A Complete Guide to Visiting Florence in June

Are you coming to Florence in June? This month is moving into summer, with temperatures rising, more sunshine, and streets getting busier with the start of the summer holidays. Let’s dive into Florence in June. 

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

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

The area of San Marco is our top pick for staying in Florence in June, and there’s a few reasons for this. 

June marks the official start of the summer season, and of course with that comes peak tourism. San Marco is the perfect balance between having a central location and a quiet neighborhood (much quieter than the Duomo and Uffizi areas). 

This neighborhood is home to the Accademia Gallery, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s David. If you plan your visit first thing in the morning, you can spend time in the museum before the bulk of the day’s visitors arrive.

Staying more central also works in your favor when the temperatures start to rise. When the afternoon sun beats down, you’ll be thankful your room is close by for a quick break. 100% worth it in the June heat to be able to quickly retreat to your cool accommodation!

San Marco also tends to have more mid-range accommodation options, compared to the high-traffic areas closer to main sights, so during the peak summer months you can find some really good prices.

If you’re a warm weather person like me, June has the best temperatures out of any month in Florence. The beginning of the month still slightly resembles spring weather, with some cooler evenings and maybe a little rain. 

By the end of the month, summer weather is here and temperatures are climbing. You can count on bright and sunny days, with comfortable evenings and a bit of a breeze. 

June temperatures in Florence are pretty ideal, so you can expect cool evenings around 58–60°F (14–16°C) and comfortable daytime highs of 78–82°F (26–28°C).

Keep in mind that Florence is humid, mainly due to its position in the middle of a valley, so when the heat starts to turn up, the dense air usually makes it feel hotter. 

Packing tips for June in Florence

Florence in June has great walking-around weather, just be mindful that at the end of the month the summer heat is starting to kick in. 

If you’re coming at the beginning of June, you’ll want a mix of lighter clothing like linens or cotton pants, short-sleeved shirts, and skirts, as well as a few heavier options (just something to cover up at night). 

At the end of the month, think breathable fabrics, and keep the heavier layers at home. 

If you’re thinking of packing shorts or skirts, this is of course totally fine, but keep in mind that Italy has a rule against bare knees/shoulders in churches. One tip is to plan your church visits all to take place on the same day, so you can plan to dress accordingly. 

What to wear in Florence in June

Speaking of, don’t forget sunglasses and SPF… the sun is out and strong during the month of June in Florence.

Shoes can be more difficult, and as much as you want to break out the flip flops for summer, keep in mind the long days of sightseeing can be hard on your feet. My advice is to save the flip flops for the beach, and stick to a pair of sneakers or walking sandals.

A nice pair of sandals or wedges for dinners out are perfect, and a light cardigan if you plan to eat outside. 

This is a great month to visit Florence… and honestly if you have a choice between August or June, I would always recommend June. 

It’s the perfect segway between spring and summer, and there’s a lot going on in the city this month.

How crowded is Florence during June?

Unfortunately it’s not a secret that June is an ideal time in Florence, so that means that it will be packed. It’s simply a popular time for travel across Europe, and in a smaller city like Florence you will notice the crowds. 

The good news is that Tuscany, and the surrounding regions, have some amazing spots for day trips, so you can get a break from the hectic historic center for an afternoon. 

With this busy time, it’s especially important to remember to book things as far in advance as you can – especially top places on your list to avoid disappointment. 

The markets are full of fruits and vegetables and bursting with color, a cornerstone of Florentine cuisine. In June, you can still get some spring fruits and veggies, like beans, asparagus and strawberries.

And you start seeing some of the fruits that will be more abundant in summer, like peaches and figs. But June is definitely the time to start indulging in tomatoes, apricots, and cherries.

One of my favorite restaurants to visit during June is Tuga. I love to sit outside to enjoy the beautiful sunset and views of the surrounding Tuscan hills, before it gets too hot. It’s a bit outside the city center, but the atmosphere and spaghetti alle vongole are worth it!

June holidays and special dates in Florence

In Florence in June, we have two important holiday dates, the Festa della Repubblica and Festa di San Giovanni.

June 2 – Festa della Repubblica

Festa della Repubblica celebrates the day the monarchy was abolished, and Italy became a republic, on June 2, 1946. Every year on June 2, we celebrate the anniversary of this important date in recent Italian history.

Expect parades through the main streets, as well as a ‘tri-colore’ flyover over the Arno river. Many stores and businesses will be closed, and it’s best to check in advance for opening hours for particular museums or restaurants you are planning to visit.

June 24 – Festa di San Giovanni

June 24 is the date when San Giovanni, the patron saint of Florence is celebrated. There is a historical parade from Piazza della Signoria to the Baptistery in the Piazza del Duomo, before a mass is held and the relics of the saint are shown to the crowd.

Calcio Storico

The June 24 finale of Calcio Storico is Florence’s wildest tradition – a 16th-century game somewhere between soccer, rugby, and a street fight, played in Renaissance costume on a sand-covered Piazza Santa Croce.

Four teams represent Florence’s historic neighborhoods (Santa Croce, Santo Spirito, Santa Maria Novella, and San Giovanni), with semi-finals earlier in June and the final on the feast day of St. John the Baptist. The winning team takes home a Chianina calf and bragging rights until next summer.

Tickets sell out fast and only go on sale a couple of weeks before via TicketOne. If you can’t get in, find a spot along the parade route from Piazza Santa Maria Novella to Piazza Santa Croce around 4 PM to catch the historical procession for free.

The June 24 celebrations end with a huge fireworks display, set off at Piazzale Michelangelo for a panoramic view, but you will have a great view from the various bridges across the river Arno.

Free Things to do in Florence in June

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.

Starting June 1, Florence starts a program that features free outdoor concerts, film screenings, and performances through the month of August. Estate Fiorentina is a long-standing and celebrated tradition, and the full summer schedule drops in May. 

More ideas for the best things to do in Florence in June

If you’ve already visited the sights in Florence before and are looking for something different, there are many day trip options available. 

One I recommend specifically for June is Bolgheri. About 2 hours away from the historic center, this beautiful little town features cypress-lined roads, amazing wineries, and is located very close to the coast. 

This is the trip to do it all: wine tasting, sun bathing, and exploring a historic Tuscan town. And, if you can get there during the week, you should have a more relaxing experience.