Are you coming to Florence in August? You may have heard that August in Florence is hot, sticky and humid, everything shuts down for the holidays and as it’s high season, the city will be really crowded.

Actually, only one of those things is true.

Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit 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?

The heat in Florence is the only true thing about visiting in August in the list above.

During the day the average temperature is in the high 20’s Celsuius/low 80’s Fahrenheit… up to the mid 30’s Celsuius/mid 90’s Fahrenheit. At night, it usually goes down to the mid teens (°C)/low 60’s (°F) and it’s really nice to walk around even without a jacket.

During the day, you should really consider staying out of the heat at the hottest point and planning your sightseeing so you can have a break in the afternoons.

Packing tips for August in Florence

August is the hottest time of the year in Florence so you need to think cool when packing. This means breathable clothing like cotton t-shirts, linen shirts, loose midi skirts or pants, plus it’s crucial to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

As it will be hot, lots of people plan to pack shorts to explore Florence. While Italians won’t generally dress this way, you can, of course, if you want to. But if you are visiting any church you cannot have bare knees so think about wearing either hiking pants with removable legs, cropped trouser or longer skirts/dresses.

A good sun hat is key for Florence in August, and one with built-in sunblock is extra helpful. High factor sunscreen is also necessary, you can purchase it in Florence but it’s a good idea to arrive with some ready to go.

It can be pretty humid as well as hot so avoid clothes made with synthetic materials and stick with lightweight and breathable linen and cotton. Trust me, this alone can make a huge difference to how the heat impacts you.

What to wear in Florence in August

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.

The heat of Florence in August leads a lot of people to choose flip flops or other light sandals, but these are killer for your feet. Between the cobbles (which radiate heat as well as being uneven), hard marble floors in churches and museums and the sheer volume of steps you’ll be doing, these types of light sandals will do nothing for you.

I’ve seen so many people struggle with bad footwear, which is why I’m so passionate about this point. I recommend bringing some sturdy walking sandals or good cotton tennis shoes that give your feet enough support while also not being too hot.

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule is: dress in layers.

You may think it would be too hot to need layers of clothes in August, but often churches and some museums can feel a lot cooler out of the sun thanks to their construction. Also, if there’s been a summer storm (common at the end of the month) then the wind picks up and the temperatures drop a little.

Bring a light cardigan/pullover or large scarf that is easy to carry around in your bag ready for when needed.

You can expect hot, muggy weather, day and night, along with pretty empty streets.

Sites extend their opening hours into the evenings, you can enjoy stunning sunsets from Piazzale Michelangelo and eat as much gelato as you want. So yes, August can be a great time to visit Florence.

How crowded is Florence during August?

After I first moved to Italy in 2001, I spent my first August here in search of anything open: a supermarket, a pharmacy, and especially, a decent restaurant. Yes, the country shut down almost entirely, for the whole month of August, even in major cities. I just could not believe it.

Things have changed a lot since then.

First of all, Italians simply cannot afford to go away for an entire month anymore. It costs too much to take the whole family to the sea or the mountains and rent a house for a month.

Second of all, Italians who run small businesses are just as aware of globalisation as anyone else. There is business to be had in August, after all, even if the locals are not here, the tourists sure are. And guess what? Many Italians are staying at home now too.

Even with these changes to the way Italians take their vacation, August is still not high season in Florence. August is family vacation time across Europe and North America. Many of those potential tourists think just like Italians do: Florence is too hot, so let’s go spend our holidays at the beach.

Yes, you’ll find crowds at the usual spots (the Uffizi Gallery, Boboli Gardens and Accademia Gallery), but the rest of the city is pretty empty.

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, and only one, that counts; Ferragosto, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In Florence there is also a special festival, the Feast of San Lorenzo, to enjoy.

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 super seriously. Taking a long vacation in August is extremely common, and often whole businesses will close to allow everyone to be off work at the same time.

It used to be that very few shops and restaurants were open on or around August 15 as a result, but nowadays you’ll find far more options if you’re in Florence at this time of the month.

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 disappointment.

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

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. You can of course even look at a day trip to the Tuscan countryside, Rome or Naples, but here are some other ideas for your trip: