Coming to Florence in February? Yes, it’s cold, but there is a lot that’s great about visiting Florence this time of year.
February has short chilly days, but they can be brilliant and sunny and often crowd-free
The best part is much fewer crowds to deal with.
But there’s more . . .
Florence in February – at a glance
While not quite as calm as in January, you can still expect fairly small crowds in February. Stroll the streets and then warm up with an Italian hot chocolate, before visiting museums and churches.
Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence this time of year:
- Where to stay in Florence in February
- What’s the weather like? Does it rain or snow in February Florence?
- What to pack for visiting Florence in February? What to wear in February in Florence?
- Is February a good time to visit Florence?
- What food is in season in February in Florence?
- What are some things to do in Florence in February?
Where to stay in Florence in February
Oltrarno is an especially inviting place to stay in February, and Santo Spirito is one of its most welcoming neighborhoods. This area is filled with small bars and intimate restaurants, making it an ideal choice if you’re visiting around Valentine’s Day.
The small bars and restaurants in Santo Spirito are perfect for a romantic valentines get away
The neighborhood is just across the Ponte Vecchio from the historic center, so you can easily reach Florence’s main museums and landmarks on foot.
At the same time, staying here gives you a more authentic experience of the city. There are no large hotels, so you’ll find yourself in an apartment, picking up groceries at local shops and getting a feel for what it’s like to live in Florence.
February Florence Italy weather
Florence is known for being on the colder side in winter, and sometimes I get asked if it will be snowing here in February.
Rain is common in February but one up-side is that it can create interesting perspectives to photograph
While you might see a few odd snowflakes fall during your visit, it’s far more likely to be raining as it rarely get cold enough for snow – unlike in January. It will be cold, but there are sometimes some gorgeous bright sunny days too.
The weather in Florence in February is generally cold and quite wet, with lows (at night) averaging 40-44 Fahrenheit/4-6 Celsius, and highs during the day of about 50-54 Fahrenheit/10-12 Celsius.
Organize your transport easily and stress-free for any trip to Florence and Tuscany:
What to pack for Florence in February
Packing tips for February in Florence
Packing for Florence in February is all about wrapping up warm. It is cold in Florence, especially at the start of the month and it’s also likely that you’ll have some rainy days during your visit.
Alessandro inspired me to get a rain hat. He was always wearing one when out and about in the rain, so I got one for myself too, which is perfect for the February weather. I also always bring a pair of gloves and a warm scarf with me this time of year to stay comfortable when exploring.
Another essential thing to include in your packing is a good jacket. You want one that is both warm and waterproof in February for versatility. It makes sense to also bring a good travel umbrella that fits in your day bag. You can buy one here, but it’s better to have one ready in your bag.
Otherwise think warmer layers, so good basics topped with sweaters, pullovers or dresses, along with thicker tights or leggings.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the winter:
General Florence packing tips
These are a few of my essential packing recommendations, any time of year:
- Sunglasses! Yes it can be rainy in Florence occasionally, but the sun will be shining more often than not so you’ll want a good pair of sunglasses.
- Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications. I would recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on in a dedicated organizer, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
- Photocopies or clear photographs saved on your phone of your passport – much safer than carrying your actual passport around Florence!
- Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it’s 110. Most electronic devices will default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here. This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations, perfect for travel to different parts of the world.
- Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit gives you peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
Finally, travel insurance isn’t something to pack per se, but it is something you should not forget!
It is not uncommon these days for visitors to have to deal with lost luggage or cancelled or delayed flights, and your credit card coverage may not be as extensive as you think.
Chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen!
What to wear in Florence in February
There are two rules for what to wear in Florence year-round, and really, anywhere in Italy.
Rule 1: Be Comfortable
My number one rule for sightseeing in Florence, at any time of year: be comfortable.
In February you will want to wrap up warm, have suitable rain gear and wear shoes that will hold up to all the walking you’ll be doing. The rain can make the cobblestones quite slick, so make sure your shoes have a decent grip on them as well.
Bring a couple of pairs of good shoes with you, so that you can swap between the two. Even if both are comfortable, something about changing shoes helps my feet from feeling so achy.
No matter when you visit Italy, here are some essential things we recommend never leaving home without:
Use the arrows or scroll to view all recommendations
Rule 2: Dress in Layers
The next rule, which is especially relevant for February is: dress in layers.
Layers help hold in your body heat so rather than wear one heavy jumper, a few different layers will feel more comfortable. This also means you can switch up your wardrobe without having to bring tons of different outfit options.
Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Florence?
Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:
Is February a good time to visit Florence?
February is a great time to visit if you want to explore Florence, with lots of museums and top sights in the city center easily available to you.
If you want a relaxed, sun-filled trip filled with hot, lazy afternoons, long lunches and late dinners, you’ll probably want to visit Florence later in the year.