visit tuscany in november

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Tuscany In November – Weather, Things to Do, and What to Pack

Are you preparing for your very first trip to Tuscany? If so, you might be wondering whether or not a trip to Tuscany in November is a good idea.

Many people say that one of the best times to visit Tuscany is in November, as you’ll get to take advantage o discounted prices, smaller crowds, and exceptional culinary experiences. Plus, the region’s festivities during November revolve around the delightful appreciation of local truffles and chestnuts, accompanied by wine tastings, grape harvests, and more.

In this guide, we’re going to dive in and explore all of the reasons why you might consider a trip to Tuscany in late autumn. Let’s dive in!

Weather in Tuscany in November

As November arrives, the sunny and dry early autumn weather begins to fade away. Central Tuscany, particularly around Florence, experiences cooler temperatures with averages ranging from 41 to 59°F (5 to 15°C). In the mountainous eastern and northwestern areas, temperatures drop further, nearing freezing point.

It’s also worth noting that Tuscany experiences its highest rainfall in November, so we advise packing a waterproof jacket and warmer clothing layers.

Is Tuscany Crowded in November?

November is the off-season for tourism in Tuscany, making it a great time to visit. With far fewer tourists than in the summer months , you’ll enjoy less crowded hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

What are the Best Things to Do in Tuscany in November?

Here are the best things to do if you want to visit Tuscany in this period.

1. White Truffle Festival of San Miniato

Each year, the town of San Miniato , which lies midway between Florence and Pisa, hosts the renowned National Festival of the White Truffle . This extraordinary event entices numerous truffle enthusiasts and gastronomes from around the globe, drawing in thousands of visitors to partake in the festivities. It’s one of the best opportunities you can find to indulge in the unique and exquisite flavors of the highly sought-after white truffle.

The charming streets of San Miniato transform into a bustling marketplace, where local vendors proudly display their products, each telling a story of Tuscan heritage and culinary craftsmanship. Visitors can also enjoy cooking demonstrations, truffle hunting exhibitions, and live folk music, making it a truly immersive cultural experience. Whether you’re a food lover or a culture enthusiast, the White Truffle Festival of San Miniato promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tuscany’s gastronomy and traditions.

2. Explore the Autumn-Colored Countryside

When November rolls around, there’s nothing quite like exploring the Tuscan countryside , adorned with vibrant autumn colors. From exploring the natural parks, such as the Chianti or Casentino forests, to taking scenic drives with a rental car, getting outdoors during this time is a must, especially if you live somewhere without true seasons. The Tuscan landscape, draped in shades of gold, amber, and crimson, offers a breathtaking backdrop for outdoor activities. Hiking through the rolling hills and vineyards becomes a visual feast, with each step unveiling stunning views of ancient villages and historic estates nestled in the countryside .

For photographers and nature lovers, this season provides endless opportunities to capture the essence of Tuscany’s natural beauty. Cycling tours are also a popular way to experience the region, allowing visitors to meander through quaint towns, stop at local wineries, and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the autumnal countryside. Whether on foot, by bike, or in a car, the Tuscan countryside in November is a treasure trove of picturesque landscapes and memorable experiences, perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Italy Travel Secret

Visit the street where the scene from the movie “Gladiator” was filmed to witness the same hill adorned with entirely different colors.

Read more: Bolgheri – Exploring the Charm of Tuscany’s Wine Country

3. San Martino Fair

The San Martino Fair is a vibrant fusion of history, culture, and gastronomy, epitomizing the richness of Italian traditions. In the heart of Tuscany, the streets come alive with colorful stalls, showcasing an array of local crafts and produce. It’s a paradise for foodies and wine connoisseurs, with stalls overflowing with local cheeses, olives, and, of course, the star of the show – the new season’s wine. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts, a traditional treat associated with Saint Martin’s Day. As you wander through the fair, you’ll be serenaded by traditional folk music, creating an atmosphere that’s both lively and nostalgically charming.

The workshops and wine tastings provide an interactive experience, offering insights into the art of winemaking and local culinary practices. Whether you’re a history buff, a gastronome, or simply in search of a unique cultural experience, the San Martino Fair is an event that truly captures the spirit of Tuscany in the fall.

4. Visit Local Wineries

Exploring Tuscany’s wineries in November offers a truly intimate and cozy experience. As the vineyards display their autumnal hues, you’ll find yourself in the midst of Tuscany’s wine-making magic. This is the perfect time to visit local wineries, where you can taste world-famous wines like Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano right at the source.

Imagine sipping these rich wines as you chat with the winemakers themselves, learning about the love and labor that goes into each bottle. These wineries , often family-run, provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for the cooler November weather. You’ll get to see the vineyards in a different light, post-harvest, which adds a unique charm to your visit. Tasting these exquisite wines in the crisp autumn air, possibly beside a crackling fire, is an experience that truly embodies the spirit of Tuscany in the fall.

5. Taste Local Products

In addition to freshly harvested olive oil, Tuscany in November offers a cornucopia of seasonal delights that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. As you meander through the rustic olive groves and mills, you’ll get to experience the vibrant, peppery taste of the region’s new extra virgin olive oil – a flavor that’s as fresh as it gets.

Ribollita , the quintessential Tuscan comfort food, is a must-try during your visit. This traditional bean soup, brimming with local vegetables and enriched with day-old bread, encapsulates the essence of Tuscan culinary simplicity and heartiness. It’s a perfect dish to warm you up during the cool November days.

Don’t forget to delve into the sweet side of Tuscany with our curated list of must-try desserts . From the rich and nutty cantucci biscuits, often dipped in Vin Santo, to the decadent chestnut-based castagnaccio, these desserts offer a delightful end to any Tuscan meal.

During the autumn season in Tuscany, you can find roasted chestnuts at local markets and fairs: explore the main streets of cities to encounter street vendors.

6. Experience the Grape Harvest

November in Tuscany, following the grape harvest season, is a time when the excitement and hard work of September and October give way to celebrations and the first tastings of the new wines. This period offers a unique perspective on Tuscany’s winemaking heritage. Visitors in this period can enjoy the tranquil post-harvest vineyards and partake in tours that delve into the entire winemaking process, from grape to glass. Many vineyards host events where you can learn about the significance of the harvest and the impact of the year’s climate on the wine’s flavor profile. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to participate in the last of the harvest festivals, celebrating the year’s hard work with local communities, enjoying traditional music, food, and, of course, the first sips of new vintages.

Grape stomping, a picturesque and fun activity, might still be available in some vineyards, offering a playful and authentic experience. As the vineyards embrace the calm of November, the focus shifts to the cellars where the magic of fermentation turns grapes into wine, a process that many vineyards are happy to share with visitors through guided tours . This time of year in Tuscany provides a more relaxed and intimate winery experience, perfect for wine lovers and those curious about its renowned viticulture.

7. Lucca Comics and Games

During Lucca Comics & Games , the historic city of Lucca transforms into a vibrant hub of pop culture, celebrating the artistry and creativity of comics, games, and fantasy. This festival, usually held at the end of October and spilling into early November, is a paradise for fans, where the medieval streets and squares become a colorful tapestry of costumes, art, and storytelling. As you wander through Lucca, you’ll be surrounded by an eclectic mix of cosplayers, each showcasing their passion and craftsmanship. The event’s schedule is packed with opportunities to meet renowned authors and illustrators, gain insights during panel discussions, and participate in hands-on workshops that delve into the art of comic creation and game design.

The contests, often a highlight of the festival, are not just for the participants but a spectacle for all, with imaginative costumes and performances. The marketplace is another must-visit spot, where you can find everything from rare comic editions to unique gaming paraphernalia and original artwork. Whether you’re an avid fan or just curious about this dynamic world, Lucca Comics & Games offers an unforgettable experience, brimming with creativity, community, and the celebration of the imaginative worlds that comics and games bring to life.

Best Hotel and SPAs in Tuscany in November

The best luxury hotels and SPAs that we have selected for a memorable experience in Tuscany.

Luxury Resort and Spa

Fonteverde, San Casciano dei Bagni offers a renowned accommodation experience, complete with stunning views of the Tuscan countryside and proximity to natural hot springs .

Location : Località Terme 1, 53040 San Casciano dei Bagni, Italy

Features : 3 swimming pools, Spa, Balcony

Reviews : 8.9/10

Resort for Relaxing and Rejuvenation

If your ideal stay is one that provides total serenity, check out Adler Thermae Spa & Relax Resort in Bagno Vignoni , which is known for its thermal pools.

Location : Strada Di Bagno Vignoni 1, 53027 Bagno Vignoni, Italy

Features : 2 swimming pools, Spa, Restaurant

Reviews : 9.1/10

Golf Resort and Spa

In the heart of Tuscany’s Maremma region lies Terme di Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort , which boasts a championship golf course and a renowned natural spa.

Location : Via Della Follonata, Snc, 58014 Saturnia, Italy 

Features : 2 swimming pools, Excellent Breakfast, Spa

Reviews : 8.8/10

Explore more: Saturnia Hot Springs – Cascading Waters in the Tuscan Countryside

What to Wear and Pack in Tuscany in November

If you’re planning on visiting Tuscany in November, it’s important to pack layered clothing, as the weather can vary throughout the day and change in an instant. Preparation is key.

Jackets and sweaters are great for cooler mornings and evenings, and comfortable jeans or pants that can easily be paired with different tops are perfect for versatility. During the day, when the sun comes out, you’ll want to have a hat and sunglasses.

Make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes for walking along the hilly terrain and cobblestone streets.

To deal with intermittent rain, pack rain gear, such as a waterproof jacket and an umbrella. Lastly, keep a camera, adapter, and converter on you at all times, so you can capture your time there!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscany In November

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions by travellers.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Tuscany, Italy?

November is a wonderful time to visit Tuscany if you don’t mind colder weather. The crowds are far smaller, and there are plenty of cultural and culinary experiences to indulge in.

Is Tuscany Pretty In November?

Tuscany is gorgeous in November. As the season shifts from summer to autumn, you’ll get to enjoy the vibrant colors of the Tuscany countryside, with growing vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills.

What Is the Weather Like In Tuscany In November?

On average, temperatures in Tuscany during November range from around 41 to 59°F. It is also one of the rainiest months in Tuscany, so make sure to pack an umbrella and a waterproof jacket.

In conclusion, a trip to Tuscany in November offers a unique and enchanting experience for those willing to embrace the cooler weather and occasional rain. The off-season provides numerous advantages, including discounted prices, smaller crowds, and a chance to savor the region’s culinary delights, especially the celebrated white truffles. From exploring the autumn-colored countryside to partaking in the festivities of the White Truffle Festival and Saint Martino Fair, there are plenty of cultural and gastronomic experiences to enjoy. Tuscany’s beauty in November, with its vibrant landscapes and charming towns, coupled with the opportunity to indulge in freshly harvested olive oil and local dishes, makes it a compelling destination for those seeking a more intimate and authentic Italian experience.

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BEST TIMES TO VISIT TUSCANY: Month-by-Month

When is the best time to visit Tuscany? Here’s my month to month guide to help you decide which month matches your interests and priorities.

There are highlights for each month, important events, and general weather guidelines.

I’ve included all the public Italian holidays , so you won’t be caught off guard by closed stores and restaurants.

You’ll also find my top 3 places in Tuscany to visit every month.

You may also be interested in the Best Times to Visit Italy: Month-by-Month and Months in Italian .

Table of Contents

JANUARY IN TUSCANY: GENNAIO 

Public holidays in january to watch out for.

January 1: Capodanno ( New Year’s Day ) January 6: Befana ( Epiphany )

January in a Nutshell

The Christmas holiday season in Italy doesn’t end until after the Epiphany , or Befana , on January 6. That means kids are still on winter vacation through the first week of the month. In January, Tuscans are recovering from weeks of feasting and hanging out with their relatives . Relative calm returns to the cities.

January Weather

Even though Tuscany is not very big, its diverse topography (mountains, coast, valleys) means that the weather varies throughout the region. That said, January is Tuscany’s coldest month. 

At night the temperature dips quite a bit. Low temperatures are about 3.5°C to 5.5°C inland (that translates to 38 to 42°F). Temperatures along the Tuscan coast are usually a few degrees Celsius warmer. Head for the mountains for snow and skiing. Despite the colder temperatures, there are usually a good number of sunny days to enjoy.

The weather in Tuscany and all over Italy has become much more unpredictable in recent years. There have also been more extreme weather events, like heat waves, droughts, and flooding.

Top 3 Places to Visit in January

Abetone for skiing Florence Arezzo

FEBRUARY IN TUSCANY: FEBBRAIO

February 14: Valentine’s Day (not a public holiday) Carnival period

February in a Nutshell

February is Carnival time. The major Carnival celebration in Tuscany is in Viareggio, on the sea. However, carnival is celebrated everywhere, mostly by children wearing costumes and throwing paper confetti. 

My favorite part of Carnival is the incredible sweets. You can only taste them at this time of year! Not only that, different cities and towns have their own traditional carnival sweets that you can only find there. In Florence, make sure you try the schiacciata alla Fiorentina , a spiced yellow cake topped with powdered sugar. 

Tuscans who work in tourist destinations like the beach or the Chianti countryside, where summer is high season, often have to take their vacation during this “dead” time of year. Double check if you’re set on going to a certain restaurant or small town. For example, islands like the Giglio and Elba empty out. Many of my favorite restaurants close for a few weeks in January or February.

February Weather

In February the weather is generally on par with January.

Top 3 Places to Visit in February

Viareggio for Carnival Florence San Gimignano to take advantage of low season

MARCH IN TUSCANY: MARZO

March 8: International Women’s Day March 19: San Giuseppe : Father’s Day in Italy

March in a Nutshell

Some trees are starting to flower, and you’ll notice yellow mimosas (the Italian flower of choice for Women’s Day) blooming. Foreign tourists start invading the major cities like Florence and Siena.

March is marked by Lent, but it is also the month of Italian Father’s Day ( San Giuseppe ) on March 19, when Italians enjoy delicious regional fried sweets. In Tuscany, there are frittelle di San Giuseppe , delicious, sweet fried rice balls– and the best ones are at a small stand in Siena’s Piazza del Campo. You can also find fresh fava beans and wild asparagus on Tuscan menus. 

March Weather

March is the start of the transition out of winter to spring, and in most of Tuscany it’s light jacket weather by the end of the month. Be prepared for rain, however. March can be fickle, flipflopping between rain and gorgeous sunny days.

Top 3 Places to Visit in March

Montelupo Fiorentino for hand painted ceramics Siena to eat frittelle di San Giuseppe up until March 19 Montepulciano and Montalcino

APRIL IN TUSCANY: APRILE

Public holidays in april to watch out for.

Between March 22 and April 25: Easter Sunday (falls on the Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox) The day after Easter Sunday: Easter Monday   April 25: Festa della Liberazione ( Liberation Day )

April at a Glance

April is host to many lovely spring holidays in Italy, and flowers are in bloom. School children have about a week of spring holidays around Easter , and parents panic every year when they realize how many days off their children have.

April is a time for picnics in the countryside and day trips to the beach, which are a tradition on Easter Monday and April 25: if you’re on the road look out for traffic heading back into Florence on the evening after these holidays, and on Sundays.

April Weather

The weather is highly variable, with showers and clouds, as well as bright sunny days. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in April

Florence for the scoppio del carro on Easter Monte Oliveto Maggiore monastery and the Val d’Orcia Lucca

MAY IN TUSCANY: MAGGIO

Public holidays in may to watch out for.

May 1: Festa del Lavoro ( Labor Day )

May at a Glance

May is the time of blooming flowers, street fairs and food festivals, called sagre . It’s a great time to head to the countryside and explore small country towns.

May Weather

May is technically spring, but in Tuscany it’s usually already quite hot . . . when the sun shines. Don’t count on May to be sunny every day though: rain often comes along. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in May

Pitigliano and Saturnia Volterra Chianti countryside between Florence and Siena

JUNE IN TUSCANY: GIUGNO

Public holidays in june to watch out for.

June 2: Festa della Repubblica ( Republic Day )

June at a Glance

June counts as summer in Italy: school gets out about 10 ten days into the month. It’s a great time to go to the beach, because it’s hot but there aren’t crowds or high season prices yet. June is also host to important local events like the calcio storico , Florence’s own high contact sport, with the final match on San Giovanni , or Saint John’s patron saint day , June 24.

June Weather

June is generally nice and hot, with little rainfall. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in June

Florence , for the calcio storico and San Giovanni celebrations Giglio Island Elba Island

JULY IN TUSCANY: LUGLIO

July at a glance.

In July, the Tuscan summer is in full swing. If you like the heat, this is a good time to visit, but don’t say we didn’t warn you! There are a lot of people, and did I mention it’s hot? Places where you can cool off, like the beach and countryside, are your best bet in July. The cities are swelteringly hot and Italians don’t use air conditioning to the extent that Americans do. 

There are also wonderful local festivals, like the Palio di Siena horse race on July 2, and the Mercantia street arts festival in Certaldo.

July Weather

Hot. Hot. Hot. and Dry. The average high temperature is 30 °C.

Top 3 Places to Visit in July

Siena for the Palio on July 2 Certaldo for the Mercantia street arts festival in July Poppi and the Casentino

AUGUST IN TUSCANY: AGOSTO

Public holidays in august to watch out for.

August 15: Ferragosto ( Assumption Day )

August Summary

August is the highpoint of the Tuscan summer. Not only that, most Italians take their summer vacation in August, taking off the entire week, if not two or three, around Ferragosto . Cities clear out because it’s so hot, and it’s not unusual for small towns to shut down too. Tuscans head to the beach or the mountains, which are crowded and abuzz. Only come to Tuscany in August if you like very hot weather. 

August Weather

So hot. The average high temperature is still 30 °C. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in August

Siena for the Palio on August 16  Poppi and the Casentino, Tuscany If you like the beach and crowds: Cecina , Forte dei Marmi , Castiglioncello

SEPTEMBER IN TUSCANY: SETTEMBRE

September summary.

The summer isn’t officially over yet for Italian school children until about September 15, when schools open again. September is a wonderful time to visit if you’re interested in wine, since it’s time for the grape harvest , or vendemmia . Since it’s still hot, it’s a great time to visit beach destinations now that the summer hordes have gone home.

September Weather

It’s usually still quite hot and dry for most of the month. The average high and low temps are 2-3 degrees Celsius cooler than August. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in September

Elba Island Giglio Island Chianti countryside between Florence and Siena

OCTOBER IN TUSCANY: OTTOBRE

October summary.

October is a lovely time to visit Tuscany, especially if you like chestnuts ( castagne ) and mushrooms ( funghi ), which are in season. Parts of Tuscany have already started harvesting their olives for olive oil, so keep an eye out for freshly milled extra virgin oil ( olio nuovo ), which is exquisite. 

Though Halloween is not as widely celebrated as it is in the US and England, it has become more and more popular in recent years. 

October Weather

Temperatures are cooling off (the average high temperature is 22 °C, with the average lows at 11 °C) but it’s still very comfortable and warm in much of Tuscany. 

Even with the weather so unpredictable in recent years, we have noticed a trend: October seems to be getting hotter. So hot that my father-in-law was able to take an October swim in the sea last year (2022). My kids almost never have to wear a jacket on Halloween.

Top 3 Places to Visit in October

Chianti between Florence and Siena Val d’Orcia San Galgano

NOVEMBER IN TUSCANY: NOVEMBRE

Public holidays in november to watch out for.

November 1: All Saint’s Day

November in a Nutshell

November means three things to me: truffles ( tartufi ), chestnuts ( castagne ) and olive oil ( olio di olive ). It’s an incredible month for eating. Tasting freshly pressed olive oil ( olio nuovo ) is a must: when it is fresh it is the extraordinary color of ectoplasm. 

November Weather

November is Tuscany’s rainiest month. Though the weather is colder and rainer, but there are usually plenty of warm, clear days. 

Top 3 Places to Visit in November

San Miniato , Tuscany for the White Truffle Market Fair Pisa and Lucca Val d’Orcia

DECEMBER IN TUSCANY: DICEMBRE

Public holidays in december to watch out for.

December 8: Immacolata ( Feast of the Immaculate Conception ) December 25: Natale ( Christmas ) December 26: Santo Stefano ( St. Stephen’s Day ) December 31, New Year’s Eve, is not a public holiday but most shops close early.

December in a Nutshell

The festive mood of the Italian Christmas holiday season ( le feste ) livens up most of December. Cities set up elaborate light displays and decorations, and churches put up nativity scenes ( presepi ). Italian schools close for the Christmas holidays for two weeks starting at Christmas. The closer to Christmas, the more crowded cities become, with holiday shoppers and local Italians admiring the dazzling Christmas decorations. 

December Weather

Average temperatures range from a low of 4° C to a high of 12 ° C in December. Not exactly cold compared to what a lot of Americans are used to in the winter!

Top 3 Places to Visit in December

Florence Siena Abetone for skiing

Privacy Overview

When is the Best Time to Visit Tuscany?

Planning a trip but unsure when is the best time to visit Tuscany ?

Read on for a month-by-month guide to Tuscany’s weather, major events in Tuscany and to find out how busy Tuscany is through the year.

