Spring in Florence feels like the perfect mix of mild temperatures, longer days, and a lively vibe that makes exploring the city a real treat. Average daytime highs climb from the upper 50s °F in March to the upper 70s °F by May, so you get comfortable weather for wandering historic streets and open-air squares. As spring rolls on, the clouds start to clear, and you’ll notice more sunshine.
You’ll probably run into some rain, especially in April, but showers don’t usually last long and the skies brighten up quickly. By mid-spring, daylight stretches past 13 hours, giving you plenty of time to hit museums, gardens, or viewpoints without feeling rushed.
With a nice balance of warmth, light, and manageable crowds, spring stands out as one of the most practical times to experience Florence.
When you know the typical weather, it’s easier to plan what to pack and which activities fit best each month. Whether you’re eyeing outdoor terraces, a stroll along the Arno, or day trips into Tuscany, the spring climate sets the scene for a comfortable and rewarding visit.
Overview of Spring Weather in Florence
Florence shakes off the cold, damp winter months as spring arrives, bringing warmer, brighter days. You’ll notice milder temperatures, more daylight, and less heavy rainfall compared to late autumn and winter.
This time of year just feels right for exploring the city.
Typical Weather Patterns
From March through May, Florence warms up steadily. March starts off cool, with highs near 15°C (59°F), and by May, you’re looking at 23–24°C (73–75°F).
Nights in early spring can still feel chilly, sometimes dipping close to 5°C (41°F) in March.
Rainfall stays moderate. April brings about 70–85 mm (2.7–3.3 in) of rain, and May tends to be a bit drier. Showers usually come and go quickly, so you can often get back outside soon after.
Daylight grows fast. By May, you’ll have nearly 15 hours of light to play with. Most days bring 5–7 hours of sunshine, which really brightens things up.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Spring feels much more comfortable than summer. July and August often hit highs over 31°C (88°F), and the heat can get pretty intense in those narrow streets.
Spring sidesteps that kind of heat, but still gives you warm afternoons.
Compared to autumn, spring brings less rain. October and November are usually the wettest, often dumping 100 mm (4 in) or more of rain. Spring showers are lighter and less frequent, so walking tours and day trips are easier.
Winter? That’s a different story. Average highs hover near 10–11°C (50–52°F), and the sky stays gray more often than not. Spring really lifts the mood with brighter days, longer daylight, and temperatures that make being outdoors way more pleasant.
Seasonal Changes in Florence
Florence really changes in spring. Gardens like the Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens burst into bloom, making outdoor visits extra inviting.
Warmer afternoons fill piazzas, markets, and café terraces with more people.
You’ll need to adjust your wardrobe as the weather shifts. March might still call for a light jacket, but by May, short sleeves and lighter clothes become the norm. Packing layers is the way to go, since mornings can still be cool.
Daylight keeps stretching out. March offers about 12 hours of light, but by late May, the sun doesn’t set until after 8:30 pm.
This gives you more time to wander Florence’s historic streets and landmarks before evening rolls in.
Monthly Average Temperatures in Spring
Spring in Florence brings steady warming, longer days, and milder evenings. Temperatures rise each month, starting with cool, damp conditions in early March and ending with warm, comfortable days by late May.
March Temperatures
March brings cool mornings and mild afternoons. Highs start at 56°F (13°C) early in the month and reach about 61°F (16°C) by the end.
Lows often dip to 39–43°F (4–6°C), so evenings and early mornings still feel pretty chilly.
Rain is fairly common, with about a 24% chance of wet days. Light jackets or layers come in handy since the weather can flip from sunny to cloudy pretty quickly.
By mid to late March, you’ll get over 12 hours of daylight, so there’s more time to explore outdoors, even if it’s still on the cool side.
| Average | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early March | 56°F (13°C) | 39°F (4°C) |
| Late March | 61°F (16°C) | 43°F (6°C) |
April Temperatures
April feels warmer and more balanced. Daytime highs reach around 66–70°F (19–21°C), while lows hover near 47–50°F (8–10°C).
Afternoons are great for walking tours, and evenings usually just need a light sweater.
