I’ve just come in from a walk and if you’d seen me, you probably would’ve wondered what I was doing with my head in the bushes. I was smelling the jasmine (gelsomino)!
While the city isn’t teeming with gardens and flowers, we do have some, and they’re one of the reasons I love May in Florence.
Whether you’re thinking of visiting or you’re already here and need some help, I’ve got you covered.
You may also want to check out Tips for Planning a May Trip to Florence
I’m a mamma of three living just outside Florence and we’re exploring in the city twelve months of the year. I’ve also worked in Florence, lived in Florence, and spent plenty of time here in my 2+ decades of living in Italy… including in May! You can rely on my advice based on extensive first-hand experience here.
Let’s take a look at:
- Typical Florence weather in May
- Reasons to visit Florence in May (or skip it)
- Things to see and do here in May
- May holidays and events
- How to get around the city in May
- Where to Stay in Florence in May
- What to wear (I’ve included my spring packing list)
- Not-to-miss foods in May in Florence
- What to see and do near Florence in May
- Tips for visiting Florence with kids in May
Check out my monthly guides to visiting Florence: January – February – March – April – May – August – September – October – November – December
Table of Contents
Typical Florence Weather in May
May can be rainy and chilly (like it was a couple of weeks ago in early May). Or, it can be nearing the 30s (Celsius) like it has been the last few days (I’m writing this in late May).
So, I hesitate to give a definition of Florentine May weather.
Instead, I recommend checking out the climate charts for your dates in May (I like Il Meteo) and also looking at the forecast right before you leave.
Packing for May Weather
The forecast will help you decide whether or not to pack a travel umbrella and if you should sneak a pair or shorts (or two) into your suitcase.
I’d make sure to at least have a layer for chilly mornings or evenings (which you’re probably bringing for the plane anyway).
I typically put our winter wardrobes away and bring out our summer clothing in early May. This year I had to dig back in and take some pants and sweaters out for chilly May weather. Now, we’re fully into summer clothing.
Why You Should Visit Florence in May (or Give it a Pass)
Make sure you include Florence in your May itinerary if:
- You enjoy flowers! May is a fantastic time to visit some of Florence’s gardens. I especially recommend the Rose Garden (and you can enjoy views of the city).
- You’re traveling with kids that like to play outside. May’s a great time to be here if your kids like going to the playground. As long as it hasn’t rained, May’s a nice time to play outside, because the summer inferno has not yet arrived.
- You’re a foodie that loves browsing food markets. Spring and early summer bring so many delicious fruits and vegetables to our markets.
- You want to spend time in Boboli Gardens. Beat the heat and visit in May.
- You’re thinking of combining Florence with a visit to Tuscan countryside. Whether you explore nearby Chianti or head further south to Val d’Orcia, the campagna is glorious this time of year!
Florence in May probably isn’t for you if:
- You want guaranteed pool time.
- You’re allergic to crowds.
- You want to fly by the seat of your pants (make plans as you go).
- You’re on a tight budget. Crowds bring higher prices for hotels and some activities.
- You really want to avoid mosquitoes. They’ve made their annual debut at this point.
What to See & Do in Florence in May
Need some ideas? Here are some things we enjoy in May in Florence:
Tower climbs – If you want to climb up to the top of the Duomo or Giotto’s Bell Tower, May is a great moment. It’s easier to climb when the temps aren’t maxed out, and the views of the green hills around Florence are a lovely contrast to the rooftops of Florence.
Market strolls – I mentioned markets above, because it’s one of my favorite times of year to check them out. Visit the Sant’Ambrogio market and rub shoulders with locals choosing their fresh fruit and vegetables. Practice your Italian and buy some strawberries, cherries, pecorino cheese, prosciutto, and schiacciata and enjoy a picnic.
Walk to Viewpoints – Since it’s not quite summer, you can get away with a climb up to a viewpoint without dripping in sweat. Head to Piazzale Michelangelo or San Miniato al Monte.
Check out a Museum or Two – You’ve got your choice of museums here, from the Uffizi to the Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum, and everything in between. Be sure to reserve popular stops like the Uffizi and the Accademia. Or, if you don’t want to do too much planning, think about visiting more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ Florentine museums like the Stibbert Museum or La Specola.
Leave the city – If you’ve got a few days in the area, take at least one to head tour into the countryside. You can take a guided tour or rent a car and explore on your own. Check out some ideas for Day Trips from Florence.
Good To Know: You can also usually sneak away to the beach in May. Just keep in mind that many Florentines will do the same thing on the weekends, so if you can, choose a weekday to visit the spiaggia.
Have a rooftop aperitivo – Again, another pleasant thing to do when the weather’s still nice and it’s not raining or too hot. Know that these rooftop bars need to be reserved. We’ve enjoyed Angel Roofbar and for a fancy aperitivo and dinner you could reserve B-Roof at Hotel Baglioni (I’ve only done aperitivo there so can’t vouch for the dinner).
Eat a Meal Outdoors – This is one of my favorite things to do in Florence this time of year (actually from May through October-ish). Sitting on a piazza or a quiet stone street feels a bit like a film. There are so many prime spots for doing this and you’ll surely find one walking around. A couple of ideas: Piazza della Passera, on the eastern edge of Piazza Tasso, Beppe Fioraia near the Rose Garden and Piazzale Michelangelo.
Hang Out in a Garden – Bring a book, order a spritz, chat with your group, and enjoy Florence in bloom.
Read my guides to
Boboli Gardens
Gardens in Florence
The Best Views in Florence
Catch One of the Final Fiorentina Matches of the Season – It’s the final month of the season, but you still have a chance to put on your purple and head to Franchi stadium to cheer on Florence’s team, Fiorentina. Before heading to a match, read my guide to Going to a Soccer Game in Italy.
May Holidays and Events
I typically recommend avoiding holidays due to higher prices and more crowds, but if you’re interested in experiencing a particular holiday in Florence, take note of these dates:
Labor Day (May 1st) – This is a national holiday and it’s close to a big April holiday – Liberation Day on April 25th. Many Italians will make a ‘ponte’ (bridge) and take time off between these two holidays, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Free Museum Entrance on First Sunday – Yes, some museums are free on the first Sunday of the month, but this also means large crowds. If you’re on a strict budget, it makes sense. Otherwise, avoid it like the plague and do something else that day.
Read more about Free Sundays at Museums in Tuscany
How to Get Around the City in May
Walk! The city center is compact, so it’s quick to get from (A)ccademia to (B)oboli. Google Maps plots the city out well and you can rely on its walking directions. The city is flat, but surrounded by hills (like the one that hosts the fabulous viewpoint at Piazzale Michelangelo).
If your legs get tired or it starts to rain, you can hop on a bus or take a taxi. Keep in mind that you have to call a taxi (055 4242 or 055 4390) or catch one at a stand – you can’t wave one down. Florentine buses now have contactless payment (tap on, tap off), but you can only use one card per person (so, tough if you’re traveling with kids). You can also buy paper tickets or download the Autolinee Toscane app (but not worth it if you’re just here a few days and not relying on the bus).
Where to Stay in Florence in May
I’m a big fan of staying in the city center of Florence, no matter the month you visit. If you stay in the center, you can walk to your hotel after dinner or get up early and stroll the city before everyone else is up.
You can find my recommendations on neighborhoods and specific hotel recommendations in Where to Stay in Florence and Where to Stay in Florence with Kids.
I will say though, if you’re planning on spending a few days in the area in later March, you could book a hotel, villa, or apartment with a pool on the outskirts of the city. Being able to take a dip mid-day on a warm Tuscan day is 100/100! And, you can taxi, bus, or walk into the city, depending on where you’re staying. And, there are also a few (pricey) hotels in Florence that have swimming pools, like the Four Seasons or the Grand Hotel Minerva.
What to Wear + Packing Lists
I’m including my spring and summer packing lists for women and men. Just click on the photo and a new tab will open up with a printable PDF of the list.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when packing for Florence in May, keeping in mind the weather can really vary this time of year, from chilly and rainy days to ‘I-wish-I-could-wear-my-swimsuit-in-the-city’ days.
And, remember to check the forecast right before you leave! You may need to do some last minute shuffling in your suitcase.
- Have a layer, preferably a non-bulky one. I say non-bulky because you may be carrying it around all day. I’m thinking light jacket vs. bulky sweatshirt.
- Dark colors hide sugo al pomodoro (tomato sauce) and red wine stains.
- Wear shoes that work for spring and summer. I wouldn’t only bring a pair of Birkenstocks, but I also wouldn’t only bring a pair of warm boots. You could bring a couple of different pairs, or compromise with a stylish sneaker. The most important thing is to bring comfortable shoes! Read more about the Best Shoes for Italy.
- A lightweight travel umbrella. You can also purchase an inexpensive one from the vendors that materialize at the first raindrop. But, if you have a small one, bring it with you.
- A small bag or backpack. You’ll want one to carry things around while you’re out exploring, but keep in mind that many places like museums won’t let you enter with large bags.
- Picnic tools. If you want to shop at markets and have picnics, you may want to bring a corkscrew, pocket knife, and lightweight towel or scarf. Remember to pack the corkscrew or pocket knife in your checked luggage.
Not-to-Miss Foods in May in Florence
My favorite foods to enjoy in Florence in May:
- Panzanella (bread salad), especially later in the month
- Baccelli e pecorino (fava beans with pecorino cheese)
- Insalata di carciofi (finely-sliced raw artichokes with shaved parmesan cheese)
- Gelato – Discover my Favorite Gelato Shops in Florence
- Tartufi (truffles)
- Fresh fruit and veg from the markets or fruit stands
Also: I’m not adventurous enough, but this is a perfect time to try lampredotto sandwiches from food trucks like the one in Sant’Ambrogio (Il Trippaio di Sant’Ambrogio). You can sit on the stools or stand nearby and enjoy your panino with the locals.
What to See and Do Near Florence
As I’ve mentioned a couple of times, May is a fantastic month to explore other places around Florence.
Explore Tuscan Villages – Road trip around Chianti and other parts of Tuscany, stopping in hilltop villages. Opt for popular stops like San Gimignano, Volterra or Castellina in Chianti, or sneak into lesser-known gems like Peccioli, Pietrasanta, Pitigliano, Montemerano, or Volpaia.
Soak in Hot Springs – Hop in the car and head to Tuscan hot springs like Saturnia or Bagno Vignoni (lovely tiny village perfect for a day trip or even an overnight stay).
Explore the Val d’Orcia – Head to the Orcia Valley to sample pecorino cheese in Pienza, wander through quiet Monticchiello, or sip Vino Nobile in Montepulciano.
Take a Cooking Class in the Tuscan Countryside – While you can easily do this in Florence, you could also head into the countryside to take a class. We’ve enjoyed Toscana Mia’s class, as well and Jacopo & Anna’s classes.
Go for a Bike Ride – You can join up with a day tour into the countryside (leaving from Florence), or rent a bike and explore on your own for one or more days. You’ll have plenty of cyclists to keep you company, from other visitors to Tuscan locals. Check out YEP Bike for countryside rentals and tours.
Go Wine Tasting – Visit Tuscan wineries to sample vino toscano at the source. Be sure to contact wineries in advance to make sure they’re open for tastings.
Take a Last-Minute Trip to the Cinque Terre – I say last-minute because you should make sure the weather forecast looks decent before you commit. You can take a day trip from Florence on your own or head to the Cinque Terre on a group tour.
Shop at Tuscan Outlets – The Mall has a collection of luxury brands (but heads up, it’s outdoors, so come prepared with an umbrella if the weather looks iffy). You can take a special bus from Florence or drive your own car. Prada fan? Don’t miss the Space Outlet (you’ll need to drive there). The Barberino and Valdichiana outlets (north and south of Florence, respectively) have a mix of Italian and international fashion brands. Both can be reached by car.
Head to Bolgheri – If you’re a fan of Super Tuscans,make your way to Bolgheri and its surrounding vineyards. Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Tenuta Guado al Tasso, and friends are all waiting for you.
Eat Your Way Through San Miniato – This little town east of Florence is a foodie paradise. Have aperitivo and dinner or come early and visit Enoteca Marilu for a tasting or cooking class.
Visit San Casciano and Antinori – San Casciano Val di Pesa is easy to reach by bus (or car) from Florence, and it’s a real town (not set up for tourism). Have a meal with locals, stroll the charming pedestrian center, and check out the views of Chianti. This is also a great pick with kids, as it has one of the best playgrounds in Chianti! Wine lovers with a car can head to nearby Bargino, home of Antinori’s Chianti Classico winery.
You may want to check out
Day Trips from Florence
Family Day Trips from Florence
Florence to Cinque Terre Day Tour
Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip
Tips for Visiting Florence with Kids in May
I realize that most families with school-age children won’t be able to visit in May, but if you can come in May, it’s a pleasant time to be here.
Summer can be tough on kids (an adults) because of the extreme heat, and May is usually the ‘calm’ before the summer ‘storm.’
It’s a nice time to explore playgrounds, check out a few museums, and eat loads of gelato (more than once per day is fine, right?!). I also like bringing the kids to Tuscan villages, towers, or farms in May before the oppressive summer heat arrives.
Be sure to check out
Visiting Florence with Kids
Things to Do in Florence with Kids
Kid-Friendly Museums in Florence
Florence Bookshops for Kids
Our Favorite Toy Stores in Florence
Where to Get a Snack in Florence with Kids
What to Do with Kids on a Rainy Day in Florence
I hope this has helped you decide if May is a good month for you to visit Florence!
Read more about
Tuscany in the Spring
Best Times to Visit Tuscany – Month-by-Month
