❄️ Winter in Florence: A Local’s Guide to Visiting the City in the Off-Season
When planning a trip to Italy, the season you visit is one of the most important decisions — and you might be wondering what it’s really like to spend winter in Florence. I recently moved to Florence and was lucky enough to experience my very first winter here, and I truly loved it.
While summer is the most popular time to visit Florence, winter in Florence is highly underrated. After experiencing the holiday season, quieter streets, and slower pace of daily life, I truly believe that winter may actually be one of the best times to visit this historic city. That said, there are a few important things to know before planning a winter trip to Florence — and I’m sharing them all below.
What Winter Is Like in Florence
Florence Winter Weather
November
I’ve visited Florence in November several times, and the weather can vary quite a bit. You can often expect some rain (so be sure to pack waterproof boots and a water-resistant coat), but daytime temperatures are usually mild, ranging from the 50s to low 60s°F. I’ve also had plenty of beautifully sunny days. Rain is typically a light drizzle and rarely prevents you from enjoying the city.
December
December is a bit chillier, with daytime temperatures in the 40s–50s°F, but there are still many crisp, sunny days that are perfect for exploring. The colder weather creates the ideal atmosphere for visiting Christmas markets, sipping mulled wine, and wandering through streets glowing with holiday lights.
January
January weather is similar to December, though nights can dip into the 20s–30s°F. Snow is rare in Florence, but this year (2026), I was lucky enough to experience snowfall in the city. It didn’t last long, but it made Florence feel absolutely magical.
February
February brings daytime temperatures between the 30s–50s°F, often accompanied by wind. Wind chill can make it feel colder than expected, and rain is always possible — though usually light and short-lived. With proper layers, it’s still very easy to explore the city comfortably.
Daylight & Atmosphere in Winter
During winter in Florence, you can expect shorter days, fewer crowds, and a cozy holiday atmosphere throughout the city. The sun typically sets around 4:30–5:00 PM, but Florence certainly doesn’t shut down once it gets dark.
Bars and wine spots fill up for aperitivo, streets remain lively until at least 10 PM, and holiday lights keep the city glowing well into the evening. Even as a solo female traveler, Florence feels safe, well-lit, and active, with plenty of people out enjoying the city.
Is Florence Worth Visiting in Winter?
Pros of Visiting Florence in Winter
Fewer crowds
Winter is considered Florence’s low season, meaning noticeably lighter crowds — especially on weekdays and during evening strolls (the passeggiata).
Slower pace
With fewer tourists, Florence feels calmer and more local. Restaurants are easier to book, and locals often have more time to chat, creating more meaningful interactions.
Holiday atmosphere
Florence truly transforms during the holidays. The Santa Croce Christmas Market fills the piazza with food vendors, mulled wine, and artisan gifts. Christmas trees decorate the piazzas, lights sparkle along the streets, and Ponte Vecchio even hosts light displays. It’s a dream for anyone who loves festive travel.
Cons of Visiting Florence in Winter
Unpredictable weather
Winter weather can be chilly and rainy, but it shouldn’t deter you from visiting. Florence has countless indoor attractions — museums, cafés, wine bars — making it easy to adapt plans. Even on rainy days, the city remains beautiful.
Shorter days
With earlier sunsets, it’s best to plan outdoor sightseeing earlier in the day and save dinners and aperitivo for evenings. Winter sunsets are stunning, so rooftop bars are well worth visiting before dark.
Nearby beach towns are quiet
Many coastal towns slow down in winter, but Florence itself — and inland destinations like Tuscany, Bologna, and Venice — remain fantastic options.
What to Expect Month by Month
Florence in November
November is one of my favorite times to visit Florence. Crowds begin to thin, the air feels crisp, and it’s perfect for cozy layers and fall photography. Christmas decorations start appearing, and the Christmas market usually opens by mid-to-late November. If you’re visiting for Thanksgiving, several restaurants offer traditional American-style Thanksgiving meals — I celebrated at Boccadama, which added a Tuscan twist to the traditional holiday dinner menu which was wonderful.
Florence in December
December is pure magic. Shops are decorated beautifully, streets sparkle with lights, and the Christmas market is in full swing. Restaurants remain open during Christmas, but reservations should be made early. Some smaller local businesses may close between Christmas and New Year’s.
Florence in January
January is one of the quietest months in Florence. While cold, temperatures usually stay above freezing during the day. New Year’s Eve features live music and performances across various piazzas. This year (2025) there were no official fireworks, but locals still celebrated with smaller displays throughout the city.
Florence in February
February maintains a slower pace with lighter crowds and a local feel. Weather varies from cold and windy to surprisingly sunny. February also coincides with Carnival, making it an ideal time to combine a Florence trip with a train journey to Venice.
Unique Things to Do in Florence in Winter
Cinema Odeon
Spending a winter evening at Cinema Odeon feels like stepping back in time. With gilded details, velvet seating, and soft lighting, it’s one of the most atmospheric places in Florence to warm up. Many films are shown in their original language, making it popular with locals, expats, and digital nomads.
Hot Chocolate at Rivoire
Located in Piazza della Signoria, Rivoire is famous for its thick, rich cioccolata calda. It’s the perfect winter indulgence — sip slowly under the outdoor heaters while watching life unfold in one of Florence’s most iconic piazzas.
Santa Croce Christmas Market
This festive market transforms Piazza Santa Croce into a winter wonderland. Try the goulash, pierogies, and chimney cake, and browse handcrafted gifts perfect for souvenirs.
Cooking Classes
Winter is ideal for cooking classes. Many focus on pasta-making and traditional Tuscan dishes. One standout experience is 360 Experiences, where you cook on a rooftop with panoramic city views and dine overlooking the Duomo.
Wine Tasting in Chianti
Winter is a wonderful time to visit Chianti. I highly recommend Your Vino, where Matteo leads small, intimate tours to local wineries you wouldn’t access on larger tours.
What to Wear in Florence in Winter
Florence Winter Style Tips
- Bring layers — indoor heating is strong so you will want to be able to bundle up on your way to any activities or dinners and remove once inside.
- Choose waterproof outerwear — you never know when it will start raining, a waterproof puffer coat or windbreaker is a smart choice.
- Stick to neutral colors — black, beige, and white dominate local style, if you want to blend in, neutrals are the way to go.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — cobblestones are unforgiving, especially when wet so waterproof boots are your best friend.
Take a look through my curated Amazon storefront for my complete packing list of everything I love to use during my trips to Italy in the Winter.
Winter Day Trips from Florence
Venice
Winter is one of the best times to visit Venice without crowds. A direct 2-hour high-speed train makes it an easy day trip.
Bologna
Just 30 minutes by train, Bologna is a foodie’s dream with beautiful architecture and seasonal Christmas markets.
Chianti
Visit Tuscany’s wine country with a local guide for tastings, vineyard walks, and sweeping countryside views.
So, are you planning a trip to Florence in the Winter?
Winter in Florence offers a completely different side of the city—one that feels slower, cozier, and truly local. With fewer crowds, cozy cafés, festive holiday markets, and the chance to experience Florence as the locals do, the winter off-season is truly one of the best times to visit. While the weather may be cooler and the days shorter, the city’s charm doesn’t fade—if anything, it shines even brighter with all the glowing Christmas lights. If you are thinking about visiting Florence in the winter, the bottom line is – do it!
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