Florence, Italy is a gem of a city, steeped in rich culture with picturesque piazzas, historic landmarks, and romantic charm — surrounded by the rolling green hills and vineyards of the Tuscan countryside. Walkable and friendly, visitors can spend days exploring museums and gardens, enjoy day trips to nearby wineries, and dine on delicious Florentine fare in laid-back trattorias or elegant, fine-dining restaurants.
While Florence is a dream destination in any season, in springtime — when everything feels new — it’s particularly magical.
Here are five of our favorite reasons to visit Florence this spring.
1: Beautiful Weather
You can’t talk about spring in Florence without first mentioning the weather. March through May tends to see mild temperatures and mostly sunny skies, making it an ideal time to get out and explore. As winter falls away and the days get longer, the warmer weather — a prelude to the sweltering heat of summer — allows for leisurely strolls and lots of al fresco dining.
Average daily temperatures in Florence range from the mid-50s to the upper-70s throughout the season, dipping down into the 40s at night. And though much of spring tends to be dry, don’t be surprised by afternoon showers and the possibility of longer periods of rain, especially in April. Just be sure to carry a light jacket or travel umbrella with you when you head out to see the sights.
2: Smaller Crowds
Florence is a popular destination year-round, but early-to-mid-spring sees relatively fewer tourists than summer months, offering a much more relaxed atmosphere throughout the city. It also offers the opportunity to enjoy activities and attractions that may be overbooked during the busier months.
High season starts in mid-May and runs through October, peaking in June, July and August, with up to 40,000 people visiting per day. Low season (from November to February, except for Christmas and New Year) typically sees the least number of tourists since the weather tends to be cold and rainy.
So, the springtime shoulder season is just right — striking a balance between lovely, blue-sky weather, accessible activities, and fewer visitors.
3: Gardens in Bloom
Florence is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. And there’s no better time to experience them than in spring when the large, public green spaces and small, tucked-away courtyards come alive with color.
Flowers are in bloom, landscaped paths make for easy strolls, and the sights, sounds, and smells of the season fill the air, inviting you to wander, relax, and take in the beauty.
Some of the city’s must-visit gardens include:
Boboli Gardens (Giardino di Boboli) — This masterpiece of landscaping and design, located behind the Palazzo Pitti, is one of Florence’s great open-air, living museums. It features over 200 statues; famed fountains; flowering gardens and fruit trees; a stunning, tree-lined avenue; and plenty of hidden areas to sit and rest.
Rose Garden (Giardino delle Rose) — Located next to the Piazzale Michelangelo, this serene spot offers incredible views of the city alongside sculptures by Jean-Michel Folon and a colorful showcase of over 350 varieties of roses that are in full bloom in spring. Smaller than Boboli, it’s a peaceful escape and particularly lovely in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
Bardini Gardens (Giardino Bardini) — Often overshadowed by larger parks, this hillside woodland garden features a picture-perfect view of the city, sculptures and fountains, a panoramic terrace, and three grottos to explore. In spring, a beautiful wisteria tunnel is in bloom, creating a fragrant, magical walkway that leads to fruit orchards, lush, raised beds, and colorful roses and camelias.
4: Fun Festivals
Warm spring days mean festival season in Florence, with annual events scheduled to celebrate the city’s history and community and capture the essence of the season.
The Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) festival is a centuries-old Easter tradition involving parades, historic costumes, and an ornate fireworks-filled cart in the Piazza del Duomo, believed to bring prosperity for the year.
The prestigious Maggio Musicale Fiorentino cultural festival takes place every year from late April to early June as a celebration of the arts and the rebirth of spring. The weeks-long event features a full schedule of performances in opera, classical music, ballet, and theatre at world-class venues throughout the city.
Festa del Grillio (the Cricket Festival) is a charming local tradition held 40 days after Easter in Cascine Park. Families gather to enjoy picnics and festivities, as mechanical crickets in colored cages are sold by vendors, bringing good luck to the buyers.
5: Seasonal Foods and Flavors
Springtime in Florence brings a bounty of fresh flavors and ingredients to the table, with seasonal menus featuring artichokes and asparagus, fava beans, lamb dishes, truffle-infused pasta, and spring pea risottos alongside the city’s famed steak Florentine.
For something sweet, try the Schiacciata di Pasqua (traditional Easter bread flavored with anise seeds and a touch of citrus), just-picked strawberries with whipped cream, or the popular Gelato alla crema Fiorentina (ideal for eating outdoors in the warm spring air).
Finally, pair your meals with local wines — a crisp Vernaccia di San Gimignano or young Chianti — for an authentic springtime Florentine dining experience.
Your Equity Estates Home in Florence:
The spacious, four-bedroom Florence residence is a lovingly renovated city apartment located on the third floor of a historic, 16th century building. The interior retains its beautiful, historic charm — with decorative coffered ceilings and traditional Florentine shuttered windows — while also offering modern, high-end touches (including a sleek, gourmet kitchen and spa-like bathrooms) throughout. Perfectly situated between the fashion and historic districts, convenient to cafés, restaurants, and local attractions, it’s ideal for a springtime (or any time) vacation.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience in Florence. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or schedule a call. An unforgettable spring getaway awaits!
