Thinking about a fall trip to Florence? You’ll want to get ready for a season that flips between shifting skies, cooler evenings, and a blend of sunny and rainy days. Daily highs usually start in the mid-80s °F in early September and dip to the mid-50s °F by late November. Lows slide from the low 60s °F to around 40°F. As autumn goes on, you’ll see more clouds and a steady rise in rainfall, which feels like a real change after the dry, bright summer.
Daylight hours get shorter as fall progresses. In September, you get over 13 hours of daylight, but by November, it’s just over 9. Humidity drops compared to summer, so walking outside feels nicer, though you’ll want light rain gear handy. Crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and cool nights make it a great time to explore Florence without the summer crowds.
Let’s break down what you can expect each month—temperature ranges, rainfall, daylight, and what to pack. With a bit of planning, you can really enjoy Florence’s fall weather and dive into seasonal fun like wine harvest festivals, olive oil tastings, and scenic walks through those historic streets.
Overview of Average Fall Weather in Florence
Florence slides out of summer and into chillier, crisper weather by November. Highs drop from about 29 °C (84 °F) in early September to around 12 °C (54 °F) by late November. Nights get cooler faster, with lows going from 17 °C (63 °F) down to 4 °C (39 °F).
Rain shows up more often as the weeks pass. The odds of a rainy day rise from about 20% in September to nearly 30% by November. Monthly rainfall climbs from roughly 49 mm in September to about 68 mm in November. Early November often brings the heaviest rain.
Clouds take over more of the sky as fall goes on. Early September still brings plenty of clear or partly cloudy days, but by late fall, overcast skies are the norm. Days get noticeably shorter, shrinking from over 13 hours in early September to just over 9 hours by late November.
Humidity keeps dropping. At first, you might still feel a muggy afternoon here or there, but by late fall, the air turns drier and cooler. Winds pick up a bit too, shifting from light westerlies in September to more easterly breezes later in the season.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 29 °C / 84 °F | 17 °C / 63 °F | ~49 | ~13 hrs |
| October | 21 °C / 70 °F | 11 °C / 52 °F | ~68 | ~11 hrs |
| November | 12 °C / 54 °F | 4 °C / 39 °F | ~68+ | ~9 hrs |
Monthly Breakdown: September, October, November
Fall in Florence shifts steadily from late-summer warmth to cooler, wetter days. Early autumn means higher temperatures and lighter clothes. By late fall, you’ll want jackets and umbrellas, since rain picks up and daylight fades.
September Weather Patterns
September almost tricks you into thinking it’s still summer, especially at the start. Daytime highs hit around 27°C (81°F), and nights cool off to about 16°C (61°F). Warm afternoons feel perfect for outdoor sightseeing, but you might need a light sweater after sunset.
Rainfall starts to pick up compared to August. Plan for about 70–80 mm of rain spread over several days. Storms usually come in short, heavy bursts, not all-day drizzles, so a small umbrella is a smart move.
Daylight lasts about 12–13 hours. After showers, the air can feel humid, but evening breezes help. September strikes a nice balance of warmth and manageable crowds before the cooler weather rolls in.
October Weather Trends
By October, Florence cools down a lot. Highs fall to 20–22°C (68–72°F), and nighttime lows drop to 11–13°C (52–55°F). A light jacket works for daytime, but you’ll want something warmer at night.
Rain gets more common, with totals around 90–100 mm for the month. Showers are usually steady, not just quick bursts, so waterproof shoes and layers are a good idea. Even with more rain, many afternoons still feel mild and great for walking.
Daylight shrinks to about 11 hours. The air feels fresher, and humidity drops compared to September. October often feels like one of the best times to wander Florence’s historic streets and gardens without sweating through your shirt.
November Climate Overview
November really starts to feel like winter’s coming. Daytime highs average 13–15°C (55–59°F), and lows dip to 6–8°C (43–46°F). Bring a heavier jacket, especially for evenings.
Rainfall averages 90 mm or more. Overcast days become pretty common, and fog sometimes shows up in the mornings, especially near the Arno River. Sunshine is rare, but you’ll catch some bright days here and there.
Daylight drops to about 9–10 hours. The city gets quieter, with fewer tourists and cooler air settling in. November feels calmer, but definitely wetter.
Temperature Ranges and Daily Highs
Florence’s fall temperatures drop quickly from summer warmth to chilly, early winter vibes. Daytime highs go down steadily, and nighttime lows fall even faster. You’ll really notice the difference between early and late fall.
Average Daytime Temperatures
In September, daytime highs often reach the upper 20s °C (low 80s °F). Afternoons still feel like summer. By November, highs usually settle around 12–14°C (mid-50s °F). That’s a pretty big swing in just a couple of months.
The change jumps out when you compare early September to late November. Early in the season, you’ll probably wear short sleeves during the day, but by late November, you’ll need a jacket even in the afternoon.
Florence almost never gets above 30°C (86°F) in fall, and it’s rare for daytime temps to stay below 8°C (46°F). So, you can count on mild to cool afternoons, with the toastiest weather at the start of the season.
| Month | Average High °C | Average High °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 27–29°C | 80–84°F |
| October | 18–21°C | 64–70°F |
| November | 12–14°C | 54–57°F |
Nighttime Lows and Variations
Nights cool off much faster than the afternoons. In early September, lows average around 16–17°C (60–63°F)—still pretty comfortable. By late November, nighttime temps often drop to 4–6°C (39–43°F), sometimes flirting with freezing on the coldest nights.
