Florence is definitely heating up. If you’re planning a trip in July, expect hot days and multiplying crowds – but also long gelato-filled evenings and stunning sunsets. Let’s get into what it’s like in Florence in July in our full guide.
July in Florence means hot summer days, busy Florence attractions and long evenings
July in Florence Italy
Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence in July:
Where to stay in Florence in July
In the heat of July, you want to look for a balance between convenient locations and calmer streets. I would say the best mix of the two is the neighborhood of Sant’Ambrogio.
Located very close to Santa Croce, Sant’Ambrogio is where you’ll find a lot of locals living. Fewer tour groups, more neighborhood trattorias, and quieter mornings that you’ll be grateful for in July heat.
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio – the quiet heart of the neighbourhood.
The Duomo is still walkable (15 min) and Uffizi (20 min), which allows you to experience both sides of Florence. You are close to one of the best markets in the city, Sant’Ambrogio Market, where you can stop in to get fresh produce and a schiaccata for lunch.
One tip: Confirm air conditioning before booking, this is a non-negotiable in July
Florence weather in July
Florence weather in July is hot, there’s no getting around that. There are still many ways to enjoy the city even during these rising temperatures.
I would say the best way to avoid melting is planning most activities/walking around for early morning and late afternoon. You do not want to be wandering the streets at 1 PM on a sunny July day.
Once the sun sets, there are many events to catch in the city during July evenings, or even just a long walk by the Arno.
One of the best places in the historic center is the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Arno river, but try and get there early in July
The average temperature in Florence in July is pretty consistent, averaging around 80-85 Fahrenheit/27-30 Celsius during the day and around 65-70 Fahrenheit/18-22 Celsius during the night.
By the end of July, we are reaching peak summer temperatures here in Florence. The reason that it often feels hotter than the actual temperature is because Florence is very humid, and some days it can feel hard to breathe in the packed center.
You will find air conditioning in the majority of hotels and accommodations around the city, but definitely double check before booking. Don’t expect to find it everywhere though (restaurants, shops, cafes, ect.) as it is not the standard throughout the city.
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What to pack for Florence in July
Packing tips for July in Florence
July in Florence has some of the hottest days of the year, and as a result you should come prepared with lots of light clothing. Linen and loose cotton are your best friend for a trip in July.
The sun is very strong, especially during peak afternoon hours, so a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your face is a great idea. Also SPF is a must, even if you stick to the shade, the July sun has a way of sneaking up on you.
I would bring any summer clothing that you feel comfortable in, however, any beachwear should generally be avoided for your trip to Florence. Of course, you probably weren’t considering cruising the city in your bathing suit, but even flip flops I find are not worth the pain after a day on the cobblestones.
I would opt for a pair of breathable sneakers instead and/or some comfortable walking sandals. Also keep in mind that churches in Florence require shoulders and knees to be covered, so at least one pair of long pants and a shawl or cardigan (I usually bring a linen scarf in my bag), keeps you from running into trouble at the entrances.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the summer:
What to wear in Florence in July
It’s especially important to remember to prioritize comfort when planning outfits for your July trip. The temperatures are sweltering, and I think you’ll be grateful that you opted for the breezier/looser option over sweating through your jeans.
Of course this varies, and if you are someone who isn’t bothered by heat then you should be set, but definitely keep the higher temperatures in mind.
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During July in Florence I live in a sundress. I think they are perfect for this type of weather, short or long, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. You can also wear a sundress with a cute pair of sneakers for longer walking days.
When I first came to Florence, I found myself always worried I wasn’t wearing the “right thing”, and that was the reason I was labeled as a tourist.
The reality is what you wear won’t suddenly turn you into a local, so you should wear what you want and what you’re comfortable in, especially during the summer months.
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Is July a good time to visit Florence?
I think that if you’re ready for a little (a lot) of heat, busy mornings, and longer relaxed evenings, then Florence in July is a great time to plan your trip.