Rainfall holds steady at about 1.8 inches for the month, but showers are usually brief. Skies clear up more often, with less cloud cover than in March.
Daylight stretches past 13 hours, and by late April, sunsets happen after 8:00 PM. This longer daylight makes April a sweet spot for sightseeing without the summer heat.
| Average | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early April | 66°F (19°C) | 47°F (8°C) |
| Late April | 70°F (21°C) | 50°F (10°C) |
May Temperatures
May brings the warmest spring weather. Highs average 75–78°F (24–26°C), with lows around 55–57°F (13–14°C).
It’s typically dry and sunny, and the skies clear up more than in earlier months.
Humidity ticks up a little, but muggy days are rare. Rainfall stays moderate at about 1.8 inches, and most days are dry.
By the end of May, daylight peaks at over 15 hours. Sunsets are close to 9:00 PM, so you get long evenings for outdoor dining and sightseeing.
| Average | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| Early May | 72°F (22°C) | 52°F (11°C) |
| Late May | 78°F (26°C) | 57°F (14°C) |
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Spring in Florence brings a real shift in rainfall, with wetter months early on and drier weather as summer gets closer. You’ll see moderate precipitation, but how much you get really depends on when you visit.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Florence isn’t spread evenly across March, April, and May. March usually gets around 70–80 mm of rain, making it one of the wetter months in spring.
April bumps up a bit to 80–90 mm, while May drops back down to about 70 mm.
April often feels like the dampest month, with more frequent showers than later in spring. Still, spring rain is moderate and rarely extreme, especially compared to the wet autumn months.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| March | 70–80 |
| April | 80–90 |
| May | ~70 |
These numbers give you a good idea of what to expect, though the weather can always surprise you.
Number of Rainy Days
The number of rainy days changes as spring goes on. March usually brings 9–10 rainy days. April averages 10–11 days, so showers are most likely then.
May drops down to about 8 days, which signals that drier summer weather is on the way.
Rain in Florence usually comes as quick showers, not all-day downpours. You can often get back outside soon after it rains.
A light umbrella or rain jacket is usually plenty for spring weather.
Spring doesn’t bring long rainy spells, but it’s smart to leave room for a few weather interruptions if you’re planning outdoor activities.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Florence during spring stays at a moderate level, usually between 65% and 75%. Most travelers find this pretty comfortable, especially since it’s much lower than what you’ll feel in July or August.
March might feel a bit more humid because the cool air holds moisture. By April and May, the warmer temps balance things out, so it’s pleasant for walking or sightseeing.
The mix of moderate humidity and mild temperatures makes spring one of the best seasons for outdoor fun. Mornings and evenings feel fresh, and afternoons are warm but not stifling.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Spring in Florence brings longer days, more sunshine, and fewer gray skies than winter. You’ll notice steady changes in daylight and clearer weather that make being outside a lot more enjoyable.
Average Daily Sunshine
Florence averages 5 to 7 hours of sunshine per day in spring. March sits on the lower end, while May is the brightest.
These numbers come from long-term climate records, showing that cloud cover drops as spring goes on. By late spring, you can get several days in a row with clear skies.
April and May are usually the sunniest, which gives you more flexibility for sightseeing, walking tours, or just hanging out in the city’s gardens.
Day Length Changes
Daylight steadily increases from early March to the end of May. In March, you get about 11 hours of daylight. By May, that stretches to 15 hours.
It’s wild how fast it changes week by week.
- March: ~11 to 12 hours
- April: ~13 to 14 hours
- May: ~14 to 15 hours
With more light each day, you don’t have to rush your plans. Evening light lasts longer too, which makes late dinners or evening walks even better.
Cloud Cover Patterns
Cloud cover shifts as spring moves along. In March, you’ll still see a lot of mixed skies, with about half the days pretty cloudy. By May, overcast skies drop to around 40%.
This change gives you better visibility and nicer conditions for photography or sightseeing. You’ll get clearer views of landmarks like the Duomo and the Tuscan hills.
Spring does bring some brief rain showers, but they’re usually followed by brighter skies. The combo of less cloud cover and longer days makes late spring especially great for outdoor activities.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Florence in spring usually brings gentle breezes and steady air pressure. These conditions are ideal for walking around the city or spending time outside without worrying about strong winds or sudden changes.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winds in Florence during spring stay light to moderate. Most days, you’ll feel average speeds around 4 mph, which is calm enough for just about any outdoor activity.
