Are you coming to Florence in April? You’ll get to enjoy explore Florence with mild weather, lots of flowers, and a bustling city, full of life and offering plenty to do, indoors and out.
April is a great time to enjoy a picnic with a view in Florence
April in Florence
Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence this time of year:
April weather in Florence Italy
Temperatures in Florence in April can vary wildly, not only from the beginning of the month to the end, but even on a given day.
The average temperature in Florence in April is pretty mild, with lows (at night) averaging 48-50 Fahrenheit/9-10 Celsius, and highs during the day of about 64-68 Fahrenheit/18-20 Celsius. The difference between the start and end of April temperatures can be significant however.
You can expect some rainy days, but the average precipitation is not that high and won’t stop you enjoying Florence’s most popular destinations
April is a spring month which means:
- it’s not as warm as you are ready for it to be (it should be nice and warm by mid-May)
- it can rain a lot
- flowers are exploding all over the place.
Overall, Florence in April offers a super climate for sight-seeing, just be prepared for some rain at any time in the entire month.
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
What to pack for Florence in April
Packing tips for Florence in April
It seems many people think that Florence in April will be sunny and warm. While that can be true, we also get a fair amount of rain and some cooler, cloudy days. So when you’re packing for Florence, be sure to bring some long pants or jeans with you – it’s not shorts weather yet.
April can be wetter than people think so make sure to bring a travel umbrella with you, and perhaps a rain hat as well, especially for trips early in the month. A good jacket is also an essential item, not too heavy but waterproof and light so that you can pack it away if it gets too warm.
I say this about every month – bring a scarf. Yes, even in April. First of all, it’s going to be cooler than you might think, especially in the mornings and after the sun goes down. Second of all, well, it’s stylish. You will be surprised at how much you use it.
Otherwise I’d bring cotton pants, a mix of lighter and heavier t-shirts and sweaters, and good shoes. Leggings layered with dresses work well, as do cardigans and other tops that you can add to or take away from.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the spring:
Ponte Vecchio is one of the top Florence attractions to see during the good weather of the April shoulder season
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 April
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.
This is most important when it comes to your shoes, it is crucial to wear good walking shoes, and good quality socks. It is surprising how much of a difference this can make to your experience.
In April you will want closed-toe shoes, so either good quality sneakers or walking shoes. Make sure you’ve worn them before so they don’t rub and remember that comfort is more important than fashion when you’re doing a lot of walking.
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Rule 2: Dress in Layers
The next rule, which is especially relevant for April is: dress in layers.
Since the weather in Florence can change significantly throughout the day, and it sometimes rains unexpectedly, it’s necessary to wear layers that you can remove/put on easily such as cardigans/pullovers/jumpers and waterproof jackets.
This also means it’s a good idea to wear a backpack as you travel around Florence, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off.
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 April a good time to visit Florence?
April is a great time to visit Florence for a lot of reasons, like the beautiful cool spring weather, flowers beginning to bloom, lots of new openings, and longer days.
In April in Florence, you will find wisteria in full bloom, making it a beautiful time to visit the city.
The best time to visit is always subjective, but the April weather in Florence can still be cool, which makes it comfortable for sight-seeing. It’s also a good time to enjoy some tasty Florentine meals indoors with good Tuscan wine; be sure to try the Florentine steak (bistecca fiorentina).
How crowded is Florence during April?
I get this question a lot, in particular because Easter is around this time of year. The answer is: yes, it will be crowded in Florence in April, Easter or no Easter.
Florence in April is a beautiful month, weather-wise, it’s not too hot (perfect for sight-seeing), and many schools have breaks.
People who have the option to travel outside of a school calendar tend to choose spring and fall to visit Florence, for the milder weather. That is why spring and fall months are the busiest times to be in Florence.
Just plan for it, and book things in advance when you can.
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Seasonal Food in April
As I’ve written on other pages, food in Florence (and in Italy) is eaten seasonally. It’s supposed to be, anyway.
And besides the fruits and vegetables you’d expect to find in spring, like asparagus and peas, there are some typical Florentine foods that must be tried in spring.
If you are in Florence in April, don’t miss these:
Artichokes – these are definitely seasonal, but besides that, there are several varieties of artichoke that start to show up in Florence markets around November and go through to early May.
You’ll find the carciofi empolesi variety only in Tuscan markets. This artichoke is smaller and more delicate in flavor than the classic varieties, so if you see a raw artichoke salad on the menu, go for it.
Be sure to check ony delis you see during your exploration of Florence to find the best fresh produce at this time of year
Peas – fresh podded peas start showing up in April, which are surprisingly sweet. Try them in the classic Florentine dish of piselli alla fiorentina, stewed peas flavoured with garlic, parsley and pancetta – delicious!
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What to do during April in Florence
April holidays and special dates in Florence
Special dates in Florence in April include Liberation Day and often, Easter.
Easter
The Easter celebrations in Florence include a unique event known as the Explosion of the Cart. This takes place on Easter Sunday morning, when a huge cart is pulled by oxen to the Piazza del Duomo, ready for the Easter mass in the cathedral.
As part of the mass, the archbishop comes out and lights a firework rocket known as the colombina because it is shaped to look like a dove, which ignites a cable running to the cart.
The cart, which is also rigged with fireworks then ‘explodes’ for a fun display.
As with many of the ways Florence celebrates major events, this tradition dates back hundreds of years. Learn more about it, and how Easter is celebrated here in general, by reading our dedicated page.
The exploding cart is an Easter tradition in Florence
April 25 – Liberation Day
Liberation Day, the Festa della Liberazione, is an important national holiday in Florence and in Italy. It celebrates the end of Nazi occupation during WWII, and the end of Fascist rule in Italy (Benito Mussolini was shot 3 days later).
Being a national holiday, schools, banks and shops are closed. No tourist sites are closed.
On April 25, Liberation Day, you’ll find celebrations across Italy. In Florence, a procession goes through the center, finishing at Piazza della Signoria where the mayor gives a speech praising the Allies and the Italian resistance.
Free Things to do in Florence in April
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 Uffizi Gallery is one of the best things to see in Florence
These free admission events are very popular, so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.
More ideas for things to do in Florence in April
Maybe it’s your 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) time in Florence. Or you have more than 3 days here, or you just want to see and do lots of fun things.
Besides the obvious must-see tourist attractions, there are lots of great things to see and do in Florence. While you can of course look at a day trip to the Tuscan countryside, Rome or even Naples, here are some ideas for your visit:
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To sum up…
Florence in April is when the crowds really start to arrive, but that’s because the weather is perfect for sightseeing, the spring flowers are blooming and Easter brings a lot of travelers. You can easily deal with the crowds by pre-booking popular tickets in advance and adding in some smaller sights to your itinerary where less people visit.
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