The days are longer, so it’s perfect for early morning sightseeing, a break in the afternoon, and a warm evening for enjoying the sunset and dinner outside in a piazza.
You can expect crowds of people in Florence in July, especially at the Accademia and other popular museums
July in Florence is peak summer activity, and there’s always something to do. Outdoor concerts, local markets and events, and lively nightlife are always happening this month.
So if you’re willing to brave the temperatures, a trip to Florence in July is filled with live music events and local specialties.
How crowded is Florence during July?
July in Florence is crowded. It’s the peak summer season, but towards the end of the month you may notice the city quieting down as many Italians escape to the beach.
This is a popular month for families with kids in school, as they work summer travel into the calendar.
You will find many major sites very crowded, including the Uffizi, Accademia, and the Ponte Vecchio packed with people. It’s important to plan must-sees ahead of time, particularly popular time slots in the early morning/late afternoon.
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Florence Seasonal Food in July
July is a fantastic time to eat all those delicious summer fruits like peaches, apricots, plums and melons. Tomatoes are at their summer best so you will find many varieties in all shapes, sizes and even colors.
Summer is also a great time to eat vegetables like spinach, zucchini, eggplant and peppers – try them alongside bistecca alla fiorentina.
If you don’t eat much in the heat, consider skipping a full bistecca fiortina and opt for a smaller filltet instead
Some seasonal dishes you’ll find around the city this month include panzella, which is a kind of bread salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, which sounds odd but is surprisingly good.
And my favorite, prosciutto e melone, which is the perfect combination of salty prosciutto and fresh sweet cantaloupe melon. It’s the perfect snack for a hot summer day in Florence.
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What to do during July in Florence
July holidays and special dates in Florence
July is one of those funny months when there are no specific holiday dates. But it’s a classic vacation month for Italians and visitors alike, so you will find lots to do in Florence this month.
Summer sales begin
In Italy, we have sales twice a year: once in winter and once in summer. In summer, they usually begin on the first Saturday of July.
This also means that starting in July, the new fall fashions will begin to appear in stores. I personally have a hard time trying on pants, sweaters and jackets in the summer, but it’s the time to buy if you want to stock up with any new fall wardrobe items.
Estate Fiorentina
Each summer, Florence becomes an open-air stage. Estate Fiorentina is the city’s season-long cultural festival, filling historic courtyards, gardens, and piazzas with concerts, cinema, dance, and theater, from candlelit performances at Forte Belvedere to films screened under the stars in the Cascine.
July is the heart of the festival, when nearly every evening offers something worth heading out for. Many events are free or low-cost, but tickets to the events go fast, so it’s worth checking the schedule a few days ahead.
Free Things to do in Florence in July
On the first Sunday of each month you can access Florence’s state owned museums, archeological sites and cultural spots for free. This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Accademia Gallery and many more.
You can see the amazing David by Michelangelo and many more pieces in one of the world’s most famous art museums for free once a month
These are very popular events so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.
More ideas for things to do in Florence in July
If you’re looking for some day trip ideas from Florence, one idea for the month of July is Siena. Just a short distance from Florence by train, Siena’s charming streets and relaxed atmosphere makes for the perfect getaway from the hot and crowded streets of Florence.
Also, this month Siena hosts Palio, a very famous and intense horse race in Piazza del Campo. Similar to Calcio Storico’s system in Florence, 10 of Siena’s 17 districts compete in the 90 second race.
The energy around the event is unparalleled, and you can feel the sense of rivalry and tradition in the streets around the race. If you’re in Florence in the beginning of July, definitely consider a trip to Siena for Palio.
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To sum up…
Florence in July is going to be hot, but there are ways to make the most of the city even in the intense heat. Plan your day around the cooler times and keep yourself well supplied with water and gelato to keep cool, and include some of Florence’s parks and gardens in your itinerary away from the busy streets.
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