Referred to as a nation within a nation, the picture-perfect region of Tuscany is truly a world of its own. The entire region is recognized for its dramatic landscapes, but it’s so much more than just a beautiful face. Tuscany possesses a strong linguistic and cultural identity formed by historic cities, world-class art, and rustic gastronomy. As one of Italy’s most popular regions, you’ll find plenty to do here. So much, in fact, that there simply won’t be enough time to discover all of its hidden gems. After all, some of Tuscany’s best delights are those you stumble upon rather than plan out. But plan you must to make the most of this region and discover secrets like the best time to visit Tuscany. So for the best weather, festivals, and more, prepare to plan your picture-perfect Tuscan getaway.
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The Weather in Tuscany
If you’ve looked into traveling to Tuscany before, you’ve likely heard that regardless of the season you visit it’s magic (psst, and that’s pretty true for all of Italy). And while it’s also true that Tuscany is a great destination year-round, the season can completely change your experience of the region. From the vibrant splashes of color in spring to the full-bodied flavors of fall, picking the right season will ensure you have a perfect trip, every time.
Spring (March to May)
Want a splash of color and a slow tourism dream? Spring brings life back into the Tuscan region after a cool season of wind and rain. And if you’re waiting for winter to thaw, you won’t have to wait long; temperatures warm up fast here. While March starts things off at a breezy 60°F, May quickly climbs to as high as 77°F, more than warm enough for some beach-lovers to warrant a quick trip to the eastern coast. But Tuscany’s rolling countryside and quaint cities are where the real magic awaits.
Red poppies bloom along roadsides and in green fields while wisteria climbs city walls and terraces. Soak in a Tuscan hot spring, shop local markets, and explore the charming cities, from iconic Florence, with its bustling squares and art-filled museums, to quieter gems like Val d’Orcia, with its scenic rolling hills and picturesque cypress trees. And you won’t want to miss out on the springtime sagras. Exploding carts and stunning fireworks, intricate flower parades with living art, and traditional donkey races are just the start of the colorful festivities. Spring is quietly bold and loudly beautiful.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Natural Beauty
Summer (June to August)
If you think spring is a pop of color, get ready for summer. The warm months bring with them a vibrancy that’s seen, felt, and, best of all, experienced. Between outdoor fairs, summer festivals, and picture-perfect beach days, Tuscany buzzes with so much activity that there doesn’t seem to be a moment to rest. But if you need a break, afternoons are a perfect time for a bit of riposo. Temperatures in the summer spike, and midday brings the heat in a big way, with average highs in the 80s and 90s across the region. That, paired with the large crowds, might make lazing by the pool or lying out on the beach the most attractive options for the daytime. But summer all but demands your attention.
Check out fun summer sagras, like the Palio di Siena for competitive horse racing or the Festival of Luminara di San Ranieri in Pisa for an impressive display of a city lit by candlelight. If you want to explore, the early morning and late evening see slightly cooler temps, making it possible to enjoy a range of activities, from hiking to al fresco dining. The cool summer night breezes are perfect for sipping on glasses of wine, watching the sunset over rolling hills, and taking an evening passeggiata along cobblestone streets. For a break from the city and crowds, consider an agriturismo (farm stay). Enjoy wine tours and cooking classes at Tenuta Guardastelle or treat yourself to gorgeous views and a farm-to-table experience you won’t forget at Agriturismo Il Segreto di Pietrafitta.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Beach Trips and Festivals Galore
Fall (September to November)
Every season gets its fair share of love. Still, it’s almost inarguable that for many, the best time to visit Tuscany is in the fall. Fall brings a unique flavor and flair to the Tuscan region that’s not present at any other time of the year. Gone is the oppressive summer heat, gone are the summer crowds, and gone are the lazy, lethargic days by the pool. Crisp air, gold-plated scenery, and cultural festivals rich with food and fervor reign supreme.
Temperatures in autumn fall to a manageable 81°F in September and 72°F in October before dropping to 60°F in November. Evenings are the definition of sweater weather, or at least a light jacket to keep warm on the crisper autumn nights. Much like the temp, prices also see a dip in the fall, though it’s common for the season to see a few price hikes thanks to the grape harvest.
The grape harvest, vendemmia, is one of the biggest events on the calendar in Tuscany. It’s not just about producing wine; it’s about celebrating the culture, community, and heart that goes into creating some of Italy’s finest wines. You haven’t truly experienced Tuscany in autumn unless you participate in harvesting and sampling the wine for yourself. But wine isn’t the only flavor on the table. Between the grapes, olives, truffles, and chestnuts—fall offers a smorgasbord of tastes to please your palate and fun festivals to bring the season to life.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Wine Tours
Winter (December to February)
While winter is very rarely touted as the best time to visit Tuscany, travelers shouldn’t let that dissuade them from considering a cold-season getaway. In truth, winter is a sleeper season, with some enviable qualities that just can’t be replicated at any other time of the year. First and foremost, there’s the crowds, or rather, there’s the distinct lack of them. Winter slows the region down. From the cities to the countryside, the crowds that are present throughout the rest of the year disappear. Of course, there’s a good reason for that. Temperatures drop in the winter, with highs ranging from 41°F to 59°F. But despite the cold winds from the north and the rain, Tuscany remains relatively mild and pleasant in the winter.
The best thing visitors can do during this time is to keep their itineraries flexible: adapt plans to the weather, and don’t be afraid to step off the tourist trail to discover the often-overlooked aspects of this region. Tour famous museums and galleries unencumbered by the crowds. Explore villages and neighborhoods that lie off the beaten path. While snow doesn’t cover the countryside like it does the Dolomites, the northern and hillier areas see their fair share of powder, making this an excellent time to hit the slopes and experience Tuscany’s breathtaking winter wonderlands.
Or, take the opposite approach. Instead of diving into the snow, dive into the warm hot springs dotting the region for a relaxing and heated break from the chill. With fewer crowds, cheaper flights and hotels, and singular experiences to be had, winter may not be Tuscany’s growing season, but it still manages to bear plenty of fruit.
Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Travel Deals
Tuscany’s Most Popular Annual Events
The sagras you’ll find in Tuscany are as colorful as the region itself. From festivals full of bright blooming colors to competitive sports challenges and celebrations that literally light up the dark, Tuscany’s sagras paint a picture of its rich traditions and vibrant celebrations that demand to be experienced—one cheer, one bite, one prize at a time.
Carnevale di Viareggio (February to March)
On a normal day, the town of Viareggio in Tuscany is a small beach town with a reserved air. But when February rolls around, it becomes the site of one of the most renowned carnival celebrations in Italy. For carnival, this little town goes big: big parades, big floats, and big personalities. Every weekend night in February and into March, the streets fill with marching bands, colossal floats, and dramatic masks and costumes worn by performers and spectators alike. Between the art, performances, and all-night block parties, it’s a one-of-a-kind event that turns this sleepy town in Tuscany into a party you won’t forget.
Scoppio del Carro (March or April)
Celebrate Easter with a bang. The city of Florence has a particular Easter Sunday tradition that draws locals and visitors alike to the streets to watch an unusual event: the ‘Scoppio del Carro,’ or exploding cart. Every year, the city puts on a show involving a procession of musicians and Florentines in medieval garb, a mechanical dove, a pair of white oxen, and, the pièce de résistance, a 30-foot antique cart filled with fireworks. In a city known for its sensational views and jaw-dropping cultural moments, this age-old tradition fits right in with modern dramatics. From start to finish, it’s a spectacle of epic proportions that will keep you glued to the magic of the moment.
Maggiolata di Lucignano (May)
Nothing says “spring is here” quite like a flower festival! And in Lucignano, visitors will find one of the most colorful and fragrant odes to the arrival of spring in the Maggiolata Lucignanese. On the last two Sundays of May, the four village districts compete to see who has the most flower power. The result is a city covered in flowers, from its streets and alleys to its arches and balconies. But the competition doesn’t stop there. The city also hosts a parade, during which the districts compete for the most in-theme, original float for the glory of possessing the Golden Gryphon. The festivities culminate in a Battle of the Flowers, where the blooms adorning the carriages are stripped and thrown into the crowd, creating an aromatic carpet of rainbow-colored hues. It’s a magical event that’ll please your nose as much as your eyes.
