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Florence in winter | Weather, things to do, travel tips & more

Florence, Italy's capital city, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world. As a result, throughout the winter months, it may become clogged with tourists. During the holidays, many Tuscans return to their hometowns and switch places with tourists. Beautifully lit streets, outdoor concerts, seasonal culinary tours, and chestnut markets are just a few of the festivities that take place in the run-up to the holidays. So, if you're considering a trip to Florence in the winter but aren't quite sure yet, here are some of the popular favorites to surely lure you in.

Florence in Winter: At a Glance

November to March

  • Average temperature: 3°C - 15°C
  • Average rainfall: 111 mm
  • Average daily wind speed: 7.4 m/hr 
  • Average sea temperature: 13.33°C
  • Average daytime: 7-9 hours

Why visit Florence in winter?

1. Go on a shopping spree

If you're in Florence in January, you may take advantage of the sales and get some shopping done. If you have a few euros to spare, you can purchase clothing, bags, accessories, or even household goods at any store in town. It's customary for deals to begin around the time of the local festival of Epiphany, so be sure to note it on your calendar.

2. Visit the Duomo

Climbing to the summit of the Duomo is possible for those who are physically fit and are not afraid of heights. To avoid crowds in the winter, arrive early and get a ticket before the sun rises so you can ascend the 400 stairs. Don't forget to capture the city from the peak with your camera.

3. Thinner crowds

Visiting Florence in winter is a terrific idea for sparsely crowded attractions. In December and February, Florence is at its quietest, so this is the greatest time to get a flavor of the city without the crowds. It's not completely "tourist-free," but it's way less congested than in the summer months. Hotels and flights also come cheaper during this time!

4. Attend fashion parties

Pitti Uomo, one of Europe's most prominent fashion trades, is based in Florence. If you're looking to catch up on the latest fashion trends, attend fashion shows and parties, this event is for you. It takes place twice each year.

What to look out for in Florence during winter?

1. Restricted food options

If you're traveling through rural areas or seeing small towns, you may have difficulty finding a spot to eat, particularly during lunch. In fact, many attractions are closed during the holidays, particularly after Christmas, or they are only available on weekends.

2. Closed attractions

During the weekends, the vast majority of places of worship are shut. Make sure to check the schedule of neighboring attractions including the iconic Florence Duomo if you're planning a trip there.

3. Museums are closed on Mondays

Museums in Florence are closed on Mondays for everyone. The Galleria dell'Accademia and Uffizi in Florence are both closed. Cortona's MAEC and Diocesan Museum are also unavailable to tourists on Mondays.

What to wear?

What to wear in Florence in winter?

  • Florence is a historic city with many cobblestone streets, so bring some good walking shoes. To see all Florence has to offer, you'll have to put in a lot of walking time.
  • If you're going to be in Florence during the winter, don't forget to bring some warm scarves.
  • Leather mitts or woolen gloves and winter hats that match your overall style are essential for keeping your hands and head warm this season.
  • Choose a pair of pants that are both stylish and warm enough for Florence's winter temperatures.
  • A variety of shirts and blouses for the length of your stay are essential.

What to pack for Florence in winter?

  • Depending on your particular style and what you expect to do and see in Florence, you should bring some fantastic outfits.
  • Because it's fashionable and adheres to the Florentine style, a lovely purse or duffle bag is ideal.
  • Coats and jackets for the winter that are both warm and waterproof. When flying, you can minimize room in your suitcase by just bringing one piece of winter gear.
  • In spite of the frigid temperatures outside, you can expect a warm temperature indoors whether you visit art galleries or a restaurant for lunch. We'd recommend you layer up in order to stay most comfortable.
  • Wearing warm, thick socks can help keep your feet comfortable during the day of touring.

Top events to attend in Florence during winter

1. Birraio dell’Anno

Birraio dell’Anno (Brewer of the Year) is Italy’s leading craft beer celebration, drawing an international crowd to Florence each year. This highly anticipated event awards the country’s top brewers and offers attendees a taste of rare and experimental brews, along with masterclasses and workshops led by industry experts. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Birraio dell’Anno has become a hallmark of Italy's craft beer scene, celebrating innovation, tradition, and community.

2. The Christmas market in Santa Croce

This German-themed Christmas market in the Piazza is Florence's most renowned market. There are forty wooden booths with candy-striped roofs and evergreen boughs ready for you. Stalls specializing in Christmas decorations, ceramics, and ornaments are common throughout the holiday season.

