Florence Weather in July

July heat in Florence

July feels properly hot in Florence, with afternoons reaching around 32°C and evenings staying warm. Rain is limited, so you'll usually have long, sunny days for wandering. But the heat can make the stone streets and open piazzas tiring by midday.

Plan your time around it. Visit the Uffizi or Accademia during the hottest hours, then explore the Oltrarno's lanes or sit by the Arno later. A long climb up the Duomo dome is less appealing in the afternoon. The cooler evenings are better for a slow dinner and a stroll.

Events and summer crowds

Estate Fiorentina brings concerts and cultural events to venues around the city through summer. July is also peak season: Florence's famous sights draw heavy crowds, and hotels tend to cost more than in quieter months. May and June, or September and October, are generally easier choices for milder days and fewer visitors.

Families with young children may find the hot afternoons hard going; leave time for indoor breaks between sights. If you're visiting in July, don't expect to have the Ponte Vecchio to yourself.

A local tip for your day

For a break from the heat, head into the covered Mercato Centrale near San Lorenzo. You can browse the ground-floor food stalls, then sit down upstairs for a meal instead of searching for a table in the sun.

The central streets around the Duomo and Uffizi get especially crowded. Try crossing the river into Santo Spirito later in the day, when its lanes and squares make a calmer setting for an evening walk. Summer brings plenty of daylight, but the best sightseeing hours aren't always the brightest ones.