Florence in October | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More
It's a cliche for someone to say that Florence was probably their favorite place in Italy, but it's true! The city has so much to offer visitors, from all the beautiful architecture and gardens to world-class art galleries, this rustic Tuscan capital is a delight to explore. If you want to avoid the cold months in the city, October is the perfect time to enjoy everything Florence has to offer.
Is October a Good Time to Visit Florence?
October is one of the best times to visit Florence. The weather is mild, the crowds are sparse, and the prices are lower than they are in peak season. If you're looking for a quiet time to visit Florence, October may be the perfect month for you. Although there are still plenty of tourists around, the crowds are generally smaller than they are in peak season. Plus, there are plenty of fun events and attractions to enjoy during your stay.
Why You Should Visit Florence in October
- Florence is lovely in the fall with numerous events creating a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Tuscan food is unbeatable during this time due to an abundance of fruits and vegetables.
- The weather is perfect for sightseeing- not too hot, not too cold.
- The city is decorated with leaves to give an even richer Autumn feel.
What to Look Out for in Florence in October
- Stay hydrated. It can be hot in Florence in October, so make sure you drink plenty of water.
- Carry an umbrella, as there is a chance of rain every other day this month, followed by mild sunny days for the rest of the time.
- Weather can change hourly, so be prepared with layers to keep warm and dry.
- Get your tickets ahead of time! Tours and attractions often sell out quickly in October, so it’s best to get your tickets as soon as possible.
Overview of Weather in Florence in October
The weather in Florence in October is generally pleasant due to frequent rain showers.
- Average Temperature: 21°C to 11°C
- Average Rainfall: 66 mm, 13 Rainy days
- Average Wind Speeds: 12.2 miles per hour
- Average Daylight Hours: 11.1
Best Things to do in Florence in October
1. Uffizi Gallery
Art Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florence. The gallery has a long history and draws a lot of visitors every year. It houses some of the best works from world-renowned artists, including Michelangelo, Botticelli, Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci and other maestros of art. The Uffizi Gallery holds many exhibitions throughout the year. Be sure to check out their online calendar to get the most out of your visit in October.
October Timings: 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
from €16
2. Florence Duomo
Cathedral
The Duomo of Florence is considered to be the most famous and recognizable church in the world. The building of the cathedral began in 1296 and was finally completed in 1436. The exterior of the church is decorated with white, green, and pink marble. The interior is very ornate and includes a number of paintings and sculptures. The church is a significant element of Florentine history and serves as a symbol for the city.
October Timings: 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Sunday)
from €18
3. Accademia Gallery
Art Gallery
One of the oldest and most famous art museums in the city, it attracts admirers from all around the world for its collection of paintings and sculptures. You will find some of the best artwork from the Renaissance period in this art museum. The museum has a great collection of watercolor paintings from the fifteenth century onwards.
October Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
from €20
4. Boboli Gardens
Public Garden
The Boboli Gardens are a must-see attraction in Florence with October being the perfect time to visit. During this time of year, the gardens are covered by beautiful fall foliage and provide visitors an opportunity to view the cityscape that Florence is best known for. Visitors will be happy spending hours exploring history, trips, and peace at the gardens.
October Timing: 8:15 AM to 5:30 PM
from €10
5. Palazzo Pitti
Palace
To experience Renaissance art in the beautiful city of Florence, visit Palazzo Pitti. The luxurious palace is filled with some of what is considered as the most beautiful artwork in all of Europe, and it's also home to one of the world's most famous libraries—the Laurentian Library. This expansive library can hold more than a million books!
October Timings: 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Monday)
from €16
6. Palazzo Vecchio
Town Hall | Historic Structure
The Palazzo Vecchio is one of Florence's most famous Renaissance buildings and houses many important works of art within its walls. It underwent restoration before being reopened in 2009. It has many important art treasures, including copies of Michelangelo's David. The exterior of the building is decorated with ornate stone carvings and beautiful frescoes.