3. Attend the holiday market in Piazza Duomo

On December 8, Italy's holiday season officially begins in Florence's Piazza del Duomo with the lighting of a magnificent Christmas tree, celebrating the Immaculate Conception. Join the festive kickoff featuring a public ceremony with Florence’s mayor, live music, and a bustling Christmas market filled with seasonal delights and crafts—the perfect way to start your Christmas countdown!

4. Florence Light Festival

The Florence Light Festival takes place from December 7, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Some of the city's most famous landmarks and landmarks will be illuminated or adorned with light shows. The Ponte Vecchio will be the site of a video display, for example. Every night during the winter months, Florence's most iconic cathedrals and towers take on a more vibrant hue thanks to the city's seasonal illuminations.

5. The Feast of San Stefano

Throughout the nation, The Feast of San Stefano will be celebrated on December 26, 2024 along with Christian festivals commemorating the birth of Jesus, the Immaculate Conception, and St. Stephen. As many Italians as possible will throng the cities over the Holiday break, so arrange a long weekend, beforehand.

6. Cavalcata dei Magi

Cavalcata on January 7 is one of the most anticipated events of the year. To commemorate Jesus' birth, the three wise men who visited him on their way to Bethlehem are shown here carrying gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The 'Kings' with their 700-strong parade make this Florence's biggest and most lavish parade. Choirs, speeches, a real Nativity scene, readings, and a service in the cathedral round off the festivities.

7. Firenze e Cioccolato

From March 7 to March 10, Piazza Santa Croce hosts an artisanal chocolate festival for 10 days that includes chocolate tastings and unique activities like an aperitivo and a cookery presentation. Within walking distance of the Santa Maria Novella railway station, the Fiera is a popular tourist destination in Florence.

8. New Year’s

In Italy, the 31st of December is a public holiday. To allow Florence residents to recuperate after New Year's Eve festivities, most stores, galleries, eateries, as well as other amenities remain closed.

Tips and hacks to visit Florence in winter

  1. When using a Visa or Mastercard at an ATM in Tuscany, expect to pay a premium. If you can, bring in some Euros in order to avoid paying this commission cost.
  2. A large number of small thefts, including purse theft and pickpocketing, are prevalent in Florence. Pack a small belt pouch with your passports, cash, and credit cards for on-the-go convenience.
  3. If you're looking for a more relaxed side of Florence, one with tiny cafes and a quiet hamlet setting, go to San Niccolo instead of the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio.
  4. The 500-plus stairs to the top of the Duomo may seem exhausting, but the panorama is worth every ounce of effort.

Know before you visit Florence in winter

Getting around Florence in winter

To get around Florence in winter, you have the option of using the bus, tram, or train.

By bus: A local public bus from ATAF, Florence's bus terminal, is the most cost-effective way to go about town.

By tram: There have been new tram lines being built in Florence since 2005. Scandicci is the first stop on the route, which was inaugurated in 2010. Tickets for trams and city buses are interchangeable.

By hop-on and off buses: The infamous Hop-on and Off buses may be seen in almost every major city. With a single-day ticket, you may hop on and off as many times as you'd like at any of the stops along the route.

By train: You can easily go to other cities if you need to. Countless trains leave each day from Florence's major railway station, Santa Maria Novella, bound for destinations around the area.

Where to Stay in Florence in Winter

Florence, Italy's most beautiful city, is sometimes referred to as a "living museum." The city's Renaissance architecture and museums and galleries are unrivaled.

What to eat in Florence in winter?

  • Lampredotto: This is a typical meal from Florence's medieval era, made by the locals for the townspeople. Sliced tripe is simmered in broth before being seasoned and eaten either on the side or as a meal or sandwich. Outdoor markets and street sellers all throughout the city sell it with a variety of toppings such as fiery red sauce, herb green sauce, and even Bagnato.
  • Papardelle al cinghiale: Long, broad, flat, and often served with a rich sauce like ragu, Papadelle is a favorite among pasta connoisseurs. Cinghiale is a dish cooked with wild boar, although it may also be prepared with hare, geese, or rabbit if it is raised on a farm rather than in the wild.
  • Gelato: The gelato in Florence is among the finest in Italy. Vendors with piles of brightly colored gelato and gaudy toppings should be avoided at all costs.
  • Crostini: Crostini is an appetizer consisting of a variety of bruschetta - thin slices of Tuscan bread covered with various sauces, purees, or vegetable salsas. Antipasto Toscano is sometimes served with a chicken paté on Tuscan bread.

Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Florence in winter

The winter months in Florence are reserved for the natives, giving it the ideal time to immerse yourself in the city's authentic culture and environment. Florence is just as gorgeous in the winter as it is in the summer, despite the cool weather or perhaps a little rain.