What Is the Best Month to Visit Tuscany?

A month-by-month guide from a local, packed with weather tips, food, festivals, and when to book your premium wine tour with Tuscany Uncorked.

Before you toss your scarf into a carry-on and say “Andiamo!”, here’s the truth: there isn’t one single “best month” to visit Tuscany, just better months for different travelers. This month-by-month guide written by locals breaks down real weather (not brochure weather), average temperatures, rain odds, what to wear, what to eat each month, and when to book a private wine tour, a winery tour in Chianti, or smart wine tastings in Florence. Use it to match your travel style to the right season and plan like a pro.

Golden autumn vineyard in Chianti Classico, Tuscany. Rows of Sangiovese under soft light. What is the best month to visit Tuscany?
Chianti Classico in autumn, with family-run estates, cellar tastings and farm-to-table experience

How to use this guide

Think of this as your friendly, in-the-know Tuscan neighbor handing you a calendar with scribbles all over it: what the weather really feels like, which festivals are worth crossing a piazza for, what to eat that month, what to pack, and when a private & small-group wine tour will be absolute perfection (or when we’ll suggest a city tasting instead). For temperatures and rain, we use Florence as an easy reference point, it’s central and a great jumping-off base for Chianti, Montalcino, and Carmignano. Note that hills are cooler and the coast breezier.

Quick note on our tours: Tuscany Uncorked runs regular wine tours in Tuscany from April through the end of October, when vineyards are lively and days are long. Prefer traveling in the quiet months? We’re on-demand in winter (November–March). Email or WhatsApp us via the site and we’ll shape a cozy, crowd-free itinerary just for you.

Winemaker pouring red wine for a couple on a terrace overlooking Chianti Classico vineyards in Tuscany.
Winemaker-hosted tasting in Chianti Classico, part of our private & small-group wine tours in Tuscany

JANUARY: Quiet museums, warm soups, and the city to yourself

Weather in Florence: approx. 51°F/36°F (10.6°C/2.2°C). Expect about 6 wet days: gentle, steady showers more than downpours.
Wear this: Warm coat, waterproof shoes, scarf, umbrella. Churches and museums can feel cool, layer up.

  • Vibe: Post-holiday calm. Lines shrink, prices soften, locals chat again.
  • Eat this: Ribollita (hearty bread-and-kale soup) and castagnaccio (chestnut cake) are winter royalty. Drizzle that ribollita with bright green new EVOO and thank us later.
  • Do this: Hit the Uffizi without elbowing anyone; book wine tastings in Florence for a snug afternoon; in the hills, fireplaces burn and cellars are serene. Pitti Uomo, the men’s fashion fair, usually lights up mid-January; the city buzzes with buyers in great coats.

Thinking about a wine tour? Possible on demand; send us an email or WhatsApp to arrange your wine tour in Tuscany.

  • Vines & cellars: Vines are dormant; pruning begins. Cellars are calm, perfect for barrel tastings and long conversations with winemakers.
  • Weather feel: Cold, occasionally damp; beautiful clear days do happen.
  • Regions we like now: Chianti Classico (stone cellars, heritage estates) or Carmignano (tasting by the fireplace).
  • What you’ll taste: Mature releases, and barrel samples if available; olive oil from the last harvest.
  • Additional tip on attire: Warm layers and waterproof shoes (city and countryside).
Winter view over Montalcino’s rolling hills and dormant vineyards in the Val d’Orcia, Tuscany
January in Montalcino: hushed hills, warm cellars. Tuscany Uncorked runs on-demand private wine tours

January is quiet, cozy and great value

PROS

  • Lowest crowds of the year: museums and landmarks feel intimate.
  • Hotel rates and airfares are often at their cheapest.
  • Clear, crisp days can offer gorgeous winter light for photos.
  • Comfort food season (ribollita, stews, roasted meats) + new olive oil.
  • Winter sales (“saldi”) typically start early January.

CONS

  • Short daylight hours and chilly, damp weather.
  • Some countryside venues reduce hours; fewer outdoor events.
  • Occasional rain; rural transport can be less frequent.
  • Vineyards are asleep, less landscape “wow” (though tastings are cozy).

