When to Go to Tuscany (2024)

By Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw

Tuscany's best travel months (also its busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, and October. These months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather.

June is especially festive in the area, with parades, dances, and games in Florence for the feast of St. John the Baptist (June 24 each year). The week before (on June 16 and 17), Pisa is lit up for Feast of St. Ranieri, with fireworks, candles on the river, and a regatta.

The most grueling thing about travel in Tuscany is the summer heat in July and August, when temperatures hit the high 80s and 90s. Most midrange hotels come with air-conditioning — a worthwhile splurge in the summer — but it's often available only from June through September. August is vacation time for Italians, with cities emptying out for a week before and two weeks after the August 15 Ferragosto holiday (marking the Assumption of Mary). City hotels consider this period low season.

In April and October, you'll generally need a sweater or light jacket in the evening. In winter the temperatures can drop to the 40s or 50s. Off-season has none of the sweat and stress of the tourist season, but sights may have shorter hours, lunchtime breaks, and fewer activities. Confirm your sightseeing plans online and/or locally, especially when traveling off-season.

Gene Openshaw is the co-author of the Rick Steves Florence & Tuscany guidebook.

When to Go to Tuscany (2024)

FAQs

When should I go to Tuscany? ›

The best times to visit Tuscany are between late September and October and between April and May. During these months, travelers will find comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds at the major sights. As expected, summer ushers in high temperatures and heavy crowds.

How many days in Tuscany is enough? ›

7 days - enough time for a solid itinerary

A 7-day trip to Tuscany gives you enough time to check off many of the highlights, while also spending some time enjoying the region's gorgeous countryside. It's not enough days to see the entire region, but it will let you beyond just the surface.

What months to visit Tuscany? ›

Tuscany's best travel months (also its busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, and October.

What are the best dates to visit Tuscany? ›

The best time to visit Tuscany is in mid-to-late spring (April to May) or early fall (September to October). The Tuscan landscape is at its most vibrant during these times and the weather is particularly pleasant, with temperatures around 63°F to 79°F.

When not to visit Tuscany? ›

There are many good reasons for avoiding Tuscany during the summer months, including not experiencing some of the heat common in July and August. The high season for Tuscany starts with good weather between April and May and ends in September, generally speaking. The "low season" are the remaining months.

Can you do Tuscany in 3 days? ›

The secret to a successful Tuscan trip is to divide the region into smaller areas and devote a day to exploring each. With three days, you'll be able to savor the landscapes of the Val d'Orcia, the hill towns and wineries of Chianti, and the art and architecture in Lucca and Pisa.

Where is the best place to base yourself in Tuscany? ›

Where to base yourself in Tuscany
  • Florence. Florence is by far Tuscany most popular destination, regarded as the birthplace of Renaissance. ...
  • Siena. ...
  • Lucca. ...
  • Arezzo. ...
  • San Gimignano. ...
  • Pitigliano. ...
  • Pienza. ...
  • Chianti Wine Region.

What is the best base for a week in Tuscany? ›

Chianti is a great base to explore Tuscany, but also the famous medieval hill town with towers, San Gimignano, is a very good base to visit Tuscany. Florence and Siena are both incredibly wonderful, though very different from each other, the first being mostly a Renaissance town, while the second entirely medieval.

What are the rainiest months in Tuscany? ›

On average, November is the month with the most precipitation but October, December, March and April also generally get a good amount of rain without being super wet. Every year is different so these are just to give you an idea of what to expect.

Do you need a car when visiting Tuscany? ›

Having a car in Tuscany is not absolutely required in all locations, of course—but can improve the experience so much. Right here, where we have chosen to base ourselves, we are in a prime location for exploring with ease—by car.

Is it worth going to Tuscany? ›

So, whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, Tuscany has something for you. With its beautiful scenery and good food and wine, it's no wonder why so many people flock to this region every year during the springtime season.

What is the most visited city in Tuscany? ›

Florence. Don't forget to dedicate a day or two to explore the marvels that await you in Florence, the capital of Tuscany. This exciting city promises not only some of the most important museums in Italy, but also great shopping, wonderful art and history... and some of the most delicious gelato ever!

How to see Tuscany on a budget? ›

Traveling Tuscany on a Budget
  1. Seek out freebies and all-access passes.
  2. For country or seaside escapes, think outside the box.
  3. Skip the tip.
  4. Try this meal plan: countertop coffee at breakfast, long and leisurely lunch, low-key dinner.
  5. Travel during “low season”
  6. Plan (particularly transport and meals)

What is the most beautiful drive in Tuscany? ›

There are two main driving routes crossing Tuscany that we highly suggest you go through; both are famous for their sensational scenery and their beautiful sights, the Via Chiantigiana, and the Via Cassia.

What is the rainy season in Tuscany? ›

Usually summers in Tuscany are hot with little or no rain. Spring (April and May) and Autumn (October and November) are milder and rainier, but there are still plenty of dry, sunny days. Winter can still have some sunny days but is usually wetter and colder, especially at night.

Is Pisa or Florence closer to Tuscany? ›

The nearest airport to Tuscany is Florence (FLR) Airport which is 38.5 km away. Other nearby airports include Pisa (PSA) (65.4 km), Bologna (BLQ) (119.7 km) and Bastia (BIA) (168.7 km).

Is it expensive to visit Tuscany? ›

A one week trip to Tuscany usually costs around $1,168 (€1,073) for one person and $2,335 (€2,147) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Tuscany on average costs around $2,335 (€2,147) for one person and $4,671 (€4,294) for two people.

What is the best climate in Tuscany? ›

Taking the weather into consideration, we would say Umbria and Tuscany's best travel months (which are also its busiest and most expensive) are April, May, June, September, and October. These months combine the convenience of peak season with pleasant weather. They have sunny days, with some rainy days as well.

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