What's the Weather Like in Florence in May
May is a very pleasant time to visit Florence, Italy, when the temperatures warm up and the cloud coverage and rainfall decrease.
Temperature
During this month, the average temperature for the city starts off at 16°C, created by highs of 21°C during the daytime and lows of 11°C after dark. This steadily rises up to 20.5°C by the end of the month, created by highs of 26°C during the daytime and lows of 15°C after dark. This makes the final week of May the warmest part of the month.
Even though it only occurs on an average of 10% of days, temperatures have been known to rise above 31°C and fall below 7°C in Florence in May. The highest temperature ever recorded in the city during this month is 34°C, whilst the lowest temperature ever registered here during this month is 5°C.
Over the course of May, the length of the day in Florence is gradually increasing, with a difference of 1:03 hours between the beginning and the end. The shortest day is May 1st with 14:11 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day is May 31st with 15:13 hours of daylight.
Sunshine
At this time of year, the city enjoy an average of 11 hours of sunshine every day that's two hours more each day than in April along with median cloud coverage which ranges between 49% (partly cloudy) at the beginning of the month and 41% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 32% of the time, partly cloudy 25% and mostly cloudy/overcast 18%.
Rain
The average monthly precipitation for Florence in May is 77mm/3 inches that's less than the previous month which is spread out between nine rainy days. The likelihood of rainfall making an appearance at this time of year averages at 35% and peaks in the first week. The most likely day for rainfall is May 1st, when it falls on 39% of days, whilst the least likely day is May 31st, when it falls on 32% of days.
Snow
Since May marks the end of the spring season for Florence, snowfall is extremely unlikely to occur during this month. If you really want to visit Florence when it's snowing, forget about going in May and plan your trip for January or February instead, when the city experiences most of its snowfall.
The most common forms of precipitation you can expect to see in Florence in May are moderate rain (which falls on 45% of days with rainfall), thunderstorms (27%) and light rain (19%).
With a mixture of warm daytime temperatures and cool night time temperatures like this, you'll need to take a combination of jeans, coats and jumpers, plus t-shirts and skirts/shorts to make sure you stay comfortable whatever the weather. Since rainfall occurs on more than ¼ of days throughout the month, it's also worth packing an umbrella or some waterproofs to protect you from the elements. If you want to visit Florence when temperatures are at their highest, delay your holiday for a couple of months and visit in July or August instead, when the city enjoys its hottest weather.
Humidity
The average daily relative humidity for Florence in May is 61% that's slightly less than the previous month. The humidity fluctuates between 42% (comfortable) and 93% (very humid) throughout the month, rarely falling below 28% (dry) or reaching as high as 100% (very humid). The air is driest around May 26th, when the relative humidity drops below 50% (comfortable) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around May 1st, when it rises above 90% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Over the month, typical wind speeds range between 0 m/s (calm) and 5 m/s (gentle breeze), rarely going over 8 m/s (moderate breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) happens around May 20th, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 2 m/s happens around May 1st, when the average daily maximum is 5 m/s.
Hotels for Florence in May
Hotel Mulino di Firenze
If you want to stay in a quiet part of Florence, away from the bustling city, consider Hotel Mulino di Firenze. Located 5km away from the historical district and surrounded by countryside, this rustic hotel is set inside a restored water mill and provides accommodation in the form of classic guestrooms, superior river-view guestrooms, three-bedroom guestrooms and junior suites. Each guestroom comes with antique furniture, free WiFi access, minibar, air conditioning/heating and private bathroom with shower, whirlpool bath, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries.
Onsite services and facilities include Restaurant & Café Mulino di Firenze which serves traditional Tuscan cuisine alongside Chianti wine, free WiFi access throughout, covered parking, free shuttle into the city centre and two-person spa with Jacuzzi, sauna and wellness programmes.
Hotel Mona Lisa
For something more central, try Hotel Mona Lisa, a four-star hotel decorated with period 15th century furniture and sculptures. This hotel is located in the heart of Florence, close to the Piazza Duomo and Pizza della Signoria where you'll find a wealth of museums, galleries, churches, cafes, bars and boutiques.
Here guests can choose between 48 classic guestrooms, superior guestrooms, junior suites and suites, each of which comes with LCD satellite TV, minibar, air conditioning/heating, complimentary breakfast and balcony. Suites also include a balcony and separate lounge with sofa bed. Within the hotel you'll find free-to-use gym with solarium, free internet access, bar open 10am-11pm, dining room and onsite paid parking.
Globus Hotel
When it comes to modern hotels in Florence, Globus Hotel is one of the best rated. Situated just 20m away from the Church of Saint Laurence in the historical centre of the city, this three-star hotel is set inside an 18th century building and provides accommodation in the shape of 23 small economical, standard and superior guestrooms. Each room comes with city view, WiFi access, LCD satellite TV, minibar, heating/air conditioning and private bathroom with shower and bath.