Day-to-night swings can get pretty wide, especially in October. You might enjoy a pleasant afternoon at 20°C (68°F), but after sunset, temps can fall fast into the single digits Celsius. Packing layers is the best way to handle these shifts.
Nighttime lows rarely fall below -1°C (30°F) in fall, but the odd cold snap can hit in late November. Expect crisp evenings and chilly mornings, especially as the season winds down.
| Month | Average Low °C | Average Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 16–17°C | 60–63°F |
| October | 10–11°C | 50–52°F |
| November | 4–6°C | 39–43°F |
Rainfall and Humidity in Autumn
Florence gets wetter in autumn, and the air often feels damper than in summer. Expect more rain overall, and both the amount of rain and the humidity shift as the season goes on.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Autumn brings the most rain Florence sees all year. Rainfall usually rises from September through November, with the biggest totals in October and November. The city averages about 870 mm (34 inches) of rain per year, and a lot of that falls in autumn.
- September: Around 75–90 mm of rain, spread over 7–9 days
- October: Roughly 100–120 mm, often 9–11 rainy days
- November: Peaks at 110–130 mm, with 11–13 rainy days
Rain usually comes in short but heavy bursts, sometimes with thunderstorms. Streets can flood for a bit, so good shoes and a travel umbrella come in handy. Even with more rain, you’ll still catch clear days here and there.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity rises as temperatures fall in autumn. In September, average humidity sits around 68–70%, but by November, it climbs close to 75–78%. The air can feel heavy, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- September: Feels fine for walking and sightseeing
- October: More humid, especially after it rains
- November: Humidity peaks, often with cooler air
Cooler temps and higher humidity can make the air feel damp, especially indoors if there’s no heat. You might spot mist or fog in the mornings, especially near the Arno River. Quick-drying layers help you stay comfortable as you explore.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Changes
In Florence, fall means you’ll see both sunshine hours and daylight shrink. That change affects how much time you get outdoors and the city’s overall vibe from September through November.
Average Sunshine Per Day
The difference in sunshine between early and late fall is pretty clear. September skies are usually brighter, offering more sunny hours. By November, clouds take over and sunshine gets rare.
Florence averages about 5 to 6 hours of direct sunshine per day in September. By November, that drops to 3 to 4 hours per day. Cloudiness and shorter days make the biggest difference.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours per Day |
|---|---|
| September | 5–6 hours |
| October | 4–5 hours |
| November | 3–4 hours |
If you want longer stretches of sun, plan outdoor activities earlier in the season. By late fall, expect more overcast days and shorter windows of bright light.
Daylight Duration Through Fall
Daylight in Florence shrinks fast as fall goes on. On September 1, you get about 13 hours and 12 minutes of daylight. By November 30, it’s down to 9 hours and 11 minutes.
That’s a loss of over 4 hours of daylight during the season. On average, the day shortens by about 18 to 19 minutes per week.
Some key times:
- Earliest sunrise in fall: around 6:38 AM in early September
- Latest sunrise: about 7:42 AM in late October
- Latest sunset: 7:50 PM in early September
- Earliest sunset: 4:39 PM by late November
If you’re sightseeing, remember that evenings get dark much earlier by mid to late fall. Mornings and early afternoons are usually the best times to be outside.
Seasonal Packing Tips and Local Activities
Florence’s fall brings mild days, cooler nights, and a mix of sun and rain. To make the most of your trip, pack clothes that handle big swings in temperature, and keep an eye out for the cultural events that make this season special.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Early fall in Florence can feel pretty warm during the day, but the evenings drop off fast. By November, you’ll really want those heavier layers.
It’s smart to build your wardrobe around layers so you can swap things out as the day changes.
Essential items include:
- Light jacket or cardigan for September and October
- Heavier coat for November evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets
- Scarf and hat for added warmth without bulk
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket since rain picks up later in the season
Florentines usually dress neatly, but they don’t go overboard with formality. Casual but tidy outfits fit in just fine.
Jeans, trousers, and long-sleeve shirts work well with layers, and you can mix and match without much fuss. Restaurants and attractions welcome casual attire, so there’s really no need to stuff your bag with dress clothes.
A small anti-theft bag makes sense too, especially since busy spots near the Duomo and Uffizi sometimes attract pickpockets. With these basics, you’ll stay comfortable and ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
Popular Autumn Events in Florence
Fall in Florence brings out traditions that mix history, religion, and seasonal food. On September 7, locals celebrate the Festa della Rificolona by lighting lanterns and filling the streets. This event remembers old pilgrim processions.
In October, the city hosts the Festa di Santa Reparata. People parade through Florence, ending up at the Duomo.
Key dates and activities:
- First Sunday of each month – You can visit state-run museums for free
- November 1 – All Saints’ Day, a national holiday, so expect smaller shops to close
- Late November – The San Miniato Truffle Fair happens nearby and puts prized white truffles in the spotlight
- Mid-November to December – The Piazza Santa Croce Christmas Market pops up, selling food, crafts, and holiday decorations
These events let you experience Florence in a different light. If you try seasonal foods like fresh olive oil, truffles, or a glass of Tuscan wine during these festivals, your trip might just feel a bit more special.