Coming to Florence in February? Yes, it’s cold, but there is a lot that’s great about visiting Florence this time of year.

The best part is much fewer crowds to deal with.

But there’s more . . .

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:

• 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?

Florence is known for being on the colder side in winter, and sometimes I get asked if it will be snowing here in February.

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.

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.

What to wear in Florence in February

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.

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.

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.

How crowded is Florence during February?

You might expect February, being a winter month, to be very quiet in Florence. But that depends on what part of the month you book your trip.

Early in the month Florence is pretty quiet, especially mid-week. Florence is typically busy on and around Valentine’s Day on February 14, as it is a popular destination for romantic city breaks.

I would book popular entrance tickets, restaurants and tours well in advance if you’re planning to visit Florence mid-month.

Towards the end of the month, the city starts to get busier as people celebrate Carnival season.

However, even when it is busy for February, there are far fewer crowds than there are in the summer. So if you’re looking to escape the crowds of people at the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, Galleria Accademia and Ponte Vecchio, February is an ideal time of year to visit Florence.

Winter fruits and vegetables are in season now. This includes apples, pears, oranges, pomegranates, cauliflower, broccoli and squash.

Some of my favorite seasonal things to eat in Florence in the winter include hearty Tuscan kale, slow cooked with olive oil served on top of fresh Tuscan bread, and of course, Carnival treats.

Carnevale treats on offer in Florence include frittelle (fritters), cenci (fried dough with powdered sugar) and schiacciata alla fiorentina (a soft vanilla cake).

These sugary morsels go oh so well with the cooler weather and cold brisk February air in Florence. You will find these in almost any pasticceria (pastry shop) in Florence in February, and for the ultimate treat, why not enjoy a thick Italian hot chocolate at the same time?

February holidays and special dates in Florence Italy

In February there are only has a couple of notable dates to be aware of:

February 14 – Valentine’s Day

If you’re visiting Florence on or around Valentine’s Day, you may be looking for some romantic things to do and romantic places to eat.

Florence is full of romantic piazzas, cozy restaurants and glamorous bars so you can’t go wrong, just be sure to book ahead to ensure you don’t miss out.

Carnival/Carnevale

Carnival begins the week before Lent with Fat Thursday, culminating in Fat Tuesday, followed by Ash Wednesday.

Dates for Carnival (Carnevale in Italian) in 2025 are:

• Fat Thursday: February 27
• Carnival Sunday: March 2
• Fat Tuesday: March 4

Expect to see kids dressed up and coriandoli (coloured confetti) all over Florence’s streets and sidewalks.

Florence has a long history of celebrating Carnival, stretching back all the way to the 15th century and the Medici’s city governance. The traditions of floats proceeding through the city, people wearing masks and fancy costumes have become embedded in Florentine culture, with lots of events taking place every year to celebrate.

Free Things to do in Florence in February

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, Galleria Academia and many more. These are very popular events so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.

This is in addition to all the things you can see for free anytime around the city, including Ponte Vecchio, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria and more – Florence really is an open air museum.

More ideas for things to do in Florence in February

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: