Florence enjoys a humid, subtropical climate, with the city's location in a valley making its climate slightly different to the rest of Tuscany. Summers are hot and muggy with temperatures higher than those found along the coast. In the hottest months, July and August, temperatures range between 88°F (31°C) and 63°F (17°C). Visitors should note that in August many locals take their holiday and a number of restaurants and businesses close down for at least part of the month. In the coldest month, January, the temperatures range between 50°F (10°C) and 34°F (1°C). Rainfall prevails in the winter, with cool to cold temperatures and occasional snow. November is the wettest month but visitors should anticipate rain in October, December, March and April as well.The peak tourist season in Florence is summer, between June and August, when it is hot but beautiful. However, the sheer amount of visitors during summer can be off-putting for serious art-lovers and sightseers, and the best time to visit Florence is therefore in spring or autumn. Winter is definitely also an option, with the bonus that the galleries and museums are far more peaceful at this time, but come prepared for rain if you holiday in Florence in winter.
