A Complete Guide to Visiting Florence in August

If you thought July was hot… Welcome to Florence in August. It’s humid, sticky, and most days have you wondering why you’re not at the beach with the rest of the locals. The good news is that by the end of the month things start to cool down, and it’s a much calmer city. 

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

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

In the daytime the neighborhood stays relatively quiet, since many of the Florentines have already escaped the city, but when the sun goes down there is plenty of action. Specifically at the bars and restaurants in Piazza Santo Spirito, with people enjoying aperitivo, dinner, and evening walks. 

It’s both lively and relaxed, making for the perfect summer night atmosphere. 

If you haven’t gathered by now… Florence in August is hot. Very hot. 

During the day, temperatures usually sit in the high 20s Celsius/low 80s Fahrenheit, climbing as high as the mid 30s Celsius/mid 90s Fahrenheit. At night, things do cool down to the mid teens Celsius/mid 60s Fahrenheit, so it’s the perfect time to walk around the city. 

During the day I suggest avoiding the mid-day heat at all costs. Early mornings and early evenings are the best times for sightseeing, however if you must go out during the afternoon, be sure to plan breaks from the heat. 

What a lot of visitors to Florence don’t anticipate is the high humidity presence. Even if the temperature doesn’t seem too bad, remember that the humidity will make it feel 5-10 degrees hotter. 

Packing tips for August in Florence

Surprisingly this is one of my favorite topics to discuss, as packing for Florence in general can be a challenge, but especially in a month like August. 

In any month, remembering to be comfortable is key, but as the temperatures rise it’s especially important because it can affect your health. 

Light clothing, like cotton or linens, breathable fabric, and loose fitting options are all great ideas. 

Since it’s hot you’ll want to pack shorts and tank tops, which of course is fine, but keep in mind that churches require shoulders and knees to be covered. Just be sure to plan ahead on the days you plan to visit. 

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also super important for daytime needs, and a light scarf or shawl is the only thing you should need at night (if anything). 

What to wear in Florence in August

The goal of dressing for August in Florence is to feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. Loose and breathable clothing is the best plan, and even linen long sleeved button ups can be better than a tight t-shirt, in my experience. 

Sundresses are also a great option, comfortable to walk around in, and can be paired with a cute pair of walking sneakers. 

For men I would suggest linen or light cotton pants and a t-shirt. Shorts work as well of course, but if you’re going for the euro summer vibe, then pants are the better option. 

Something I never leave the house with in peak Florentine summer is a small pocket fan. It doesn’t do much, but I will say on especially hot days I’m always grateful I have it with me. 

I would say yes it’s a good time to visit the city, if you are looking for quieter streets and don’t mind the humidity and high temperatures. 

A lot of popular sites also extend their hours to late-evenings, so you can enjoy stunning sunsets from Piazzale Michelangelo and eat as much gelato as possible. 

So if that sounds like your kind of a trip, then August in Florence is perfect for you.

How crowded is Florence during August?

You may see or hear things about how the city empties out this month, and take it from someone who lives here, Florence in August can feel like a ghost town. 

This is because locals, and many Italian families in general, take most of August off to enjoy time by the sea or in the mountains. Also many have a similar mindset: Florence is way too hot, we should spend our days at the beach. 

As a result the streets can feel very quiet at times, which is a nice change from the peak July crowds. Yes, you’ll find the usual spots busy, (the Uffizi Gallery, Boboli Gardens and Accademia Gallery), but the rest of the city is pretty empty.

This can become a problem when booking restaurants and some experiences around the city, so always be sure to check August schedules before your trip. 

This is the time of year to eat all the summer fruits and vegetables, such as peaches, apricots, melons, and plums; and eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, basil, beans and fennel.

It will be hot in the city so make the most of the refreshing summer salads and light pastas. Florentine cuisine adapts well to the summer months, and there’s always excellent gelato to be found to help you cool off.

August holidays and special dates in Florence

There is one huge holiday in August that is celebrated across Italy: Ferragosto, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In Florence there is also a special festival, the Feast of San Lorenzo, to look out for.

August 10 – Feast of San Lorenzo

The San Lorenzo basilica was one of the first churches consecrated in Florence, and San Lorenzo is the co-patron saint of the city.

Hundreds of years ago the bakers of San Lorenzo would distribute free bread during the day in Piazza San Lorenzo, followed by watermelon slices in the evening for the celebrations, and this tradition continues even today.

Nowadays it is portions of pasta handed out for free instead of bread, but watermelon is still given out in Piazza San Lorenzo. There is also a historical parade with people dressed in medieval costumes from Piazza della Signoria to the Basilica of San Lorenzo.

Interestingly the Perseid meteor shower generally coincides with this date, with the display of shooting stars also known as San Lorenzo’s tears.

August 15 – Ferragosto

The origins of the Italian August holiday go back to the ancient Romans, and the Italians take it seriously. Think of Ferragosto as Italy’s collective summer pause, except less 4th of July fireworks, and more the whole country goes to the beach at once.

It used to be a lot more difficult to find shops/restaurants open on August 15, but nowadays because of continuously rising prices for travel, there are more and more open in Florence.

The main thing is to be aware of the potential for your favorite spots to be closed, so always check in advance if you have a particular place in mind to visit.

Some smaller places of interest close for part or all of August, but major tourist spots will be open, so it’s always best to plan ahead to avoid any surprises.

Free Things to do in Florence in August

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.

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 August

Need a break from the August heat in Florence? There’s no better escape than a day trip to the coast, and one we always recommend is Cinque Terre. These five picturesque towns hanging by the cliffs are truly a must-see.

Cinque Terre is also famous for its hiking trails, which wind along the coastline and connect each of the towns, perfect if you want to earn your spritz. 

When you’re ready to slow down, head to Monterosso al Mare, grab a chair at one of its beach clubs, soak up the afternoon sun with a drink in hand, and dive into a plate of fresh seafood pasta before the train back. It’s the perfect escape from the city.