What's the Weather Like in Florence in August
Along with July, August is the hottest month of the year for Florence, Italy, when temperatures are at their highest and cloud coverage and rainfall are at their lowest.
Temperature
At this time of year, the average temperature for the city begins at 25.5°C, created by highs of 32°C during the daytime and lows of 19°C after dark. This drops down to 23°C by the end of the month, created by highs of 29°C during the daytime and lows of 17°C after dark. This makes the first fortnight of August the warmest part of the month.
Although it only happens on an average of once every ten days, temperatures can sometimes rise above 36°C and drop below 14°C in Florence in August. The highest temperature ever registered in the city at this time of year is 41°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever recorded in the city during this month is 10°C.
Daylight Hours
Over the course of August, the length of the day in Florence is gradually decreasing, with a difference of 1:20 hours between the start and the end of the month. The shortest day is August 31st with 13:14 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day is August 1st with 14:33 hours of daylight.
Sunshine
At this time of year, the city boasts an average of 12 hours of daily sunshine that's one hour less than in July alongside median cloud coverage which ranges between 25% (mostly clear) and 31st% (mostly clear). On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 48% of the time, partly cloudy 18% and mostly cloudy/overcast 7%.
Rain
The average monthly precipitation for Florence in August is 43mm/1 inch that's more than the previous month which is divided between six rainy days. The chances of rainfall occurring during this month average at 24% and increase as the month develops. The day least likely to see rainfall is August 1st when it falls on an average of 21% of days, whilst the day most likely to see rainfall is August 31st, when it falls on 26% of days.
Snowfall
Since August marks the end of the summer season in Florence, snowfall is extremely unlikely to make an appearance at this time of year. If you're determined to visit the city when the snow is falling, forget about going in August and delay your trip until January or February, when the probability of snowfall is highest.
The most common forms of precipitation you can expect to experience in Florence in August are thunderstorms (which appear on 56% of days with precipitation), moderate rain (24%) and light rain (15%).
With temperatures as warm as these, you'll need to take light clothing with you, such as skirts, shorts and t-shirts for during the day, plus thin trousers and light jumpers for during the evening, to make sure you stay comfortable throughout your holiday. With rainfall occurring on just less than ¼ of days throughout the month, there is a fairly good chance you'll experience some form of precipitation, so it's worth packing an umbrella, too. If you don't enjoy warm temperatures, consider visiting Florence in May or September instead, when temperatures are cooler.
Humidity
The average daily relative humidity for Florence in August is 59% that's slightly higher than the previous month. This humidity ranges between 38% (comfortable) and 92% (very humid) throughout the month, rarely reaching as high as 100% (very humid) or dropping below 25% (dry). The air tends to be driest around August 1st, when the relative humidity falls below 43% (comfortable) three days out of four. The air is usually at its most humid around August 17th, when it rises above 87% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Over the month, typical wind speeds fluctuate between 0 m/s (calm) and 5 m/s (gentle breeze), rarely going over 7 m/s (moderate breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) happens around August 1st, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 2 m/s happens around August 23rd, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s.
If you're looking for a weather forecast for Florence, you are advised to visit this page.
Hotels for Florence in August
Hotel Pendini
The three-star Hotel Pendini is set on the third and fourth floors of a 19th century building located in the heart of Florence, just steps away from the cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio. Here guests can choose between 42 single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms and family suites, each of which comes with air conditioning, satellite TV and free WiFi access, plus antique furniture and views of the Piazza della Repubblica in some rooms.
Although onsite services and facilities are limited to free WiFi access throughout, 24-hour bar, breakfast buffet, laundry services and nearby parking, its central location means that there is a wealth of local and international restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance.
Hotel Rivoli
For something with more facilities, try Hotel Rivoli. Also situated in the centre of the city, just a stone's throw away from the Santa Maria Novella railway station, Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, this four-star hotel is set inside a 14th century Franciscan convent, with original architectural details which date back to the 1500s.
Accommodation comes in the form of classic rooms, superior rooms, family rooms and suites, each of which features classic Tuscan-style furniture, air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, WiFi access and marble bathroom with complimentary amenities, plus free welcome drink, in-room breakfast and late check-out if you book directly through the hotel's website.
Onsite dining options include breakfast buffet served in the Medlar Garden, Garden Bar which serves drinks and snacks and Benedicta Restaurant which serves a seasonal Tuscan menu. Other onsite amenities and services include heated swimming pool, whirlpool, valet parking, WiFi access throughout and free fitness centre a short walk from the hotel.
Firenze Suite
Firenze Suite is ideal for travellers in search of luxury accommodation in the centre of Florence. Within a 15-minute walk of the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio and the Florence Cathedral, this historic hotel features vaulted ceilings and original frescoes which create the atmosphere of a luxurious Tuscan guesthouse.