Calcio Storico Fiorentino (June)
Sports lovers spending the summer in Florence will naturally gravitate toward this old folklore tradition. Said to have originated in the Middle Ages, the game is a blend of modern-day soccer, rugby, and wrestling. However, rather than those modern games, spectators are more likely to recall the look of gladiator games while watching Calcio Storico. Because, despite its resemblances to modern sports, this is a period game, plain and simple, right down to the historical costumes the players wear. Pitted against one another by neighborhood and playing for honor and glory, it’s a thrilling ride that will easily get viewers’ blood up and keep their eyes riveted on every action-packed moment.
Il Gioco del Ponte (June)
This historical reenactment brings history to life in Pisa. On the last Saturday of June, the city hosts two major events: a parade and a battle. The parade proceeds first along the riverbank and toward the bridge, featuring over 700 people in total dressed in costume. This leads to the day’s main event, the Battle of Ponte di Mezzo. Teams representing the historical rivalries of the Northern (Tramontana) and Southern (Mezzogiorno) troops vie for control of the bridge. It’s a titanic clash of power and strength that spectators won’t be able to look away from!
Luminara di San Ranieri (June)
Hit the streets on the night of June 16 to view Pisa lit up by more than 100,000 candle lanterns. This tradition dates back hundreds of years to 1688 and honors the city’s patron saint. Candles are placed on wooden frames around the perimeter of buildings all over the city—from its palaces to churches. Even the Tower of Pisa is part of the action, with oil lamps illuminating all eight floors. Lights are also placed on the city wall bafflements, and floating lights are sent bobbing down the Arno River. It’s a magical display that lights the city in warm yellow hues and, at the end of the night, is topped off with a bang, as fireworks shoot off from the Cittadella and bridges around the city. It’s a singularly beautiful festival that turns the summer night into one of enchantment.
Giosta del Saracino (June & September)
Travel back in time during the Giosta del Saracino, a traditional jousting tournament first held in 1260. Today, it’s a combination of historical reenactment and full-blown competition. The event features a parade, with a procession of roughly 350 costumed characters and 27 horses. But the main event is undoubtedly the joust. Eight “knights,” two from each of the city’s four districts, go head to head against a metal automaton. It’s a rousing show taking place on the last Saturday of June and the first Sunday of September, highlighting a key tradition in Arezzo’s history.
Palio di Siena (July & August)
Touted as Italy’s most famous horse race, the Palio di Siena is a centuries-old tradition that’s become one of the summer’s most anticipated events. Lasting a total of four days, the event brings the community together into their respective districts, contrade, to compete for glory. But while the event lasts four days, the race itself passes in a blink, so be sure to keep your eyes on the track! The race lasts roughly one minute, with the winning contrade being the first horse to cross the finish line after the third lap—even if their jockey is no longer in tow! It’s a thrilling 60 seconds of hoof-pounding, adrenaline-pumping fun. And best of all, if you miss the first race on July 2, you can watch it all again on August 16!
Bravio delle Botti (August)
Traditionally a horse racing competition held between the eight districts of the town of Montepulciano, the modern-day Bravio delle Botti is something else entirely: a barrel race. Now, we know what you’re thinking. Barrel racing equals rodeo, which means this is still a type of horse racing. Well, not quite. This modern-day event has nothing to do with horses and everything to do with teams of men, consisting of two individuals, pushing barrels of wine in an uphill race through the scenic streets of Montepulciano’s historic center. Add in a historic court procession with more than 300 people in medieval garb, lively fans and participants watching and cheering on their contrade, and plenty of history and tradition, and this is one original event you won’t want to miss.
Gioco del Cacio al Fuso (September)
If you’ve ever wanted to play with your food, head to Pienza in September for a fun and unusual annual festival. Held in the picturesque town of Pienza, the Gioco del Cacio al Fuso festival celebrates all things cheese. For five days, cheese lovers can dive into the rich traditions and tastes of this Cheese Fair festival, from a tasty cheese market to fun cultural performances. But attendees can’t miss the Cacio al Fuso Competition, where the town’s contrade compete in an entertaining game of rolling cheese. It’s cheesy good fun for cheese lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone in search of a good time.
