mary during the latter half of April. Activities included are a historical procession, a sizable marketplace, live musical performances, a race, and additional elements.
• Tuscan Sun Festival – During mid-June, this summer arts festival takes place over one week in Florence. It celebrates music, art, cuisine, and well-being, with cooking presentations, art exhibits, and pre-concert receptions featuring Tuscan wine and locally created products.
• Celebrated annually on June 24, San Giovanni Feast Day honors Florence`s patron saint. The occasion includes various traditional cultural festivities culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over the Arno River. Boat rides are typically organized on the river throughout the day and into the evening for optimum views of the lighting show from the water.

Tuscany in July

• Lucca Summer Festival – This festival takes place throughout the month of July, with performances by prominent musicians happening in Lucca’s Piazza Napoleone and along the city walls. Past performers have incorporated the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, Bob Dylan, and many other notable acts.
• Palio di Siena – An infamous horse competition that occurs on an annual basis on July 2nd, and again on August 16th in the heart of Siena. Ten horses along with their bareback riders don colors to signify the city’s ten wards (called contradas) as they race around Piazza del Campo.
• The Mercantia in Certaldo – For almost a week in the middle of July, this global street event brings theater, circus, and comedy street acts to the charming hamlet of Certaldo.
• Bolgheri Festival – This annual event, typically held during the final few days of July through the first half of August in the coastal town of Bolgheri, includes a rich program of cultural performances and concerts featuring top Italian and international talent, along with plenty of locally produced wines.

Tuscany in August

• Each year, August 15 marks the beginning of the summer holiday for most Italians. It’s also a national religious holiday of Assumption, celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. While there may be some closures, most museums and cultural sites are open.
• Palio di Siena – The latter half of Il Palio, Siena’s famed horse race, will be held on August 16 circling Piazza del Campo.
• Bravio Delle Botti – An enjoyable barrel race held in Montepulciano on the last Sunday of August. Whoever is fastest in propelling their substantial wooden wine barrel up the steep, tiny roads of the village to the finish line in front of Duomo in Piazza Grande will win the Bravio, a painted banner depicting the patron saint.

Tuscany in September

• Annual Lucchese Event – Situated just beyond the city fortification at the Piazzale Don Baroni in Lucca, this month-long happening highlights traditional markets, agricultural fairs, food stands, and handicrafts, along with carnival rides and an abundance of frati (sugar coated doughnuts).
• Giostra Del Saracino – One of the most eagerly anticipated events in Tuscany, held on the first Sunday of September in Arezzo. It involves a medieval jousting competition between the four quarters of the city to win the Golden Lance. There will be a historical costume parade, flag-throwers, and plenty of pomp and circumstance.
• Celebration of Lanterns – One of the largest and most traditional events in Florence, the Festival of Lanterns occurs annually on September 7th featuring parades of lanterns and boats as well as a fair.
• Festa di San Michele – The town of Carmignano hosts the Saint Michael`s Festival over the final weekend of September each year. During this time, the city`s four districts compete against one another in street performances that involve a unique theme and complex choreography for each day. The daily events culminate with nightly donkey races known as the Palio of Ciuchi.
• The Grape Festival of Impruneta – This Grape Festival is held on the last Sunday of September at Piazza Buondelmonti in Florence. There will be 4 neighborhoods competing to have the best wine-centric float. It includes a parade, music, and dance performances.

Tuscany in October

• The Festa di Santa Reparata – Celebrated on October 8th, this festival honors the co-patron saints of Florence, Santa Reparata and San Giovanni Battista. A procession takes place with participants wearing medieval dress, journeying from Piazza di Parte Guelfa to the saint’s crypt under the Duomo.
• Fiera di San Luca – For 9 days in mid-October, one of the oldest cattle fairs takes place in Impruneta. It’s been held here since the Middle Ages, when shepherds and merchants would meet to buy and sell livestock as well as related products like wool and cheese. It includes traditional games, rides, markets, local produce, and more.
• PIC Festival – Held in Camaiore`s city center on the Tuscan coast, the Festa PIC (which stands for picante, or spicy hot) features a wide variety of chili peppers from around the globe, along with other foods, music, and exhibitions over the third weekend of October.
• Volterragusto Truffle Festival – Held in late October and into November, this festival in Volterra features numerous food stalls selling truffles along with other delicacies like wine, cheese, and salami.

Tuscany in November

• All Souls` Day – All Souls` Day is a national holiday observed on November 1 annually. Locals across Tuscany and all of Italy take the day to pay respects to their departed loved ones at their places of rest.
• Cento Gusti Dell’Apennino – This festival celebrating “A Hundred Flavors of the Apennines” takes place over the first weekend of November in Anghiari. It acknowledges local culinary delicacies and involves workshops, demonstrations, and wine and food tastings.
• White Truffle Fair – This fair that usually happens over the last three weekends of November in the town of San Miniato brings together food lovers, taste testers, and purchasers to enjoy menus centered around truffles and outdoor fun.
• Festa del Buco Unto – Deeply ingrained in the traditions of Civitella Marittima, this centuries-old culinary festival is dedicated to autumnal flavors, with ample wine and olive oil available. It occurs over the second weekend in November in the village where it is held.

Tuscany in December

• Festival of the Immaculate Conception – December 8th is a national holiday in Italy that honors the day of the Virgin Mary’s conception of Jesus. Government offices, schools and many enterprises will be closed but most shops and restaurants are open as this day marks the start of the Christmas season. In Florence, the annual tree lighting will occur in Piazza del Duomo.
• Lo Gradireste Un Goccio Di Vin Santo – Over the first weekend of December, the “Would You Fancy a Sip of Vin Santo” festival in Montefollonico promotes its local “holy wine” with a competition for the year’s top homemade vin santo, along with entertainment, workshops, and wine and food tastings (especially the almond dipping biscuits known as cantuccini).
• Christmas Holidays – In Italy throughout December 25th and 26th, which are national holidays, most businesses including attractions, shops and restaurants will close. However some international eateries and bars may remain open. Families spend time dining together for Christmas dinner and attend Midnight Mass at local places of worship.
• New Year’s Eve – No matter where you are in Tuscany, you’re likely to find a celebration for New Year’s Eve. Florence is one of the most popular places to be, with its main squares hosting live music and fireworks displays. Pisa’s city center will fill with shows, music, entertainment, and fireworks at midnight over the Arno River.