Best for: Museum lovers, value seekers, people who like a snug, locals-only vibe.


FEBRUARY: Carnivals, couples & coastal detours

Weather in Florence: approx. 53°F/37°F (11.7°C/2.8°C). About 6 wet days: gentle, steady showers.
Wear this: Wool coat, waterproof boots, a warm layer for evenings.

  • Vibe: Romance + confetti.
  • Eat this: Carnival sweets like cenci and frittelle; rich stews; hot chocolate in Piazza della Signoria.
  • Do this: Day-trip to the Carnival of Viareggio for colossal papier-mâché floats on the seafront (select dates across February). Back in Florence, keep it cozy with gallery-hopping and a dinner in Oltrarno, possibly in the San Frediano district.

Thinking about a wine tour? Possible on demand; send us an email or WhatsApp to arrange your wine tour in Tuscany.

  • Vines & cellars: Continued pruning; estates have time for deeper storytelling.
  • Weather feel: Chilly, some rain; crisp blue skies between fronts.
  • Regions we like: Chianti Classico and Cortona (Syrah) on fair days; Florence tastings if it’s wet.
  • What you’ll taste: Focused flights, food-pairing menus with Tuscan winter greens and ribollita.
  • Additional tip on attire: Wool coat and waterproof boots for town and country.
Viareggio Carnival parade float on the Tuscan seafront with crowds watching.
Viareggio Carnival parade; next day, a by-request winery visit in Chianti or a sommelier-led tasting in Florence

February – Romance & festivals (with a side of rain)

PROS

  • Valentine’s mood; great for couples’ dinners and spa stays.
  • Viareggio Carnival parades on select dates, epic floats and seaside energy.
  • Still-low crowds (outside Carnival weekends) and good hotel deals.
  • Truffles and hearty winter menus linger.

CONS

  • Changeable weather: showers, wind, cold snaps.
  • Short days; countryside looks bare.
  • Some restaurants outside cities take winter breaks.

Best for: Couples, culture fans, anyone happy to plan around weather windows.


MARCH: Green shoots, longer days, and “maybe pack the rain jacket”

Weather in Florence: approx. 60°F/42°F (15.6°C/5.6°C). About 7 wet days.
Wear this: Layers + light waterproof jacket. Sunglasses finally make sense.

  • Vibe: Spring tip-toes in; markets fill with artichokes and asparagus.
  • Eat this: Carciofi (artichokes) every way; early peas; first strawberries if you’re lucky.
  • Do this: Sunny days are perfect for a wine tasting tours Tuscany sampler, Chianti’s hills go pale green, cypresses pop, villages smell of rain and rosemary. City days remain excellent for museums and artisan workshops.

Thinking about a wine tour? Possible on demand; send us an email or WhatsApp to arrange your wine tour in Tuscany.

  • Vines & cellars: End of pruning; buds swell ahead of budbreak, cover crops in organic farms.
  • Weather feel: Cool–mild, changeable; showers possible.
  • Regions we like: Chianti Classico for first green views; Carmignano hidden-gems.
  • What you’ll taste: New releases arriving; compare recent vintages side-by-side.
  • Additional tip on attire: Layers + light waterproof.
Gabriele guiding a March tour in Carmignano, pointing across olive groves toward the Medici Villa La Ferdinanda (Artimino)
Carmignano in early spring: olive slopes and Medici heritage. Tuscany Uncorked hosts tailored winery visits here in March (on-demand) with lunch and tastings at family estates

March – Spring tease & shoulder-season sweet spot

PROS

  • Days get longer; first blossoms and greener hills.
  • Crowds still manageable; prices moderate.
  • Great time for city-plus-countryside combos without heat.
  • Artichokes, early peas, and lighter spring dishes pop up on menus.

CONS

  • Unpredictable: sunny morning, rainy afternoon: pack layers.
  • Not all seasonal attractions are fully open yet.
  • Alpine passes and some rural roads can still be chilly/wet.

Best for: Flexible travelers who like variety and lower crowds.


APRIL: Easter fireworks, blossom-light, and prime countryside

Weather in Florence: approx. 66°F/47°F (18.9°C/8.3°C). About 8 wet days, quick showers, big blue skies after.
Wear this: Light layers, comfortable waterproof shoes.