National White Truffle Market (November)
The charming town of San Miniato feels a bit bigger when hosting the largest truffle event in Tuscany. Gourmet fans rejoice—this moment is for you. Held every second, third, and fourth weekend in November, this foodie fair combines truffles and other local produce for a culinary event that treats your taste buds like the star of the show. Chow down on traditional truffle recipes, go truffle hunting, and buy up a tasty souvenir for the time when you inevitably have to leave the Tuscan countryside behind. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the season and treat your taste buds to dishes they’ll be dreaming about for the next year.
Know the Best Time to Go
Tuscany glows golden in every season, but whether you’re hoping to experience some of that shine or pocket some for yourself will determine the best time to pack your bags and go. From experiencing Tuscany sans the crowds to kicking back in a Tuscan vineyard with wine in hand, it’s not hard to carve out your perfect slice of Tuscan bliss.
The Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Low Prices
Prices in Tuscany rise and fall with the seasons, and consequently the crowds, in a never-ending cycle of low to high and back again. Summer is when it hits its peak. The summer heat brings crowds and high prices rolling into town like a couple on a tandem bike. Summer vacation, summer trips, summer festivals—you name it, June to August is the time of year when prices skyrocket. Even prices in May and September, on the cusp of the summer season, feel the effects. So if you want to save big, you’ll have to take the road less traveled and choose the winter months. Winter is the best time to visit Tuscany to save on experiences from museum visits and wine tours to agriturismo and hotel stays. And because Tuscan winters can remain rather mild, you’ll find your itinerary isn’t greatly encumbered by bad weather or feet of snow.
The Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Fewer Crowds
Tuscany is a popular kid through and through, so you’ll find people traveling here throughout the year. But that doesn’t mean the crowds are always present or inescapable. The best time to visit Tuscany for fewer crowds is undoubtedly the winter season. Winter sees the mass droves of tourists exit the city, and a calmer, serene atmosphere takes hold.
This makes it the perfect time to visit normally bustling cities like Florence and explore often overcrowded attractions, from museums like the Uffizi Gallery to landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And don’t let the weather scare you off. While Tuscan winters can be cold, they’re still fairly pleasant, with temperatures that range from mild to chilly. But if you would prefer your weather to be slightly more on the fairer side, a visit during late spring and early fall will deliver, though you may find yourself encountering some spillover from the summer crowds.
The Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Good Weather
Good weather in Tuscany abounds, so whether you want the perfect summer weather for hitting the beach or a mild winter where you can still venture outside, Tuscany will deliver the ideal time to go, perfectly gift-wrapped for you. But as far as good weather goes, there’s no better time to visit Tuscany than the late spring or early fall. Spring temperatures are warm, the hillsides are green, and flowers bloom across the landscape.
Tuscany in spring is summarized by picturesque beauty that’s only rivaled by the vibrant hues of autumn. With temperatures cooling off from the summer, autumn days are warm, while the nights are crisp, and everything takes on a golden hue and unique flavor buoyed by all the fun food festivals during this time of year. With clear skies, bright sunshine, and pleasant temps, you can’t go wrong with a spring or fall getaway to Tuscany.
The Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Festivals
Tuscany boasts fun festivals year-round, from the vibrant Carnevale that rounds out winter to the blooming Maggiolata in Lucignano announcing the arrival of spring and the many scrumptious food festivals that let visitors know autumn is in full swing. But if you want to be delighted by fun, quirky, and unusual festivals, no season does it quite like summer. Summer brings the heat in a big way, with competitive horse races, jousting tournaments, ancient football, barrel racing—the list goes on.
And while those will get your blood pumping, be sure not to miss out on the other summer traditions, like Luminara in Pisa, Effetto Venezia in Livorno, Festival Puccini in Torre del Lago, and so many more. Whether you’re looking for a fun summer concert, a moving community tradition, or a brawl between neighbors in the fight for glory, summer is the season of the sagra.
The Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Wine Lovers
Travelers can enjoy wine in any season, but without a doubt, there’s one season that shines brighter than all the rest: autumn. The crisp air of fall breathes new life into the Tuscan region and, more specifically, its wine culture. September marks the beginning of the Vendemmia, and it’s a fun time to explore the region’s culture. Attend wine festivals, join a tour, and in some of the smaller communities, you can even participate in grape picking. While you can enjoy wine in Tuscany year-round, fall brings the rich traditions and flavors of wine to life in a way that makes you appreciate every sip all the more.