Tuscany in January

While the rest of the world enjoys Dry January and juice cleanses, Tuscany continues to celebrate the holidays with feast of the Epiphany. Despite being one of the quietest months to visit, there is still plenty to see, do and eat, as well as sunshine to enjoy. 

Tuscany weather in January

January is the coldest month to visit with a typical daytime high of 10℃ (50℉) and a low of 3℃ (37℉) overnight. 

Snowfall and cold snaps are common towards the end of the month — Tuscans call these “giorni della merla” (blackbird days). An old tale recounts how January was outraged by the blackbirds complaining about the winter, and borrowed 3 of February’s days. He made them the harshest and coldest days of all months. 

The Estate of Petroio, snow-covered fields

How busy is Tuscany in January?

Winter in Tuscany is low season for tourism. With fewer crowds you may not need to book activities ahead. You can easily find a table at renowned trattorias and restaurants which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence, Bistrot in Forte dei Marmi and Osteria di Passignano  in Badia a Passignano. 

What’s on in Tuscany in January?

Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy. Florentines celebrate with the Cavalcata dei Magi , where participants dress in medieval costume and wind their way around the streets of Florence singing and dancing. 

Towards the end of the month one of Tuscany’s longest-running horseraces, the Palio di Buti , takes place. While the traditional Palio routes are circular, this race runs in an S-shape. 

A glass of juice made from Sicilian  blood-oranges — in season each January — will give your immune system that extra boost it needs to survive the winter.  

Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums ( Uffizi , Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.

Tuscany in February

As one of the quietest months, February is a good time to book a romantic getaway in one of our Tuscany villas . With fewer tourists, you can explore cities such a Florence , enjoy a gondola ride along the Arno , and feast at any Michelin-starred restaurant of your choice. 

Gondola Ride along the Arno

Make sure to pack a fancy dress costume, because this is also Carnival time . 

Tuscany weather in February

Tuscans live February through the old saying, “Per la Candelora, dell’inverno siamo fora, ma se c’è sole o solicello siamo a mezzo dell’inverno” . If there is sunshine or sunny intervals on February 2nd, also known as Candlemas, then winter is still not over. 

February can be one of the coldest months of the year. Expect a typical daytime high of 13℃ (55℉) and a low of 3℃ (37℉) overnight

How busy is Tuscany in February?

The Tuscan coast can get busy during Carnival, but the rest of February is still relatively low season for tourism.

If you are planning a romantic holiday for two, you may not need to book activities ahead of time. You can easily find a table at Michelin starred restaurants which are either fully booked or closed all summer, such as La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence , Bistrot in Forte dei Marmi and Arnolfo in Colle di Val d’Elsa.

What’s on in Tuscany in February?

Carnevale di Viareggio is one of Europe’s renowned carnivals. If you are staying in a villa near Pisa or Lucca , visit the seaside town Viareggio on any of 4 consecutive weekends for partying, costumes and float parades. 

Cenci are traditional sweets prepared during Carnival made with fried puff-pastry  and topped with powdered sugar. Pasticceria Patalani is one of the best bakeries in Viareggio. 

Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.

Tuscany in March

After 3 consecutive months’ celebrating, Tuscany enjoys a month of relaxation . Despite no large festivities taking place, those with a healthy appetite or an eye for medieval games will be entertained by a flurry of smaller, local events.

San Gemini, Medieval Games

Tuscany weather in March

The weather in March fluctuates between rain and blue skies , so keep an umbrella handy. 

Expect an average daytime high of 16℃ (60℉) and a low of 6℃ (42℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in March?

The end of winter is still low season for tourism. With fewer crowds and warmer temperatures, you can enjoy activities like a countryside Fiat 500 Tour or a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Tuscany, which may be either booked up or too hot to fully enjoy in high summer.

What’s on in Tuscany in March?

March 8th is International Women’s Day . As a sign of respect and solidarity, Italians gift the women in their life a yellow mimosa flower. Artichokes are in season from March to May. They make beautiful flowers as well as a delicious dish, sauteed or fried. Keep an eye out for Carciofi alla Toscana and Carciofi Fritti. 

Two fairs dedicated to food and wine take place in March: Taste (Florence) focuses on food, wine, objects and ideas that rule contemporary Italian culture; and Terre di Toscana celebrates the wine areas and DOCs of the Tuscan region.

Wine, Tuscany market 

Palio dei Somari is a medieval race held in Torrita di Siena, with donkeys instead of horses. Expect medieval dances, flag-throwing, parades and banquets.

On the first Sunday of the month  state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission. 

Tuscany in April

A sweet tooth and a set of earplugs is enough to hop on a flight to Tuscany in April. While the rest of the world celebrates Easter with chocolate eggs, Tuscans add sweet breads and an exploding cart to the mix.

You can burn off the extra calories in the Tuscan countryside.  Make sure to bring a camera, because the arrival of Spring brings wild popp ies, roses and marguerite daisies.  

Tuscany weather in April 

The Tuscans survive April with the local motto (and umbrella): “Terzo aprilante, quaranta giorni durante”. If it rains on April 3rd, rain will continue for another 40 days.

Temperatures are still not yet bikini-friendly. Expect a daytime high of 19℃ (66℉) with a low of 8℃ (46℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in April?

Easter weekend in Tuscany is packed, but the rest of April is still relatively low season for tourism. If you come over the holiday weekend, we recommend you book major museums (especially the Uffizi ), restaurants, wine tasting and cookery classes in advance.

What’s on in Tuscany in April?

Prepare yourself for the loudest event of the month: Scoppio del Carro . The folklore Easter Day tradition features 150 white oxen, a 30-ft. an antique cart filled with fireworks and one very big explosion. 

Scoppio del Carro

Celebrate Easter with chocolate eggs and a traditional Colomba di Pasqua , sweet bread similar to Panettone baked into the shape of a dove. 

Sinalunga (south-east of Siena) host one of Italy’s sweetest festivals :  Sagra del Ciambellino . The mini-donut is best enjoyed soaked in Vin Santo, coffee or cappuccino.  

Don’t forget that on the first Sunday of the month , state-owned museums and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission. 

Tuscany in May

May is a great time to visit Tuscany, right before the peak season begins. Experience the Tuscan summer without scorching temperatures and crowds. May also features many different outdoor events and activities. 

Evenings are warm enough to enjoy a glass of wine below the pergola of your Tuscany villa . 

Tuscany weather in May 

May is a warm and sunny month , with a typical daytime high of 25℃ (77℉). 

Make use of longer days to explore the outdoors , but carry a light jacket as temperatures drop as low as 12℃ (53℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in May?

May is a great month to visit  Tuscany before peak season really gets going. With various festivals and events taking place, we recommend booking everything ahead of time ( our concierge service can help ).

What’s on in Tuscany in May?

Two major wine events are staged in May. Mostra del Chianti   is dedicated to the traditions, practices and culture of  Chianti wine . Cantine Aperte is one of Italy’s most important wine tourism events. Wineries all across Italy open their cellar doors to the public . Read up on Italian wine — written by our local experts. 

Wine may not count as one of your 5-a-day, but cherries do! Cherries are in season (and are said to have antioxidant properties ). A portion of 15 counts as one of your 5-a-day. 

Chianti wine

Maggio Musicale is one of the oldest classical musical festivals in Europe. Concerts, opera and ballet performances are staged all around the historic centre of Florence.

Barberino Val’d Elsa blossoms each May for “Barberino in Fiore”. Over one weekend, this fortified little town fills with stalls selling local flowers, food, wine, and art — dedicated to the skills, traditions and creativity of Chianti.

Every year in mid-May it’s Night of the Museums across Italy. Museums remain open past midnight, offering free admission or reduced prices . If you miss this chance, don’t forget the first Sunday of the month , when state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and more) and archaeological sites offer free entrance for everyone.

Tuscany in June

Summer has officially arrived! Tour buses, flip-flops and the drifting smell of sunscreen signal the beginning of high season . Outdoor events take place all over Tuscany, so bring a hat. 

Tuscany weather in June 

June is a great time to get outdoors before temperatures hit their summer peak. Expect a daytime high of 27℃ (80℉) and a low of 15℃ (59℉) overnight.

How busy is Tuscany in June?

Summer in Tuscany is high season . We recommend booking all activities in advance, including making restaurant reservations. You may prefer to dedicate more time to relaxing by the private pool in your villa in Tuscany . 

Il Cortile Pratolino , Shaded pergola with seating and dining area by the pool

What’s on in Tuscany in June?

On June 2nd Italy celebrates the Festa della Repubblica . This marks the official abolition of the Monarchy and formation of the Italian republic . Celebrations take place all over the country. 

Pisa hosts 2 big events this month. The Luminara di San Ranieri includes a regatta  contested by the city’s 4 ancient neighbourhoods in honour of their patron, San Ranieri. The Gioco del Ponte is a medieval battle of strength  on Pisa’s oldest bridge. 

In June Florence hosts the renowned Calcio Storico. This early form of football is played between Florence’s 4 traditional neighbourhoods. It’s historic, ruthless and not to be missed. 

You can also join the city in celebrating Corpus Christi . A procession begins in Piazza del Duomo and ends in Piazza Santa Trinita with street celebrations and festivities.  

Escape the sun and stop by any state-owned museum or archeological site on the first Sunday of the month for a free visit. 

Stay hydrated with the seasonal cantaloupes . As a snack, or paired with prosciutto as an antipasto, cantaloupe melon is hydrating, refreshing and sweet. 

Tuscany in July

July in Tuscany is one of the busiest and warmest months. Hot summer calls for a cool pool, a cooking class or a Chianti Wine Tour.

Cooking class at I Corbezzoli

For music aficionados there’s a trio of treats in Fiesole , Montalcino and Torre del Lago. If you are staying in a Villa near Siena , don’t forget to pick up scarf colours for Tuscany’s most anticipated horserace of the year — the Palio di Siena. . 

Tuscany weather in July

July is one of the hottest months of the year  with a typical daytime high of 30℃ (86℉) and a low of 18℃ (64℉) overnight. 

You will avoid the most intense heat if you explore outdoors in the early mornings and late afternoons. 

How busy is Tuscany in July?

Summer in Tuscany is high season — and July is the busiest month of the year. Expect crowds close to major sights in cities like Florence and Siena.

Book all activities and restaurants in advance — or ask our travel concierges to do it for you.

What’s on in Tuscany in July?

The first annual staging of Italy’s most famous horse race, the Palio di Siena takes place in July. Supporters from all over the world gather in Piazza del Campo to watch 10 of Siena’s 17 neighbourhoods compete against one another. The celebration begins with a historical procession at 3pm which winds through the city centre, followed by the race at 7:30pm. 

Palio di Siena, Piazza del Campo

Tuscany is renowned for wild boar. Its rich and succulent meat tastes divine with pasta or as a stew. On the first Sunday of the month, residents of Gavigno celebrate the wild boars that roam their valley with their annual Wild Boar Festival.

The annual Puccini Festival stages works by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, a native of Lucca. A specially built open-air theatre beside Lake Massaciuccoli is open from July till the end of August — and a must for all opera fans.

The Jazz & Wine Festival in Montalcino is the place to enjoy blockbuster red wine Brunello di Montalcino , washed down with some local jazz. Estate Fiesolana is a festival of classical music and theatre at venues around Fiesole , including the town’s ruined Roman amphitheatre. It is a great way to escape the heat of Florence. 

And don’t forget, all state-owned museums and archeological sites in Italy are free to enter on the first Sunday of every month. 

Tuscany in August

August is the hottest month of the year . Locals flock to the mountains and Tuscany’s best beaches , so cities like Florence are given over to tourism. The sights and beauty remain unchanged.

If you’re not lounging by the private pool in a Tuscany villa , then you might like to hit Siena for the second annual staging of its famous pageant, the Palio di Siena .

Tuscany coast, maremma, beaches

Tuscany weather in August

August is the hottest month of the year with a daytime high of 32℃ (89℉) and overnight low of 20℃ (68℉). 

How busy is Tuscany in August?

Summer in Tuscany is high season . Book all activities and restaurants in advance, or ask our dedicated travel concierges to do it for you. 

What’s on in Tuscany in August?

The second annual Palio di Siena takes place on August 16th. Like July’s race, this edition includes representatives from seven neighbourhoods which didn’t race in the previous year’s Palio plus another three drawn from the hat. Even the draw is a major event, and fills the Campo with a mix of contrada members and curious tourists.

During the race itself, the first horse to run three laps around the Campo — with or without its jockey — wins the hand-painted silk banner, the Palio — sometimes known as the Drappellone. 

Eating a slice of watermelon is one trick to cope with the heat — on Palio day or at any other time in August. At the Watermelon Festival (last weekend of August) in Castellina in Chianti , you get to enjoy an abundance of watermelon, live music and dancing. 

Alongside its fine wine, Montepulciano is renowned for a medieval competition which takes place at the end of August. The Bravio delle Botti involves racing uphill for a mile pushing giant wine barrels. 

Enjoy a free visit to any state-owned museum or archeological sites on the first Sunday of the month. They are all air-conditioned!

Tuscany in September

While the rest of the world returns to reality, Tuscans continue to indulge their summer. The weather remains favourable for visitors.

During September in Italy, you can explore historic festivals in three charming cities , including a cheese fair, a candle-lit procession and a street procession. 

Tuscany weather in September 

Summer may be over, but the weather in Tuscany is still warm . We do recommend you pack a light jacket for the evening. 

Expect a typical daytime high of 27℃ (81℉), and a low of 17℃ (62℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in September?

September in Tuscany is shoulder season for tourism. With fewer crowds around, you may not need to book activities ahead of time.

Many restaurants which close over the summer reopen, so book in advance or ask our travel concierges to make table reservations for you. 

What’s on in Tuscany in September?

Festa della Rificolona is the  oldest festival  in Florence . If you are staying in one of our villas near Florence , head into the city centre for street performances, live music and food stalls. Those really in-the-know bring their own papier-mâché lantern to the street procession.

Lucca hosts a sacred candle-lit procession  as part of its religious festival, the Luminara di Santa Croce . Following the parade, there’s a concert inside the Cattedrale di San Martino followed by fireworks. The town walls in the San Frediano neighbourhood usually provide the best vantage point. 

Pienza is known for its pecorino sheep’s milk cheese and streets of love. Every year they honour their local cacio (cheese) with the Festa del Cacio. The festival concludes with a folkloric game where competitors have to roll a cheese wheel at a target.

Pecorino cheese

Pecorino is especially delicious paired with figs. This seasonal flower — not fruit (!!) — can be enjoyed raw or made into a cheese-friendly compote. 

Tuscany in October

Summer has come to an end, but don’t let that stop you enjoying a holiday in a luxury villa in Tuscany . Bask in some much needed R&R by your private pool , weather permitting. (If it doesn’t, we have villas in Italy with heated pools and spa villas in Italy .)  

Two big outdoor events take place in October, so bring your trainers.

Tuscany weather in October

Autumn in Tuscany is characterized by sunshine and blue skies. Expect a daytime high of 22℃ (72℉) and a low of 11℃ (52℉) overnight. 

How busy is Tuscany in October?

Autumn in Tuscany is the start of low season for tourism. With fewer crowds around, you may not need to book activities ahead and can easily find a table at sought-after restaurants like La Bottega del Buon Caffè in Florence or Osteria di Passignano, close to many of our Chianti villas . 

What’s on in Tuscany in October?

It’s just €10 to participate in Certaldo’s Boccaccesca Festival. This pretty  medieval Tuscan town lures food and wine fanatics each year with cooking classes and tastings.

In southern Tuscany, Montalcino hosts its own food festival dedicated to a local delicacy, il tordo (thrush). This songbird is now protected (and no longer on the menu), but you can still feast on  local dishes like wild boar. 

Keep an eye out, pretty much everywhere, for chestnuts . Roasted, boiled, baked in cakes or mashed into a puree, it is a seasonal treat. 

Discovering beauty outdoors is another big theme for October in Tuscany. You can explore Chianti’s backroads during the historical cycling event , L’Eroica , or head to the Tuscan coast for the annual Historical Sailing Boat Gathering , where around 100 historic boats race.

Plus, there is free entry to state-owned museums (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites on the first Sunday of the month. 

Tuscany in November

It’s easy to lose your grip on the #healthylifestyle when surrounded by the best food and wine in Italy. If pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar sauce), bistecca alla fiorentina (flamegrilled beef on the bone) and pappa al pomodoro (thick fresh tomato soup) are not enough, a famed seasonal delicacy returns each November: white truffles. 

White truffles

Lucky for you, one of Europe’s most scenic marathons also takes place in Florence this month. Pack your running shoes. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it?

Tuscany weather in November

Temperatures drop with the onset of winter. Expect a daytime high of 16℃ (60℉) and a low of 7℃ (44℉) overnight. 

With the weather generally cool and damp , November is the ideal month to enjoy a wine tasting or cooking class at your villa in Tuscany .  

How busy is Tuscany in November?

Late autumn in Tuscany is low season for tourism . With fewer crowds you should rarely need to book seasonal activities like truffle hunting , or even restaurants. Our concierge team can arrange it all. 

What’s on in Tuscany in November?

November begins with a national holiday: Ognissanti, All Saints’ Day. Traditionally Italians attend mass, followed by a long lunch. 

You can experience this holiday like a local and indulge in two traditional sweet breads: Schiacciata dei Santi – crispy, thin focaccia with raisins, figs and walnuts – and Castagnaccio, a bread made with chestnut flour and garnished with pine nuts, raisins and rosemary. 

Work off the carbs in one of the world’s top 20 marathons through one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Firenze Marathon passes through the historic centre of Florence close to all the major sights. 

The last three weekends of the month are dedicated to San Miniato’s White Truffle Festival . You can learn about the history and culture of this prestigious fungus , and all the many ways to incorporate it in your cooking.

Like everywhere in Italy, the first Sunday of the month is also free admission to state-owned museums  (Uffizi, Bargello and others) and archaeological sites.

Tuscany in December

December in Tuscany is a quiet month to visit. Days are short and colder, but Christmas lights and Vin Brûlé bring out plenty of local festive spirit. 

Just like for every other special occasion, Tuscans don’t miss the opportunity to feast. Pack a big appetite as well as a warm wardrobe. 

Christmas in Florence at night

Tuscany weather in December

December is a cold month to visit Tuscany. Expect a daytime high of 12℃ (53℉) and a low of 7℃ (44℉) overnight. It can get colder up in the hills of the Chianti and Maremma.

How busy is Tuscany in December?

Winter in Tuscany is low season for tourism . Escape the cold and join Tuscans as they feast their way through winter at many a local trattoria.

Book ahead of time to secure your table around major holiday dates — or ask our concierge team to arrange it all for you. 

What’s on in Tuscany in December?

December 8th is a national holiday for the  Immaculate Conception . Religious services and celebrations take place across Tuscany. In Florence the Christmas tree appears in Piazza del Duomo with a ceremony and concert. Every year a life-sized nativity scene with terracotta statues, created by the artisans of Impruneta , also decorates the cathedral square.

The biggest Christmas market in Tuscany is held in Piazza Santa Croce, Florence . The market draws on German traditions for its food, wine and crafts. 

You can attend traditional Christmas Eve/Morning Mass at the Duomo, celebrated by the Cardinal of Florence.

No Christmas in Tuscany is complete without a slice of Panettone . This festive bread with candied fruit is best washed down with a glass of Vin Santo sweet wine.

Don’t forget the first Sunday of the month , when all state-owned museums and archaeological sites in Italy offer free admission.

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Experience the best of Tuscany with this regional guide

Apr 7, 2024 • 11 min read

Have the most memorable trip to Tuscany with this comprehensive guide to the best of the region © Gavin Hellier / Stocksy United

Tuscany escapes easy definition. The Apennines – Italy’s mountainous spine – slope into vineyard-covered rolling hills, which in turn fade into the Mediterranean coast. This blend of diverse landscapes is home to the remains of millennia-old Etruscan settlements, isolated hamlets whose stone-built bell towers date back to the Middle Ages, and grand art cities whose heritage is invaluable. 

With sarcasm being the local language, Tuscans may not seem to take such wealth too seriously. Understanding the many different facets of this rich Central Italian region can feel overwhelming. Florence tends to grab most of the attention, but it's worth exploring beyond the Renaissance city to discover more unexpected treasures.

Whether you are planning an art-filled tour of medieval cities, a road trip through the twisting countryside roads of Val d’Orcia, or a multi-day hike along the Via Francigena pilgrim route, here is how to figure it all out.

When should I go to Tuscany?

Late spring to early autumn is when most people visit Tuscany. It’s easy to understand why – days get longer and warmer, the countryside comes to life, outdoor dining opportunities abound, and festivals happen all around. Florence runs its Calcio Storico tournament and the region’s largest music festival, Firenze Rocks ; Siena has its traditional Palio horse race; Pistoia hosts its Blues Festival ; and Cortona its International Photography Festival  (and there’s more).

July and August are peak holiday season. It’s when most Italians go on holiday and temperatures get scorching – days surpassing 35ºC (95ºF) have become the norm at this time of the year. Visiting in the middle of summer (especially in August) means finding beaches clogged and cities empty. Prices are significantly higher in popular destinations and booking accommodation in advance is well advised.