  • Vibe: Festive! Easter’s Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) in front of the Duomo is a centuries-old spectacle of drums, costumes, and fireworks. Crowds are joyful, not frantic.
  • Eat this: Spring lamb, artichokes alla romana, fava beans with pecorino (especially around May Day).
  • Do this: Our regular wine tours kick off this month: vineyards wake up, roads are calm, and lunches under pergolas begin. If you’re city-based, book wine tastings in Florence for a pre-dinner warm-up. Vino al Vino is a nice and cosy wine bar you’ll love.

Thinking about a wine tour? The regular season starts: choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Budbreak; vineyards wake up.
  • Weather feel: Mild, luminous; a few quick showers.
  • Regions we like: Chianti Classico (iconic), Montalcino (views), and Carmignano (Medici heritage).
  • What you’ll taste: Bright new-release reds; spring-friendly whites/rosés; estate EVOO.
  • Additional tip on attire: Light layers + comfy waterproof shoes.
Scoppio del Carro fireworks in front of Florence’s Duomo on Easter Sunday.
April in Florence: Scoppio del Carro kicks off the season. It’s also the start of prime Chianti Classico, Montalcino anf Carmignano tastings: our private & small-group wine tours resume now

April – Easter pageantry & countryside waking up

PROS

  • Scoppio del Carro (Easter fireworks) in Florence, unforgettable.
  • Vineyards bud, olive groves glow; perfect walking weather.
  • Ideal for gardens, hilltowns, and first al fresco lunches.
  • Shoulder-season pricing (outside Easter week).

CONS

  • Easter week brings crowds and higher rates: book early.
  • Quick showers are common, carry a light rain shell.
  • Some coastal services still warming up for summer.

Best for: First-timers to Tuscany, garden lovers, anyone who wants lively but not hectic.


MAY: Irises, terraces, and “is this heaven?” evenings

Weather in Florence: approx. 74°F/54°F (23.3°C/12.2°C). About 7–8 wet days, usually brief.
Wear this: Light jacket by day, shawl at night, sun hat.

  • Vibe: Everything blooms, especially the Iris Garden near Piazzale Michelangelo, open only roughly late April to end of May. Views for days.
  • Eat this: Fresh pecorino cheese, fava beans, cherry-tomato panzanella on warm afternoons.
  • Do this: This is golden for a winery tour Chianti: roads still quiet, vines lush, daylight long. In the city, rooftop bars come alive.

Thinking about a wine tour? You can choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Flowering begins; vineyards are lush.
  • Weather feel: Warm days, cool evenings; brief showers.
  • Regions we like: Chianti Classico and Montalcino are perfection; Mugello for Pinot Noir lovers.
  • What you’ll taste: Refined Sangiovese flights, single-vineyard selections, fresh pecorino pairings.
  • Additional tip on attire: Light jacket + sun hat.
Florence’s Iris Garden in peak bloom, overlooking the city from Piazzale Michelangelo.
May in Florence: the Iris Garden opens for a few weeks, pair it with afternoon wine tastings in Florence or a Chianti winery tour with Tuscany Uncorked. Sangiovese can develop elegant floral aromas 🙂

May – Peak pretty without peak crowds

PROS

  • Lush landscapes, wildflowers, and long golden evenings.
  • Rooftops and terraces open; perfect aperitivo weather.
  • Coastal day trips begin to shine; countryside roads still calm.
  • Irises and roses in bloom: great photo ops.

CONS

  • Popular dates sell out (especially late May).
  • Pollen season can nudge allergies.
  • Unsettled spring showers still possible.

Best for: Photographers, romantics, and anyone chasing “the Tuscany you imagined”.


JUNE: Longest days, festivals, and village dinners that last forever

Weather in Florence: approx. 82°F/61°F (27.8°C/16.1°C). About 6 wet days.
Wear this: Breathable fabrics, comfy sandals, scarf for churches.

