Best time to visit Florence at a glance
There is no single best month, but the climate figures point to spring and early autumn. In April and May the average high is 19.9 and 24.5 degrees Celsius. In September it is 27.1 degrees, in October 21.6. July and August reach 32.2 and 32.5 degrees on average, which is a lot for a day on foot and a 463-step dome climb.
The figures below are climate averages for 1991 to 2020 at the Peretola weather station, not a forecast for 2026. They tell you what is typical, not what your week will bring. If the dome is the main reason for your trip, read the dome climb guide as well, since the climb is the part of the visit that weather and timing affect most.
Florence weather month by month
Average daily high and low in degrees Celsius and the average monthly rain in millimetres, 1991 to 2020.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.2 | 2.1 | 64 |
| February | 12.7 | 2.5 | 64 |
| March | 16.3 | 5.3 | 62 |
| April | 19.9 | 8.0 | 67 |
| May | 24.5 | 12.1 | 66 |
| June | 29.1 | 16.0 | 48 |
| July | 32.2 | 18.3 | 26 |
| August | 32.5 | 18.5 | 40 |
| September | 27.1 | 14.7 | 74 |
| October | 21.6 | 11.0 | 104 |
| November | 15.7 | 6.7 | 118 |
| December | 11.4 | 2.8 | 88 |
For most visitors, April, May and September give the mildest balance of warmth and rain. October is on average much wetter than July, so pack for showers if you come then.
Our pick: book a fixed slot
Our take: in busy months, a set dome time is the simplest way to plan your visit.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Duomo tickets and tours
Dome climbs, guided visits and Duomo passes, with live prices and availability.
What each season means for a Duomo visit
The cathedral itself is free to enter, while the dome, bell tower, museum, baptistery and Santa Reparata need a pass.
Spring, March to May
Highs rise from 16.3 to 24.5 degrees and rain stays around 62 to 67 mm a month. The climb up the dome is comfortable in these months. Book your dome slot ahead, because it pays to plan early when visitor numbers are high.
Summer, June to August
July and August highs are above 32 degrees, and July is the driest month. Choose the first dome slot of the day, which opens at 08:15 from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and holidays the dome opens only from 12:45 to 17:15.
Autumn, September to November
September is warm at 27.1 degrees, October cooler and wetter, and November is the wettest month with 118 mm. A museum and the cathedral interior are a good wet-day plan. See what is nearby on the Piazza for more ideas.
Winter, December to February
Highs are around 11 to 13 degrees and lows between 2.1 and 2.8 degrees. Winter does not mean empty. There are no monthly visitor counts, so plan the dome and bell tower the same way you would in any other season.
Days, hours and closures to plan around
Timing matters as much as the month. These rules apply across the year, and the timetable is the general one, not a guarantee for every day, so check your day before you go.
- The cathedral is open for visits Monday to Saturday from 10:15 to 15:45. There are no tourist visits on Sundays or during religious services.
- The dome runs Monday to Friday from 08:15 to 19:30, Saturday until 17:15, and Sunday and holidays from 12:45 to 17:15.
- The museum is closed on the first Tuesday of every month. The baptistery closes at 13:30 on the first Sunday of the month.
- The whole complex is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday and 25 December.
- If you travel in November 2026, note that the bell tower is closed from 9 to 13 November and the dome from 16 to 20 November.
Full times for every part of the complex are on the opening hours page.
What stays the same in every month
A few things do not depend on the season.
Passes last three calendar days
The regular passes are valid for 3 calendar days from your chosen date, and the time slot you reserve falls on the first day. The other monuments can be visited on any of the remaining days, during their opening hours.
Restoration
The vault mosaics of the baptistery are not visible because of restoration, and the view from the bell tower may be limited. This applies in every season.
ID for the dome
The dome ticket is personal. Bring a photo ID, which has been checked at the dome entrance since 1 March 2025.
Looking at Florence beyond the Duomo? For the Accademia Gallery and the David, see the best time to see the David, and for the bridges and the Uffizi, the best time for the Ponte Vecchio.
Keep planning
Tickets, hours and a place to stay.
Best time to visit Florence: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Florence?
April, May and September are the mildest for walking and climbing, with highs of 19.9, 24.5 and 27.1 degrees. These are averages from 1991 to 2020, not a promise for any week.
Which month is the hottest?
August, with an average high of 32.5 degrees. July follows at 32.2 degrees. If you visit then, take an early dome slot.
Which month has the most rain?
November, with an average of 118 mm. October (104 mm) and December (88 mm) are also wet. July is the driest at 26 mm.
Is the Duomo quiet in winter?
No monthly visitor numbers are available, so do not count on short queues. Book the dome in advance whatever the month.
Are there closures I should know about?
The whole complex is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday and 25 December. In November 2026 the bell tower is closed from 9 to 13 November and the dome from 16 to 20 November.
Is this the official Duomo website?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no connection to the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Archdiocese or the City of Florence.