The two shoulder seasons – either between late April and June, or in September and October – typically offer the best compromise between good weather, flows of people, and prices.

Come in spring and you’ll see the countryside in full bloom; visit in autumn to catch the wine harvest – and related events like the Expo del Chianti Classico in September – and truffle fairs such as San Miniato’s White Truffle Exhibition in November.

Tourism slows down during winter, especially after the Christmas holidays. The coast goes into hibernation, and many countryside hotels shut down until spring. Cities offer the chance to visit famous museums without crowds – often at reduced prices, as is the case for the Uffizi in Florence – and deals on accommodation are more easily found.

How much time do I need to visit Tuscany?

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in Tuscany. There is no perfect length of stay when it comes to exploring the region – whether you feel drawn to art, food, or the outdoors, you’ll likely leave looking forward to a second trip. 

With walkable cities well-connected by public transport, five days will allow you time to tour Florence’s main sights and then jump on the train for a day trip in Siena , Lucca , or Arezzo . If you’d rather drive yourself, you can explore Val d’Orcia in about three days or plan a week-long road trip starting from Pisa which will take you through the rural towns that dot the hilly interior.

Slow travelers can also walk the path of the Tuscan section of the ancient Via Francigena – the pilgrim route that connected the Canterbury with Rome during the Middle Ages – crossing 38 municipalities over the course of 16 (or more) days.

Basing yourself in Rome?  Here's how to plan a day trip to Tuscany

Is it easy to get in and around Tuscany? 

Tuscany has two international airports, Florence and Pisa. Pisa's Galileo Galilei (PSA) airport is serviced by many low-cost airlines and has twice the passenger traffic of Firenze's Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) airport. The two cities are connected with a direct railway, which takes just over an hour to travel.

If you're not flying in from abroad, it is possible to reach Florence with high-speed trains departing from many major Italian cities, including Rome , Naples , Milan , Bologna  and Venice .

Tuscany's rail network spans across 181 stations, providing an affordable means of exploring the region. You can buy regional train tickets conveniently through trenitalia.com, or at any station. Remember to validate paper tickets purchased at the station before boarding the train.

Trains do not run to many of the smaller towns and while buses are available, the best way of moving around rural areas is by car. Major rental companies, such as Budget, Sixt, Hertz, operate around Tuscany, with the largest offer available in Florence and Pisa.

Link your trip with these other great destinations in Italy

Where are the best places to go in Tuscany?

Tuscany is divided into ten provinces and people are famously proud of the defining characteristics of each. The days of warring city states are long gone, but by speaking to locals you will learn that food, dialects, and traditions can still differ widely from city to city – here is what to expect.

Renowned for its incomparable Renaissance heritage, Florence often feels like an open-air museum. The Tuscan capital is far from large, but its compact historic core packs grandiose cathedrals – such as Santa Maria del Fiore topped by Brunelleschi’s cupola, Santa Croce and Santa Maria Novella  – opulent palaces, and some of the region’s best art museums.

The Galleria degli Uffizi , one of Italy’s most visited museums, tends to be high on everyone’s list, but there are plenty more options for art lovers including Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Cappelle Medicee and the Galleria dell’Accademia , and the Medici’s heritage at Palazzo Pitti and Palazzo Vecchio .

Outside the thick stone walls of its captivating galleries, Florence boasts a cosmopolitan character and a vibrant culinary scene. Roam its markets in San Lorenzo or Santo Spirito , explore crafts and design workshops in the Oltrarno, and then fuel up with a stuffed schiacciata  (Tuscan flatbread) at Forno Becagli or Sapori Toscani. Before dinner, get a negroni then hit one of the city’s many trattorias .

Traveling on a budget? Here are our tips for saving your euros in Florence

The Chianti region

The core of Tuscany’s most famous wine region stretches between Florence and Siena, offering as many tasting opportunities as you can imagine. The Strada Statale 222, better known as Via Chiantigiana, runs through the whole of the Chianti region north to south, twisting among vineyard-covered hills and medieval castles, making for an ideal road trip.

Antinori nel Chianti Classico , on the outskirts of Florence, is perhaps the region’s best-known winery – its futuristic headquarters in were completed in 2012, but the Antinori family has been in the wine business for over six hundred years, since Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri (Florentine Winemakers' Guild) in 1385. Many other wineries are found along the way, including the excellent boutique winery Capanelle and the imposing Castello di Brolio of the Ricasoli winery.

One of Tuscany’s most beautiful squares – Piazza del Campo – marks the center of Siena, Florence’s eternal rival that emerged during the Middle Ages as a progressive city-state where art and architecture flourished. Each year, the semi-circular piazza commonly known as “Il Campo” hosts the Palio, one of the most heartfelt events of the year in which Siena’s neighborhoods compete in a horse race with thousands of people watching.

Siena is worth spending a few days in, but if you are short on time make sure to enter its Duomo – Giovanni and Nicola Pisano, Pinturicchio, Michelangelo, Donatello and Gian Lorenzo Bernini all contributed to making the cathedral an unchallenged masterpiece. Don’t miss the floor, a composition of 56 marble panels forming a mosaic with scenes from the Old Testament, created by various artists between the 14th and the 19th centuries.

Val d’Orcia

The postcard image of Tuscany you have in mind likely comes from Val d’Orcia, the UNESCO-inscribed region where cypress-lined roads lead to dreamy farmhouses surrounded by hay bales that look like they are just about to roll down the hills. Films such as Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient and Ridley Scott’s The Gladiator have used Val d’Orcia as their backdrop and road tripping this region guarantees exceptional views all around.

Many charming towns dot this rural area. The construction of Pienza was commissioned to architect Bernardo Rossellino, a student of Leon Battista Alberti, by Enea Silvio Piccolomini, a humanist born who would become Pope Pius II in 1458, as the “ideal Renaissance city” and still stands as one of the main settlements in the Val d’Orcia. Nearby you can find the thermal waters of Bagno Vignoni and the fortress of Montalcino , globally revered for its prized Brunello wine.

The 12m tall walls surrounding Lucca’s historic center, built between 1513 and 1650 and stretching for four kilometers across eleven bastions, are among Europe’s best preserved fortifications and function as the city’s green lung with large parks and tree-lined paths offering great views over Lucca’s heart.

This charming city makes for an ideal day trip from Florence – inside the fortress walls, you’ll find Lucca’s Cattedrale di San Martino , where Gothic and Romanesque elements blend to form the structure housing one of Tuscany’s most precious artifacts, the celebrated Volto Santo (holy face) crucifix, believed to be one of the oldest wooden sculptures in Europe.

In summer the city hosts its Lucca Summer Festival , held in Piazza Napoleone. Over the years, artists such as Elton John, The Scorpions, Green Day, and Sting have played in the city. Another important event is the Lucca Comics & Games , one of Europe’s largest comics festivals held each year in autumn.

Pisa is often reduced to its leaning tower but there is much more to see, both inside and outside the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli. In the Middle Ages Pisa was one of Italy’s most powerful maritime republics, and signs of its wealth are still part of this city which is now home of one of Tuscany's most important universities.

The monumental cemetery of Piazza dei Miracoli, established in 1277 to house the remains of the city’s elite, houses one of the city’s most important frescoes, the recently restored Il Trionfo della Morte (The Triumph of Death) by Buonamico Buffalmacco. Beyond Piazza dei Miracoli you find the new Navi di Pisa Museum which traces the history of the city’s relationship with the sea and features parts of over 800 ships excavated in Pisa’s surroundings.

The islands

Distant from the museums and the cathedrals of the region's art cities are the seven islands of the Tuscan archipelago, ideally positioned for a Mediterranean escape after an overload of culture. The islands – Elba, Giglio, Montecristo, Capraia, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona – come to life during summer and it’s worth booking accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit in the high season. Elba is the largest of the seven, offering both great beaches and hiking opportunities along its Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE, Elba’s Great Crossing) trail.

The Apuan Alps

The Parco Naturale delle Alpi Apuane stretches across two areas of northeastern Tuscany that few people take the time to visit, Lunigiana and Garfagnana. The rugged Apuan Alps take their name from their resemblance to the actual Alps, although they are much smaller in size with peaks under 2,000 meters. 

Historically these mountains have been the main source of Carrara marble, extracted since Roman times in the quarries surrounding the city of Carrara. Today, much of the area is a protected nature reserve marked by a vast network of hiking trails. The hamlets of Castelnuovo di Garfagnana and Barga are good spots to start your exploration of the region – either by relaxing around the Lago di Vagli or committing to a multi-day hike along the Via Vandelli, connecting Massa to Modena.

How much money do I need in Tuscany?

Costs in Tuscany can vary widely depending on where and when you go. Prices tend to be inflated in areas that attract large tourism flows like central Florence and Siena and skyrocket along the coast during summer months. Still, it is possible to visit on a budget by relying on public transport and looking for accommodation deals outside peak summer months.

Find out what one visitor spent on a weekend trip to Florence

A guide to daily costs in Tuscany

• Basic double room: €80
• Espresso coffee: €1.20
• Car rental: €65
• A stuffed schiacciata sandwich: €5
• Dinner for two with a bottle of local wine: €70
• Museum ticket: €10€to €20
• Petrol: €1.80/liter
• City parking: €2/hour
• Aperitivo cocktail: €7
• Glass of wine: €5
• Train ticket from Florence to Pisa: €8.90

This article was first published August 2023 and updated April 2024

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The Best Time to Visit Tuscany: A Monthly Breakdown

Home > Blog > The Best Time to Visit Tuscany: A Monthly Breakdown

Tuscany: the glorious heart of the Italian countryside, the home of the Renaissance, and a region that’s overflowing with delectable wine and delicious cuisines. From the bustling, medieval streets of Florence to the serene peace of the Tuscan Hills, there’s so much waiting to be discovered in Tuscany.

But when is the best time to visit Tuscany? Well, that depends on how many other tourists you want to share the attractions with and what kind of temperatures you prefer. Tuscany is busiest in summer, just like the rest of Italy, and between June and August, it’s not only swelteringly hot but outrageously crowded in the most popular areas.

Outside of this, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are both marvelous times to visit, with pleasant weather and far fewer tourists around to spoil your pictures. To help you plan your next Italian getaway, here’s our monthly breakdown of the best time to visit Tuscany.

January is the coldest month to visit Tuscany, and it’s never really seen as the  best time to visit Italy  unless you’re looking to ski in the mountains. Luckily though, Tuscany does have its share of ski resorts, and compared to more popular winter sports locations such as the Dolomites further north, these resorts can be much quieter.

Temperatures are low, averaging from 37 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on where you travel. It’s colder inland and higher up, so if you’re after warmer weather, then head to the Mediterranean coastline. The provincial capital, Florence, is always a good place to visit in January with few other tourists around, and plenty of good food and an intriguing culture to soak up when it’s cold outside.

If you’re in Tuscany in January, then make sure that you:

Celebrate New Year’s Day:  New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Italy, and you can celebrate in style across Tuscany.

Celebrate Epiphany:  Held on the 6 January each year, Epiphany marks the end of Christmas, and you can watch the grand parade that’s held in Florence.

February is still a cold month to be in Tuscany, but it’s a great time to escape the crowds that are waiting for summer. You can expect rain showers and low temperatures, but again, head to the coast for a little bit of warmth.

Visit the cities of Florence or Siena, and take advantage of the ski season in places like Abetone or Zum Zeri, or anywhere else in the mountains. When you’re in Tuscany, be sure to:

Celebrate Carnival:  This huge Italian tradition is different in every town, village or city across the country, but in Tuscany, the celebrations are usually held in February (although the exact date can vary).

Get Romantic:  The Tuscan Hills are the land of romance and love, and few other places in the world are so perfectly romantic as here. For Valentines Day, take your date into rural Tuscany for wine, food and an escape from the world.

Visit Arezzo:  This charming small town in the hills of Tuscany hosts a unique antique fair at the start of February, which can claim to be one of the oldest such markets in Italy.

March is the start of spring in Tuscany and the weather is definitely starting to improve. In the mountains, this is the last chance to enjoy a spot of winter sports, as the snow begins to melt as the temperatures rise. Along the coast, you can enjoy the Mediterranean as the sun begins to shine.

Tuscany is quiet in March still, so take advantage of the lack of tourists and visit famous destinations such as Pisa, Florence or Siena before the high season begins. In March, make sure you check out the following events and places:

Mark the Second New Year:  Unusually, many people in Tuscany – and particularly in Pisa – celebrate a second New Year, on March 25. This dates back to when Pisa and the surrounds used a totally separate calendar to the one in place now, and many locals today want a second chance to have a party.

Visit Viareggio:  The coastal commune of Viareggio is known for its colorful parades and carnival celebrations, which are often held in March.

Women’s Day and Father’s Day:  March 8 is Women’s Day in Italy, while March 19 is Father’s Day.

April is a real shoulder season for travel in Tuscany because as the spring weather brings warmers climes, more tourists are starting to arrive. It’s a lovely time to visit Tuscany because the weather is wonderfully pleasant and the crowds are still thin.

Get Religious:  April is a religious month in Italy because this is when Easter is generally celebrated. Lent comes to a close and there are different festivities across the province.

Exploding Carts in Florence:  Visit the Tuscan capital for an unusual Easter celebration, whereby every Easter Sunday, a cart loaded with fireworks is quite literally exploded in the city.

Enjoy Spring:  Springtime means warm temperatures and beautiful countryside, so head into the Tuscan hills and enjoy local homestays or tours of the wineries as nature blooms around you.

It’s not quite peak season in Tuscany yet, but things are getting that way and this is a month that’s getting busier and busier. Temperatures are on the rise, and you can expect highs reaching up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day.

Visit Pisa, Florence or Siena before they become far too busy in June, or take a trip to the coast to enjoy the beaches of Tuscany before the high season begins. In May, make sure you:

Drink Wine:  The tradition of Open Wine Cellars, or  Cantine Aperte,  is held across Tuscany in May, offering you the chance to try free wine at many of the region’s best wineries and wine cellars.

Flower Festivals:  There are flower festivals held in small villages and towns across Florence to celebrate color and nature.

Wine Tours:  Take advantage of the lovely weather and visit Tuscany’s best wineries in the countryside.

June is the start of the summer high season across Europe, as temperatures rise as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit – and Tuscany is no exception. The crowds begin to get busier, but they aren’t as busy as July or August.

If you’re in Tuscany in June, then enjoy the following:

Beaches:  Head to the Tuscan coastline to make the most of the clear skies and soaring temperatures. Take a beach holiday along the Tyrrhenian coast, and enjoy sun, sea, and sand.

Wineries:  Visit the countryside and call into spectacular wine destinations such as Chianti in Greve, or San Gimignano.

Road Trip:  Take a road trip into Tuscany, to explore the lesser-known medieval villages of the region, in the glorious sunshine.

July is well and truly peak season in Tuscany. Not only are the temperatures uncomfortably hot, but the crowds are uncomfortably large too. Stay away from the most popular destinations such as Pisa or Florence, and try to get off the beaten track.

In July, take the time to:

Visit Siena:  While Siena is busy and bustling in peak season, July is also when the infamous Palio di Siena takes place. This historic tradition sees riders racing horses through the medieval streets of the city on 2 July.

Have a Beach Getaway:  With soaring temperatures, there’s nothing better than sitting out on the sand along the Tuscan coastline, and taking a dip in the Tyrrhenian Sea when it gets too hot.

Wineries:  Get out of the cities and into the cooler countryside, and enjoy refreshing tastings of fantastic wine at the many Tuscan wineries.

August is still peak season in Tuscany, and you can expect the crowds to be just as large as July. This is high season across Italy and Europe because, for many, it’s the school holidays and the only chance that families get to travel.

In August, when you’re visiting Tuscany you’ll want to:

Visit Siena (again):  If you missed it in July or if you want to see more, then Siena hosts a second round of horse racing through the medieval streets on 16 August. This is the second event of the Palio di Siena, and it’s just as chaotic and mad as the first.

Have a Beach Getaway (again):  August is the perfect time for lazing around on the coast, just like in July. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand of the Tuscan beaches.

Hire a Vespa:  The best way to escape the crowds in August is to go on a road trip. Hire a classic Vespa scooter and enjoy the great weather as you cruise through the countryside.

Things quieten down in September after the rush of the school holidays is over, and it’s a great time to visit Tuscany if you want excellent weather and smaller crowds. This is when the harvest season begins, and you’ll find that Tuscany is gourmet heaven in September.

In Tuscany in September, you can enjoy:

Arezzo:  At the start of September, the city of Arezzo hosts an excellent medieval-themed festival celebrating history and heritage. You can watch horsemen jousting in the streets and many more quirky events too.

Florence:  In Florence, the crowds are thinning out, so you can enjoy the Renaissance city in more comfort. Florence hosts plenty of great festivals in September too, including a Lantern Festival and a Grape Festival.

Wine:  With the grape harvests coming in, Tuscany is a whirl of wine tourism in September, and you can visit wineries and enjoy wine and grape festivals across the region.

Visitor numbers continue to fall in October, but the weather remains remarkably pleasant in Tuscany. This is a great month for shoulder season travel, as you’ll get excellent prices and deals and can avoid the summer crowds. October is fall, and Tuscany is resplendent in autumnal colors.

In October, Tuscany is great for:

Fall Scenes:  Travel into the famed Tuscan Hills and visit the vineyards and wineries, where you can enjoy the golden glow of fall, as the scenery changes from green to red, brown and gold, amongst many more shades of color.

Visit Impruneta:  In the town of Impruneta, October sees one of the oldest cattle markets in Italy taking place. Farmers arrive from the countryside, and all kinds of quirky traditions and events are held in the town.

Visit Volterra:  The town of Volterra, a historic, medieval hilltop settlement, hosts a fantastic truffle festival in late October, where you can enjoy plenty of local truffles and plenty more local foods too.

The weather takes a turn for the worse in November, and the mountainous regions in the north of Tuscany will even begin to see snowfall, while the coast and the countryside see falling temperatures and rainfall. This is the offseason, so take advantage of the small crowds and low costs.

In November, Tuscany is great for:

Low Season Deals:  Prices are low in November, as the summer crowds are long gone.

Sightseeing:  Head to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower without too many fellow tourists, or take the time to visit Florence’s museums and palaces, again without the tourists.

December is low season too, but over the festive period, visitor numbers can increase in Tuscany, or at least in the cities. The coast is cold and rainy, but in the mountains, there’s snow and the ski season begins.

In December, visit Tuscany for:

A City Break:  Take a city break in Florence or Pisa, or even in Siena, where you can enjoy indoor attractions if the rain falls, and where you can find Christmas markets in abundance.

Christmas Celebrations:  Christmas is big in Italy, of course, and you can celebrate all through the festive period and right up until Epiphany on 6 January.

Italy is the most romantic destination to visit in Europe. Full of stunning cities, divine food and wine, and glorious scenery, few other places in the world can pull at the heartstrings quite as much as Italy can. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your dream, romantic getaway with Italy4Real today!

About the Author

Rem Malloy started Italy4real back in 1995 with his mother, Deborah de Maio.

He specialises in Italian tours as well as customised tours to France, England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Greece and Spain. He was also featured in the Travel Channel show Mysteries at The Museum in 2016.

Rem has family in Italy and his mothers home town is Cava di Terrani, near the Amalfi Coast. The family has a street named after them in Sorrento, Via Luigi de Maio; a relative who was mayor of Sorrento.

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Tuscany, Italy   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Peter Zelei Images | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Tuscany, Italy

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. If you want Tuscany all to yourself, visit during the winter low season, but expect the cold and lots of rain. 

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Tuscany in Winter – 11 Things To Do That Will Make You Glad You Came

It’s true, you probably don’t think of winter when you imagine the ideal time to visit Tuscany and its vineyards, rolling hills, and Renaissance cities. You’ve probably chosen spring, summer , or autumn in your head as the perfect season to visit.

Tuscany’s actually worth a visit in all seasons, for different reasons. While you won’t be able to lounge on Tuscany beaches or go cycling in Chianti in short sleeves, there are an incredible amount of activities on offer in the chilly winter months.

Yes, the temperatures are quite cold, and you’ll probably see some rain, but there are less crowds than other seasons and you’ll find lower prices on hotels, flights, and rental cars .

Let’s take a look at the 11 activities I recommend doing during a visit to Tuscany in the winter. Andiamo !

Table of Contents

Taste The Recent Press of Tuscan Olive Oil

We call our olive oil liquid gold, and if you’re in Tuscany in the winter, you’ll have a chance to taste freshly-pressed olive oil.

We usually harvest and press the olives in November. If you’re in Tuscany during the olive oil harvest, you should try to participate or go with someone to watch the olives being pressed at the community frantoio .

It’s a beautiful process to see and sampling the first drops of the oil on crusty Tuscan bread is one of life’s greatest pleasures!

Good To Know: We try the new olive oil on crusty pane toscano (Tuscan bread). This simple but delicious bread and oil combo is called fettunta – a combination of the Italian words fetta (slice) and unta (oily).

Be sure to bring some freshly-pressed oil home, and remember to use it! Olive oil is best when it’s first pressed. It’s not like a fine wine – it doesn’t get better with age.

