Winter in Florence is a bit of a mixed bag—some mild days, chilly nights, and every now and then, a touch of frost or even snow. You’ll usually see average temperatures around 7°C (45°F) in January, which is the coldest month, and at night, it often drops close to freezing.
Heavy snow almost never happens, but light snowfalls do show up every few years, giving the city’s Renaissance streets a quiet, magical feel.
Rain is pretty common in winter, though it usually falls in short bursts instead of endless downpours. Cloudy skies hang around a lot, but you’ll still get those clear, crisp days with soft winter sunlight.
With shorter daylight hours, Florence slows down a bit, making it easier to enjoy museums, cozy cafés, and the city’s famous landmarks without the summer crowds.
Visiting now lets you see a different side of Florence. The Arno River looks peaceful under a pale sky, the streets feel less crowded, and that cool air makes a warm espresso or a hearty Tuscan meal even more inviting.
Overview of Florence’s Winter Climate
Florence in winter has cool temperatures, shorter days, and moderate rainfall. The city’s inland location and surrounding hills bring damp weather and chilly nights, while snow stays rare.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Florence has a Mediterranean climate, and you’ll notice the seasons shift. In winter, daytime highs usually reach 10–12°C (50–54°F), and at night, lows often drop to 2–4°C (35–39°F).
Frost can show up on colder nights, but long freezing spells don’t really happen.
Rain falls often, especially in December and January, which are among the wetter months. Plan for 5–8 rainy days each month during winter.
Snowfall is rare, but sometimes cold air from the north brings a brief dusting to Tuscany.
Since Florence sits inland, you’ll feel a bigger swing between day and night temperatures than in coastal cities. Mild afternoons often give way to chilly evenings, so wearing layers just makes sense.
Typical Daylight Hours in Winter
Florence doesn’t get much daylight in winter, especially in December, when you’ll have about 9 hours of daylight. By February, that stretches to nearly 10.5 hours.
You won’t see as much sunshine as in spring or summer. In December, the city averages just 3 hours of sunshine per day; February bumps that up to about 4–5 hours.
Clouds are common, but when the sun breaks through, it feels pretty nice.
Shorter days mean less time for outdoor sightseeing, so a lot of visitors spend evenings in museums or cafés. The midday sun is your best bet for walking tours and exploring piazzas.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
Humidity in Florence during winter usually sits around 70–80%. That dampness can make it feel colder than the thermometer says, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Winds stay mostly light or moderate. The hills around Florence block out strong coastal winds, but sometimes a cold north or northeast wind sweeps in, dropping the temperature for a bit.
Calm weather is common, which sometimes means you’ll wake up to mist or fog. This adds to the damp vibe in winter, but it usually burns off by late morning.
Average Temperatures in Winter Months
Florence’s winters bring mild days and chilly nights. Temperatures rarely get extreme.
You’ll notice cool afternoons, damp spells, and the occasional frosty night, but big snowstorms just don’t happen.
December Temperatures
December kicks off the cold season in Florence. Average daily temperatures run from 3°C (37°F) at night to about 10°C (50°F) during the day.
Sometimes, nights get close to freezing, and you might spot a bit of frost.
Rain is fairly common, with about 80 mm of precipitation spread over 8 days. Snow doesn’t show up much but can’t be ruled out.
Daylight averages around 9 hours, and you’ll only get about 3 hours of sunshine per day.
Humidity hangs near 73%, which makes the air feel chillier than you’d expect. If you’re planning to wander the city, bring a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes.
January Temperatures
January is usually the coldest month in Florence. Lows hover near 2°C (36°F), and highs reach about 11°C (52°F).
Frosty nights are more frequent, and sometimes, it can dip down to -5°C (23°F).
Rainfall is moderate—about 60 mm across 8 days. Snow is still rare, but a little more likely than in December.
Sunshine averages 4 hours per day, and daylight stretches to about 9.5 hours.
Humidity stays around 73%, and fog sometimes rolls in during the mornings, especially in the valleys.
Expect crisp mornings, cool afternoons, and damp evenings. Layer up, and don’t forget gloves and a hat.
February Temperatures
February starts to warm up a bit, but it’s still winter. Lows sit around 3°C (37°F), and highs reach about 13°C (55°F).
Cold nights can still happen, sometimes dropping below -4°C (25°F), but you’ll notice more mild days.
Rainfall is similar to January, with 65 mm over 7 days. Snow is possible, but honestly, it hardly ever sticks.
Sunshine picks up to about 5 hours per day, and you get longer days—about 10.5 hours by month’s end.
Humidity drops a bit to 67%, so the air feels less damp. By late February, afternoons get longer and sunny breaks show up more, making walks outside a bit more enjoyable.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Florence’s winters are wetter than summer, with lots of rainy days and steady precipitation. Most of the time, rain falls as showers, not snow, since it usually stays above freezing.
Average Rainy Days Per Month
Florence gets more rainy days in late autumn and winter than in the dry summer.
November is usually the wettest month, with about 14 rainy days. December and January aren’t far behind, each with 9–11 days of measurable rain.
Rain becomes a bit less frequent in February, averaging 8–9 days. Snow is rare, but in colder years, you might see a quick flurry that melts fast.
Here’s a quick look at average rainy days in winter:
| Month | Average Rainy Days |
|---|---|
| November | 14 |
| December | 10–11 |
| January | 9–10 |
| February | 8–9 |
So, if you’re visiting Florence in winter, expect damp weather. Bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes, since rain tends to come in short, steady bursts.
Typical Precipitation Amounts
Florence gets about 935–955 mm of precipitation per year, and winter brings a good chunk of that.