  • Vibe: Celebratory. Calcio Storico (Florence’s beautifully bonkers historic “football”) plays its semis mid-June and the final on June 24 for San Giovanni. Expect parades and fireworks (find a spot on the bridge next to Ponte Vecchio to watch them).
  • Eat this: Bistecca alla Fiorentina (share it, it’s big!), zucchini blossoms, chilled Vernaccia di San Gimignano or a coastal Vermentino.
  • Do this: Early-start private wine tours let you beat the warmth and slip into barrel rooms in peace. Evenings: river walks and gelato diplomacy (try two flavors, judge fairly). Our favorite gelato spot is called Sbrino.
  • Wine festival: I Profumi di Lamole (Lamole, Greve in Chianti): boutique Lamole producers pour high-altitude Chianti Classico on the panoramic square. Intimate, scenic, and very food-friendly. Book lunch or dinner at Ristoro di Lamole in advance, thanks us later.
  • Wine festival: Terre di Gaiole (Gaiole in Chianti): open-air tastings and village vibes in the heart of Chianti Classico, easy to pair with a private wine tour day.
  • Music festival: in Florence every year in June there is a big weekend concerts with international artist called Firenze Rocks.

Thinking about a wine tour? You can choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Fruit set; canopies managed.
  • Weather feel: Warm to hot; mostly dry.
  • Regions we like: Montepulciano (breeze, altitude), Chianti Classico ridge lines; first Bolgheri sea breezes.
  • What you’ll taste: Prugnolo Gentile (aka Sangiovese), Chianti Classico Riserva or full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
  • Additional tip on attire: Breathables, hat, sunscreen.
Couple walking through a hillside vineyard in June, with sweeping Tuscan valley views at golden hour.
June means long light and big vistas: on our Tuscany Uncorked wine routes we time vineyard walks and cellar stops for that perfect golden-hour tasting

June – Festivals, longest days, summer buzz

PROS

  • Calcio Storico (mid-June semis; June 24 final) and city fireworks. Book tickets in advance.
  • Long daylight for big itineraries and slow dinners.
  • Sea and countryside both in prime form.
  • Great month for early-morning touring, late-evening strolling.

CONS

  • Warmer temps; midday can feel hot inland.
  • Popular sites start to fill, pre-book everything.
  • Higher summer pricing kicks in.

Best for: Festival lovers, families, and night owls who enjoy lively piazzas.


JULY: Sun-drenched & social (plan around the heat like a local)

Weather in Florence: approx. 88°F/65°F (31.1°C/18.3°C). About 4 wet days, the driest stretch of the year.
Wear this: Linen, sunscreen, hat. Churches require covered shoulders: pack a light scarf.

  • Vibe: Lively, late sunsets, piazzas humming.
  • Eat this: Tomatoes taste like sunshine; prosciutto e melone is your best friend.
  • Do this: Consider a coastal day toward Bolgheri or an early-morning private wine tour with a long, shaded lunch. Palio di Siena happens July 2 (with build-up days before). It’s gripping, crowded, and unforgettable.

Thinking about a wine tour? You can choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Veraison begins in warm pockets.
  • Weather feel: Hot, dry, brilliant.
  • Regions we like: Bolgheri (sea breeze), higher-altitude Chianti parcels; Montalcino.
  • What you’ll taste: Structured coastal reds and crisp Vermentino; seasonal menus at lunch.
  • Additional tip on attire: Linen, comfortable sandals, hat, sunscreen.
Bolgheri vineyard with the Tyrrhenian Sea in the background on a breezy July afternoon.
Bolgheri in July: sea-breeze vineyards and coastal reds. Tuscany Uncorked plans early, cool-cellar tastings (perfect when Florence heats up).

July – Big sun, big energy (plan like a local)

PROS

  • Classic “summer in Italy” feel: late sunsets, outdoor concerts, festivals.
  • Coastal escapes (Bolgheri, Maremma, Cinque Terre) are at their best.
  • Great swimming weather; long evenings for dinners under the stars.

CONS

  • Heat inland (especially Florence mid-afternoon).
  • Crowds at major landmarks—book timed tickets.
  • Mosquitoes near water at dusk; bring repellent.

Best for: Beach-&-city split trips, early risers, groups who love summer vibes.


AUGUST: Ferragosto and the great escape to the sea

Weather in Florence: approx. 88°F/65°F (31.1°C/18.3°C). About 5 wet days.
Wear this: The lightest everything. Hydrate.