Visit Museums In Florence Without The Crowds

This is your chance to have a heart-to-heart with Michelangelo’s David statue and other precious works of art in Tuscany.

Visit Florence’s Accademia Gallery , the Uffizi Gallery, and more without hordes of other visitors.

If it’s rainy or cold and windy, escape into a museum! If you’re not interested in the traditional art museums, check out:

• the Gucci Museum (Florence)
• the Ferragamo Shoe Museum (Florence)
• the Piaggio (Vespa) Museum (Pontedera)
• the Leonardo Interactive Museum (Florence)
• the Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Vinci)

Or, follow the trail of the Medici family in Florence or seek out outdoor art in Tuscany .

Go Skiing In Abetone

You can ski in almost every region in Italy and Tuscany’s best slopes are in Abetone a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Florence. We always head to a part of the area called Val di Luce – about 15 minutes past Abetone.

If you want to spend the night, stay in the Val di Luce Spa Resort . It’s comfortable, has a spa(!), and it’s across the street from the slopes.

We usually make it an easy day trip: Drive up in the morning, play in the snow, have lunch, play a little more, and drive back in the afternoon before evening traffic.

You can ski, snowboard, sled, and hike in the snow. Gear rental is inexpensive and plentiful. Dining options are simple but perfect for filling your belly after a morning in the snow.

Good To Know: You’ll need your own car. After you leave Pistoia, you’re on a winding mountain road.

Soak in One of Tuscany’s Many Hot Springs or Thermal Baths

Tuscany has hot springs throughout the region, so wherever you’re staying, there’s bound to be one nearby. There are both free thermal baths and paid thermal spring centers. It’s worth experiencing both if you have a chance. Our favorites are, in order of preference:

• Bagno Vignoni – free hot springs and a charming village with spa hotels
• Saturnia – free hot springs and an upscale spa resort
• San Casciano dei Bagni
• Chianciano Terme – 70’s style resort area
• Bagni San Filippo – free hot springs immersed in nature

If you are staying in Florence, you can check out the nearby Asmana Wellness Center .

Check Out The Holiday Lights And Christmas Celebrations

Italians don’t decorate their homes with lights like many other countries do, so if you come expecting to see the region lit up, you’ll be disappointed.

Good To Know: Christmas lights are expensive here! It’s not that Italians aren’t festive – it’s just that it would cost a fortune to decorate your home and yard here.

However, you will find that all cities and even most small towns and villages decorate for the holidays. More and more stores are decorating their windows with holiday displays.

Tuscany also has Christmas markets and villages pop up, although they don’t have quite the same charm as the Christmas markets in Northern Italy.

Some of our favorites include:

• Florence’s holiday decorations in Piazza della Repubblica and Via Tornabuoni; the Green Line light displays on famous monuments
• Montepulciano’s Christmas market
• Arezzo’s Christmas market and Santa’s Village

Read more about Florence in December

Study Italian

Being the home of the ‘true’ Italian language, Tuscany (and especially Florence) is the perfect place to base yourself for a course in the Italian Language. The region is full of language schools that cater to all levels (and ages!) and you can choose to stay in a hotel or even live with an Italian family.

Choosing a winter language course means you’ll be surrounding yourself with more locals than in the other seasons, and you’ll have more opportunities to practice your new skill. Buy your groceries at the fruit and vegetable markets, order coffee at your neighborhood bar, and immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Climb a Tuscan Tower

Climbing a tower is always worthwhile for the excellent views and getting a new perspective on the area you’re visiting. In the winter, climbing the stairs will help warm you up! It’s also nice to climb towers without the heat and crowds of the summer. When you get to the top, you may even have the viewing platform to yourself!

Some of the classic towers to climb in Tuscany are:

• Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, aka the Duomo (Florence)
• Giotto’s Bell Tower (Florence)
• Leaning Tower of Pisa ( Pisa )
• Torre Grossa (San Gimignano)

Not up for climbing a tower? How about a short walk up to stroll along the town walls of Lucca or Monteriggioni ? Or a walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence?

Taste Tuscan Wines

Tuscany has some of Italy’s most prestigious wines. Find a table in a cozy wine bar, sample wines during your dinner, or venture out to the wineries themselves. While some wineries are closed up for the winter, others are open for walk-ins or by appointment. Make sure you call ahead to confirm opening days and hours during the quiet winter months.

Tuscan wineries to check out:

Enoteche (wine bars) worth a visit:

See A Concert

Winter months are the perfect time to watch an indoor concert. During the holidays, there are small string concerts in many churches in larger cities like Florence, Lucca and Siena. New Year’s Concerts take place throughout the region, even in smaller towns and villages.

International singers and bands usually visit Italy during the summer months, but well-known Italian performers make their way around the peninsula during the winter. Check TicketOne to see who’s playing, when, and where.

Explore The Tuscan Culinary Scene

Tuscan Food in Winter

Winter months bring hearty Tuscan cooking and belly-warming classics like:

• pappa al pomodoro
• bistecca Fiorentina
• papardelle al sugo di cinghiale

Cooking Classes and Food Tours

It’s also a perfect time of the year to join a cooking class or food tour and learn more about Tuscan seasonal ingredients and recipes:

• Curious Appetite Florence Gourmet Food and Drink Tours
• Let’s Cook with Jacopo and Anna – Cook with Jacopo and Anna in their Florence apartment or countryside home. The dishes are delicious and easy to recreate when you get back home. They cater to all levels of cooking ability.

Fine Dining Scene in Tuscany

Did you know that Tuscany has 41 Michelin-starred restaurants ? The region is home to over 10% of Italy’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Check out the list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Tuscany.

Go Shopping in Tuscany in the Winter

If you happen to be in Tuscany in January (and part of February), you’re in luck. It’s saldi (sales) time and stores are selling off their fall and winter stock to make way for spring and summer clothing and goods. You’ll want to check out the stores in big cities like Florence and make your way to some of Tuscany’s outlet malls for bigger discounts.

Good To Know – The prices usually go down as the sales period progresses. But, often the best gets sold first. So, if you see something you like, don’t wait – buy it!

Our Favorite Outlets in Tuscany:

• The Mall Outlet Firenze (Leccio) – designer labels from Italian and international brands
• Barberino Designer Outlet (Barberino di Mugello) – large outlet mall with a wide range of clothing and other stores
• The Space Outlet (Montevarchi-Levanella) – Prada outlet that also carries other Prada brands
• Valdichiana Outlet Village (Foiano della Chiana) – large outlet mall with a wide range of stores

Hopefully this list of winter activities in Tuscany has given you a few ideas for your trip to our region in the winter months. Happy planning!

You may also want to read about Tuscany in Spring Tuscany in Fall Tuscany in Summer

Tuscany in Winter FAQ

There are plenty of activities to keep your child(ren) busy in Tuscany in winter: – exploring museums -climbing towers and visiting castles -playing in the snow -eating pizza and gelato (yes – even in winter!) -enjoying the city holiday lights and decorations For more ideas, check out our article, 70 Things to do in Tuscany with Kids . A winter visit with kids does, however, require more thought when packing (a lot of warm clothes, a cozy stroller instead of a baby carrier). And, you’ll probably want to plan your days out vs. fly by the seat of your pants. You’ll be spending more time indoors because it’s chilly in Tuscany in the winter. That means a city visit is preferable to a countryside agriturismo stay.

Candice Criscione

Candice, a mamma of three, is an Italy trip planner and travel guide who has been living, traveling, and working in Italy for over two decades. She uses her extensive experience in Italy to help travelers plan their first (or tenth!) trip to bella Italia. She lives in Tuscany with her husband and three boys and when she’s not writing for Mom in Italy or The Tuscan Mom, you can find her cycling the Tuscan hills and exploring Italy with her boys!

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Written by gloria and posted in Tourism and Travel in Tuscany , When to visit Tuscany

November is one of my favourite months of the year. I love its colors, its smells, its tastes. It’s the month of chestnuts and of the olive harvest and also the month of the first holidays.

Tuscany in November

I have always wanted to write a post about what Tuscany is like at different times of the year . I get the question a lot from possible guests of our vacation rentals. So, I have decided this is my new “pet project” for the next 12 months, 1 month in Tuscany at a time ! With a word of caution : every year things are slightly different and vary across Tuscany ( no need to remind you that Tuscany is a big place , right? If so… please check my post about the various regions of Tuscany , thanks!). See all the posts in this series .

What is Tuscany like in November?

November is usually the first real month of fall weather . While up until the last 10 days of October the temperatures usually remain very pleasant (18-23°C, 64-73°F), November is characterized by a greater variability both in weather conditions and in the range in temperatures. During the warmest hours of the day, temperatures are normally between 16°C (60°F)  and 10°C (50°F) , but at night temperatures go down to 6°C (42°F) or less .

November is usually the rainiest month . You can either expect cold and dry weather , with some really windy days, or not so cold but rainy days , especially in Northern Tuscany .

It will probably be too cold to eat outside even at lunch time . As a matter of fact, the bars and restaurants which still have outdoor tables in November will be very few. Those who do, will probably have gazebos and heaters on.

If it doesn’t rain much, it will still be pleasant to walk around or to explore the countryside . And if it does, here are some ideas on things to do in Tuscany when it rains .

If you plan on visiting Tuscany in November , you will need to dress warmly enough . At the beginning of the month a wind-breaker might be suitable, but by the end of the month you will need a proper winter jacket . Personally, I don’t mind the cold weather at all, and I prefer wearing woolen coats rather than coats made of synthetic materials or quilted jackets. However, you will see that most Italians will already be wearing their full winter clothes (heavy jackets, jumpers, scarves and boots) at the beginning of the month. If you come from a cold country, very warm clothes might feel excessive, but if you come from a warm country, you will need sweaters or at least to dress in layers. Closed and possibly waterproof footwear is a must.

The colors in November are amazing ! The fields go back to green, the woods turn into a mixture of yellow, brown and dark green, the olive groves are silvery. As I mentioned in my “ Tuscany in October ” post, don’t expect North American foliage, but  here you can see how pretty the fall in Tuscany can be. Keep in mind that most trees which lose their leaves will have no leaves at all by mid November .

What is in season in November?

November is a very generous month in terms of food. The first good oranges of the season arrive on our tables. Oranges are not typically produced in Tuscany, but in Southern Italy. However they are readily available in any food store and if you are in Italy at this time of the year you have to try some!

Persimmons are ready and it is almost a pity to pick them from their leafless trees! They are so pretty!

(Photo by Paolo 55 )

Chestnuts are prominent in our diet in November. They are already available at the end of October, but November is really their month. You can buy them roasted ( caldarroste ) from the street vendors in the cities or roast them yourselves on slow-burning embers in the fireplace or on a wood-burning stove on special perforated pans. Chestnut flour also becomes available and we use it to make castagnaccio (a type of chestnut cake) or sweet polenta .

(Photo by Elisa Poli )

Walnuts are also finally ready!

As for vegetables, in November you can get beets, artichokes and thistles, broccoli, cauliflowers, cabbage, fennel, leeks, radicchio, spinach, and pumpkins .

If the weather has been right, porcini mushrooms and truffles are also available.

November 1 marks the opening of the wild boar hunting season , so plenty of wild boar dishes will be available in restaurant menus. You won’t be able to buy the meat at the butcher though, unless you place an order, and it might still be difficult. Besides, cooking game meat is not easy if you don’t know how, so it’s always best to have some nicely done cinghiale at a local trattoria!

Make sure to wear bright colors if you go for a walk in the countryside as it is very dangerous when the hunt is on.

The olive harvest

November is traditionally the month of the olive harvest , even though some producers start picking in October. My family generally starts on November 1st or 2nd, right after celebrating All Saints’ Day .

Olive oil is one of the main products of Tuscany. In the area where my village is located, it has traditionally been the main product, so much so that the people from the village used to be called “ buchi unti ” (literally, greasy holes ) by the people from the neighbouring villages. Now, the nickname sounds funny and not very flattering, but it reminds of a time when there were 7 olive presses in the village and most people used to work there in November and December. They would wear rubber boots on the slippery floor of the presses and when they had to get down on their knees to clean the pipes or the floor at the end of the day, the soles of their boots used to leave greasy stains on their buttocks , hence the nickname!

Experiencing the olive harvest in Tuscany and visiting the olive presses can be an unforgettable experience and certainly a great way to discover an important side of the local culture and tradition.

There are many festivals dedicated to olive oil in the region. My village celebrates its heritage with a yearly festival called “ Festa del Buco Unto “. This year it’s going to be on November 12 and 13 . You can taste the new olive oil and a lot of traditional food in the square, visit the open cellars and dance in the streets!

Of course there is no better way to honor the freshly pressed olive oil but to prepare some great bruschette! Try toasting bread in the fireplace: nothing can beat that!

Why I love “November smells”

What I love the most in November are the smells . First of all, the smell of the wet countryside in the morning. Even when it doesn’t rain, the mists and the dew make the countryside smell amazing. Even in the city you can smell the autumn has arrived.

(Photo by Giuseppe Toscano )

Second, I love the smell of burning firewood . You can see the smoke coming out of most chimneys and to me that brings back memories of evenings spent by the fireplace with my grand-parents, waiting for chestnuts to be well roasted, or for a large pot of polenta to be ready or slices of bread to be toasted and ready for the new olive oil.

Third, the smell of fresh mushrooms still covered in dirt . If I close my eyes I can see my mum’s counter covered in sheets of newspaper and a layer of dirty porcini mushrooms waiting to be cleaned and made in a nice soup or pasta sauce!

Fourth, the smell coming off the large caldarroste (roast chestnuts) braziers on the side of the street in the cities. If you happen to be in Pisa, Florence or Siena in November you will see people selling caldarroste on the side of the street out of enormous braziers. It’s also a nice excuse to warm up by the fire if it’s very cold!

Fifth, the smell coming out of the olive presses . If you happen to be in the area in November, make sure to visit one.

The first holidays of the season

We don’t have anything similar to Thanksgiving, but we celebrate Ognissanti or simply I Santi ( All Saints’ Day ) on November 1st and I morti ( All Souls’ Day ) on November 2nd . Only the former is an actual holiday, so be aware that most shops will be closed and public transportation will follow the holiday schedule.

All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are celebrated with the family . Ognissanti is a festive day, on which people go to mass and then have lunch together. In Tuscany we celebrate Ognissanti with two typical desserts : Schiaccia dei Santi (elsewhere schiacciata , meaning focaccia) and Pane dei Santi (meaning All Saints’ bread).  Make sure to try them! Schiaccia dei Santi is a type of focaccia and it contains raisins , figs and walnuts . Pane dei Santi is exactly the same, but instead of being crispy and thin, the same ingredients are added to bread dough. Castagnaccio , a delicious cake made with chestnut flour , is often prepared in this time of the year.

On All Souls’ Day , I Morti , people go to the cemetery and pay their respects to their beloved departed ones. Most people who have moved away from the village return for the occasion and bring flowers . The traditional flower for the occasion are chrysanthemums . They symbolize mourning in our culture, and are always associated with cemeteries and graveyards (so don’t give them as a present!). Il Giorno dei Morti is somehow a sad day, but also a day in which you meet people you don’t often see and get a chance to think about the people who are not here anymore.

(Photo by thunderspeech )

November 30 is also a holiday in Tuscany (but not the rest of Italy): Festa della Toscana . However, only schools and public offices will be closed. Most attractions will keep their regular schedule. Tuscany Day commemorates the anniversary of the abolition of death penalty and torture in Tuscany (1786) by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo . Tuscany was the first “country” (it was an independent country back then) to end capital punishment, and this, I believe, is a good reason to be very proud .

Inexpensive holidays

Since November usually falls in the low season , it’s the perfect time of the year to take a low cost holiday in Tuscany .

We always have special offers in November , often associated with visits to the olive groves and to the olive presses.

About the Author

This blog is written by a born and bred Tuscan who wishes to share her love for this region with as many people as possible. It's about living here, but also about travelling, learning, experiencing, and enjoying life in Tuscany. It's about feeling at home in Tuscany.

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5 things to do in tuscany in the fall, ognissanti and il giorno dei morti: not quite the italian halloween, the olive harvest in tuscany, tuscany in october, the delicious autumn products of tuscany.

Thank you. I’m thinking of going with a group November 8-20. Is that an ideal time to come? I was curious if it was cool. Thank you for the information.

It is late fall so it might be cold. Or you might be lucky and find a mild November. Impossible to say. Check the forecasts closer to your dates. Agood website is http://www.ilmeteo.it

I was looking for info on olive harvest and related festivals in Tuscany and İ found your blog! It feels like magic:-) When will be the festival in your village this year? What would be the best places to visit on an olive harvest/olive oil making quest in Tuscany?I would be grateful if you can share more info on the topic. Thanks already.

Hi Asli, you are too sweet!!! It gets decided later on, depending on the resources the local association has. it is usually in November, which is when the olive harvest happens. Our area is pretty great for olive oil making as it’s the main product. you can also take a look at this page on our vacation rental home site http://www.casinadirosa.it/things-to-do-tuscany/food-drink-tuscany/tuscany-olive-oil/

HI Gloria My name is Laura, I am from New Zealand, but I have been living in Italy for 2 and a half years.. I don’t live in Tuscany – I am living in Emilia-Romagna, but I am often in and around Tuscany. I just wanted to say I absolutely loved reading your blog! I guess some of these things that I have come to love and see as normal and natural, are things that people who haven’t ever traveled to Italy find amazing and so different! I love that reading this, made me again appreciate how lucky I am to be living in a beautiful country like Italy and to not take it for granted… I can’t wait to go out and explore the countryside tomorrow and experience this beautiful season of Autumn. Thank you!

that is super sweet! Thank YOU!

Excellent guide by any standards…when it rains in Tuscany or Umbria , is the rain a washout/ all day or more of a passing nature? Thanks!

Thanks! It can go either way. The weather is becoming quite unpredictable.

Great information for those who have yet to go places mentioned. Thank you in advance.

My wife and I are staying at a condo in Siena November 2-9. We’d like information about: 1. participating in the olive harvest and/or visiting an olive press 2. participating in a chestnut harvest 3. taking a Tuscan cooking class

Dear Donald, you need to ask the owners of the condo if they can help. Have fun!

Great blog Gloria, My wife and are are visiting Italy for the first time in late November. We’re flying into Rome then plan to spend a few days in Tuscany on our way to Venice. We’re thinking of getting a room somewhere in Florence then going from there but I’m hearing more and more about Sienna. My concern is that we are not planning on renting a car.

Southern Tuscany without a car is a poor experience (Siena and surroundings), which is a pity because it is also the most quintessential part of Tuscany. You could hire a driver for a couple of days when you want to reach some of the towns that are not well served by public transportation, what do you think?

How can I get in touch with you for a place to stay this coming November

Hi Regina, you can contact us through the websites of one of our vacation rentals if you are interested. Casina di Rosa is south of Siena and the website is http://www.casinadirosa.it and Behind the Tower is in Pisa and the website is http://www.behindthetower.com

Thank you for this great blog. I am traveling to Tuscany and Umbria mid to end of Nov. then going on to Rome for 4 days. I have never visited your country, but am most anxious to meet the people and see a quieter life style. I am retired and love to be in the country. I will be checking into your blog regularly before I visit. When I am home, I hope to keep in touch. Linda

Lovely article!

I look forward to visiting Tuscany in the last week of November along with my husband.

We had about 5 days in mind. What other places/cities do you recommend along with Tuscany?

[…] Tuscany in November […]

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• Events in Tuscany
• November Events in Tuscany

November Events

The flavors of fall in november.

Just like October, November is dedicated to the typical flavors of autumn in Tuscany: bottling of the new wine begins , usually referred to as vino novello , the olive harvest has begun with pressing of new olive oil, chestnuts and mushroom hunting are in full force. There's a type of mushroom/tuber, in particular, that is eagerly anticipated and celebrated, a very prestigious, exquisite and uncommon one... know which one I'm talking about? Keep on reading to find out about the many activities this month!

Below you will find a list of some of our favorite food festivals, as well as exhibitions, events, and markets for the month of November.

Traveling to Florence while visiting Tuscany? Remember to check out the calendar for Florence and the many select events that happen in this great city. We also encourage you to check out the exciting list of  Exhibits  going on all over Tuscany.

Italy | All Saint's Day | November 1st

Very much celebrated throughout the entire country, the day coincides with the major Catholic holiday celebrating the dearly departed and saints. Many will make a long weekend out of the holidays this year and you will find lots of Italian tourists flooding the cities and tourist points.

Public transport works on a festive schedule. Many stores will be closed. Check hours in advance for museums, monuments, and churches.

Tuscany | #DOMENICALMUSEO | 1° Sunday in November

How about enjoying a bit of art, history, and culture on a Sunday? How about enjoying it with free admission? Then mark the first Sunday of the month on your calendar and make note of the following State museums (and archaeological areas) across Tuscany where you can take advantage of the free entrance. See a List of State Museums in Tuscany

Arezzo | FIERA ANTIQUARIA | first weekend in November

Many years ago, Ivan Bruschi gave life to one of the oldest and biggest antique fairs in Tuscany...maybe even all of Italy. He transformed his love for the old, unique and precious into an event that fills the streets of Arezzo every first Sunday of the month and the Saturday that precedes it that month. Check out the official site for more details.

