Florence in July - Your Essential Trip Planning Guide

elyssa2024

By Elyssa Bernard

Updated May 1, 2024

Florence in July is hot hot hot!

This is the time of year for shorts, sandals, and lots of water.


view of duomo complex from palazzo vecchio towerJuly in Florence means hot summer days, busy Florence attractions and long evenings

July in Florence Italy - at a glance

Here's what you need to know about coming to visit Florence in July:

ponte vecchio people in summerOne of the best places in the historic center is the Ponte Vecchio bridge crossing the Arno river, but try and get there early in July

Florence weather in July 

Florence in July means heat, there's no way to avoid this, but if you're visiting Florence this time of year you can still really enjoy the city despite it being so hot!

The warm, breezy nights are ideal for a summer stroll, and there are plenty of outdoor night events.

And with longer days filled with sunshine, blue skies and very little rain, Florence is breathtakingly beautiful, showing off her summer glow.

The average temperature in Florence in July is pretty consistent, averaging around 80-85 Fahrenheit/27-30 Celsius during the day and around 65-70 Fahrenheit/18-22 Celsius during the night.

By the end of July it is as hot as it gets in Florence, July is the hottest month here, with a chance of storms due to high pressure.

These summer storms never last for long however.

You will find air conditioning in the majority of hotels and accommodation across the city, but do double check before booking.

Air con is still not standard in all restaurants, shops and museums here, so you should not rely on this being an option at all times!


Take a look at these pages to find out how to make the most of your time in Florence:

What to pack for Florence in July

Packing tips for July in Florence

July is one of the hottest months of the year.

Loose cotton and linen clothing is ideal, so think cotton t-shirts, midi skirts or loose pants and don't forget to stay hydrated.

You can wear shorts if you like, although Italians don't tend to wear short shorts except at the beach.

Be prepared to cover up when visiting churches.

These are my personal recommendations for what to pack if you are coming to explore Florence in July:

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  • When it's hot outside, plenty of visitors choose to walk around Florence in shorts. However, if you're visiting a church, you cannot have bare knees showing. These hiking pants with removable leg are perfect for a quick change to stay cool and respectful when needed.
  • Another kind of comfy hiking pant is this one that comes to just below the knee, making it perfect for visiting churches and staying cool at the same time. I love the loose fit and lightweight, water-resistant material.
  • Here is the men's version of the same type of hiking pant, with leg bottoms you can un-zip easily.
  • A good sun hat with SPF is key in the summer months. It will help keep you cool and protect you from the sun's harmful rays. I love my Wallaroo hat: it's got great sunblock, it's foldable, lightweight and comfortable.
  • Men, women and children should all wear hats. Something like this one, which is lightweight, with sunblock, that you can easily fold up and carry, and that's washable, is ideal.
  • If you prefer skirts to shorts or pants, a midi (just below the knee) skirt is good way to be cool and comfortable while sight-seeing, but also appropriate for visiting any Christian sites. Lightweight material makes for easy packing and keeping cool.
  • Lightweight linen pants are also great for comfort and sightseeing, as well as looking smart for going out to dinner in the evenings.
  • Trust me, I'm not crazy when I tell you to bring a scarf with you to Florence. For July, this means a very lightweight all-cotton/linen scarf. Why? First, you can wear it on the plane or anywhere chilly. Second, it's perfect for carrying around with you, so you can cover up those bare shoulders to visit a church. This goes for men and women. And third, well of course you will be fashionable!
  • I've seen more and more people walking around in the sun with an umbrella. While I personally wear a hat, I do see the appeal of carrying an umbrella as a parasol, to keep cool and in the shade. This super-lightweight, UV-protection travel umbrella is a great idea since it's useful for other seasons too.

It’s essential to be prepared for the intense sun in Florence this time of year, so I would recommend including sunblock/sunscreen and good quality sunglasses on your packing list.


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General Florence packing tips

What else do you need to consider when packing for Florence in July?