  • Vibe: The city idles mid-month (some shops close around Ferragosto, Aug 15), but museums remain open and villages party late into the night. Bonus: Palio di Siena again on Aug 16.
  • Eat this: Perfect peaches, caprese, grilled seafood on the coast.
  • Do this: Want “Tuscan summer” without melting? We’ll design a luxury private wine tours Tuscany day that starts early, pauses for a long trattoria lunch under pines, and ends with a breezy tasting near the Tyrrhenian.
  • Calici di Stelle in Tuscany (various towns): stargazing tastings across Tuscany for San Lorenzo: vineyard dinners, music, and night-sky events (dates vary by town).

Thinking about a wine tour? You can choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Wineries busy monitoring ripeness.
  • Weather feel: Hot; afternoons are for shade.
  • Regions we like: Bolgheri coast days, Chianti. Some indoor tastings with air conditioning.
  • What you’ll taste: Pre-harvest focus, producers pour core labels; some offer tank/barrel previews.
  • Additional tip on attire: The lightest layers; hydrate, hat, sunscreen.
Family taking a selfie in a Tuscan vineyard in August, Tuscany: bright summer light and green canopies.
August in Tuscany: family-friendly touring. We craft private & small-group wine tours in Tuscany with early vineyard walks. Planning your winery tour Chianti or coastal day? Explore our wine tasting tours Tuscany options.

August – Ferragosto fun, strategic planning required

PROS

  • Sea breezes, festivals, outdoor cinema, night markets.
  • Palio di Siena (Aug 16) for bucket-list drama (if you can handle crowds).
  • Evenings are magical; villages party late.

CONS

  • Hot. Plan shade, siestas, and early/late activities.
  • Some small shops/restaurants close around Ferragosto (Aug 15).
  • Cities can feel quiet midday; beaches can feel busy on weekends.

Best for: Heat-tolerant travelers, families, and anyone craving the seaside.


SEPTEMBER: Harvest, festivals, and near-perfect weather (local favorite!)

Weather in Florence: approx. 79°F/59°F (26.1°C/15.0°C). About 7 wet days.
Wear this: Light layers: warm days, cool evenings.

  • Vibe: Vendemmia (grape harvest), golden light, happy winemakers.
  • Eat this: Schiacciata con l’uva (grape-studded flatbread), porcini, figs… September’s table sings.
  • Do this: Don’t miss Expo Chianti Classico in Greve (mid-September), the whole Black Rooster family pours in the square. We’ll weave it into a wine tasting tours Tuscany day so you compare styles in situ.
  • Vino al Vino Wine Festival in Panzano in Chianti: the village piazza turns into an open-air tasting room as the Unione Viticoltori di Panzano pour 80+ wines across three convivial days. Ideal add-on to a Chianti Classico private tour.

Thinking about a wine tour? You can choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Harvest for whites/earlier reds; later parcels follow.
  • Weather feel: Warm days, cooler nights; occasional showers.
  • Regions we like: Chianti Classico (harvest atmosphere), Montalcino (views), Bolgheri (late sea days).
  • What you’ll taste: Grapes fresh off the vine + harvest-era surprises; sometimes you see harvest and/or winemakers working in the cellar.
  • Additional tip on attire: Light layers; closed shoes for vineyard walks.
 in Chianti: Chianti Classico producers pouring in the village piazza (September)
Panzano’s Vino al Vino (September): village-square tastings with dozens of Chianti Classico producers: perfect add-on to a winery tour Chianti day. Tuscany Uncorked arranges private & small-group wine tours in Tuscany

September – Harvest glow & near-perfect balance

PROS

  • Vendemmia (grape harvest) energy; golden light everywhere.
  • Excellent weather, warm days, crisp evenings.
  • Food festivals: figs, porcini, grape focaccia; village fairs.
  • Great balance of lively atmosphere and comfortable touring.

CONS

  • Very popular: book hotels, drivers, guides early.
  • Occasional showers; bring light layers.
  • Restaurant reservations are essential in hot spots.

Best for: Foodies, photographers, and anyone who wants “peak Tuscany” without peak heat.