Panzano in Chianti | APRILANTE | 1st Sunday in November

We know they call the fair " April " ante, but it really goes all year round! This monthly market in the streets of this charming town in Chianti is where you will find hand crafts, vintage and delicious typical foods and all of it this is just outside in the countryside surrounding Florence. Read more about Panzano .

Anghiari | FESTA DI SAN MARTINO e DEI BRINGOLI | 2nd weekend of Nov

The Festa di San Martino e dei Bringoli is held annually in Anghiari and attracts tourists from everywhere in Tuscany thanks to the “bringoli" , a type of handmade spaghetti prepared with water and flour then served with a mushroom or meat sauce. You will also find stands with grilled sausage, chestnuts, local wine and more. Check their Facebook page for more details.

Greve in Chianti | IL PAGLIAIO | 4th Sunday of November

Piazza Matteotti is filled with locals who feature goods from their gardens, their kitchens, and their workshops every month, on the fourth weekend. Often you will find not only great bargains but music and opportunities to do some taste testing. Check their Facebook page for details for the upcoming market in the few days before the market, for updates.

Capraia | GARA E SAGRA DEL TOTANO | generally around 1 november

The lovely little island off the coast of Tuscany will be hosting a food festival and competition: the Gara e Sagra del Totano (literally, Squid Competition and Festival). The competition, where there will be more than 100 boats of all types showing off their squid fishing skills. Then on Sunday, these squid will be cooked up in various local recipes - definitely a one of kind food festival. Check out the official site for more details.

San Miniato | TARTUFO BIANCO | November 12-13, 19-20 + 26-27

San Miniato is host to a truffle fair in October, which is only a preview of what is to come in November: the International Market and Fair of the White Truffle . This fair attracts many people from Italy and abroad, and not only truffle experts. True aficionados eagerly await the occasion to taste hundreds of local recipes based on truffles, as well as savor the tastiest culinary delights of the country. A real paradise for foodies, experts connoisseurs and... everyone that loves food! Check out the official site for more details.

Volterra | VOLTERRAGUSTO | last two weekends of October+November 1

VolterraGusto is a festival that has become a required stop if you're a lover of all food products made in Tuscany. The Festival & Fair Market of the White Truffle and Local Products of the Alta Valdicecina is at the heart of the event with the truffle at the center and alongside it many small prodcuters offering a taste of their excellent products - from cheeses to cold cuts, then wine, sweets and much more – from the area and beyond. Check out the official website for the program and more details.

Figline Valdarno | AUTUMNIA | November 11-13

Figline Valdarno will be hosting Autumnia, a fair focused on the area's products that, considering the central position of the city, will also include specialties from Siena, Arezzo, and Florence. Florence and its province will be home, like many other Tuscan localities, to a plethora of food festivals focusing on the tastes of fall. There are many food festivals taking place in several locations of Florence and its surroundings chocolate, truffles, mushrooms and more ... you absolutely don't want miss out! Check out the program and other details on the official site .

Reggello | RASSEGNA DELL'OLIO EXTRA VERGINE DI OLIVA | OCT 29-NOV 1

Be sure to check out the program, this event offers so much more than just a taste of delicious olive oil!. The fair-exhibition dedicated to areas new extra-virgin Olive Oil of the season will take place over the first weekend in November, from 10am to 9pm every day from Friday through Sunday. It will be a showcase of the area's olive oil, with tastings, tours and other events. Check out the full program here.

Lucca | COMICS & GAMES | November 1-5

The Lucca Comics and Games International Convention is "THE" convention that celebrates cartoons and comics, with no limit on time or space. Check out the official site for more details.

San Giovanni d'Asso | MOSTRA MERCATO PER TARTUFO | November 12-13 + 19-20

Another area famous for its truffles, San Giovanni d'Asso will be open its doors, markets, and museums for the guests to taste and explore the delicate flavors and recipes of the black and white truffles. The calendar is filled with cooking demonstrations, steam engine train rides, organized search parties for the “Diamond of the Creti Senese”. Check out the official site for more details.

Civitella Paganico | FESTA DEL BUCOUNTO | November 12-13

This is a manifestation dating back centuries ago that is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of the town. It's a sort of food festival dedicated to the tastes of Fall, like the new oil and wine that also offers music, typical markets and fun for everyone! Are you may be wondering what Buco Unto is? Local inhabitants of Civitella Paganico picked up this nickname for their oily pant bottoms. How did this happen? It is said that when people, men, in particular, went to Holy Mass and knelt down to pray, their greased shoes always dirtied their pants, and thus leaving their bottoms oily ;-). Check out more details on their Facebook page .

Montemurlo | FESTA DI OLIO NUOVO | Nov 20

Montemurlo near both Prato & Florence will be home to the Oil Festival, an event dedicated not only to "liquid gold" but also offering photo and art exhibitions, dinners and much more. Beginning the weekend before and continuing the weekend of the festival, you will find many fun activities for the entire family including this Tuscan product and other local specialties. Check out the official site for more details and program.

Roccalbegna | RITO DELLA FOCARAZZA | November 24+25

Another manifestation that is strongly tied to local cultural identity is Rito della Focarazza, which takes place every year in Roccalbegna on the 24th and 25th of November. It's a sort of competition among the contrade (quarters) of the city, that will try to get to the ”stollo” , an oak beam erected in the middle of the ”focarazza” , in English: a woodpile set alight The fun begins when the different teams attempt to steal it for their own rione, making their way through the streets of Roccalbegna. Learn more about this area .

Barga | MERCATINO ANTIQUARIATO | 2nd weekend of the month

head into the Garfagnana

It's not all about the food, in fact just north of Lucca in the area known as the Garfagnana you will find fall colors, flavors and an antique fair that merits a visit.

Anghiari | CENTOGUSTI DELL'APPENNINO | Oct 29 - Nov 1

This is a food festival dedicated to the local culinary delights, with the participation of some of the Tuscan "Slow Food" cities, such as Greve in Chianti. Wine and food tastings, culinary workshops, meetings, and practical demonstrations are aimed to entertain and offer a tasty three-days-of-food manifestation. And how could we not mention the annual “walk of the Hundred-Tastes”, which will take place on Sunday 04th November, with the outer walls as it’s starting point?

LAST UPDATED: 11/11/22

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I'm from California but have called Florence my home for over a decade. I love to explore Italy; it is a lot of fun to try to see everything like I'm seeing it for the first time, keeping you, our readers, always in mind. I enjoy sharing what I know and helping others as they make their travel plans for Tuscany through our Forum . If you have itinerary-related questions, please post them there!

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Our Travel Guides

What to do in Tuscany in November

Nov 15, 2020

Tuscany is an astonishing place to visit not only in Spring and Summer but also in Autumn. You may be surprised by how fascinating your trip to Tuscany during November can be. This article will help you to get a general idea of what to do in Tuscany in November.

The excitement of Autumn

November is the month of colors in Tuscany , you will see the green countryside, the hills turning gold, and the colorful harvest. something else that grabs the attention of people is the smells; the smell of the wet countryside, the mists, and dew! You can notice smoke coming out of houses and just imagine how good it would be to spend a night in the countryside of Tuscany, enjoying the warmth of the fireplace, smelling the roasted chestnuts! this is what November feels like in Tuscany.

There are days in November when you will see the sun dazzling and there are days when you can experience some rain. In both cases, this region offers a lot of activities for you to enjoy . If the sun is out and about, you can enjoy the countryside, walk around the main attractions of the region and enjoy it. If you happen to be on vacation during rainy days, you will enjoy visiting the museums , the local food and the excellent wine . Read more about what to do during rainy days on your vacation.

Our Favorite Things to Do in November

Discover the museums.

Tuscany is home to many museums and masterpieces by world-famous artists, from Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to Botticelli , Donatello and Giotto . Depending on your interests in history, art or sculpture – Tuscany has it all, spanning across time, styles and periods. Below, a list of the top museums in Tuscany that you should not miss! Among the many museums found in the region, here are the most preferred that you should definitely consider visiting:

• Uffizi Gallery
• Accademia Gallery
• Pitti Palace
• Borghese Gallery & gardens
• The cathedrals of the region

Wine tasting

While the new wine is in the barrels, you can explore the old ones, the excellent wine that Tuscany produces. From ancient cellars to historic villas in the Chianti region and family-owned wineries, you will find yourself among plenty of choices for wine experiences in the region.

If you don’t want to drive around and organize a whole wine tasting experience by yourself, you can comfortably join one of the many tours, leaving from Florence or Siena. You can get the Brunello Wine Tasting Experience , Dinner in the Chianti Vineyards or Siena Food tour from Siena. Or choose among wine tasting tours from Florence.

November is when local truffle and chestnuts are celebrated, and the new olive oil arrives on the table. It’s a month that’s chock-full of tasty events all around the region. The first good oranges of the season arrive on our tables. Persimmons are ready and it is almost a pity to pick them from their leafless trees! They are so pretty! Chestnuts are prominent in our diet in November. They are already available at the end of October, but November is really their month. You can buy them roasted (caldarroste) from the street vendors in the cities or roast them yourselves on slow-burning embers in the fireplace or on a wood-burning stove on special perforated pans. Chestnut flour also becomes available and we use it to make castagnaccio (a type of chestnut cake) or sweet polenta. November is also the month of Porcini and mushrooms.

Where else to go?

The province of Arezzo boasts a variety of events throughout November. Starting with the first weekend (2nd-3rd November 2019) in Arezzo, that hosts the monthly Antique Fair in the beautiful Piazza Grande, every year Anghiari organizes another food festival, the “Festa di San Martino e dei Bringoli” (9th and 10th November 2019) – bringoli are a variety of hand made thick spaghetti served with mushroom or meat sauce.

In Castel San Niccolò , near Cetica, there’s a chestnut festival. Take this opportunity to explore the Casentino area, a gorgeous spot with secular forests and secluded monasteries. You can also visit the birthplace of Michelangelo, the small village of Caprese Michelangelo , surrounded by chestnut woods.

Inexpensive holidays

Is November a good time to visit Tuscany ? Yes, if you’re looking for cheaper deals, fewer tourists, and amazing food experiences. There are fewer crowds to compete with as even the shoulder season travelers have returned home. Hotel rates will be over fifty percent cheaper than during the busy season, flight deals can be found, and lines for many famous attractions, museums, and galleries will be much shorter. Though keep in mind, popular cities like Florence, Siena , and Pisa will have their share of year-round tourists.

Most Instagrammable places in Tuscany

While in Tuscany, try to get the best out of it! If you are planing more than one day, you will be able to visit even more of this region. The towns of Tuscany, the sightseeing, the narrow streets, the museums, the churches, and other attractions in the region will make your trip unforgettable.

Make sure you shoot some photos while on your journey and if you are looking for places to take Instagram-worthy photos, consider the following:

• In front of Florence’s and Siena’s Duomo
• Pisa’s Leaning tower
• Montalcino streets
• The wood of Cypress trees
• Drinking wine in front of a vineyard

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The Best Time to Visit Tuscany

Gary Yeowell / Getty Images 

Tuscany is the second-most visited region in Italy after Veneto, the region of Venice. As a result, you can expect to find tourists there year-round. The terrain of Tuscany ranges from mountains to seasides to its famous rolling hills, meaning there are different weather systems throughout the region and different peak travel seasons depending on the location. But generally speaking, Tuscany is at its busiest from April through October—it's no coincidence that this is also when the weather is at its best. So while you'll have plenty of company, we recommend the months of April and May or September and October as the best times to visit Tuscany.

Weather in Tuscany

Weather-wise, there's not really a bad time to visit Tuscany—unless maybe you're planning a beach vacation in January. Fall through winter, most of Tuscany is rainy and mildly cold, though snow is unusual in all but the most northern parts of the region. Dreary fall and winter days may be offset by gloriously sunny and clear days, but there's no guarantee of either bad or good weather.

For the best weather, visitors to Tuscany favor late spring, summer, and early fall. The months of April and May are increasingly warm and sunny without being too hot. June, and especially July and August, see hot weather, especially in inland cities. Tuscany's beach resorts are packed in July and August and they may remain crowded into the first few weeks of September. By mid-September, family travel has dropped off as kids go back to school. But cities and towns will still be crowded with tourists—in fact, October is now one of the peak travel months in Florence, as visitors seek out cooler weather and still-sunny skies.

Portions of the Apennine Mountain chain runs through Tuscany, and there are a few ski resorts in the region. On years with sparse snowfall—increasingly regular as a result of climate change—resorts will either manufacture snow or open only during brief periods. January and February are the best months to visit if you want to find snow in the Tuscan Appenines.

Crowds in Tuscany

Will Tuscany be crowded when you visit? Probably. With the exceptions of January, February, and early March, most major cities in Tuscany, especially Florence, are crowded with tourists year-round. If crowds aren't your thing, then these winter months are a good time to visit, as long as you don't mind possibly cold, rainy, and cloudy weather. If you want pleasant weather and can put up with the crowds, then April to May and September to October are optimal months. If you visit Florence, Siena, Lucca, and other inland cities in July and August, you'll get crowds and hot, humid weather.

When visiting at any time of year, we strongly suggest you book ahead for any major museums and attractions you want to see. Most issue timed-entry tickets, meaning you'll have to plan your day around your entrance slot. But that's better than missing out on something you really want to see because you didn't buy your tickets in advance.

Tourist Attraction Availability

Tuscany is a year-round destination where you're unlikely to run into seasonal closures. Exceptions to this rule are at beach resorts and some smaller country hotels. Beach resorts are likely to close in October or November and reopen in May or June, and some smaller properties (mostly outside of cities) may opt to take a month or more off in January and February. Some city restaurants close down for a week or two in August, though this practice is less and less common.

Most museums and tourist attractions are open year-round, though they may close on Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter. Check their websites if you're planning to visit on one of these days.

January is one of the coldest months in Tuscany and the rest of Italy, daily temperatures are likely to be between 35 and 55 degrees F (2 and 13 degrees C), colder in higher altitude areas where snow might be a possibility. It will be even colder at night, so bundle up if you plan an evening stroll.

Events to check out:

• New Year's Day is quiet across the region. Most stores and tourist attractions will be closed, as will many restaurants.
• La Befana , or Epiphany, on Jan. 6 marks the end of the Christmas holiday season, though most stores and attractions will be open.

Tuscany in February won't feel much different than Tuscany in January. It's a cold month, though sunny days are possible—although snow is as well.

• ​ Carnivale  may fall in February, depending on the date of Easter. In Viareggio , on Tuscany's northern coast, a series of Carnivale parades are world-famous and often satirize current events. If you plan to visit Viareggio at Carnivale, book your hotel well in advance.
• In Florence, the  Fiero Del Cioccolato  (chocolate fair) takes place over 10 days in early February. It's held at Piazza Santa Croce.

March is a fickle month in Tuscany and all of Italy, with weather ranging from crisp, sunny spring days to torrential rains to late winter storms. If you visit in March, pack layers so that you can bundle up or strip down as the weather dictates.

• If Carnevale didn't fall in February, it will take place in March.
• Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter, will see masses and processions in Tuscany's larger cities. Smaller towns won't hold as many events, but many restaurants, museums, and stores will close on Easter Sunday and possibly Pasquetta, the day after Easter.
• In Florence, the Scoppio del Carro, one of the city's most important events, takes place in front of the Duomo on Easter Sunday.

April looks a lot more like spring than March did, so your chances of pleasant weather increase a great deal. Still, pack for a late spring storm or chilly nights.

• Easter and Holy Week, if not in March, will be celebrated in April.
• Festa della Liberazione, or Liberation Day, on April 25 is a national holiday marking the end of World War II. 

May is one of the best months to visit Tuscany, especially if you plan on hiking or biking. Temperatures are warm but not too hot, and crowds haven't hit their peak. Pack a light sweater or jacket for cool evenings.

• In Florence, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino , a classical music festival, takes place throughout the month and stretches into June.

June can be quite hot in most parts of Tuscany, though mountainous areas may still experience pleasantly cool weather. If you're thinking of a beach vacation, June is a good time to plan it—beach resorts won't hit peak crowds and pricing until July and August.

• Several big events in Pisa happen in June including the Battle of the Bridge, the Luminari, and the Regatta of San Ranieri.
• ​In Florence, the Calco Storico is a historic soccer match that takes place on June 24 and a big fireworks show follows.

July & August

The months of July and August in Tuscany are hot, humid, and crowded. Even in air-conditioned museums, retro-fitted cooling systems can't stand up to the summer crowds and heat. Rural areas and hilltowns might be slightly cooler, but you might find it most comfortable to rest in our hotel during the hottest afternoon hours, then set out again after things start to cool down in the evening.

• July is peak sunflower-viewing month in Tuscany. Get your cameras ready!
• The Palio of Siena , the famous bareback horserace, takes place in July and August. If you plan to attend, reserve your hotel room or vacation rental at least a year in advance.
• The Pistoia Blues Festival takes place in the northern Tuscan town of the same name.
• Ferragosto, Aug. 15, marks the quasi-official end to the summer holidays. Some towns may present concerts or evening fireworks.

It's an open secret that the weather in Tuscany is better in September than it is in August. As a result, lots of visitors have caught on. So while you'll still find crowds across most of Tuscany, at least it will be slightly cooler. At beach resorts, seawater should be comfortable for swimming until mid-September.

• The Giostra del Saraceno is a medieval jousting event in Arezzo on the first Sunday of September.
• Across Tuscany, the vendemmia, or grape harvest, takes place in September. If you're touring Tuscany's vineyards, this is a great time to witness the early phases of the winemaking process.

October in Tuscany is still crowded, but glorious fall weather makes up for that. This is a popular time to visit the region, so don't expect many hotel bargains.

• October is a great month for seasonal food festivals in Tuscany. Chestnuts and porcini mushrooms are in season, and the opening of hunting season means that wild boar (cinghiale), shows up on many fall restaurant menus.

November is cool and rainy, but less crowded than preceding months. Pack for wet weather and be extra grateful for the bright sunny days that may pop out.

• ​Nov. 1 is All Saints' Day, a public holiday.
• The olive harvest takes place all over the region, and restaurants and shops will be offering olio nuovo (new oil)—the freshly pressed, bright green extra virgin olive oil made from just-picked olives.

Cold, cloudy and rainy, dreary December in Tuscany is easily offset by the festive air that takes hold after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8. Christmas decorations, lights, and nativity scenes pop up in cities and towns large and small.

• In Florence, a German-style Christmas Market takes place on Piazza Santa Croce.
• Temporary ice-skating rinks, such as FirenzeWinterpark , open in larger towns across the region.
• If you're planning to be in Tuscany for New Year's Eve, make sure you reserve a restaurant in which to have New Year's Eve dinner. It will last well past midnight and culminate with the eating of lentils and cotecchino (a pork sausage).

Tuscany attracts tourists year-round, but is busiest from April to October when the weather is best. The best time to visit for the fewest crowds is in the shoulder season in either April and May or September and October.

Tuscany has great weather all throughout the year with warm and sunny summers and just mild rain and slightly colder temperatures in the fall and winter. Spring is a great season as well, with consistently sunny days that are never too hot.

August is usually the hottest month in Tuscany with average high temperatures hovering between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 and 32 degrees Celsius).

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Weather in Italy: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

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When is the best time to visit Tuscany?

• Month-by-month

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.

The fields are full of sunflowers during the summer months (June to August) and the fruit trees come into season, offering beautiful vistas and plenty of fresh produce to enjoy during the long, hot days. Temperatures are between 77°F and 88°F.

In the cooler winter months (November to March) the crowds thin out, but seasonal markets and festivals still provide entertainment for off-season visitors on day trips from Florence. However, most hotels in the smaller towns and countryside are shut.

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Visiting Tuscany in November - February

The Tuscan winter can be cold, but it’s a pleasant time to visit Florence as the city is much quieter than at other times of the year. During the festive season, Christmas markets in the city sell handicraft gifts and regional food and wine. While it’s possible to venture on day trips out into the Tuscan countryside from Florence, most hotels outside the city tend to shut down for the winter.

Events & Festivals

• October and November is truffle season and the delicacy features at fairs, markets and gastronomic events across northern Italy.
• During December, Christmas markets pop up in Florence and the surrounding towns.

Visiting Tuscany in March

While still cold, March sees the first vestiges of spring and hotels in Tuscany tend to re-open from Easter onward. The weather can vary between wet and cold and sunny and bright, with locals referring to the climate at this time of year as ‘pazzarello,’ meaning ‘somewhat crazy’.

• Depending on when Easter falls, most towns and cities host a range of Holy Week celebrations including many dramatic processions and religious services.

Visiting Tuscany in April

April is one of the best times to visit Tuscany, with the beginning of spring, gorgeous weather, and the re-opening of many hotels that close for the winter. The region plays host to several flower festivals, including a camellia festival in Pisa and an azalea festival in Lucca.

• Flower festivals (April/May): Between April and May, there are different festivals all over Tuscany dedicated to different kinds of flowers and gardens.
• Liberation Day, a national holiday held on April 25, commemorates the Allied overthrow of the Nazis and the end of Mussolini’s rule.

Visiting Tuscany in May

May in Tuscany is usually pleasantly warm, with temperatures not yet at their peak. The fields and hillsides are beautifully green and it’s a gorgeous time to visit. Consequently, visitor numbers also start to pick up. May is also the beginning of the season of sagre, village festivals dedicated to each place’s local goods or heritage. Visitors can meander through the strawberry and cream festival in Florence, or indulge in some pici pasta during Siena’s celebration.

• Florence’s Iris Garden opens to the public for just a few weeks this month.

Visiting Tuscany in June

June marks the beginning of summer in Tuscany, as the temperatures start to rise in earnest. Pisa is especially attractive in June, with the month referred to as ‘Giugno Pisano,’ or ‘Pisan June’. A multitude of festivals and activities take place to celebrate the city, including the beautiful Luminara ceremony and dramatic regatta.

• Giugno Pisano (June): Pisa celebrates itself all June long, with festivals, pageants and concerts throughout the month.
• The Luminara ceremony takes place on June 16 in Pisa with candles lit in windows all along the banks of the River Arno and bonfires lit to illuminate the city.
• Medieval Harvest Festival (June): During the third weekend in June, San Gimignano hosts the Ferie delle Messi, or Medieval Harvest Festival, featuring performances and markets with traditional medieval fare.
• Republic Day on June 2 is a national holiday, celebrating the foundation of the modern republic of Italy.

Visiting Tuscany in July - August

July to August is peak season in Tuscany and sees an exodus of Tuscans and a rise in foreign visitors. Ripening under the hot temperatures, a great variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is in season, from apricots and peaches, to green peppers and tomatoes. August’s clear skies also make it an excellent time to lie back in the countryside and witness magnificent shooting stars.

• Lucca Summer Festival (July): Every July, Lucca holds an enormous music festival. Past acts have included Michael Bublé, Lionel Richie, Elton John, and the Dave Matthews Band.
• Siena Palio (July 2 and August 16): Each year, Siena hosts massive horse races and spectacles, once in July and once in August, with the whole city coming out to watch.
• The Night of San Lorenzo (August 10): Cities around Tuscany plan celebrations to commemorate the martyrdom of San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence), and the night is usually spent watching for shooting stars to remember him.

Visiting Tuscany in September

September is the best month to visit Tuscany and take advantage of its many wineries, which are particularly busy with the Vendemmia (grape harvest) this month. The weather begins to cool while still remaining enjoyably warm, making it a great time of year to explore the countryside and vineyards.

• La Vendemmia, the grape harvest, begins toward the end of September.

Visiting Tuscany in October

As the temperatures start to decline and fall rolls in, Tuscany is still a great area to visit. Florence is very pleasant at this time of year, and in the countryside it’s the season of one of the area’s most treasured goods: truffles. October’s weather is comfortable for going on a truffle hunt through the woods. Roasted chestnuts also start to appear on streetside stalls.

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Florence in November

Is November a good time to visit Florence? What’s the weather like? If you’re looking for fewer crowds and cheaper deals, then coming to Florence in November is always a good idea. The weather isn’t that cold (min 6 degrees C/42 F – max 15C/59F), so you can get in all your sightseeing, even if it’s not the right time for outdoor dining.

For art lovers, November is a good time to enjoy Florence’s many museums as you can indulge your passion in relative peace and quiet. Florence is never really empty of tourists, however November is one of those months when the crowds thin out. As it’s off-peak tourist season , you can save some money too as some museums charge reduced tickets, and accommodation also gets a bit cheaper.

Here we explore what’s on in Florence throughout November, and give you some ideas for things to do and day trips to take.

Good to know => The 1st November is a public holiday in Italy (known as Ognissanti , All Saints’ Day), so check out opening times for attractions.

Florence in November – What to expect

Visit florence’s famous museums with less crowds.

And save some money too! To see the most famous Florentine museums in low season you pay less, half price in some cases. This tariff differentiation has been implemented to encourage people to visit Florence out of the high season. By way of example, you pay only 12 Euro (instead of 25) to visit the Uffizi Gallery from 10th November to 15th December. Pitti Palace reduces the ticket to 10 Euro (instead of 16), Boboli Gardens 6 Euro (instead of 10).

=> Florence in 3 Days Complete Itinerary

Check out an art exhibit

Florence is not all about the Renaissance, and November is a good time to explore its contemporary art offering . Check out the program of Palazzo Strozzi, Pitti or Museo Novecento. This year you can see the work of Chinese artist Wang Guangyi “Obscured Existence” (Palazzo Pitti, from 6th September to 10th December 2023), for the first time with a solo exhibit in Italy.

This November (from 10th October 2023 to February 2024) Palazzo Strozzi presents  “Untrue Unreal “, a major exhibition with monumental installations and thought-provoking forms by the celebrated artist Anish Kapoor, who has revolutionised the notion of sculpture in contemporary art. 

=> See all the Best places to see Contemporary Art in Florenc e.

Enjoy a hot chocolate or cappuccino in a historic cafe

One of the pleasures of Florence in November is spending some time at its historic cafes , like elegant Caffè Concerto Paszkowski in Piazza della Repubblica (they know their way around a coffee, just tell them you would like to try their specialties!).

Or try a luscious hot chocolate at  Rivoire  in  Piazza Signoria . Other hot spots for chocolate lovers are: the  Cioccolateria Hemingway  in Piazza Piattellina in the heart of the groovy  San Frediano neighbourhood , or L’Arte del Cioccolato near the Duomo in Piazza Santa Elisabetta.

Festive Feeling in Santa Croce

Around mid-November the streets and shops start getting dressed up for Christmas, and from the 18th November 2023, the scenic Piazza Santa Croce Square hosts the Christmas Market (it’s on until mid December). When Florence is bathed in golden Christmas lights, it seems to get more magical than ever.

=> Our favourite Aperitivo Spots in Florence

Ognissanti All Saints’ Day with a view

November 1st is All Saints’ Day and Italians traditionally visit their departed at the cemetery. If you are in the mood for something contemplative, you can visit the Cimitero delle Porte Sante . This 19th century monumental cemetery is located behind the Church of San Miniato al Monte , above the panoramic terrace Piazzale Michelangelo . The views of Florence are stunning , and while you there you can pay homage to Collodi, the father of Pinocchio.

To stay on theme, you could also visit the Ognissanti (All Saints’) Church , where you can admire a fresco by Botticelli among other artworks, all for free.

Art lover? => Check out where to see amazing Botticelli’s works in Florence !

Traditional Food products to try in November

November is also the month where the olive harvest happens, and the new olive oil is produced. To have a taste of this year’s olio nuovo , you can browse the Fierucolina Olio Nuovo in Santo Spirito Square, on 19th November 2023.

This is also truffle time in Tuscany , so look out for interesting dishes that make tartufo their king. Some excellences in town: Restaurant Borgo San Iacopo that has an excellent Autumn-inspired menu, or the famed Cibreo or Buca Orafo , where people come in droves to taste the historic dish tagliolini e uova al tartufo . Book in advance!

Day Trip from Florence – some ideas for November

Enjoy the chianti region in autumn.

Visiting the Chianti wine region in November is a pleasure for the senses . The colours of Autumn are at their best in the first half of the month, when the vineyards turn bright orange and yellow.

On this Full Day Chianti Tour from Florence you’ll travel through the Tuscan hills on a 4×4 off-road vehicle, stopping to visit a wine estate and a Chianti Classico wine cellar. Including lunch and wine tasting .

Traditional Market in Figline Valdarno | 10th-12th November 2023

Figline Valdarno , a small historic town 35 km from Florence, every November hosts Autumnia , an event dedicated to agriculture. Events and a market where producers (local and from other Italian regions) sell traditional food, all inspired by Autumn . Easy to reach via train from Florence. More info on the official site .

Discover beautiful woods near Florence

If you love nature, and you have a few days to spend in Florence in November, you might like the idea of exploring the beautiful woods surrounding Vallombrosa Abbey , one of the best places to see fall foliage in Tuscany . Autumn makes a great spectacle here, and the nature reserve is a great place to hike and relax.

Nearby, the small town of Reggello hosts the annual Rassegna Olio di Reggello (New Olive Oil Festival) from 1st to 5th November 2023, with olive oil tasting and events.

Lucca Comics

On a different note, the town of Lucca (less than 2 hours by train from Florence) becomes the bewitching setting for Lucca Comics . A famous community event dedicated to comics, fantasy novels and films, anime, cosplay.

More ideas for your trip? => Discover the Best Things to do in Tuscany in November !

Florence in November – Weather and Temperatures

Temperatures in Florence in November go from 6 degrees C/42 F (min.) to 15C/59F (max). During the day it’s still pleasant, getting colder at night. Typically temperatures begin to drop towards towards the end of the month. November traditionally gets quite a bit or rain (an average of 10 days of rain). Indoor heating is on from the 1st November.

Sunrise: between 7 and 7:30 – Sunset: between 5pm to 4:40.

Check out what to wear in Autumn in Tuscany .

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An Italian Mama's Guide to Italy

Italy in November: all you need to know to plan the perfect trip

Visiting Italy in November: all you need to know to plan a trip! The best places to visit in November in Italy, when to book what, what to expect from the weather.

November is not the first month that comes to mind when planning a trip to Italy.

However, it is not a bad time to visit Italy, if you don’t mind the occasional rainy day!

An autumnal month, November feels wintery in most of Italy and it is likely to treat you to a mix of rain and sunny days and, overall, increasingly chilly temperatures.

If this sounds like a discouraging picture, let me reassure you: November in Italy can also be wonderful!

With smaller crowds, lower costs and the lack of the scorching summer sun, November in Italy is a glorious time for sightseeing and can be one of the best times to visit popular destinations without getting overwhelmed by the crowds.

This is all you need to know to plan a trip to Italy in November

Please note :  this is a seasonal travel guide about Italy in November, meant to help you decide the best time of the year for your visit. For official information and travel advisory that may affect your trip, please refer to your Government travel advisory. Check here for official info if traveling from  US ,  Canada ,  UK ,  Ireland ,  Australia ,  New Zealand .

2023 need to know

At present, there are not special health requirements to enter Italy from abroad.

Since things change often in this regard, please make sure you stay up to date by following the official info and rules listed on Italian Government websites:

I talian MInistry for Foreign Affairs – News for Travelers

Italian Ministry for Health – news for Travelers

Please refer to the latest news for an up-to-date overview of the situation and always abide by local and national rules.

Italy in November: what you will find in this article

• Overview of weather in November in Italy
• November festivities and events in Italy
• Recommended places to visit in Italy in November

November in Italy with kids

• What to book in advance for November in Italy

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase, we might make a small commission.

The weather in Italy in November: what to expect

November is autumn in Italy.

During this month, the summer is well and truly over in Italy and while you may still find mild enough temperatures in some localities, especially in the South and at the start of the month, you will spend most of your time wearing a jacket and, sometimes, reaching out for your umbrella.

Towards the end of the month, you can expect the weather to have transitioned to winter.

You can find here >>> our packing list for November in Italy (we always travel around Italy in November as the kids’ school takes a break and we make the most of it!)

November in Italy is first and foremost a time of changeable weather so what you will actually find once in Italy is not truly predictable until the very last minute.

However, to give you an idea of temperature, historically, the temperatures for November in Italy were:

November festivities in Italy you need to know about

The 1st of November is a national holiday in Italy and therefore a day off for locals.

If it falls close to a weekend, this may result in a long weekend which means you will compete with locals as well as tourists for accommodation, seats on trains etc.

If planning on being on the road around that day or planning on train travel, advance booking is recommended (see also below)

The best places to visit in Italy in November

It is hard to recommend places to visit in November as depending on the weather on the day, the same place can be wonderful or miserable!

Lake Como for instance can be an absolute delight at this time, as the photo above shows, or it can be wet and excessively quiet.

Expectations and taste do play a large part in how pleasant Italy in November is or isn’t.

Overall, these are our favorite for the season:

Rome in November

November is a rainy month in Rome but a great one to enjoy the city with smaller crowds and to visit on a budget.

At this time, you may still be able to have lunch outdoors and you can easily enjoy time exploring Rome piazzas and main attractions and the city’s beautiful museums.

The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City will be busy yet less so than at other times.

November is as close to a low season as Rome ever gets!

You can learn what makes November in Rome special here

Venice in November

Venice is misty, intimate and romantic in November.

While you may need to wrap up and endure rain (and potentially high water- check the forecast before going), November will allow you to see Venice with smaller crowds and still enjoy its lagoon.

Make sure you take a ferry ride to Burano to brighten up your November day with the colors of this stunning town.

Find here >>> our guide to visiting Venice in winter

Tuscany in November

Tuscany in the fall is stunning.

This is the time to enjoy the stunning foliage of the Tuscan forests and to taste the warming food of this amazing terroir .

November in Tuscany is a time for long walks in hilltop towns followed by dinners in local restaurants and also the best time to enjoy Tuscany’s hot springs.

Whether you like organized thermal spas or free springs that flow straight from the mountains, Tuscany will deliver. You can find here >>> our guide to hot springs in Tuscany .

The best places to visit in Tuscany in November are:

• San Gimignano
• Montepulciano
• San Quirico d’Orcia
• Monticchiello
• Bagno Vignoni

Umbria in November

Often considered the little sister of Tuscany, Umbria is stunning in any season and can be a real treat in November

Not to be missed are:

• Citta’ di Castello

Amalfi Coast in November

The Amalfi Coast is hit and miss in November.

On one hand, the Costiera lives its low season at this time, meaning you can enjoy some of its usually very busy towns almost on your own.

On the other, the low season means you will miss out on swimming and boating and you may have fewer choices in terms of transport, the tourist ferries operating on a reduced schedule

Overall, this is a good destination in November only for those who don’t mind the peculiar atmosphere of a sea destination in winter.

Find here >>> our recommended Amalfi Coast itinerary

Pompeii in November

November is a great time to visit the archaeological site of Pompeii, one of the most beautiful in Italy.

In November, rain is possible; however, the site is at its best as you will be able to explore without the scorching temperatures of spring and summer, particularly unbearable in this open-air park.

The best way to visit Pompeii in November is by staying a few days in the area: staying in Naples, for instance, will allow you to make the most of both towns.

Naples in November is a great place to enjoy sightseeing, eat / learn to make the famous Neapolitan pizza and get a taste of Christmas, with famous nativity scene figurine artisans of Via San Gregorio Armeno gearing up for the season.

Puglia in November

Puglia is one of my favorite destinations in Italy in November.

On a good year, you will be able to enjoy long days out and still wear summer clothing here, without the scorching heat of the summer.

Wonderful places to visit in Puglia at this time are

• Martina Franca
• Alberobello
• Locorotondo
• Castel del Monte

You can see them all with a short road trip: you can find our 3 day Puglia itinerary here.

November can be a good month to visit Sicily.

Outside of the busy summer time, in November you will be able to visit Sicily’s stunning archaeological sites without melting in its torrid sun and you will still be able to enjoy beautiful sea views.

This is a good time for cultural tourism in Sicily rather than and sea and sun vacation since high temperatures, especially towards the end of the month, are not always guaranteed.

Places we love in Sicily are:

• Scopello and Segesta
• Noto Valley

You can find here >>> a Sicily itinerary we loved

Other places you may want to visit in Italy in November

Dolomites – November can be a good time to visit the Dolomites, depending on your plans.

In terms of weather, is not a great time to visit this area: in November, the season is too advanced for most hiking and not quite advanced enough for skiing.

While you can still get lovely sights of the beautiful landscape here, a summer or winter trip here is better

However, many towns open their Christmas markets at the end of the month and they are among the best Christmas markets in Italy so if you are in the mood for German-Style Christmas, this can be a good destination!

Cinque Terre – similar to the above, Cinque Terre is not at its best in November, especially towards the end of the month when tourism businesses are closed for the season.

The weather is usually too cold for swimming and rain is frequent: if coming at this time, check carefully the conditions of the path before venturing up. Find here >>> our guide to the best towns in Cinque Terre .

November in Italy is hit-and-miss with kids.

Older kids who can enjoy museums and sightseeing will have no problems but little ones who may want days at the park and possibly the beach may be disappointed.

No matter how south you go, November is not swimming weather so pool and beach time won’t be possible (you can still visit beaches but not for swimming)

Destinations I feel work well with kids at this time are:

Florence – always lovely with children but way too hot in summer.

Venice – blissfully devoid of mosquitoes, hungry and annoying in summer

Tuscany – October has the perfect temperature for hilltop town hopping

Rome – full of indoor and outdoor attractions for all ages

Pompeii – wonderful at this time, with lower crowds and without the scorching summer sun (wrap up though as it gets quite cold!)

Sicily – mild and beautiful perfect for family sightseeing and the occasional day on the beach (for sandcastles, not swimming)

Dolomites – pros and cons at this time (low crownds / many cable cars etc close for the season), but it can be a nice outdoor escape if you are in the area.

Lake Garda – depending on the weather, it can work as a wonderful short break for a weekend.

Looking for family destination ideas in Italy? Find my selection of the best places to visit in Italy with kids here.

What to book in advance for spending November in Italy

November is not too busy in Italy but advance booking for all main attractions is recommended.

Attractions that need advance booking are:

• Last Supper (Milan)
• Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
• Vatican Museums (Vatican City, Rome)
• Colosseum (Rome)

Trains do not usually need to be booked in advance.

However, high-speed trains on popular routes such as Rome to Florence do tend to book out or only have very expensive tickets available last minute.

I recommend you book trains ahead of time if you are traveling on a budget or with kids: in this case, advance booking will guarantee having seats together.

The first of November, All Saints, is a National Holiday, a traditional long weekend for Italians. Book in advance if planning on traveling at that time.

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to Italy in November. Don’t forget to also check out our 101 travel tips for Italy , for extra info. Safe travel planning!

Marta Correale

Marta Correale is an Italian mama of two. Born and raised in Rome, Marta has a passion for travel and especially enjoys showing off Italy to her kids, who are growing up to love it as much as she does! A classics graduate, teacher of Italian as a second language and family travel blogger, Marta launched Mama Loves Italy as a way to inspire, support and help curious visitors to make the most of a trip to Italy and learn about Italian culture on the way.

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What to wear in Tuscany in November

Are you wondering what to wear in Tuscany in November?   In this guide we cover what to pack for Tuscany in November for the weather, special events, dress codes and more.

Important Note : This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click through and make a purchase I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you!

Table of Contents

Weather in Tuscany in November

Although November in Tuscany is classified as Fall, the temperatures are definitely starting to drop and feeling more Wintery. But how cold is it?

How cold is Tuscany in November?

The average temperatures in Tuscany in November tend to range from a high of 61 °F/16 °C to a low of 45 °F/7 °C). Therefore in answer to is it cold in Tuscany in November I would say it can be, especially early morning and in the evenings when the sun goes down

For this reason we recommend packing lots of layers.

Note : if your visit covers two months be sure to check out our other Tuscany packing list guides:

• What to wear to Tuscany in September
• What to wear in Florence in October
• What to wear in Florence in November
• What to wear in Pisa

So to summarise a general rule of thumb the weather in Tuscany in Early November tends to be better than that later in the month. But what about rain? Wind? And does it snow in Tuscany in November? Keep reading to find out how the weather in Tuscany in November will affect your Tuscany packing list.

Is it rainy in Tuscany in November?

One of the only downsides to visiting Tuscany in November is that it is much rainier. In fact rain is expected to fall on c.11 days across the month.

For this reason I do like to have a compact travel umbrella and a pair of waterproof shoes with me for visiting Tuscany in November. 

Note : if you are traveling to other cities and regions in Italy be sure to check out our other monthly guides:

• What to wear in Milan in November
• What to wear in Rome in November
• What to wear to Italy in November
• What to wear to Pompeii
• What to wear in Naples
• What to wear to the Amalfi Coast
• What to wear in Puglia
• What to wear in Cinque Terre
• What to wear in Lake Como
• What to wear in Positano
• What to wear to Sardinia
• What to wear to Sicily
• what to wear to Capri

How do local people dress in Tuscany in November?

If you want to be more in keeping with the locals you will need to know how the locals Tuscans dress in both the cities and in the countryside. 

In November you will notice that local Tuscans are transitioning into their winter wardrobe, and coats will start to be seen. All Tuscans know that November, particularly late November can be especially cold.

It is also worth noting that no matter what month you visit Tuscany, especially in the cities like Florence and Siena, that the locals are a fashionable bunch, especially when dressing for the office or going out for dinner.

Also it is worth noting that smart casual tends to be the most commonly seen attire in restaurants in Tuscany. For more information on  what to wear to dinner in Italy  check out this post

Dress Codes in Tuscany

The main considerations for November in Tuscany are dressing in layers as well as having correct outfits for churches and smart casual dinners. This translates into your packing list in the following ways:

Restaurant Dress Code

Not many restaurants in Tuscany have strict and enforced dress codes. However you will find that locals do tend to dress in a smart casual fashion for dinner.

This means smart trousers and blouses with a cardigan or sweater or a dress and tights for ladies. While mean this tends to be smarter trousers or chinos usually though not always paired with a shirt.

