A Complete Guide to Visiting Florence in May

Welcome to one of the most beautiful months in Florence. Flowers are springing up everywhere, the weather feels truly perfect, and the city shines during peak spring.

Here’s everything you need to know about having a wonderful time in Florence in May.

Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence in May:

• Where to stay in Florence in May?
• What’s the weather like?
• What to pack for visiting Florence in May?
• Is May a good time to visit Florence?
• What food is in season in May in Florence?
• What are some things to do in Florence in May?

May is one of the busiest months in Florence, which makes choosing the right neighborhood to stay in especially important. 

Skip the busiest parts of the city center and consider staying in San Niccolò, a small neighborhood in the Oltrarno just across the river.

It’s the perfect spot if you want a more local feel while still being super convenient. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants where you can sit outside and really enjoy the atmosphere, and you’re just a short walk from some of Florence’s most beautiful spots – like the Bardini Gardens and Piazzale Michelangelo.

You do sacrifice being right next to the major sights (though they’re still very walkable), but in peak months like May, it’s very much worth it to come back to a quieter, more relaxed side of the city.

The neighborhood also has many places worth visiting on its own, and some of our go-to stops include: Profumoir Firenze, Floret, and Clet’s Studio. 

With the perfect mix of local life and easy access to the city center, San Niccolo provides the best of both worlds for your trip. 

I like to think of May as the first truly warm month in Florence, though you might still get a few cooler days at the beginning.

For the most part, the weather in May is about as close to perfect as it gets – bright, sunny days followed by cooler, comfortable evenings. Rain is more common earlier in the month, but by late May you can usually count on consistent sunshine and ideal temperatures.

During the day, average highs reach the mid-20s°C (mid to high 70s°F), while evenings tend to cool down to the high teens°C (mid 60s°F).

What to Bring on Your May Trip 

One important thing to keep in mind when packing for May is that the weather can vary. As much as we want it to be very warm, it’s likely there will be some cool days mixed in, as well as some spring showers.

For May you’ll want light layers, think cotton pants, a short/long sleeved top, and a cardigan or sweater to add if needed.

Just be careful with exposed areas on nicer days, be sure to cover shoulders and knees if you’re heading into any churches. 

A lightweight jacket is always good to have, and a jean jacket is perfect for this time of year. Bonus if it fits in your bag as you can easily throw it on if it cools down later in the day.

What to wear in Florence in May

I would say pants with a t-shirt and some light layers over the top should be the perfect outfit. As far as specifics, I personally always reach for jeans with a simple shirt and a cardigan, and for the first few days of the month a light jacket. 

Capris are also a nice option for pants, very suited to spring, as well as a long skirt. Perfect options for the weather and they are also practical for exploring the city. 

For shoes, a comfortable pair of sneakers is the go-to for long days on cobblestones. A pair of flats is also worth packing for when you want to dress things up a little. May is the perfect excuse to finally retire the winter boots and bring out the ballerinas.

And don’t be afraid of colour. After months of darker winter tones, spring in Florence is the ideal time to pull out patterns and brighter shades. The city looks even better when you do.

May is one of the best times to visit Florence. With little rain, and beautiful sunny days, this month is pretty much as close to perfect as we’ll get. 

Keeping that in mind, many visitors to the city are well-aware of this, and so you will find sites, restaurants, and museums pretty full. 

How crowded is Florence during May?

To be quite honest… it is packed. With amazing weather comes the consequence of having everyone and their mother in Florence.

This is not to say it’s impossible to visit. As long as you plan ahead strategically, your May trip is entirely doable. Spring and fall are the most popular times to visit Florence, so it’s no surprise that May gets busy. But if you’re prepared to face some crowds, the weather alone makes it worth it.

You’ll also see signs of summer coming, with special events and night visits opening up. 

What a time to eat in Florence! The markets are full, the menus start to shift, and it makes a real difference to what ends up on your plate.

Spring produce is at its peak right now. Artichokes are everywhere, and if you’ve never had a properly prepared Florentine artichoke, May is your moment. 

Asparagus shows up on menus in all kinds of ways, fresh peas and beans make their way into pasta and soups, and the tomatoes are just starting to get good again after the winter (finally). 

For something sweet, keep an eye out for fragole (strawberries) which are small, intensely flavoured and nothing like what you’d find at home. Trattoria’s start incorporating them in their dessert menus in May, and I think that strawberries and cream is probably the best invention in the world. 

This is a great time to order whatever the kitchen tells you is fresh that day. Florentines take seasonal eating seriously, and a good trattoria in May will have dishes on the menu that simply won’t be there in two months. 

May special dates in Florence

The main holiday to know about in Florence is May 1, or May Day. But there are also some new openings and other special and interesting things to see and do in Florence:

May 1 – May Day

May 1 is a national holiday called International Workers’ Day, or May Day. It’s celebrated throughout most European countries and is a kind of Labor Day.

I find that Italians enjoy it more than anything as a day for a picnic or big outdoor lunch.

Mother’s Day

Every year on the second Sunday in May, Italy celebrates all mothers, so if you’re in Florence on this date with your mom, be sure to treat her.

May 23 – Fiorita Commemoration

In the late 15th century, a Dominican friar named Girolamo Savonarola led a popular revolt against the Medici family, whose wealth had made them deeply unpopular. He whipped the city into a frenzy, culminating in the Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497 where art, furniture and valuables were burned in Piazza della Signoria.

Free Things to do in Florence in May

On the first Sunday of each month you can access Florence’s state-run museums, archeological parks and cultural sites for free – yes, completely free. This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Accademia Gallery and many more.

The Rose Garden, just below Piazzale Michelangelo, is free to visit and is especially beautiful to visit in May. The roses are in full bloom, and is the perfect spot to sit and take in the city. 

It can fill up though, so I suggest getting there early to enjoy the peace and beauty of the garden. 

More ideas for things to do in Florence in May

Looking for a day trip from Florence? Bologna is one of the easiest and most overlooked options. Just 35 minutes by train, it’s a city full of culture, amazing food, and great shopping. It honestly deserves a lot more attention than it gets.

The streets are lively and easy to wander, lined with restaurants, bars and shops with some really great finds. But the real reason to go to Bologna is the food. Tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, mortadella, Bologna put these dishes on the map and eating them here is a completely different experience to anywhere else. Definitely save room for a proper sit-down lunch.

It’s an easy there-and-back in a day and a really nice contrast to Florence if you’re spending more than a few days in the region.