April gets a bit windier than March or May. Sometimes wind speeds reach 8–9 mph in the afternoons, but even then, the breeze feels more refreshing than bothersome.
Florence sits in a valley surrounded by hills, so strong winds aren’t as common as they are along the coast. The geography helps shield the city, keeping things pretty mild.
If you head out into the open countryside, you might notice more variation.
Overall, spring winds in Florence are steady and predictable. They don’t get in the way of walking, cycling, or dining outdoors, and honestly, they add to the pleasant feel of the season.
Air Pressure Variations
In spring, air pressure in Florence usually stays pretty steady. The average sits around 756 inHg, which keeps the atmosphere balanced.
This kind of stability means you probably won’t run into any wild weather swings from pressure drops or spikes.
If the pressure does shift, you’ll most likely just see a few light showers, not anything severe. These patterns tend to bring mild, consistent weather and help the city warm up gradually from March through May.
Florence sits inland, so it dodges the fast pressure changes you might get along the coast. That makes planning day trips or outdoor dinners a lot less stressful.
You might notice pressure changes most during those in-between weeks, especially early March. By the time April and May roll around, things settle down, giving both locals and travelers a pretty reliable environment.
What to Expect: Packing and Activities
Florence in spring greets you with mild temperatures, some rain, and longer days. You’ll want clothes that can handle shifting weather and let you enjoy all the art, gardens, and historic streets outside.
Recommended Clothing
Spring temperatures can swing from cool mornings to warm afternoons, so layering is essential. In March and April, a light jacket or cardigan comes in handy, but by May, you’ll probably feel fine in just a shirt or blouse during the day.
Pack jeans, lightweight trousers, or skirts and toss in breathable tops. On warmer days, cotton and linen will help you stay comfortable. Evenings can sneak up chilly, so a scarf or light sweater makes sense.
April tends to bring more rain, so a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket is a smart move. Florence is all about walking, so don’t forget comfortable shoes. Stylish sneakers or leather flats work well and won’t make you stand out on the cobblestones.
Here’s a quick clothing guide:
| Item | Why Bring It |
|---|---|
| Light jacket | Cool mornings/evenings |
| Umbrella or raincoat | April showers |
| Comfortable shoes | Walking on cobblestones |
| Scarf | Extra warmth, versatile |
| Linen/cotton tops | Breathable in warmer afternoons |
Popular Outdoor Activities
Spring makes Florence perfect for getting outside. You can walk through the historic center and check out spots like the Duomo or Piazza della Signoria without sweating through the summer heat.
The Boboli Gardens and Bardini Gardens really show off in spring, with bright flowers and amazing city views. Climbing the Duomo or Giotto’s Bell Tower feels much easier in these temperatures.
Tuscany’s countryside is at its best for day trips now. Vineyards and olive groves look lush, and the weather is just right for wine tasting or a short hike.
April and May also bring the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a music and opera festival that attracts performers from all over.
You could even take a boat ride along the Arno River and see Florence’s bridges and skyline from a totally different angle.
Tips for Visiting Florence in Spring
Check the weather forecast a week before your trip so you can adjust your packing. April can surprise you with rain, so planning ahead really helps dodge last-minute hassles.
Book tickets early for big attractions like the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia Gallery. Spring draws plenty of visitors, especially around Easter, and skip-the-line tickets usually save you a lot of time.
Plan to walk most of the city—Florence’s best moments happen on foot. Bring shoes you trust for all-day comfort, since public transport barely reaches the historic center.
Florence’s charm really shines when you wander through its narrow streets and lively piazzas. You’ll discover more that way than you ever could on a bus.
Dining outdoors is a favorite local pastime in spring. Lots of restaurants set up terraces or courtyards, and those mild evenings make eating outside a real treat.
If rain shows up, you can always duck into a cozy trattoria for a comforting meal.
Carry a small day bag for water, sunscreen, and a light layer. The weather can turn quickly, and being prepared just makes everything easier.