Church Dress Code

All Italian churches have dress codes including

• the Florence Duomo,
• the Leaning Tower of Pisa (part of the Pisa Cathedral complex) and
• the Cathedral in Siena.

If you are visiting these on your Tuscan itinerary you will need to make your outfit on that day covers your knees and shoulders and is modest.

Alongside this we also recommend packing a  Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe  for Tuscany in November. Most trips to Italy even in November will involve some travel, therefore you don’t want to have overpacked and have to travel with lots of luggage.

For help in packing a capsule wardrobe check out these posts:

• 54321 packing method
• sudoku packing method

So now you know what to expect from the weather, what should you wear in Tuscany in November?

Best Shoes for Tuscany in November

In my opinion, sneakers are the best shoe for any Tuscan city break where you will be doing lots of walking across cobble stone streets.

And they are also comfortable shoes for touring the many museums and climbing the steps of famous bell towers in the region such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

My favorite brand of sneakers for walking are Hoka and AllBirds, however you also can’t go wrong with a plain white sneaker as they go with everything. One of my favorite pairs of white sneakers is the  Adidas Cloud Foam shoes.

Ankle Boots 

As the weather is changeable in Tuscany in November we recommend having a leather boot with some waterproofing as well as a sneaker. 

I personally don’t like to wear sneakers to dinner, and hate overpacking so I find two pairs of shoes is perfect for Tuscany in November and is the reason I select an ankle boot.

Click here to shop ankle boots.

Hiking Boot (Optional)

The only other shoe I would even consider is a hiking boot but only if you are going into the hillier areas around Tuscany. Otherwise I would just stick with two pairs of shoes especially if you want to create a capsule wardrobe for Italy.

For more information on how to pack a Fall travel capsule wardrobe check out this post.

What to wear in Tuscany in November for women

So what does a Tuscany Packing List in Fall for women look like? In our opinion you should have the below on your Tuscany Packing List for November:

Winter Coat

In my opinion you won’t need thick thermal coats in Tuscany in November however a warm winter coat is a definite must.

Tuscans tend to be a stylish bunch I tend to opt for a smarter Winter jacket as opposed to a  parka jacket  or a walking jacket.

Click here to shop winter coats

Woolen Hat or Beanie, scarves and gloves

Whether you are a man or woman visiting Tuscany a woolen hat or a beanie is an essential for visiting in Winter as the weather can feel cold especially if you are walking around the city. 

I would also recommend taking with you a matching scarf and gloves set that match your winter coat to finish off the look.

Click here to shop winter accessories for Tuscany.

Skirts and Dresses

Short skirts and dresses are on my  what not to wear in Italy list. That is because they are not appropriate in churches. 

Therefore I tend to pick maxi or midi length items for Tuscany in November. My personal preference is a sweater dress / jumper dress as I think they pair with boots and tights better but this is personal preference. 

Click here to shop dresses for Tuscany

Jeans are a staple of any Winter Capsule wardrobe for travel even in Italy. For some reason people seem to think that jeans are not on the  what not to wear in Italy list.  However this is definitely not the case in Winter.

We just recommend picking a smarter pair in a darker color to be more in keeping with local styles.

Click here to buy jeans

Trousers are a great pick for Tuscany in November. As the weather has cooled in November jeans are a great pick for sightseeing in the city and the countryside.

Jumpers  are the main staple of Italian wardrobe in Winter for both day and night wear. 

Something plainer is more suitable in the day but you can do something sparkly or glittery for a jumper at night. 

Click here to shop jumpers  

A smart cardigan is a great top layer for dining in Italy. I usually pair a smart cardigan with a t shirt or blouse in Winter.

Click here to shop cardigans.

Loose blouses are perfect for Tuscany in October as they work brilliantly for smarter dinners and for churches. I tend to select either long sleeve or 3/4 quarter length sleeves for October as the weather cools.

Click here to shop blouses

I would personally pack more long sleeve than short sleeve t shirts for Tuscany in Winter. 

Click here to shop t shirts.

A pashmina should be on any Italy packing list no matter the month you are visiting.

Pashminas can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler nights and can help make your outfit more modest for visits to churches in Italy.

PJs   or Nightie

The sun is bright even in November so you definitely need sunglasses. Shop Sunglasses for Italy here .

Underwear and Socks

Goes without saying.

What to Wear in Tuscany in November Packing List for Men

Alongside our regular men’s travel essentials we recommend adding the following items to your men’s packing list for Tuscany in November:

For this reason we recommend packing the below for one week in Tuscany:

• Trousers – We recommend packing a smarter pair of trousers like chinos for evenings but as the temperatures have cooled jeans are also appropriate. We recommend picking jeans that are smarter and darker in color to be more in keeping with local style.
• Long Sleeve T Shirts – a staple for any Tuscany packing list. Again we recommend wearing plain colors in more muted tones to be more in keeping with local Italian style.
• Shirts – long sleeves are better for November.
• Layers – For October you will want some light layers such as sweaters or cardigans with you as the weather starts to cool.
• Smarter Pair of Shoes for dinner

What to Pack for Tuscany in November (Non Clothing)

So now you know the clothes and outfits for Tuscany in November, what should you pack for Tuscany in November that isn’t clothes?

Whenever we travel to Tuscany we will normally also have the following with us:

• Backpack  – for storing items on your day trips.
• Crossbody Bag  – anti theft type if you are planning to visit cities and tourist attractions which tend to attract pickpockets.
• Compact Travel umbrella.
• Reusable Water Bottle  –  This will save you money and is better for the environment so be sure to pack one with you.
• Charging Equipment
•   Power pack  / Battery Pack
• Travel Adapaters   for electronics  – Italy uses standard European outputs and plugs.
• Toiletries  – you can find our  essential list of toiletries for travel  here.
• Travel First Aid Kit
• Blister plasters

FAQs about our Tuscany November Packing list

Do you need a coat in november in tuscany  .

November is probably the first month that you will need a coat instead of a jacket. We recommend something with some waterproofing and wind resistance.

Can you wear jeans in Tuscany in November?

As the weather has cooled, jeans have become my go to trouser for Tuscany in Fall. 

Have you been to Tuscany in November? What did you wear? We would love to hear in the comments .

The Best Time to Visit Tuscany

SD › Italy › Best Time to Visit Tuscany Updated: April 21, 2022 By Santorini Dave

• Best Agriturismos in Tuscany
• Best Hotels in Florence
• Best Hotels in Rome
• Best Hotels in Venice
• Best Hotels in Naples
• Italy Travel Guide

When is the best time to visit Tuscany, Italy?

A sunflower field in Tuscany. The best time to visit Tuscany to see sunflowers in bloom is late June to early July.

• The Best Time to Visit Tuscany for Good Weather : The best time to visit Tuscany for good weather, with temperatures warm but not too hot and chances for rain fairly minimal, is from mid-April to mid-May. The next best time for weather is mid-September to mid-October, temperatures in early fall are similar to late spring, but there is a greater chance for rain.
• Best Time for Sightseeing : Spring, particularly April and May, is ideal for sightseeing in Tuscany, a time when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is warm but not too hot. Note that the region is likely to be very busy around the Easter holidays, a popular time for Italians to travel to Tuscany. When visiting big cities like Siena and Florence , it’s best to arrive at sights early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the longest lines.
• Best Time for Wine Tours, Tasting and Harvest Festivals : Autumn is the time to visit Tuscany for a wine-focused escape, particularly mid-September through early October. The days will be warm, nights cool, and just about every town seems to have a harvest festival; if not for grapes, it’s olives. In this region, where cooler valleys tend to see early frosts, grape and olive harvests begin as early as late September.
• Best Time for Viewing Sunflowers : You’ve probably seen photographs of the endless fields of sunflowers in Tuscany. If you hope to view that in person, with the most fields in full bloom, plan your trip around late June to early July.
• Best Time to Visit to Experience Major City Attractions : If the main focus of your visit is to experience major city attractions like Michelangelo’s “David” sculpture at Florence’s Galleria dell’Accademia, you may want to go in the low season, between December and February, outside of the Christmas holidays. Lines will be shorter, and you’ll be able to take your time enjoying what each has to offer with little interruption.

Tuscany Travel Seasons

• High Season (June through mid-September) : Summer is the high season in Tuscany, a time when the weather is the warmest of the year with temperatures reaching 30°C and above. Attractions will be crowded and lines long, while accommodation rates are at their highest. Note that in August, many hotels, shops, and restaurants are closed to tourists as locals take their two-week annual holiday, but Tuscany still draws lots of tourists during this time.
• Shoulder Season (March through May, except Easter; mid-September through November) : The shoulder season may be the very best time to visit this region, with comfortable weather and fewer tourist crowds. The spring brings wildflowers to the fields while autumn brings beautiful foliage, grape, and olive harvests.
• Low Season (December through February, with the exception of Carnival) : Winter is the low season in Tuscany. Cold weather brings the best chance for lower airfares and discounted accommodations, and few worries about crowds or long lines. While it may be chilly, snow is unlikely, just plan to bundle up and plan your itineraries around shorter days.

Tuscany Weather by Month

• Tuscany Weather in January : While the weather varies somewhat depending on the particular area, January is the coldest month of the year throughout Tuscany, with average high temperatures ranging from 9°C to 12°C. Snow is rare and when it does fall, it usually melts quickly. If you visit the region now be sure to bring a warm winter coat, hat, and gloves. There isn’t much in the way of precipitation, only around 63mm on average over 8 days in January, but a waterproof jacket could come in handy. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the days will be short, as the sun doesn’t rise until just before 8 a.m. and sets before 5 p.m. early in the month. (Average Max Temperature: 11°C. Average Precipitation: 63mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in February : February in Tuscany is almost identical to January in Tuscany, although by the end of the month temperatures will begin to warm. Afternoon highs remain the same for the first half, with the mercury climbing to 11°C, but the latter half of the month occasionally sees days as warm as 16°C. Late nights will be quite chilly, with the average low temperature at 4°C. Rainfall is about the same as last month, not much of a concern, which means the most important thing is to pack clothing that can be layered to keep you warm. (Average Max Temperature: 11°C. Average Precipitation: 67mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in March : While March is anything but predictable, the weather is warming now with the average afternoon temperature reaching closer to 15°C, meaning there’s little if any chance for snowfall. Precipitation increases just a bit, raising the odds of needing a waterproof jacket, but as it won’t be as cold; you may want to bring a mix of clothing, wearing layers that can easily be removed when it gets warm or added when it gets too chilly. The days are becoming increasingly longer, bringing more daylight for seeing the sights with over 12 hours by the end of the month. (Average Max Temperature: 15°C. Average Precipitation: 69mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in April : April brings wonderfully warm and longer days, with long stretches of dry weather in between rain – an average of 78mm falls over 13 days this month. The countryside will be lush and green with lots of flowers and fruit trees in bloom. The average high temperature has increased quite a bit now to 19°C, which means you’ll need clothing for warmer weather along with some items for cooler days and a light waterproof jacket to stay dry when rain arrives. Evenings are a bit brisk with the low temperature at 9°C, so be sure to bundle up for any late nights out. (Average Max Temperature: 19°C. Average Precipitation: 78mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in May : One of the most popular months to be in Tuscany, May is characterized by increasingly warm temperatures that can reach 24°C or more in some places. The odds of sunshine are good now, with typically more bright sunny days than cloudy ones, and precipitation decreases a little too. With sunrise at 5:36 a.m. and sunset at 8:48 p.m. on May 31st, you’ll have plenty of daylight for enjoying the outdoors. You’ll need mostly clothing for warmer weather now, like short-sleeved shirts, shorts, and dresses, but also bring long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and a jacket for cooler days, early mornings, and evenings. (Average Max Temperature: 24°C. Average Precipitation: 72mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in June : With June ushering summer in, plan for warm weather in Tuscany, with afternoon temperatures climbing up to 28°C – and occasionally into the 30s. It’s typically quite dry now, seeing an average rainfall of just 50mm over 8 days, so there’s really no need for rain gear. This is the time to think about protection from the sun, bringing sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats along with lightweight clothing. You may want to bring a bathing suit too. Sweaters and jackets just add bulk; with the low temperature at 17°C, even the evenings are relatively warm. (Average Max Temperature: 28°C. Average Precipitation: 50mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in July : July in Tuscany is hot, and sometimes scorching hot, with the mercury occasionally rising as high as 35°C, though the average high is 31°C. On most days the skies will be bright blue and sunny, any amount of clouds are fairly rare this time of year. There is little in the way of precipitation now with just 31mm on average. You’ll need plenty of sunscreen and items like open-toed shoes, short-sleeve shirts, light cotton pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses. If you plan to visit churches, remember you will need to wear something that covers your shoulders and knees. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 31mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in August : August is also a very hot month in Tuscany; many Italians escape the heat this month by heading to the mountains or the beach. The first half of the month is usually dry, while the second half of the month tends to bring some summer storms, with precipitation creeping up from last month to an average of 48mm. By late August, there are usually some cooler days and the weather begins to change. (Average Max Temperature: 31°C. Average Precipitation: 48mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in September : It’s likely to be warm early in the month, with lots of sunny skies, but it probably won’t be too hot. While the average high temperature dips a few degrees to 27°C, it’s still a good time to go to the beach, enjoy picnics, and dine outdoors. If you plan on visiting during the latter part of September, you may need a light jacket for mornings and evenings – the low-temperature averages 16°C at this time. In general, you’ll mostly need to pack warm weather attire, along with a few items for cooler weather and perhaps a light waterproof jacket for that slight increase in precipitation this month. (Average Max Temperature: 27°C. Average Precipitation: 76mm.)

• Tuscany Weather in October : Fall is settling in now. While there will be plenty of pleasant, sunny days, expect temperatures to be cooling, and rainfall to be more frequent, with precipitation averaging 96mm over 12 days. The first half of the month is typically quite warm with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, and cool evenings that dip into the 50s. By mid-October, daytime temps are usually no higher than 20°C and can be as low as 12°C. That cooler weather brings gorgeous autumn foliage to the region’s forests and parks, making October a fantastic time to visit Tuscany. Plan to pack clothing that can be layered, including a waterproof jacket so you’ll be prepared for rain. (Average Max Temperature: 21°C. Average Precipitation: 96mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in November : While early November is often pleasant, this month can be unpredictable, with greater variability in conditions. There are more grey, rainy days now; November is Tuscany’s wettest month, seeing 102mm of precipitation on average. Afternoon highs are at 15°C and the low is a rather chilly 7°C, so you’ll need to pack cool weather items now. The farther north you are, the colder and windier it’s likely to be. Plan on bringing a warm waterproof jacket and sweaters, along with waterproof boots to be comfortable while exploring. (Average Max Temperature: 15°C. Average Precipitation: 102mm.)
• Tuscany Weather in December : The weather continues to cool in December bringing a possibility for snow, which is sure to make the beautiful Tuscan landscapes even more magical. This month can be relatively mild or downright frigid with temperatures ranging between 7°C and 11°C during the warmest hours of the day, and as low as 4°C at night. You’ll need cold weather clothing now, including a warm (ideally waterproof) coat and boots, gloves, a hat, and perhaps a scarf. As the days are shorter now, with less than nine hours of daylight around the Winter Solstice, you’ll want to plan your agenda accordingly. (Average Max Temperature: 11°C. Average Precipitation: 72mm.)

Tuscany in January

• New Year’s Day – January 1st is a national holiday in Italy, including Tuscany. Expect many attractions like museums and historic sites to be closed, along with some shops and restaurants. Public transport will be running on holiday hours. Traditionally, this is a day to meet relatives and friends, exchanging greetings and wishing each other a happy new year. Many locals celebrate with a feast of traditional foods that include items like zampone, lentils, and raisins, which symbolize good fortune and wealth.
• Ephiphany/La Befana – Epiphany is also a national holiday, celebrated on January 6th to mark the 12th day of Christmas. It commemorates the day the Three Wise Men brought gifts to the infant Jesus. Government offices, businesses, and many shops will be closed. When visiting town squares, you’re likely to encounter the Befana , complete with a broom, hat and long pointed nose. She brings stockings, candy and other goodies to all who behaved well the year before.
• Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate/ Palio di Buti – The Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot brings festivals throughout Italy, including Tuscany, over two days in mid-January. On the Sunday following the official feast day, in Pisa, different districts of Buti race horses for a prize in the city center. In the main square will be a reenactment of history and a series of events that highlights local foods.
• Festa del Santo Patrono – On January 31 each year in San Gimignano, there will be a great festival held day and night to honor the patron saint of the city. There are food stalls and crafts in a number of piazzas, including Piazza del Duomo, Piazza delle Erbe, and Piazza della Cisterna.

Tuscany in February

• Carnival – Carnival is one of the most elaborate events throughout the country, typically taking place in February, but depending on the year it can be any time from late January to early April, taking place over two weeks. You can expect events throughout the region, including colorful parades with floats as well as a variety of activities for children and adults. The carnival in Viareggio , a small coastal village, is one of the most popular for its masquerade processions. One of the oldest carnivals is the Carnival of Foiano della Chiana in the Arezzo region, held annually since the Middle Ages.
• Regata Veliche – The Yacht Club Santo Stefano hosts the Monte Argentario Winter Series and Argentario Coastal Race in Porto Santo Stefano over two days, once in early February and again in mid-February.
• Chocolate Fair – Calling on chocolate lovers to Florence for this Chocolate Fair that takes place over 10 days during the first half of February at Piazza Santa Croc. You’ll be able to do plenty of chocolate tasting, watch a cooking show and enjoy all sorts of chocolate-related events.

Tuscany in March

• Festa della Donna – March 8 is “Women’s Day” around the world, officially created in the U.S. back in 1909. In Italy, it’s been celebrated since 1922 to honor women while bringing attention to unfavorable conditions many are still forced to live under. In Tuscany and throughout the country, it’s common to gift women with the Mimosa flower, a small yellow blossom. Free entrance is offered to women at all state and civic museums throughout Tuscany too.
• Festa di San Giuseppe – March 19 is Father’s Day in Tuscany and across Italy. People celebrate fathers and often consume zeppoles which are similar to doughnuts.
• Feast of the Annunciation – The feast of the Annunciation takes place annually on March 25, A day that was once considered to be the start of the new year. Some still use it as an excuse for a second celebration, with all sorts of activities that take place in Florence and Pisa around this day and often for several days beyond.

Tuscany in April

• Holy Week and Easter – Holy Week is from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, sometimes falling in late March, but typically it takes place in early to mid-April. Throughout Tuscany, and the entire country, there will be numerous events all week long. One of the highlights is in Florence, with the “ Explosion of the Cart ” on Easter Sunday morning in Piazza del Duomo. The cart, filled with fireworks, decorated in garland and pulled by oxen, are lit to provide a magnificent spectacle. In many cities and small towns there will be parades that recreate events from the Crusades, elaborate floral decorations in churches and folkloric festivals.
• Festival of Spontaneous Herbs – This festival takes places in mid-April every year in Gallicano. Workshops and excursions will be hosted to go hunting for wild herbs that have traditionally played an important role in the diet of the poor in the region. A special soup will be made using “secret ingredients” that include as many as 30 different wild herbs.
• Festa delle Rocche – This festival takes place in Siena over 9 days to honor the Virgin Mary during the latter half of April. It includes a historical procession, a large market, live music, a race and more
• Liberation Day – April 25 is Liberation Day, a national holiday honoring those who fought for the freedom of Italy. Locals often visit war memorials and other places that serve as the symbol of the Resistance, with many sacrificing their lives for the country. Many businesses are likely to be closed, and some attractions may have limited hours.

Tuscany in May

• Labour Day/International Workers’ Day – This national holiday is celebrated annually on May 1. While many businesses will be closed, many museums are open at significantly discounted prices. Live concerts and special events take place throughout the region and beyond.
• Pirate Night – Notte Dei Pirati, or Pirate Night, takes place in Porto Ercole for three days over the first weekend in May. There will be lots of costumes, choreographed scenes, and pirate-related entertainment on the promenade, beaches, restaurants, and bars.
• Festival Della Fragola – This strawberry festival has been taking place for nearly 40 years in Terricciola. It celebrates the juicy red fruit over the first two weekends in May with lots of strawberries, music, and sunshine to celebrate the lovely spring weather.
• Gioco del Mulino – The small town of Calci in Pisa hosts this historic festival in mid-May. After a costumed procession through the town, 8 district teams, competing in teams of 3, vie to push a mill-wheel in a sort of reverse tug-of-war. Winner gets a trophy, loser is sprinkled with flour.

Tuscany in June

• Republic Day – June 2 is a national holiday that commemorates the day Italy became a Republic in 1946, after the fall of Fascism and the end of World War II. Many businesses will be closed and some attractions like monuments and museums may have limited hours. Concerts, parades, and small festivals are held throughout Italy, including Tuscany. The most elaborate festivities take place in Rome.
• Borghi in Festa – Held in Castelmuzio in the province of Siena, this festival brings the town together with a wide range of food, markets, music and games over the first weekend in June.
• Manciano Street Music Festival – Held for 4 days around the second weekend in June, this festival brings live folkloristic concerts, street parades, culinary items, and locally handcrafted goods to the village of Monciano.
• Tuscan Sun Festival – This summer arts festival takes place in Florence over a week in mid-June. It celebrates music, art, food, and wellness, with cooking demos, art exhibitions, and pre-concert receptions featuring Tuscan wine and locally-made items.
• San Giovanni Feast Day – Florence celebrates its patron saint with this feast day annually on June 24. It includes multiple folkloric and cultural events that are followed with a spectacular firework display over the Arno River. There are generally boat rides organized on the river throughout the day, as well as after dark for viewing the fireworks from the water.