OCTOBER: Golden vineyards, olive nets, and sweater weather

Weather in Florence: approx. 69°F/52°F (20.6°C/11.1°C). About 9 wet days, showers are common but brief.
Wear this: Light sweater, waterproof shoes, compact umbrella.

  • Vibe: Autumn paints the hills in ochres and ruby. Some estates begin laying nets for olives.
  • Eat this: Porcini everything, roasted pumpkin, hearty ragù.
  • Do this: Peak month for winery tour Chianti and Bolgheri’s Bordeaux-style blends; vines glow at sunset. The olive harvest often starts late October, rolling into November/December: tasting olio nuovo (new oil) is a bucket-list moment.

Thinking about a wine tour? You can choose our Chianti Classico, Montalcino, or Carmignano small-group options, or request a fully tailor-made private tour.

  • Vines & cellars: Late harvest wraps; cellars active with fermentations.
  • Weather feel: Mild-cool; showers are common but brief.
  • Regions we like: Chianti Classico & Montalcino (autumn colors), Carmignano for memorable and off-the-beaten-track experience.
  • What you’ll taste: Autumn flavors paired with ripe Tuscan wines, occasionally samples from fermenting wines.
  • Additional tip on attire: Sweater, waterproof shoes.
Couple doing manual punch-downs (“follature”) with winemaker Rossella in a Carmignano cellar during the October harvest
October in Carmignano: hands-on cellar time with Rossella (manual punch-downs) before a guided tasting. Part of our custom Carmignano experiences within private and small-group wine tours across Tuscany

October – Autumn colors, comfort menus, deep-dive culture

PROS

  • Vineyards turn bronze; forests hint at red and gold.
  • Truffle tastings begin; ribollita, porcini and pumpkin dishes.
  • Mild temps for hiking, biking, and hilltown hopping.
  • Coastal days can still surprise with warmth.

CONS

  • More frequent showers; flexible plans win.
  • Shorter daylight begins to be felt.
  • Some attractions reduce late-evening hours.

Best for: Culinary travelers, walkers, and people who love sweater-weather charm.


NOVEMBER: Truffles, new oil, and city days with a cozy pace

Weather in Florence: approx. 58°F/43°F (14.4°C/6.1°C). About 9 wet days, the rainiest month, but also the most delicious.
Wear this: Water-resistant jacket, good boots, wool layers.

  • Vibe: Foodie heaven with fewer crowds.
  • Eat this: White truffles land in force, San Miniato’s Truffle Exhibition runs over three November weekends. Pair truffle tagliolini with a mellow Chianti Classico and call it happiness. Meanwhile, olio nuovo appears on every table.
  • Do this: Benvenuto Brunello Wine Expo in Montalcino: the Brunello vintage preview: media/trade and consumer sessions showcasing new releases from 120+ producers. Excellent for vertical tastings in cooler months.

Thinking about a wine tour? Possible on demand; send us an email or WhatsApp to arrange your wine tour in Tuscany.

  • Vines & cellars: Vines shut down; cellars rack and rest.
  • Weather feel: Cool, rain likely; deliciously atmospheric.
  • Regions we like: Chianti cellars with golden colors; Florence tasting rooms are warm and cozy.
  • What you’ll taste: olio nuovo; truffle lunches if you like, from light to full-bodied Sangiovese.
  • Additional tip on attire: Waterproof jacket, boots.
Close-up of fettunta: grilled Tuscan bread drenched in bright-green olio nuovo, November in Tuscany
November = olio nuovo. A warm slice of fettunta between cellar stops, perfect on cooler days. We pair new-oil tastings with cozy Chianti visits or wine tastings in Florence (on-demand all winter)

November – Truffles, new oil, locals’ Tuscany

PROS

  • San Miniato White Truffle weekends; markets and menus are outstanding.
  • Crowds thin dramatically; hotel rates soften.
  • Cozy, slow travel: perfect for museums, tastings, long lunches.
  • Vineyards quiet but atmospheric; cellar time is rich and unhurried.

CONS

  • Rainiest month; plan indoors-first itineraries.
  • Shorter days; rural buses/trains less frequent.
  • Some coastal services wind down.

Best for: serious eaters, value seekers, travelers who love the feeling of having a town to themselves.