These are a few of my essential packing recommendations, any time of year:

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  • Sunglasses! Yes it can be rainy in Florence occasionally, but the sun will be shining more often than not so you'll want a good pair of sunglasses.
  • Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications. I would recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on in a dedicated organizer, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
  • Photocopies or clear photographs saved on your phone of your passport - much safer than carrying your actual passport around Florence!
  • Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices will default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here. This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations, perfect for travel to different parts of the world.
  • Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit gives you peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.

Finally, travel insurance isn't something to pack per se, but it is something you should not forget!

It is not uncommon these days for visitors to have to deal with lost luggage or cancelled or delayed flights, and your credit card coverage may not be as extensive as you think.

Chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen!

Being prepared for your trip isn't just about packing the right clothes and accessories, it's also about planning ahead.

There's so much to do in Florence that it can be overwhelming sometimes to decide what to include in your itinerary, so why not leave it to the experts?

Take a look at some of the top Florence tours available for a deeper insight into one of the world's most popular cities!

What to wear in Florence in July

line of people queuing for the bell tower in summerAs you can see from these people waiting to climb the bell tower in the Piazza del Duomo, people dressed in light clothing with sunhats and sunglasses is essential in Florence in July!


So how should you dress when you visit Florence in July?

My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking.

Rule 1: Be Comfortable!

My number one rule for sightseeing in Florence, at any time of year: be comfortable.

This is most important when it comes to your shoes. It is crucial to wear good walking sandals or shoes with good quality socks.

I would recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!

As it's so hot in July, it can be tempting to wear light sandals or flip flops.

But bear in mind that you will likely be doing a lot of walking and Florence's paved streets are killer on your feet if you don't have sturdy enough shoes. 

I would recommend bringing some sturdy walking sandals or good cotton tennis shoes that give your feet enough support.

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule is: dress in layers.

While the weather in Florence in July is consistently hot, the evenings can feel cooler, especially if we've had a summer storm during the day.

It's best to wear breathable layers that you can remove and put on easily according to whether you're out in the midday sun or eating dinner outside, such as light cotton t-shirts, light cardigans or jackets.

I would also recommend bringing a backpack to wear as you travel around Florence, so you have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your scarf or other cover-up items ready in case you need them to go inside a church.

Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Florence in July:

  • Wear comfortable shoes/walking sandals
  • Dress in light cotton pants, shorts or a long skirt
  • Wear a light cotton t-shirt or top
  • Bring a light cardigan or jacket in your bag
  • Wear a sun hat 
  • Bring a light cotton scarf for men and women
  • Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!

If you are planning to go to an event, for example a wedding, opera or dinner at a special restaurant, then you may wish to bring something elegant to wear.

Otherwise, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Florence so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.

Is July a good time to visit Florence?

In July you can expect Florence to be very hot, especially during the day.

The days are really long, so it's great to get up early and sight-see before the mid-day heat and sun kick in. 

Take a break in the heat of the afternoon and then go back out to enjoy the cooler evening air and watch the sunset.

If you want to enjoy the city and the fun summer atmosphere, with a happening nightlife, live music concerts and tasting local specialities, then yes, visiting Florence in July is a great time of year for you!


palazzo signoria in summer full of peopleYou can expect crowds of people in Florence in July, here in Piazza della Signoria, close to the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio, you will find it always busy

How crowded is Florence during July?

In some ways, July is not high season in Florence, many Italians who travel this month prefer the beaches.

And so do other visitors.

So hotel rates drop a little from around the middle of June.

On the other hand, July is a month for summer travel for families and anyone travelling based on the school calendar.

So, yes, you will find Florence crowded in July, in particular the main tourist attractions like the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Boboli Gardens and the Duomo complex.

Ready to plan your trip?

Florence Seasonal Food in July

July is a fantastic time to eat all those delicious summer fruits like peaches, apricots, plums and melons. 

Tomatoes are at their summer best so you will find many varieties in all shapes, sizes and even colors. 

Summer is also a great time to eat vegetables like spinach, zucchini, eggplant and peppers - try them alongside bistecca alla fiorentina!

You may find eggplant parmesan (melanzana alla parmigiana) all year long in Florence, but believe me, it is so much more delicious in summer, when all the ingredients are in season.

Discover the best of Florentine cuisine on a Florence food tour, led by a local expert who will show you what to eat and what's in season!