Tuscany in July

• Lucca Summer Festival – This festival is held throughout the month of July, with concerts by big-name musicians taking place in Lucca’s Piazza Napoleone and along the city walls. Past performers have included the Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz, Bob Dylan, and many other greats.
• Palio di Siena – A famous horse race that takes place annually on July 2, and again on August 16 in the heart of Siena. Ten horses and bareback riders don colors to represent the city’s ten wards (known as contradas) as they race around Piazza del Campo.
• Mercantia in Certaldo – For 5 days in mid-July, this international street festival brings theater, circus, and comedy street performances to the charming town of Certaldo.
• Bolgheri Festival – This event, typically held over the last few days of July through the first half of August in the coastal town of Bolgheri, features a rich program of artistic events and concerts featuring top Italian and international names, along with plenty of DOC wines.

Tuscany in August

• Ferragosto – Each year, August 15 marks the beginning of the summer holiday for most Italians. It’s also a national religious holiday of Assumption, celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. While there may be some closures, most museums and cultural sites are open.
• Palio di Siena – The second half of Il Palio, Siena’s famous horse race, will be held on August 16 around Piazza del Campo.
• Bravio Delle Botti – An exciting barrel race held in Montepulciano on the last Sunday in August. Whoever is the fastest in pushing their heavy wooden wine barrel up the steep, tiny streets of the village to the finish line in front of Duomo in Piazza Grande will win the Bravio, a painted banner that depicts the patron saint.

Tuscany in September

• September Lucchese – Hosted just outside the city walls at the Piazzale Don Baroni in Lucca, this month-long event features traditional markets, agricultural fairs, food stands, and handicrafts, along with carnival rides and lots of frati (sugar covered doughnuts).
• Giostra Del Saracino – One of the most highly-anticipated events in Tuscany, held on the first Sunday of September in Arezzo. It includes a medieval jousting competition between the four quarters of the city to win the Golden Lance. There will be a historical costume parade, flag-throwers, and plenty of pomp and circumstance.
• Festival of the Lanterns – One of the largest and most traditional festivals in Florence, the Festival of the Lanterns takes place annually on September 7th featuring lantern and boat parades as well as a fair.
• Festa di San Michele – Carmignano hosts the Saint Michael’s Feast over the last weekend of September. Each day, the city’s four quarters compete in street theater parade performances that include a unique personal theme and elaborate choreography. Each day’s events are capped off with nightly a Palio of the Ciuchi, or donkey race.
• The Grape Festival of Impruneta – This Grape Festival is held on the last Sunday of September at Piazza Buondelmonti in Florence. There will be 4 neighborhoods competing to have the best wine-inspired float. It includes a parade, music, and dance performances.

Tuscany in October

• Festa di Santa Reparata – On October 8, this festival celebrates the co-patron saints of Florence, Santa Reparata and San Giovanni Battista. A procession takes place with participants donning medieval dress, traveling from Piazza di Parte Guelfa to the saint’s crypt under the Duomo.
• Fiera di San Luca – For 9 days in mid-October, one of the oldest cattle fairs takes place in Impruneta. It’s been held here since the Middle Ages, when shepherds and merchants would meet to buy and sell livestock as well as related products like wool and cheese. It includes traditional games, rides, markets, local produce, and more.
• PIC Festival – Festa PIC (which stands for picante, aka spicy hot), takes place in the city center of Camaiore on the Tuscan coast. The exhibition features a wide variety of chili peppers from around the world, along with other foods, music, and shows, held over the third weekend in October.
• Volterragusto Truffle Festival – Held in late October and into November, this festival in Volterra features lots of food stalls that sell truffles and other delicacies like wine, cheese, and salami.

Tuscany in November

• All Saints Day – All Saints Day is a national holiday celebrated on November 1 each year. Locals throughout Tuscany and all of Italy take the day to visit graves of their loved ones.
• Cento Gusti Dell’Apennino – This “Hundred Flavors of the Apennines” food festival is held over the first weekend in November in Anghiari. Celebrating local culinary delights, it includes workshops, demonstrations, and wine and food tastings.
• White Truffle Fair – Typically held over the last three weekends of November, this fair in the town of San Miniato brings together gourmands, tasters, and buyers to enjoy truffle-based menus and open-air fun.
• Festa del Buco Unto – This culinary festival dates back centuries, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Civitella Marittima, the village in which its held. It takes place over the second weekend in November and is dedicated to the tastes of fall, with lots of wine and olive oil.

Tuscany in December

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception – December 8 is a national holiday in Italy that honors the day of the Virgin Mary’s conception of Jesus. Government offices, schools and many businesses will be closed but most shops and restaurants are open as this day marks the start of the Christmas season. In Florence, the annual tree lighting will take place in Piazza del Duomo.
• Lo Gradireste Un Goccio Di Vin Santo – Over the first weekend of December, the “Would You Like a Drop of Vin Santo” festival in Montefollonico promotes its local “holy wine” with a competition for the year’s best homemade vin santo, along with entertainment, workshops, and wine and food tastings (especially the almond dipping biscuits known as cantuccini).
• Christmas Holidays – In Italy, Christmas Day, December 25, and Boxing Day (Santo Stefano), December 26, are national holidays. While most businesses will be closed, including tourist attractions, shops and restaurants, there will usually be some international restaurants and bars that will be open. Italians spend time with their families enjoy Christmas dinner and Midnight Mass at local churches.
• New Year’s Eve – No matter where you are in Tuscany, you’re bound to find a celebration for New Year’s Eve. Florence is one of the most popular places to be, with its main squares hosting live music and fireworks. Pisa’s city center will fill with shows, music, entertainment, and fireworks at midnight over the Arno.
• Best Agriturismo in Tuscany
• Florence – Best Hotels
• Florence – Best Hotels for Families
• Florence – Most Romantic Hotels
• Florence – Best Budget Hotels
• Florence – Wheelchair Accessible Hotels
• Florence – Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Rome – Best Hotels
• Rome – Budget Hotels
• Rome – Best Hotels for Families
• Milan – Best Hotels
• Milan – Best Hotels for Families
• Milan – Budget Hotels
• Venice – Best Hotels
• Venice – Best Hotels for Families
• Venice – Budget Hotels

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13 Must-Visit Spots In Tuscany

I t's pretty easy to fall in love with Tuscany. So easy, in fact, that tourists who've been enchanted by this magical region return to it often, if only in their dreams. One of Italy's most romantic destinations, Tuscany, consists of a landscape so beautiful that it appears to have been freshly painted -- by a master, of course. Pastoral green fields, rolling hills, historic stone churches, and lush vineyards beckon travelers looking for a place to unwind. It helps that Tuscan towns and cities boast some of the most delicious foods to tempt any palate. Tuscany is also one of the best places in Italy for wine tasting . Did someone say pasta and chianti? Sign us up!

From the majestic Duomo in Florence to the idyllic hilltop town of San Gimignano, there's seemingly no limit to the beautiful places to visit in Tuscany. And whether you're hoping to sip on Vino Nobile di Montepulciano or enjoy a stroll through the scenic streets in Volterra, you can do it all and so much more in this gorgeous Italian countryside. The problem is, with so many incredible destinations to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. That's where we come in. This list of the 12 must-visit spots in Tuscany was created using our own travel experiences along with reviews of other towns we have added to our own Tuscany bucket list. 

Read more: The Most-Visited Tourist Attraction In Every State

Visiting Tuscany without spending a day, or better yet three, in Florence is akin to skipping out on the Eiffel Tower when you're in Paris. You'll be missing one of the best parts. The capital of the Tuscan region, Florence, is renowned as the cradle of the Renaissance, which is why you can't walk more than 50 feet without finding a masterpiece so impressive you'll have to slow your pace. Be it the captivating Fountain of Neptune or a life-sized replica of Michelangelo's David in Piazza della Signoria (the real one stands in the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze), Florence is a veritable outdoor museum filled with wonders. 

An easy train ride from Rome's Termini station, it will take about an hour and 40 minutes to reach Firenze Santa Maria Novella, a 10-minute walk from the central Piazza del Duomo. This is where you'll find the real-life version of all those postcard photos you've seen of Santa Maria del Fiore and its octagonal Dome (aka the Duomo). 

Despite being one of Italy's best cities, Florence is smaller than many expect, making sightseeing easy due to its walkability. Crossing the remarkable Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno, touring Palazzo gardens, and visiting iconic museums like the Uffizi Gallery can be completed in a day. Still, they're so incredible that you won't want to rush. 

Siena is another must-visit destination in Tuscany. Close enough to Florence for a day trip, there are enough enticing places to see that you may want to spend the night (or two). The Duomo di Siena, Torre del Mangia, and Biblioteca Piccolomini top the list of must-see attractions, but merely wandering the streets of this beautiful city is enough to fill your heart with joy. The Duomo is unmissable with its Romanesque-Gothic architecture, white, green, and red marble accents, and lead-topped dome. Inside, you'll find works of some of the country's best artists, like Michelangelo and Donatello. 

The shell-shaped central square, Piazza del Campo (or Campo, as locals call it), is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its historic buildings include the Palazzo Pubblico and surrounding 14th-century palaces. The Torre del Mangia, one of the oldest towers in Italy, is found here, too. This wonder boasts unbeatable views of the city and surrounding Tuscan landscape, so be sure to climb to the top. 

Want a more authentic Siena experience? Sign up for a cooking class at Scuola di Cucina di Lella . You'll leave with a full belly, delectable recipes, and an impressive set of skills. Tip: If you'd prefer to avoid pushing your way through a crowded piazza during summer, visit this beautiful Italian city in the fall . You'll be rewarded with lower prices for flights and hotel rooms, fewer tourists, and more enjoyable temperatures.

San Gimignano

Have you ever stepped foot in a place so beautiful that it literally takes your breath away? That tends to happen when tourists arrive in San Gimignano. A gorgeous, medieval hilltop town rises from the pastoral countryside, at first a caramel-colored blip on the windscreen towards the end of an hour-long drive from Florence or Siena. As the town comes into focus, its 14 grand towers become the main attraction. Once fittingly called the City of 100 Towers , this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a one-stop-wonder for history buffs. Palaces dating to the 12th and 14th centuries line the pretty, double-walled town. Climb Torre Grossa for the city's best view and reward yourself with a gelato upon your descent.

If visiting during the high season (aka summer), expect hordes of tourists during the day. Tour buses frequent this beautiful locale, unloading their International cargo to descend upon the town's ancient well in the center of Piazza della Cisterna. Soon, they'll head to the Romanesque cathedral, Duomo di San Gimignano, in Piazza del Duomo. Inside this building's hallowed walls lie artistic masterpieces, including preserved frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries. Escape the crowds on a visit to Torciano Winery , where you can taste their dreamy product straight from the barrels, participate in an olive harvest (in November and December), or have a romantic dinner between the vines.

Best known for its landmark attraction, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world, this Tuscan gem has enough engaging things to do that it is more than worthy of a visit . Climb up the world's most famous architectural building gone wrong while visiting the town's top tourist sight -- Piazza dei Miracoli (the Square of Miracles). Once inside the tower, you may notice the lean, although it isn't too dramatic. That said, we don't recommend climbing to the top if you're claustrophobic -- the 251-step, winding staircase is dark and narrow. Outside, you'll find Duomo di Pisa and the Pisa Baptistery. 

The University of Pisa calls this town home, which means you'll find a variety of nearby restaurants and shops to while away at least a couple of hours. I Porci Comodi gets fab reviews for its well-priced lunch and dinner fare, and you can't go wrong with a sweet treat from Gelateria Tuffo 13 . When well-fed and rested, dip your toes in the Mediterranean at the pebble beach, wander the trails in the nearby Natural Park of San Rossore Massaciuccoli, or soak up some inspiration in the  Palazzo Blu art museum. 

It's easy to step back in time when visiting Lucca. Known as the city of 100 churches, this charming town is revered for its meticulously preserved ancient walls. Almost 2 ½ miles of the wall are accessible by foot or bike. Cars are no longer allowed to drive here unless operated by the police. As is typical in a medieval Tuscan village, most of the excitement in Lucca takes place in its central square, Piazza Napoleone (or Piazza Grande, as locals call it). Concerts and special events like the Lucca Summer Festival are held here. 

Guinigi Tower is hard to ignore. Built in the 1300s, this 148-foot Romanesque-gothic structure is topped by a garden of Holm Oaks. Climb to the top for a great view, but be prepared for a hike -- there are 230 steps to climb. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is another must-see spot in Lucca. Built upon the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, the spectacular square retains its elliptical shape, the ancient building surrounded by a "new" (19th Century) via dell-Anfiteatro. While driving is the easiest way to travel from town to town in Tuscany, if you'd rather not stress about navigating unfamiliar, winding roads, simply hop on a train from Florence's Santa Maria Novella station. They leave hourly and take about an hour and 15 minutes.

Montepulciano

There are many enjoyable things to do in Montepulciano, and they don't all involve drinking wine. However, you can't go wrong by sampling a little Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (one of Tuscany's most valued wines) while you're in town. Like many destinations on this list of must-visit spots in Tuscany, charming Montepulciano seems stuck in medieval times. Don't worry, that's a good thing. Historic buildings line the narrow road that stretches to the main square, Piazza Grande. Located atop a hill in the heart of the old town, this is where the Palazzo Comunale, Cathedral of the Assumption, and Well of the Griffins and Lions call home. Speaking of climbing, your quads may scream at you during your visit, but that's nothing a little wine can't cure.

You'll want to drive here from Siena, which can take as little as 52 minutes. Or hire a taxi if you aren't confident driving in Italy. Just be sure to schedule a ride back or ask the driver to wait. Unless you plan to stay the night, this relaxing town won't take too long to explore. That said, save enough time to enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants and soak up the view with your vino; it's pretty hard to beat. 

Being a tourist is easy in Pienza. A captivating town bursting with blooms and lined with ancient stone buildings, there are plenty of picture-perfect spots to inspire an Insta-worthy background. Time your visit for a sunset meal, and you'll see why  Pienza is deemed one of Italy's most romantic towns. Known as the "ideal city of the Renaissance," many well-preserved attractions are waiting to scratch your historical itch. Top sights include Piazza Pio II, the main square in this small and beautiful town. It's home to many of Pienza's other main points of interest, like the Cattedrale dell'Assunta and Palazzo Piccolomini. Visit the Loggia's hanging garden for stunning views over the Val d'Orcia. 

Pieve di Corsignano is a short walk downhill. A hit with history buffs, parts of this Romanesque church date to the 7th century. When hunger hits, head to a local restaurant for a delicious meal featuring their famed Pecorino of Pienza cheese. Tip: Many shops offer tastings that include cheese, wine, and even handmade pasta. Driving is the easiest way to get from Siena to Pienza. Plus, it allows you to stay as long as you want without worrying about a schedule. Without traffic, the journey takes under an hour, while the bus, which involves a transfer, could take over two. Plus, driving allows you to tack on a visit to Montepulciano, which lies a mere 20 minutes northwest. Or sign up for a wine and cheese tour of Pienza and nearby Montalcino. 

The best thing to do in Montalcino is participate in a wine tasting. This quaint and splendid village is the birthplace of Brunello di Montalcino, which is the first and, according to wine expert Tom Maresca, the finest of SuperTuscan wines. How can you not sample at least one glass after a stellar review like that? If we had you at wine, you'd want to try a bit of Rosso di Montalcino while in town. A more youthful vino, this dry, fruity red is best enjoyed with a side of spectacular views from Montalcino's idyllic hilltop locale.

Another beautiful walled town, this Tuscan retreat boasts a fortress, an ancient clock tower, and a buzzing main square called Piazza del Popolo, highlighted by the 14th-century Palazzo dei Priori. Driving is the simplest, most scenic, and fastest way to get to Montalcino from Siena. Otherwise, taking a bus is your next easiest and cheapest option. Be warned, the bus route takes double the time and often requires a transfer.

What do you get when you mix a 2,000-year-old walled village with hilltop Tuscan views and fabulous wine? An Elysian haven so lovely that you're likely to fall in love instantly. A perfect destination to combine food, wine, and art , Cortona's small list of enchanting attractions will leave you lusting after another stay before you've even gone. Visit the 14th-century Basilica di Santa Margherita to admire its rose window and bell tower. Take time out to enjoy coffee or lunch in the Piazza della Rebúbblica, then get lost exploring the winding, cobblestone streets. Art lovers will appreciate seeing the works of Luca Signorelli and Pietro da Cortona in the Museo Diocesano . 

One of the town's most popular landmarks is the Villa Bramasole, an attraction made famous by its role in the film "Under the Tuscan Sun." It's available for rent and can house up to 20 guests. Despite the town's allure, Cortona is less visited than other spots in Tuscany, mainly due to its more inconvenient location. That means you won't have to elbow through crowds to see the best sights. The train from Siena can take over two and a half hours and includes at least two transfers (one of which is in Florence) and a 10-minute bus ride to reach Piazza Garibaldi or Market Square. From Florence, expect at least a two-hour train journey, one change, and a bus ride to the center of town. It's best to rent a car.

Like Cortona, Volterra offers Tuscan travelers a more serene and authentic sightseeing experience. Busloads of tourists aren't dumped here for a day exploring its narrow streets, archeological sites, and breathtaking hilltop vistas. Instead, visitors tend to flock here on their own, some mistakenly searching for film sites used to represent Volterra in the Twilight film "New Moon" -- these were actually shot in Montepulciano. The road to Volterra is steep and serpentines its way to the summit, where ancient stone towers, biscuit-colored buildings, and bright blooms greet guests. It is deemed one of the most adorable small towns in Europe due to its captivating architecture and charming town squares.

Piazza dei Priori is the town's most central square, home to the enticing 13th-century Palazzo dei Priori, aka town hall. Visitors can climb to the top of the bell tower via 52 steps (be warned, they're pretty narrow) or take a small lift. Spend time exploring the scenic streets, soaking up the romantic ambiance oozing from the charming alleyways before heading to the historic sites (i.e., the Etruscan Acropolis) and attractions like the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum. Tip: The easiest way to get to Volterra is by car. There are no direct trains from Florence or Siena, meaning both trips involve taking a train and a taxi or bus, which aren't always easy to procure.

If you're a fan of historic town squares, you'll love Arezzo. A small, medieval town packed with beautiful points of interest, you'll want to carve out at least a half day here, although a full day would be better. That way, you can visit top tourist sites like Piazza Grande, one of the most beautiful squares in Itlay, Villa La Ripa , Santa Maria della Pieve, and the Arezzo Cathedral . Located in the southwest of Tuscany, this quaint town is featured in the Oscar-winning "La Vita È Bella" ("Life is Beautiful") film.

The 13th-century Duomo of Arezzo is an unmissable landmark situated at the top of St. Peter's Hill. Inside, you'll see seven stunning stained-glass windows that Guillaume de Marcillat painted between 1516 and 1524. Outside, you'll find a lovely park boasting panoramic views of the Casentino Valley and the Medici Fortress. The ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater are also worthy of a visit. Good news for travelers who don't want to drive: There's a direct train from Florence to Arezzo, and it can take just 32 minutes if you take one of the fastest Frecciarossa trains.

San Quirico d'Orcia

Another walled village graces this list of must-visit spots in Tuscany. This one, San Quirico d'Orcia (or San Quirico for short), is as charming as you'd expect from a Tuscan town. It sits serenely within the heart of the glorious Val d'Orcia, about 22 miles from Siena, and is surrounded by the valley's verdant olive groves, chalk plains, tall cypress trees, and rolling hills so lovely that you may dream about their beauty for years to come. Top attractions in this historic town include the Collegiata di San Quirico, which lies just outside the city's walls, the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which stands along Via Francigena, and Horti Leonini, a stunning Italian garden that lies outside the church. 

Set about 22 miles from Siena, the easiest way to get here is by bus. It will take under an hour, and you won't have to worry about navigating windy roads. Otherwise, renting a car or hiring a taxi are your other best options for traveling from Siena to San Quirico d'Orcia.

Monteriggioni

What Monteriggioni lacks in size, it more than makes up for with beauty. This medieval-walled Tuscan town is a perfect pit stop on any road trip from Siena, San Gimignano, or Volterra. Monteriggioni is small enough that you won't need more than an hour or two for your visit but pretty enough that you won't want to speed your way through. Created as a fortress in the 13 th century, the 14 stone towers and preserved ancient walls surrounding the town enthrall tourists. 

Walking on the walls and gaping at the pastoral views top the list of the best things to do in Monteriggioni, but there are plenty of other places to visit while you're here. While the Monteriggioni Castle is the town's landmark attraction, you won't want to miss the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which is perched overlooking the main square. To get to Monteriggioni, it's best to drive. A great road trip destination, you'll want an easy way to move on to the next beautiful Tuscan stop.

Read the original article on Explore .