Famous for its rolling hills, charming old buildings and exquisite cuisine, Tuscany is a dream come true for travellers. If you’re planning a trip to this Italian hotspot, read on. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you pick the best time to go to Tuscany. From the perfect weather to the best dining, you’ll find it here.
Weather can make or break a holiday. Those picturesque vineyards will be a lot less Insta-ready if they’re drenched in rain, after all. While the weather in Tuscany is generally good most of the year — especially if you’re coming from the colder, damper climes of northern Europe — it can still be a little temperamental. Here’s what you need to know.
January
You’ll want to wrap up warm if you’re visiting Tuscany in January. This is the coldest month of the year. Days rarely see temperatures above 10°C, while nights hover around 3°C. Later in the month, you can expect some snow.
February
Things are warming up a little after January, but February is still a very cold month in Tuscany. Nights are just as cold as they were in the previous month, but the days are a fraction warmer. With highs of just 13°C, you’ll still want to make sure you’ve got a coat and scarf.
March
March brings the start of the springtime — and that means unpredictable weather. Short rain showers are common, so don’t leave home without your umbrella. Even if the sky is clear and blue, the weather in March can change at a moment’s notice. Expect highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C.
April
For many visitors seeking a pleasant spring, April is the best time to visit Tuscany. However, be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast! According to a local proverb, “Terzo aprilante, quaranta giorni durante.” In other words, if it rains on the 3rd of April, it won’t stop for the next 40 days. We’ll let meteorologists and Italian nonnas debate over that one. Just prepare yourself for highs of around 19°C and lows of 8°C.
May
Now we’re talking! May is the first truly warm month of the year in Tuscany, with daytime highs of 25°C. Don’t get too excited, though, especially if you’re planning to head out after dark. Once night falls, there’s still a chill in the air, and the lows can dip to 12°C.
June
The warm May weather continues into June, with the mercury rising just a tad. Days are a bright 27°C, while the night time lows are around 15°C.
July
By July, the Italian summer has well and truly arrived. Pack your sunscreen because daily highs hit a sizzling 30°C, while nightly lows are about 18°C. Unless you’re extremely unlucky, you won’t be bothered by rain while you’re visiting Tuscany in July.
August
The temperatures in August make it the hottest month of the year in Tuscany. In fact, it might be uncomfortably hot for some travellers, thanks to the daily highs of 32°C and the lows of 20°C. If you’re concerned about sizzling in the sun, then follow the example of the locals: keep your activities to the early morning and late afternoon, and get out of the midday heat with a long, leisurely lunch. Are you a sun worshipper? Then this is the best time to visit Tuscany, hands down!
September
It’s time to wave goodbye to summer, but don’t reach for your winter coat just yet. The temperatures in September are pleasant by day, with highs of 27°C. At night, things can dip to 17°C, so you might want to bring a jacket to keep yourself warm from the chill in the air.
October
While the temperatures are dropping fast in October, there’s some good news for travellers. The skies are still clear and blue, without much rain to ruin your day. Prepare yourself for daily highs of 22°C and nightly lows of 11°C.
November
In November, the temperatures continue to drop as winter draws ever nearer. Days see highs of 16°C. At night, it can get as chilly as 7°C — but the dampness in the air can make it feel colder, so be sure to wrap up warm.
December
In general, you can expect daytime highs of just 12°C in December, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 7°C. However, if you’re visiting Tuscany’s beautiful rolling hills, things will be a bit colder. There’s not a lot of rain in December, but you’ll want to bring your umbrella, just to be on the safe side.
Annual events in Tuscany
The weather can make a big difference to your holiday, but it’s not the only thing to focus on. If you want to embrace the Italian lifestyle, then check out Tuscany’s rich calendar of cultural events, including Carnival, Easter and colourful processions. You might just find that these events help you choose the best time to visit Tuscany.