November gets the most, with around 130 mm. December and January usually see 70–90 mm each, and February is a bit drier with 65–70 mm.
Rain falls as light to moderate showers most of the time. Long, heavy storms are rare, but gray skies can stick around for days.
In real life, that means Florence feels damp in winter, but not overwhelming. Streets get wet, puddles pop up, but you can still do things outside between showers.
Rain comes and goes, so you can plan sightseeing with a bit of flexibility.
Sunshine and Daylight Duration
Florence in winter means shorter days and less sunshine than other times of year.
You’ll have to work with limited daylight and less sun, which might change your plans for outdoor activities.
Number of Sunny Days
During winter, Florence averages just 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day. January is the gloomiest, with about 138 total hours of sun for the month.
Clouds and damp weather are common, especially in November and December, when rain is more frequent.
Compared to summer, when the city gets over 12 hours of sun each day, winter feels much dimmer.
Humidity often sits above 80% during this season, which adds to the gray, overcast mood.
Sunny breaks happen, but not too often. On average, Florence gets 8 to 10 rainy days per month in winter, so bright days are limited.
If you want to be outside, aim for midday when the sun is most likely to peek out.
Average Day Length
Day length changes a lot through the winter. In December, you’ll get about 8 hours and 50 minutes of daylight, which is as short as it gets.
By February, daylight stretches to almost 11 hours, giving you a bit more time for exploring.
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Month | Daylight Hours (approx.) |
|---|---|
| December | 8 hrs 50 mins |
| January | 9 hrs 20 mins |
| February | 10 hrs 45 mins |
With shorter days, evenings arrive early—sometimes before 5:00 PM in December. Mornings and early afternoons are your best bet for getting out and about.
As winter winds down, the longer days help make up for the lingering chill, and you’ll have more time to enjoy Florence’s outdoor spots.
What Winter Feels Like in Florence
Florence in winter feels cool and damp, with mild daytime highs compared to northern Europe.
Nights dip close to freezing, and the city’s valley location can make it feel colder than the numbers show.
How Humidity Affects Perceived Temperature
Humidity really changes how the weather feels in Florence during winter. Even if the thermometer says 45–50°F (7–10°C), the dampness makes it feel colder, especially with a little wind.
Fog often shows up in the mornings, particularly along the Arno River. It adds to the chill and cuts down visibility, making walks feel brisk and a bit damp.
Rain is frequent, and December is usually the wettest. You might get 7–9 rainy days a month, and wet clothes or shoes just make you feel colder.
To stay comfortable, waterproof shoes, a warm coat, and layers are more helpful than heavy winter gear. It’s the dampness, not the cold, that gives Florence its winter bite.
Chance of Snow and Frost
Snow doesn’t happen often in Florence, but it’s not impossible. Maybe once every few years, you’ll see a light snowfall that melts quickly. The city’s low elevation and valley setting keep big snowstorms away.
Frost is more likely. Overnight lows often land at 35–40°F (2–5°C), which can make icy patches on bridges and shaded streets.
Early mornings feel sharper because of this, even when afternoons warm up toward 50°F (10°C).
If you’re heading out early, watch for slippery spots and colder ground. Snow isn’t a big worry, but frost and humidity combine to give Florence its crisp, cool winter vibe.
Travel Tips for Visiting Florence in Winter
Florence in winter feels peaceful, with cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a gentler pace. To get the most out of your visit, focus on practical clothes, easy ways to get around, and how to deal with the season’s climate.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Winter in Florence usually sits between 35–50°F (2–10°C). Nights can get damp and chilly. Daytime stays cool, but honestly, it’s often comfortable enough if you dress right.
You’ll want to pack layers that keep you warm without making you feel bulky. I’d bring a waterproof jacket because December and January tend to be rainy. On colder days, a light down coat does the trick.
Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf. You’ll be glad you brought them.
Footwear really matters here. The cobblestone streets get slippery when they’re wet. Waterproof shoes or boots with decent grip will make walking around much easier.
Pack clothes you can layer, like:
- Long-sleeve shirts
- Sweaters or fleece
- A warm outer layer
- Umbrella or compact rain poncho
With these, you’ll stay comfortable whether you’re inside a museum or wandering the piazzas.
Getting Around the City
Florence’s historic center feels pretty compact. You can walk to most landmarks. Winter walking is honestly better than summer since the streets aren’t packed, but you should wear shoes that can handle wet pavement.
Public buses reach areas outside the center. They run reliably even when it’s cold, though on holidays, you might see lighter schedules. You can grab tickets at tabacchi shops or kiosks, and they’re cheap.
Taxis cost more, but sometimes they’re worth it, especially late at night when buses slow down. Planning a day trip into Tuscany? I’d say take the train, since winter roads aren’t always the best for visitors who don’t know the area.
Weather-Related Travel Advice
Florence usually gets a fair bit of winter rain, especially in December. You’ll want to have a small umbrella handy, though big umbrellas can get tricky in those narrow streets when the wind picks up.
Snow almost never happens here, but you might spot frost if you’re out early. Watch your step—sidewalks can get pretty slick in the mornings.
On rainy days, it makes sense to stick with indoor plans. Museums like the Uffizi Gallery or the Accademia tend to be quieter in winter, so you can actually enjoy them without the usual crowds.
Thinking about a day trip to one of the hill towns? Definitely check the forecast first. The weather up there can be colder and wetter than in Florence, sometimes by quite a bit.
Layer your clothes and keep a rain jacket close, just in case. That way, you can change your plans if the weather surprises you.