Onsite services and facilities include 24-hour bar, breakfast buffet served 7am-10am, TV room and nearby discounted parking. Thanks to its central location, Globus Hotel is just a short walk away from several shopping streets, markets, bakeries, cafes, wine bars, restaurants, historical attractions and public transport networks most of which are within 1km.
Silla Hotel
Silla Hotel is perfect for travellers on a budget who want to be in the centre of it all, situated in the heart of the San Niccolò district, just a short walk from Ponte Vecchio, Ponte alle Grazie and Piazza della Signoria. This 16th century hotel provides guests with 36 standard, family, superior, economy and single rooms, each of which features city view, free WiFi access, LCD satellite TV, air conditioning/heating and bathroom with shower and bath.
Onsite services and facilities include breakfast room with antique furniture, large terrace with River Arno views, bar which serves international cocktails and private parking. Thanks to the hotel's location on the left bank of the Arno River, you'll find a selection of cafes, bars, restaurants, historical attractions, markets and shops just a short walk away.
Restaurants and Bars for Florence in May
Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
Wine lovers won't want to miss the chance to spend an evening at Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina. Open Wednesday to Monday from 1pm until midnight, this restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine which focuses n fresh local ingredients. Whilst the food might be superb, most people visit this eatery for its wine tasting.
Every lunchtime, Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina hosts a wine tasting lunch, with a three-course meal served alongside four glasses of wine. Private dinners with one of the three hosts, comprising of a customised tasting menu with wine pairings and a keepsake copy of your menu, is also available if you book at least three days in advance.
Sandwichic
When it comes to cheap eats on the go in Florence, Sandwichic is a great choice. Located on San Gallo street, this small café serves gourmet sandwiches made on homemade bread with fresh seasonal ingredients procured from local farms and producers.
Some of the most innovative sandwich fillings include pecorino, dried tomatoes and truffle cream, plus artisan salami, gorgonzola, tomato, pecorino and mustard pears. There is also a small selection of coffees, soft drinks and wine available.
Tattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi
For something more sophisticated, try Tattoria Pandemonio di Casa Brogi. Open Monday to Saturday, this family-run restaurant specialises in traditional Italian cuisine, with a huge selection of vegetarian, fish-based and meat-based options on the menu, many of which are focused on pasta.
Highlights include porcini mushroom salad, ravioli stuffed with ricotta served with prawns, steak served with artichokes, breaded veal with fresh vegetables and seafood soup. There is a huge wine list available, with a comprehensive select of red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert options available from all over Italy.
Things to Do in Florence in May
Giotto's Bell Tower
Giotto's Bell Tower is one of the four monuments which makes up the Piazza del Duomo. Measuring 84.7m tall and 14.45m wide, this 14th century gothic building is decorated in white, red and green marble matching the neighbouring Basilica of Santa Maria del Fiore. Since the tower was designed for decorative (not functional) purposes by Giotto in 1334, it boasts many beautiful features, including seven bells which date between 1705 and 1956, hexagonal panels, lozenges, reliefs which depict the creation of man and several statues.
One of the highlights of Giotto's Bell Tower is the large roof terrace which offers panoramic views across the city to visitors who accept the challenge of the 400-step climb.
Galleria Palatina
Located inside the Palazzo Pitti and open Tuesday to Sunday 8.15am-6.50pm, the Galleria Palatina (Palatine Gallery) is an art gallery primarily full of paintings obtained from the Medici family's personal collection in 1828. The huge collection is made up of works from Titian, Raphael, Rubens, Correggio, Pietro da Cortona and many other Italian and European artists working in the baroque and renaissance periods.
Some of the most important and popular pieces include the Granduca Madonna by Raphael, Christ the Redeemer by Titian, the Four Philosophers by Rubens, Cardinal Guido Bentivolglio by Anthony Van Dyk and Fra Antonio Martelli by Carvaggio. Most of the paintings are framed and cover the walls on the 28 rooms in a 17th century picture gallery style.
Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella
Pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, founded by Dominican friars around 1221, when they arrived in Florence. The ancient pharmacy was originally used for making medications from locally-grown medicinal herbs for the monks' infirmary, but due to popular demand, the pharmacy expanded and by the 1700s sold medicine to countries across the world.
Today the pharmacy still sells medicine made by the same traditional methods, using the exact same recipes the monks used in the 1200s. The pharmacy is housed inside an original building, with vaulted ceilings, frescoes, ornate gilding and walnut cabinetry used to display the host of glass-stoppered decanters, bronze statues and apothecary scales. As well as admiring all the potions on display, you can also smell and buy various perfumes, colognes and soaps.
Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique
Snap up some top quality leather goods for reasonable prices by shopping at the Davide Cerasi Leather Boutique. This leading manufacturer of leather jackets is run by Davide Cerasi a fashion designer who believes in wearable art. All jackets you see in the shop can be made in any colour and size, with personal alterations available to make the jacket unique.
As you'd expect for a shop in Florence, the quality of the leather here is sublime and customised jackets can be ready within a couple of days, giving you plenty of time to try them out and take them home. In addition to jackets, the boutique also sells a vast assortment of women's handbags and shoes.
