Florence in the Summer: Considering the Downsides
I love Florence. Florence will forever have my heart as one of the most charming cities in Europe. It is enriched with culture, history, and incredible cuisine. Although beautiful, it’s essential to consider the potential downsides before planning a visit during the summer months. In this blog, we will explore reasons why visiting Florence in the summer is not an ideal destination.
This blog is important for me to write because I studied abroad in Florence during the summer months and did not realize the extent of how miserable Florence can be when it is summertime. If you already have a trip planned this summer or next, don’t worry, you will still have an amazing time. However, if you are planning a trip here are some reasons to visit in an alternative season.
Considering the Downsides of Florence in the Summer
Crowds and Tourist Overload
Crowds and tourists aren’t new especially if you are traveling to Europe during summer. Most places in Europe, in the summer, are going to be overcrowded and full of tourists. I have experienced this in many places but with Florence, it was a bit more annoying. During the summer, Florence sees a significant influx of tourists, resulting in crowded streets, long queues at popular attractions, and difficulty finding accommodations. The worst part was being shoulder-to-shoulder trying to navigate over the small Ponte Vecchio bridge. Since Florence is on the smaller side of cities, it truly can’t handle the influx of visitors it experiences.
Extreme Heat and Humidity
The summer months in Florence get HOT. It starts slowly with June being more bearable but ends up getting over 85°F almost every day in July and August. Due to its narrow streets and lack of ocean nearby, there is never any wind or fresh airflow. Plus the city has limited shade. It is scorching hot which makes sightseeing and walking in huge crowds very unbearable. If you are booking an Airbnb make sure the home has air conditioning. A lot of homes in Florence don’t because of how long ago they were built.
High Prices and Limited Availability
As demand surges during the summer, prices for accommodations, flights, and even dining tend to increase. This could be a potential disaster to your travel budget. Plus, if you don’t book in advanced you might see a limited availability in accommodations, making it difficult to plan the ultimate Florence trip.
Cultural Attractions and Services on Hiatus
Another problem is that locals to Florence usually go on vacation in the summer to escape the hot temperatures and crowds. This can result in fewer businesses or tourist attractions being open. There may be limited restaurants to dine at or limited time slots for cultural attractions. For me, this was especially noticeable in late July to August.
Air Quality and Pollution
The air quality in Florence is just as bad, if not worse than major cities in the world. Due to the lack of airflow, heat, and the high number of tourists, air quality in Florence is negatively affected. Although it wasn’t noticeable to me, many have complained of slight health implications when traveling to Florence in the summer (like watery eyes or stuffy noses).
The Duomo
The Duomo
Difficulty in Appreciating Florence’s Artistic Heritage
Most people are coming to Florence to experience and appreciate the art and architecture that it is known for. Although, it becomes challenging to experience such beauty if there are crowds everywhere. Crowded galleries and limited viewing options are a recipe for disaster and take the enjoyment out of the visit.
Tips for Visiting Florence in the Summer
If you already booked your trip or can only visit Florence during the summer, then here are some tips to survive AND enjoy your vacation.
- Plan your visit and book it in advance
- Start your day early so you can beat the crowds and the heat. Consider visiting popular sights like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery right when they open to avoid long queues.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun because the sun is very strong in Florence. Wear plenty of sunscreen and always bring water with you. This is my favorite sunscreen because it travels and re-applies easily.
- Take advantage of the siesta: Like many other cities in Italy, Florence observes a siesta period in the afternoon, typically from around 1 pm to 4 pm. Use this time to rest, have a leisurely lunch, or explore indoor attractions away from the heat.
- Explore lesser-known neighborhoods because the city center can get very crowded. Some of the hidden gems include Oltrarno or San Niccolò.
- Take plenty of gelato breaks to enjoy the tastiness but also help cool you off.
- Especially on an extra hot day, go on a day trip to Cinque Terre where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water!
Ali Goodwin
Oh, my goodness! We went in July a few years ago and you have expressed the issues so eloquently! Definitely on my future bucket-list, but will follow your suggestions! Thank you!!