Coming to Florence in May? Spring is definitely here. Flowers are blooming all over the city, and the weather is fantastic for sightseeing; warm during the day and cool at night.
Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Florence.
May in Florence
Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence in May:
May weather in Florence Italy
I always think of May as a warm month. But the reality is that I also never change my down comforter for a lighter blanket until the end of May. And I never put away my winter clothes until then either.
May in Florence can be cooler than you think, especially at the beginning of the month. In the beginning of May, it can still rain a bit, and temperatures are in the high teens C/mid 60’s F during the day, and chilly in the evening.
Spring offers perfect sight-seeing weather, but in early May, you may need to dress a bit more warmly than you think.
By the end of the month, the nice Florence weather is definitely settling in and you can count on fairly consistent long, warm sunny days and perfectly comfortable evenings. During the day the average high temperature is in the mid 20’s C/mid to high 70’s F, and in the evenings, it’s in the high teens C/mid 60’s F.
Curious to know more, or want to share your own tips? Leave a comment!
What to pack for Florence in May
Packing tips for May in Florence
The most important thing remember when packing for Florence in May is that it isn’t quite as warm as you might expect, especially at the start of the month. We do have some gorgeous, warm, sunny days in May, but generally the evenings are fairly cool and we still get some spring rain showers now and again.
For May you will want lighter layers, think cotton pants with a light top and cardigan or sweater to add if needed. Maxi skirts or cropped pants also work, but remember to cover your knees and shoulders if you’re going inside any churches during your trip.
I like to bring a jacket with me even in May, as the evenings and early mornings can feel fresher than you might expect. Make sure it’s one that will easily fit inside your day bag when it gets warmer and you need to take it off.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the spring:
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 May
There are two rules for what to wear in Florence year-round, and really, anywhere in Italy.
Rule 1: Be Comfortable
Being comfortable applies to what you’re wearing and how you will feel exploring Florence. As May is much milder than the previous months in Florence, it can be tempting to wear light sandals or flip flops.
But bear in mind that you will likely be doing a lot of walking and Florence’s streets are killer on your feet if you don’t have sturdy enough shoes. I would recommend bringing some sturdy walking sandals or good cotton tennis shoes that give your feet enough support while also being breathable.
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Rule 2: Dress in Layers
While the May weather in Florence is generally mild, the temperature in the evenings does drop quite a bit and it will feel cooler.
It’s best to wear lighter layers that you can remove and put on easily according to whether you’re out in the midday sun or eating dinner outside. Think light cotton t-shirts, cardigans or pullovers and a light jacket.
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 May a good time to visit Florence?
Florence in May is absolutely beautiful, the days are sunny and long and there is not much rain. So if you want to visit Florence during May, it is the perfect time for relaxing in the city.
Just know that you will find the streets, piazzas, restaurants and sites packed.
How crowded is Florence during May?
I’m not sure why but a lot of people seem surprised to find that May is a busy season in Florence.
The Galleria dell’Accademia where you can see Michelangelo’s David is a must any time, and in spring, you can expect to find it as crowded as it gets.
But for those who can pick what time of year to visit (when not tied to a school calendar for example), the choice is usually spring or fall, precisely because of this nice mild Florence weather.
Florence is beautiful in May, with flowers blooming everywhere, like here in front of Santa Maria Novella. Is it any wonder people want to visit in spring?
The weather is not too hot and it’s just perfect for sight-seeing and enjoying eating and drinking outside.
You’ll see signs that the city is starting to get ready for the summer, with night visits and special events starting up. So come and enjoy Florence in the sun and warmth, and try to plan your visit to avoid crowds when you can.
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Access the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, and Brunelleschi’s Dome, all with one ticket by getting yourself this unique Florence digital visit card. Save money and make visiting the top sites stress-free – click here to find out more:
Florence Seasonal Food in May
Artichokes are still in season in May but they are pretty much ending. By the time May rolls around, I find myself not eating artichokes any more. They are starting to get tougher and have more of the choke/fuzzy bits.
Fava beans and peas are in season now though, perfect for spring picnics. The short asparagus season also starts in May so make the most of these if you see them on menus, plus the earliest summer tomatoes start appearing on market stalls.
Fresh fruit makes an appearance on most menus at this time of year, in one form or another!
One thing you should definitely try are the wild strawberries that are on offer for just a couple of months in the spring. Many restaurants add these strawberries to their dessert menu in May, served with a touch of lemon and rich vanilla cream – absolutely perfect.
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What to do during May in Florence
May holidays and special dates in Florence
May 1 – May Day
May 1 is a national holiday called International Workers’ Day, or May Day. It’s celebrated throughout most European countries and is a kind of Labor Day.
I find that Italians enjoy it more than anything as a day for a picnic or big outdoor lunch.
Mother’s Day
Every year on the second Sunday in May, Italy celebrates all mothers, so if you’re in Florence on this date with your mom, be sure to treat her.
May 23 – Fiorita Commemoration
Florence in the 15th century was a tumultuous place. The powerful Medici family had been ruling the city for decades, accumulating wealth and influence which was put on display in extravagant palaces. Over time the Medici family was becoming more and more unpopular, with their incredible wealth at odds with the life of most Florentine people.
At the end of the 15th century the Medicis were deposed and a popular revolution began, led by a Dominican friar, Girolamo Savonarola.
Savonarola believed in living a simple life, without luxury or excess, the opposite of the Medici lifestyle and travelled around the city preaching his message. He whipped up the Florentine people into a frenzy, culminating in the Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497.
A huge number of pieces of art, furniture, clothing and other high-value items were burned in Piazza della Signoria, looted or forcibly taken from noble palaces as a reaction against the excess of the Medici.
Look for the plaque dedicated to Savonarola in front of the Neptune Fountain, close to Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery
For a short time Savonarola was the de facto leader of Florence, but by 1498 he had been convicted of heresy by Pope Alexander VI and was burned at the stake in the same spot as the huge bonfire, Piazza della Signoria.
Today there is a round plaque, just in front of the fountain of Neptune, marking the spot where Savonarola was burned to death. Every year, on May 23, the anniversary of the famous event, flowers are laid on this plaque to remember him.
A Mass is also celebrated in the Palazzo Vecchio priory chapel, and there is a historic procession to the Ponte Vecchio where flower petals are thrown into the Arno river.
Free Things to do in Florence in May
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.
May days are perfect for visiting the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens
These are very popular events at Florence attractions so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.
More ideas for things to do in Florence in May
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 May is simply beautiful. The weather is warm without being super hot and there is something special about the light in the evenings. Make the most of the good weather by getting out and exploring Tuscany as well as Florence, and don’t forget the seasonal produce!
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I read from a traveler spending a month in Firenze that she has a pass to enter the museums any time/any day.
Can you tell me what the name of that pass is so I can search for the price?
I am only in the city 2 or 3 wks in MAY, but this may be a great value.
Ciao Lee and thanks for your comment! Unfortunuately this pass is not readily available and is typically reserved for those working with the museums or who live permanently locally. For a regular visit pass take a look at https://www.tiqets.com/en/florence-attractions-c71854/the-florence-pass-p1013858/?partner=florencewise&tq_campaign=fw-comment – note that this is time limited and doesn’t cover as long as period as what you are looking for, but can be a good option for saving money when visiting multiple sites – buon viaggio!