What to do during July in Florence

July holidays and special dates in Florence

July is one of those funny months when there are no specific holiday dates.

But it's a classic vacation month for Italians and visitors alike, so you will find lots to do in Florence this month.

There is one thing that happens every July in Florence, and that is the beginning of summer sales (usually the first Saturday of July).

So if you are a shopper, this is yet another great reason to visit!

SUMMER SALES BEGIN!

In Italy, we have sales twice a year: once in winter and once in summer.

In summer, they usually begin on the first Saturday of July.

It also means that starting in July, the new fall fashions will begin to appear in stores.

I personally have a hard time trying on pants, sweaters and jackets in the summer, but it's the time to buy if you want to stock up with any new fall wardrobe items. 


Current exhibits and events at Florence's museums in July

There are several Florence events in July at various museums around the city

These are the confirmed July 2024 events so far - keep checking back for more as the information gets released!

anselm kiefer exhibition

Palazzo Strozzi

"Fallen Angels" by Anselm Kiefer

This exhibition displays many of Anselm Kiefer's works, which through painting, sculpture and installations investigate the themes of memory, myth, war and existence.

March 22, 2024 to July 21, 2024

For opening hours and ticket information, click here.

L’incanto di Orfeo exhibit

L'incanto di Orfeo - Medici Riccardi Palace, Florence

Explore "The Enchantment of Orpheus" the major exhibition curated by Sergio Risaliti and Valentina Zucchi.

March 20 to September 8, 2024. 

For opening hours and ticket information, click here.

Mimmo Jodice

Villa Bardini

Mimmo Jodice. Senza tempo.

The great Neapolitan master’s photographs are on display in Florence for the very first time, with a special section devoted to Michelangelo.

Through July 14, 2024

For opening hours and ticket information, click here.

uffizi gallery by night sunset

Uffizi Galleries

Uffizi by Night

Discover the wonderful galleries of the Uffizi in a different way by visiting at night. See the artistic masterpieces in the light of the setting sun!

Every Tuesday from 6:30PM-10PM, through December 17, 2024

For more details and tickets click here.

louise bourgeois exhibition

Museo Novecento and Museo degli Innocenti

Louise Bourgeois in Florence

Two exceptional exhibitions, “Do Not Abandon Me” at the Museo Novecento and “Cell XVIII (Portrait)” at the Museo degli Innocenti, offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the works of French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, in Florence for the first time.

June 22 to October 20, 2024

Learn more about the exhibitions here.

Florence Concerts, Operas and other shows on in July

There are lots of concerts and other events available to book for your trip to Florence in July - take a look at some of our suggestions here:

gyg santa monica opera

Enjoy operatic pieces from famous Italian composers live in concert in the evocative surroundings of the Santa Monaca church.

Concerts take place every evening, booking highly recommended.

gyg three tenors

See the Three Tenors live in concert at the Santo Stefano al Ponte church.

You will be treated some of the best-known arias from the operas of Puccini, Verdi and Rossini, as well as Neapolitan songs.

Takes place twice a week - why not book your tickets to include a special 3-course Tuscan meal for an extra special evening!

teatro niccolini

Enjoy a variety of concerts and events in Florence's oldest theater, Teatro Niccolini.

Florence Concert Tickets
teatro verdi small

Teatro Verdi hosts many contemporary shows and concerts almost every day of the week.

Teatro Verdi Events Calendar

Free Things to do in Florence in July

On the first Sunday of each month you can access Florence's state owned museums, archeological sites and cultural spots for free - yes, completely free!

This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Accademia Gallery and many more.


accademia sculpture David by michelangelo close viewYou can see the amazing David by Michelangelo and many more pieces in one of the world's most famous art museums for free once a month


These are very popular events so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.

More ideas for things to do in Florence in July

Maybe it's your 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) time in Florence.

Or you have more than 3 days here, or you just want to see and do lots of fun things.

Besides the obvious must-see tourist attractions, there are lots of great things to see and do in Florence!

While you can of course look at a day trip to the Tuscan countryside, Rome or even Venice, here are some ideas for your visit:


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