Carnival
The exact dates of Carnival change each year, depending on when Easter falls. However, it usually starts in February and keeps going for four fun-packed weekends. The best action of Tuscany’s Carnevale di Viareggio is to be found in Pisa, Lucca or, naturally, Viareggio itself. Make sure to pack a costume so that you can join in the fun, and ask around to see the schedule for the floats and parades.
Easter
Italian Easter is usually a solemn affair, but that’s not true here! The highlight of the Tuscan Easter celebrations is the Scoppio del Carro, a spectacular pyrotechnic display that takes place each Easter Sunday in Florence. You’ll see 150 white oxen decorated with beautiful spring blossoms, pulling a 500-year-old cart through the city centre. The cart is accompanied by soldiers and musicians, as well as people wearing traditional 15th-century garb. Once it reaches the city centre, it’s time for the fun to begin: the cart is loaded with fireworks, which go off at the same time as the church bells chime.
You’ll need to get to the city centre early for a good view of the Scoppio del Carro, but it’s well worth setting your alarm clock! In fact, this incredible display is thrilling enough that many people think Easter is the single best time to visit Tuscany.
Festivals
Tuscany’s calendar of summer festivals starts in May with the Maggio Musicale, a celebration of classical music. As the summer continues, you can see events like the Gioco del Ponte, a mediaeval tug-of-war that takes place on Pisa’s oldest bridge in June, or the operatic Puccini Festival in July.
Tuscany, in the summer, sees dozens of festivals, with something to suit every taste: jazz, wine, theatre, classical music and traditional cultural events. One of our favourites is the Watermelon Festival on the last weekend of August, which gives you the chance to really gorge on this summery fruit.
Christmas
Tuscany’s biggest Christmas market runs throughout December in Florence, with handicrafts, artisanal foods and other great gifts. Christmas itself is rather quiet — Italians tend to spend the day at home with their family, but the 6th of January is a highlight of the festive season. This day is celebrated as Epiphany, which is when Christians believe that the three wise men visited baby Jesus. It’s a national holiday in Italy — and they celebrate in style in Florence, with revellers in colourful mediaeval outfits parading through the streets, singing and dancing in front of cheering crowds.
High season in Tuscany
Want to avoid the crowds? July and August are the busiest months in Tuscany, as holidaymakers from across Europe flock to this sunkissed destination. Luckily, you can still enjoy good weather in June or September. In fact, if you want sunny days without the crowds, September might just be the best month to go to Tuscany.
If you’re really looking to steer clear of your fellow travellers, then consider Tuscany in winter. The winter months are the quietest time of the year, so you’ll often find bargain prices at hotels. However, they may not be the best time to visit Tuscany if you want the full experience. Many bars and restaurants operate seasonally, taking long breaks in winter.
When to go to Tuscany for foodies
It’s time to loosen your belt! Everyone knows that you’ll always eat well in Italy, but remember that food is still very seasonal in this gourmet paradise. The Menu del Giorno is going to be strikingly different if you come to Tuscany in May or November. If your mouth is watering at the thought of seasonal artichokes, truffles or blood oranges, make sure you visit at the right time.
Here are some of our top foodie tips: blood oranges are in season in January, and they’re the perfect way to get through a long, cold winter. Delicious, fresh local cherries are at their best in May, while artichokes are the star of the show throughout the spring.
Autumn is a particularly good time of year for food in Tuscany. You’ll be able to feast on hearty fare, like wild boar and roasted chestnuts, but best of all are those world-famous truffles. Truffle season really kicks off in November, as these earthy delicacies suddenly start appearing on menus across the city. Don’t forget your credit card, as this foodie delight doesn’t come cheap! Have you decided on the best time to visit Tuscany yet? No matter when you want to visit, why not join us on our Italian adventure? As well as the rolling hills of Tuscany and the charms of its capital, Florence, you’ll have the chance to spend some time in the Eternal City, Rome. This action-packed eight-day tour is ideal for culture vultures and foodies. Join us and discover Tuscany!