Accommodation comes in the form of eight deluxe rooms and suites, each of which is decorated uniquely and features kitchenette with tea/coffee making facilities and fridge, air conditioning, satellite TV, free WiFi access and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.
Onsite amenities and services are restricted to breakfast buffet, ticket booking and valet parking, but the hotel's central position means that you'll find loads of restaurants, cafes, bars, spas, gyms, shops and supermarkets within a 2km walking distance.
Hotel Vasari Palace
The 14th century Hotel Vasari Palace is a more affordable option, situated within 100m of the main railway station, 200m from the Fortezza da Basso and 500m from the major churches, museums, art galleries and monuments, making it perfect for sightseeing. Here guests can choose between 27 rustically-styled single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, each of which features wooden furniture with hand-painted details, air conditioning, flat-screen LCD TV, free WiFI access and minibar.
Within the hotel you'll also find parking, breakfast buffet served in the breakfast room which features an original stone fireplace, 24-hour bar, bicycle rental and tour desk.
Restaurants and Bars for Florence in August
Il Bufalo Trippone
Il Bufalo Trippone is a café-come-wine-bar tucked in between the Piazza della Signoria and the Piazza Santa Croce. This venue is dedicated to serving only the highest quality Tuscan snack-style dishes, such as sandwiches, meat platters and cheese platters which are served up alongside quality Tuscan wines. The café features window-facing bar-style seating, making it perfect for a spot of traditional Italian lunch whilst people watching.
Trattoria Mario
Open for lunch only from noon until 3pm Monday to Saturday, Trattoria Mario is a family-run restaurant which serves traditional Tuscan cuisine based on recipes which have been passed down through generations. The menu changes regularly according to which products are freshest at the market, but a daily selection usually includes homemade pasta with vegetables or meat sauces, beef stew, roast pork, veal chops, roast chicken and T-bone steak. Tripe is also served on Mondays and Thursdays, whilst fresh fish is the special on Fridays.
Club Culinario Toscana da Osvaldo
For a more gourmet atmosphere, try Club Culinario Toscano da Osvaldo. This restaurant boasts a lengthy Italian menu full of classics such as hand-made pastas, Florentine-style T-bone steak, skewer of roasted octopus, Tuscan-style pigeon and stewed lamb served with a selection of potatoes, white beans and vegetables. The drinks menu is equally as varied and features spirits, coffees, teas, soft drinks and a huge selection of red, white, rose and sparkling wines.
Things to Do in Florence in August
Perseus Statue
The Perseus Statue is the most famous bronze sculpture in the Piazza della Signoria, considered to be a masterpiece of Italian Manerism. In this statue, Perseus is holding up the severed head of Medusa as he stands on her body, triumphant. Serpents are depicted emerging from Medusa's body, symbolising the people's previous conflicts which had threatened and obstructed democracy.
The statue is literally set high on a pedestal so visitors need to stand below and look up to it, whilst Perseus looks down on them. Perseus Statue is one of the most popular sculptures in Tuscany and crowds will be immense in August, so try and get there as early as you can if you want a clear photo.
Uffizi Gallery
A trip to Florence isn't complete without visiting the Uffizi Gallery. This gallery is one of the oldest and most famous in the world and is best known for highlights such as Botticelli's Primavera and Birth of Venus, Filippino Lippi's Madonna and Child with Two Angels and Titan's Venus of Urbino, plus a huge collection of artwork from masters Cimabue and Giotto, as well as renaissance pioneers such as Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
The Uffizi Gallery is open 8.15am-6.50pm Tuesday to Sunday, with entrances every 15 minutes. You can choose to explore the museum on your own or pay a bit extra and hire a private guide to show you around.
Giardino Bardini
August is one of the best months of the year to visit Giardino Bardini. This garden was designed in an Italian renaissance design and since it was only recently opened to the public, it's fairly little-known, making it a great place to avoid the summer crowds. Giardino Bardini is named after the art collector Stefano Bardini who purchased the villa in 1913 and restored its garden.
Today it still features all the elements of a traditional Tuscan garden, such as an orangery, artificial grottos, marble statues, water fountains and flower beds. There is also a summer café (open April to September from 10am to 6pm) here which overlooks the city and serves drinks, lunch dishes and ice cream.
Museum of the Cenacolo di San Salvi
Museum of the Cenacolo di San Salvi is one of the best places in the city to see original frescoes. Open 8.15am-1.50pm Tuesday to Sunday, this art museum is set inside a restored section of the Convent of Saint Salvi and is most famous for the huge Cenacolo di San Salvi fresco which was painted between 1526 and 1527.
There are loads of other pieces on display here, too, including many important 16th century works created by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, Raffaellino del Garno, Pontormo and Giorgio Vasari which are exhibited in the Lavabo Room. Another interesting exhibit is the collection of fragments of the funeral monuments which are dedicated to S.Giovanni Gualberto.