October Timing: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Friday to Wednesday), 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Thursday)
from €10
7. Museo del Bargello
Art Gallery
Museo del Bargello is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Florence. It houses some of the most iconic art in all of Italy and has interesting collections and exhibitions showcasing various artistic eras. Guided tours here include fascinating art history facts and discussions around the Medici family statues, the highlight of this art gallery.
October Timings: 8:45 AM to 7:00 PM (Wednesday to Monday), 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Tuesday)
from €8
8. Medici Chapel
Church | Royal Residence
One of the most famous structures in Florence is the Medici Chapel. It is also notable for its incredible artwork and provides evidence of Michelangelo's astonishing skills at a young age. It is a Renaissance-era chapel built for the members of the powerful Medici family. The landmark contains one of Michelangelo’s best-known masterpieces, “The Last Judgment”, which graces the ceiling.
October Timings: 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM (Saturday, Sunday & Monday), 1:15 AM to 6:50 PM (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday), Closed on Tuesday
from €9
9. Wine Tasting at Chianti
Day Trip | Culinary Experience
Chianti is a must-know wine region in Italy, and a visit to Florence would be incomplete without experiencing this iconic Italian wine. Explore the picturesque Chianti countryside and taste some of its finest wines. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the different types of wines produced in this region and get a feel for the local way of life outside the bustling city.
from €67
10. Mercato Centrale
Food Market | City Street
You'll want to escape Florence's busy center and find a little culture in Mercato Centrale. It's an authentic market that is visited for fresh produce, artisanal bread, and pastries. This market is a must-visit for food lovers, with stalls selling everything from regional Italian sausage to international wine.
11. Piazzale Michelangelo
Public Square
If you're looking to enjoy an autumnal Florentine experience, Piazzale Michelangelo is the place for you. This open space surrounded by imposing historic buildings is perfect for wandering and taking in the sights and sounds of one of Italy's most beautiful cities. In the evening, head to one of the many restaurants or cafes located on the square for some delicious Italian food.
October Timings: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Weekdays), 8:15 AM to 7:00 PM (Sunday)
12. Basilica of Santa Croce
Church
If you're going to Florence in October, make sure you visit the Basilica of Santa Croce. It's one of the most wondrous religious sites in all of Italy as well as home to some of its most beautiful art, and it's an awe-inspiring escape into religious history. The interior of this basilica is packed with paintings, statues, and ornate goldwork that will never leave your thoughts.
October Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday - Thursday), 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (Friday), 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Saturday), 12:30 PM to 5:45 PM (Sunday)
Festivals in Florence in October
Santa Reparata Festival
Date: 8th October
Venue: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
The Santa Reparata Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Florence. It celebrates Saint Reparata and the courageous Florentines who stood tall against the Ostrogoths in 406 AD. Every year, a parade is organised which features traditional music, dance performances, costumes and religious ceremonies. The residents of Florence and all tourists anticipate the festival every year.
Know moreEvents in Florence in October
Florence Queer Festival
Dates: 11th to 16th October
The Florence Queer Festival is an annual celebration of LGBTQ+ culture that takes place in the heart of the Italian city. Highlights of this year’s festival include performances by renowned artists, a fashion show, and a variety of workshops and discussions on topics such as identity, sex education, and mental health.
Know more
Living Show In Tuscany
Dates: 17th to 24th October
Sierra Busch, an art student and a lover of Italy’s beautiful culture has organized the perfect trip for the fall with Living Show In Tuscany. This 7-day trip for a small group will have you explore the countryside of Florence and other Italian cities. You can learn about the people and their culture in a more personal way with like-minded people. If you want an off-beat experience of everything that Italy has to offer, enroll your name for the trip.
Know more
James Taylor Concert
Dates: 28th August to 3rd October
If you are a James Taylor fan, then you definitely don't want to miss his performance at Teatro Verdi in Florence, Italy. Taylor is one of the most popular and iconic American singers of all time, so there's no doubt that this is going to be a great show. Taylor first came to prominence in the late 1960s with hits such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "Shake It Out." He has since released many highly successful albums and continues to tour worldwide.
