When To Go
Top tourist season in Florence is May through September. The weather is sunny, temperatures mild to hot, and everyone's in the streets, cafés, and parks. The performing arts festival known as Maggio Musicale Fiorentino lasts from mid-April through June, filling the Teatro Communale, Teatro Verdi, and other venues with opera, ballet, plays, and symphonic and chamber music from all around the world. It's the most expensive time to visit Florence, but, if money isn't an object, this is the time to go.
For fewer crowds, somewhat lower prices, and weather that’s mostly good, you’ll get the best bang for your buck by going in early April (when there might be showers) or between September and October (when daytime highs are still warm, but evenings are cooler). Fall also welcomes the colorful La Rificolona (Festival of the Lanterns), held annually each September.
Winters can be cold and wet (so wet that the city was actually flooded in 1966!) But recent winters have been drier and there is the benefit of having few tourists and empty museums. Lower airfares last through March – for a truly bargain getaway, try for then.
When To Go
High season:
May–September
Low season:
November–March
Best bang for your buck
April, September, and October
$749+: 7-nt Mediterranean cruise to Cannes, Rome & Naples American Express Travel
$905+: Rome, Florence & Venice trip 6-nt w/air & trains EuropeanDestinations.com
$1075+: 8-nt Paris, Venice, Florence & Rome trip w/air EuropeanDestinations.com
$734+: Fly round-trip from Boston to Florence Major Airlines