DECEMBER: Markets, lights, and steaming bowls of good cheer

Weather in Florence: approx. 51°F/37°F (10.6°C/2.8°C). About 7–8 wet days.
Wear this: Warm coat, scarf, waterproof shoes.

  • Vibe: Festive but not frantic; locals shop at the wooden-stall Christmas markets (Santa Croce is the classic). Concerts in churches, roasted chestnuts in the streets.
  • Eat this: Slow braises, peposo (peppery beef stew), panforte from nearby Siena.
  • Do this: Short days mean long, candlelit dinners. If you’re dreaming of a crowd-free museum crawl plus wine tastings in Florence, this is your month. We’ll set up private tastings and cozy lunches; private wine tours are on-demand.

Thinking about a wine tour? Possible on demand; send us an email or WhatsApp to arrange your wine tour in Tuscany.

  • Vines & cellars: Dormant vines; quiet, reflective cellars.
  • Weather feel: Cold, some rain; festive streets.
  • Regions we like: Florence private tastings + Chianti/Montalcino estate salons.
  • What you’ll taste: Comfort-pairing flights, holiday menus, Chianti Classico with Christmas decorations around.
  • Additional tip on attire: Warm layers, waterproof shoes.
Florence’s Piazza del Duomo with the Christmas tree lit beside the Cathedral in December
December in Florence: lights, carols, and cozy tastings. We arrange wine tastings in Florence and winter private & small-group wine tours in Tuscany on demand for a festive escape

December – Lights, markets, and holiday warmth

PROS

  • Christmas markets (e.g., Santa Croce in Florence), concerts, nativity scenes.
  • Festive menus; chestnuts, peposo, Vin Santo & cantucci.
  • Fewer tourists (except Christmas to New Year week).
  • Magical evening strolls with lights and mulled wine.

CONS

  • Cold snaps, rain; pack a warm, waterproof coat.
  • Short daylight; some attractions on reduced hours or holiday closures.
  • Peak pricing and crowds return for the last week of December.

Best for: holiday lovers, culture-first travelers, anyone craving cozy, candlelit Italy.


So…what is the best month to visit Tuscany?

If you crave mild weather + vineyard life, aim for May, June, or September.
July and August deliver the full sun-washed, piazza-’til-midnight mood (pair with coastal detours).
For food lovers, October–November is a masterpiece: porcini, truffles, and new olive oil… pack a rain layer and you’re golden.
Winter (December–February) trades vineyard bustle for quiet museums, markets, and intimate tastings;
March–April bloom beautifully with Easter pageantry and countryside green.

In reality, the “best month” is the one that matches your personality. We’ll help you pick and plan the tastiest possible version of it.

Where wine fits in (spoiler: everywhere)

Short on time? Book wine tastings in Florence: smart way to compare Chianti Classico vs. Brunello vs. coastal blends without leaving town. (We can host or curate).

Ready to roam? A winery tour Chianti day is classic Tuscany: stone cellars, Sangiovese in all its moods, and lunches that turn into stories.

Chasing the coast? Pair Bolgheri’s Bordeaux-style reds with Tyrrhenian breezes and pine forests; late afternoons are magic.

Want it all? We stitch city tastings + countryside visits into one seamless wine tasting tours Tuscany itinerary, educational, funny, never rushed.

A delicious PS: where to eat & drink (with locals’ picks)

We keep an updated shortlist of places we actually bring our friends to: wine bars with character, trattorie that still taste like nonna, and a few special-occasion spots. Click here for our wine tastings list in Florence!

Final pour: how we help you choose your best month

We’re Tuscany Uncorked, the wine tour arm of Wine School Italia. Our style is edutainment: WSET-level knowledge with warmth and humor. Tell us how you like to travel (early-bird, fashion-week-curious, food-obsessed, sunset-chaser) and we’ll map month to mood, then handle the reservations, the driver, and the little surprises along the way.

Regular season: April → end of October

Winter: on-demand (November–March) for intimate tastings, truffles, markets, and off-season serenity.

When Tuscany calls, answer with a Tuscan wine tour tailored to you. We’ll take care of the rest.

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See you in Tuscany! 🍷

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