If you are coming to Florence in November, you will have some of the best of everything. Pretty fair weather (sometimes); still nice light during the day; the end of the peak fall season; and, my personal favorite: the very start of artichoke season.

Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence this time of year:

• What’s the weather like? Does it rain a lot?
• What to pack for visiting Florence in November?
• Is November a good time to visit Florence? Is it high season?
• What food is in season in November in Florence?
• What are some things to do in Florence in November?

I often hear people ask “Does it rain a lot in Florence in November?” Yes, it does, sometimes. Of course, nobody can predict if it will rain or not during your visit. But overall, November tends to be a rainier month than others, with higher average rainfall than in other months.

There are often also a lot of surprisingly beautiful days, particularly at the beginning of November when the average weather is pretty great. You may come prepared for rain but find cool, crisp sunny days.

The temperature in Florence in November varies a lot between the beginning and end of the month, and between daytime and nighttime. It’s warmer towards the beginning of November and cooler towards the end.

The days are shorter in November, since we move to Standard Time in late October, so there is less of that gorgeous light that makes the city shine. During the day it’s in the low 60’°F/high teens’s °C, and in the evenings it can still be quite chilly, with the average temperature being in the mid 40’s °F/low teens °C.

Packing tips for November in Florence

Packing for Florence in November is easy, as the weather is pretty consistent. It’s important to pack plenty of layers, including jackets and a heavier cardigan or pullover. The average wind speed is higher this month so it’s good to wrap up.

It’s also essential to be prepared for rain, so I would recommend including rain-hats and a sturdy umbrella on your packing list.

The weather in November can change quickly from warm-fall to chilly-fall, especially towards the end of the month. That’s why a versatile waterproof hiking jacket with removable fleece lining is one of the best items you can bring with you.  A scarf is a must in Florence year-round, and in particular in November to go with your jacket.

Be sure to pack at least one pair of jeans, and/or some wool or heavy cotton pants, as well as warmer cardigans or pullovers for layering. Leggings are good for layering under dresses or skirts for warmth as well.

What to wear in Florence in November

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. In November it is crucial to wear good walking shoes, as the colder, wetter weather means anything too light will not hold up to all the walking you’ll be doing. Don’t forget good quality socks as well. I recommend quality sneakers, walking shoes or boots that will be comfortable through your trip.

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule, excellent for November is: dress in layers.

Be prepared for changes in temperature throughout the day, and possible rain. To stay warm and dry at all times, wear layers that you can remove and put on easily along with waterproof jackets. You’ll also want some warmer layers in the evenings as the temperature drops quite a bit when the sun goes down.

November is a really lovely time to visit Florence and sight-see, as the weather is just perfect. Not hot at all, and not yet winter-cold.

How crowded is Florence during November?

The first weekend of November is almost an extension of October: in Italy, November 1st is a holiday (All Saints’ Day), which of course follows Halloween.

Halloween did not used to be much of a big deal in Italy, but every year it is becoming more and more commercialized and celebrated in Italy. Not quite as much as in the US but they are catching up, especially in the major Italian cities.

And since the 1st is a holiday, if it falls anywhere near a weekend, there will be a ‘bridge’, a 3-4 day long weekend. This makes it a pretty busy time to be in Florence.

However, most hotels drop their rates dramatically from the beginning of November. This is a great time to come to Florence if you are looking for hotel bargains.

A lot of people have caught on that October is peak season, so they are pushing their trip to early November, counting on still pretty nice weather, and hoping for lower hotel rates.

Usually by the second week of November, things have slowed down quite a bit. You can expect to find smaller crowds, less of a wait to get into museums and restaurants, and the feeling of a city settling in for the beginning of winter.

Towards the end of the month you get a sense of the city ramping up towards Christmas, with December plans for festive markets, such as the one in front of the Santa Croce basilica, being made.

In Florence food is (supposed to be) seasonal. And artichokes are in season from late November through early spring.

Yes, you will find artichokes in Florence before then. But they are not from Florence, and they won’t taste quite the same.

For the local, seasonal artichokes, you can start indulging in late November. As a bonus, they make for an excellent side to a bistecca alla fiorentina.

Fall vegetables in season include: pumpkin, cabbage, broccoletti, chard, onions, leeks, chicory, carrots, fennel and more.

November holidays and special dates in Florence

There are a number of holidays and events to take note of in November:

November 1 – All Saint’s Day/Ognissanti

The main holiday in November is All Saints’ Day, Ognissanti in Italian.

November 1 is a national holiday, most major sites remain open but check in advance if you wish to visit a specific museum or restaurant on this day.

November 2 is All Souls’ Day, also known as the Day of the Dead, in Italian, Commemorazione dei defunti, or more commonly, giorno dei morti.

On this day (or really, any time in November), Italians visit cemeteries and pay their respects to their departed loved ones.

November 4 – National Unification and Armed Forces’ Day

National Unity and Armed Forces Day is an Italian holiday commemorating victory in World War I. It’s celebrated every year on November 4.

There are some events around the city, including a flyover by the Italian Air Force, with the frecce tricolore, the green, white, and red contrails, i.e. the colors of the Italian flag.

Thanksgiving

While Thanksgiving is not at all an Italian holiday, in a city with so many American expats, it’s possible to enjoy a Thanksgiving lunch or dinner in Florence. You can book your Thanksgiving meal at a number of restaurants or pick up the ingredients for your own feast.

Free Things to do in Florence in November

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 free entrance events on the first Sunday are very popular, so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.

More ideas for things to do in Florence in November

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: