Florence in November - Your Essential Trip Planning Guide
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 beginning of artichoke season!
Even though Florence in November is one of the rainiest months, it is still one of the best times to visit!November in Florence - at a glance
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?
November weather in Florence Italy
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.
It's super easy to visit the Basilica di Santa Croce in November, with the Piazza di Santa Croce still empty before the Christmas markets appearThe 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.
Take a look at these pages to find out how to make the most of your time in Florence:
What to pack for Florence in November
Packing tips for November in Florence
Packing for Florence in November is easy, as long as you remember the most important rule for sightseeing - be comfortable.
Good quality walking shoes are top of the list to ensure you can explore as much as you want, for as long as you want!
Florence weather in November can change quickly from warm fall sun to chilly rainy days so 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.
These are my personal recommendations for packing for Florence in November:
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I love my 100% waterproof rain-hat for women. It's ideal for packing for Florence as it's small and easy to pack and carry.
This rain-hat for men is a lot like the one my husband wears. He loves it and I don't blame him.
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.
Having a flexible jacket like this women’s version is like having 3 jackets in one, and it’s great for comfort while sightseeing.
Here's a men's version of the above waterproof rain jacket with removable lining.
I love these for the cooler weather in late fall and early spring.
Another handy thing to include in your packing is a light rain poncho.
I've seen so many people shelling out money to street vendors when it rains unexpectedly in Florence, so bring your own and come prepared!
A poncho like this one is better quality and will last longer, and takes up very little space in your luggage.
When it starts to rain umbrella sellers appear out of nowhere and sell small and large umbrellas.
These are fine for a quick fix, but the quality is not great, plus you may be somewhere where you cannot easily purchase one on the street.
If you want to come prepared with your own travel umbrella, get a quality umbrella that will last.
A scarf is a must in Florence year-round (yes even in summer), and in particular in November.
The temperature in November can change a lot from day to night, and a scarf is very handy for keeping you warm.
This scarf is lightweight but keeps the heat in, as well as being hypoallergenic and super-soft to the touch.
Be sure to pack at least one pair of jeans, and/or some wool or heavy cotton pants.
Don't forget to include at least one cardigan or pullover for layering.
It may be warm enough to go out without a jacket, but a cardigan will come in handy as temperatures drop in the afternoon.
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General Florence packing tips
What else do you need to consider when packing for Florence in November?
These are a few of my essential packing recommendations, any time of year:
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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 container, 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.
Travel insurance isn't something to pack 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!
Being prepared for your trip isn't just about packing the right clothes and accessories, it's also about planning ahead.
There's so much to do in Florence that it can be overwhelming sometimes to decide what to include in your itinerary, so why not leave it to the experts?
Take a look at some of the top Florence tours available for a deeper insight into one of the world's most popular cities!
What to wear in Florence in November
So how should you dress when you visit Florence in November?
You will probably be walking a lot, so you need good shoes.
The Piazza del Duomo is the heart of Florence, with the bell tower, baptistery and cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its famous domeRule 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.
I would recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!
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 such as cardigans/pullovers/jumpers and waterproof jackets.
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.
Bottom line, when packing for Florence in November, don't forget to:
- Wear good walking shoes/waterproof boots
- Dress in jeans or heavy cotton pants
- Wear a light cotton shirt with a sweater/cardigan
- Bring a waterproof coat/jacket
- Carry a travel umbrella in your day bag
- Last but not least, don't forget the Italian MUST WEAR - a scarf.
If you are planning to go to an event, for example a wedding, opera or dinner at a special restaurant, then you may wish to bring something elegant to wear.
Otherwise, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Florence so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.
Is November a good time to visit Florence?
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!
The Ponte Vecchio stretching across the Arno river, where the sharp decline in visitors to the main attractions is most evident in Florence in NovemberHow 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 like Rome and Florence.
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.
Florence Seasonal Food in November
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, cardoons (not that easy to find, but yummy), cabbage, broccoletti, chard, onions, leeks, chicory, carrots, fennel and more!
Discover the best of Florentine cuisine on a Florence food tour, led by a local expert who will show you what to eat and what's in season!
What to do during Florence in November
The Uffizi Gallery is one of the top things to do in Florence and a great place to explore with a rich historyNovember holidays and special dates in Florence
There are a number of holidays and events to take note of in November:
NOVEMBER 1 - ALL SAINTS' 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.
Current exhibits and events at Florence's museums in November
The cooler fall months are a great time to see some of the limited-time exhibits in Florence.
Here are some of the exhibitions taking place in November 2023:
Villa Bardini
La grande Fotografia Italiana
This exhibition is dedicated to the great photographer Lisetta Carmi who passed away in 2022, bringing together a number of their most evocative and moving images.
May 3, 2023 to November 8, 2023
Click here to see opening hours and ticket information
Palazzo Vecchio
Medici Tapestries
Continuing an event that started before the Covid pandemic, the display of tapestries commissioned by Duke Cosimo I de' Medici in the 15th century resumes this month.
These beautiful and detailed tapestries tell the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, from the Old Testament across 20 huge creations.
The first 12 were displayed, four at a time, back in 2019 and now the final 8 will be displayed in the Salon dei Duecento in Palazzo Vecchio.
The initial 4 tapestries were on display from June 2, 2023 to August 30, 2023, before the final 4 can be seen from September 1, 2023 to November 29, 2023.
Read more about this incredible chance to see a piece of Florentine history here.
Palazzo Strozzi
Anish Kapoor - Untrue Unreal
Showcasing Kapoor's work in contemporary art, this exhibition curated by Palazzo Strozzi's Director General will feature monumental installations, intimate environments and thought-provoking forms that will forge an original and captivating dialogue with the architecture and audience.
October 7, 2023 to February 4, 2024
Learn more and purchase your tickets here.
Museo degli Innocenti
Alphonse Mucha - The Seduction of Art Nouveau
Explore more than two hundred works from the era of the 'Belle Époque', the Paris art movement at the end of the 1800's that Mucha spearheaded, creating the iconic Art Nouveau images we still know today.
October 27, 2023 to April 7, 2024
Find out more details here.
Florence Concerts, Operas and other shows on in November
There are lots of concerts and other events available to book for your trip to Florence in November - take a look at some of our suggestions here:
Enjoy operatic pieces from famous Italian composers live in concert in the evocative surroundings of the Santa Monaca church.
Concerts take place every evening, booking highly recommended.
See the Three Tenors live in concert at the Santo Stefano al Ponte church.
You will be treated some of the best-known arias from the operas of Puccini, Verdi and Rossini, as well as Neapolitan songs.
Takes place twice a week - why not book your tickets to include a special 3-course Tuscan meal for an extra special evening!
Enjoy a variety of concerts and events in Florence's oldest theater, Teatro Niccolini.
Teatro Verdi hosts many contemporary shows and concerts almost every day of the week.
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.
You can see more than just Michelangelo's David at the Accademia Gallery, and on the first Sunday of the month it's completely free to enter!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!
Here are some ideas for your visit:
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