Know moreKnow Before You Visit Florence in October
- Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT+2)
- Currency: Euro | EUR | €
- Language: Italian
- Country code: +39
- Emergency number: Dial 113 in case of an emergency.
What to wear in Florence in October
- If you're traveling to Florence in October, pack light clothing that you can layer. The weather is generally mild during the day, but it can get chilly at night.
- Wear light, easy-to-dry clothes as it might rain unexpectedly.
- Carry a jacket as the weather might get chilly in the evening.
- Pack a raincoat or umbrella so you don’t get caught out in the rain.
- Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes—you'll be doing a lot of walking!
What to Pack For Florence in October
- You should pack an umbrella or a raincoat for unexpected rains.
- You should also bring a jacket for chilly evenings.
- While traveling, make sure to carry water with you; it might get hot and humid.
- You should wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking in the city.
- Bring your sunglasses and hat too because too much sun can be damaging to your eyes.
Getting Around Florence in October
- Public transport in Florence is undertaken by ATAF&LI-NEA.
- Metropolitana, a subway system that covers much of the city. It's fairly easy to use, and tickets cost about €1.50 per ride.
- Another option is the bus system. Buses usually run more frequently during the daytime. Tickets for buses cost about €2 per ride.
- Cabs are also readily available in Florence.
Where to Stay in Florence in October
There are many hotels in Florence, and each hotel has a different style to offer tourists. The budget-friendly hotels have modern amenities, while the luxury hotels offer historic designs.
Budget: Hotel Eden, Hotel Palazzuolo Florence, Hotel Arno Bellariva
Mid-range: B&B Hotel Firenze City Centre, Hotel Duca D’Aosta, Hotel Deco, Hotel Bijou
Luxury:Hotel Savoy, The Westin Excelsior, The St. Regis, Four Seasons Hotel
What to eat in Florence in October
Florence offers plenty of options for food lovers. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, you're sure to find what you need in Florence.
Trattoria Camillo: This is the perfect place for a cozy dinner with friends or family. The menu has a variety of items to choose from, and it's always changing so you'll never get bored.
La Giostra: This restaurant is excellent for both traditional Italian food as well as some more modern twists on the format. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service is attentive and friendly.
Ora d’Aria: Ora d'Aria is a restaurant that has been around for decades and is still popular today. The menu offers a variety of traditional Italian dishes such as carbonara and gnocchi.
Explore Florence Through the Year
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Florence in October
The best time to visit Florence is October as the weather is pleasant and the streets are not as crowded, compared to other months.
The best things to do in Florence in October are visiting the Uffizi Gallery, wandering inside Michelangelo's David, and exploring the Duomo.
The average temperature in Florence in October is 19°C, with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. While the weather is certainly cooler than in the summer months, it's still relatively mild and comfortable for exploring the city. pack a light jacket or sweater to wear in the evenings.
Florence in October is moderately warm with an average temperature of 59 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. It's quite humid, but the evenings tend to be cooler.
The mornings can be sunny in Florence in October. The weather in Florence in October is usually mild with some occasional showers. The average high temperature is 21 degrees Celsius (70 Fahrenheit) and the average low is 12 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit).
Dress comfortably in a light jacket or sweater and some warm clothes when traveling outside during the day.
Thunderstorms and rain showers are common in Florence in the month of October.
Florence is not an overly expensive city to visit. You can expect to find moderate prices for accommodation, food, and activities.
The city, in general, is quite safe and active. There are a lot of tourists around, so you won't feel unsafe when you're going around.
The most important things to see in Florence in October are the many colorful palaces, churches, museums and festivities. You can also enjoy the fall weather to the fullest.
October has the Sagra Della Pesca Bianca, The Vendemmia and Così fan tutte.
The temperature in Florence in October averages around 11-21 degrees Celsius (59-69 degrees Fahrenheit).
One of the best things to do with kids in Florence in October is to visit the nearby Boboli Park, a beautiful park that has a lot of green space, trees, and flowers. There are also hours of entertainment and activities for both kids and adults!
The big festival in Florence during October is Santa Reparata Festival.