What's the Weather Like in Florence in February
After a freezing December and January the two coldest months for the city things begin to get better in Florence, Italy in February, when the temperatures increase and the cloud coverage, rainfall and snowfall decrease.
Temperature
At this time of year, the average temperature for the city starts off at 7°C, created by highs of 11°C during the daytime and lows of 3°C after dark. This average increases up to 8.5°C by the end of the month, created by highs of 13°C during the daytime and lows of 4°C after dark. This makes the final week of February the warmest time of the month.
Even though it only happens on an average of 10% of days, temperatures have been known to rise above 17°C and drop below -2°C in Florence in February. The hottest temperature ever registered in the city at this time of year is 24°C, whilst the coldest temperature ever registered here during this month is -9°C.
Over the course of February, the length of the day is gradually increasing, with a difference of 1:17 hours between the start and the end. The shortest day is February 1st with 9:52 hours of daylight, whilst the longest day is February 28th/29th with 11:09 hours of daylight.
Sunshine
At this time of year, Florence boasts an average of six daily hours of sunshine that's one hour more each day than in January alongside median cloud coverage which ranges between 60% (partly cloudy) at the start of the month and 54% (partly cloudy) by the end of the month. On an average day, the sky is clear/mostly clear 30% of the time, partly cloudy 18% and mostly cloudy/overcast 27%. The city is also affected by foggy conditions on an average of two days throughout the month.
Rain
The average monthly precipitation for Florence in February is 49mm/2 inches that's less than the previous month which is divided between eight rainy days and one snowy day. The probability of rainfall making an appearance at this time of year averages at 35% and slightly decreases as the month progresses. The most likely day for rainfall is February 1st when it falls on 36% of days, whilst the least likely day for rainfall is February 28th/29th, when it falls on 34% of days.
Snow
The likelihood of snowfall making an appearance in Florence in February averages at 2% and decreases as the month develops. The most likely day to see snow is February 2nd, when it falls on 2.6% of days, whilst the least likely day for snowfall is February 28th/29th, when it falls on 2% of days. This makes the first week of February the best time to visit Florence if you want to see the snow.
The most common types of precipitation you can expect to see in Florence in February are moderate rain (which happens on 49% of days with precipitation), light rain (23%) and drizzle (11%).
With temperatures this low, you'll need to take a lot of winter clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves and thick jackets with you to make sure you stay warm during your holiday in February. With rainfall occurring on more than ¼ of the month, it's also worth packing some waterproofs or an umbrella. If you hate the cold and want to visit Florence when it's at its warmest, forget about going in February and plan your trip for July or August instead, when the city enjoys its warmest weather.
Humidity
The average daily relative humidity for Florence in February is 65% that's lower than the previous month. This figure usually ranges between 48% (comfortable) and 92% (very humid) over the month, rarely reaching as high as 100% (very humid) or falling below 29% (dry). The air is driest around February 28th/29th, when the relative humidity falls below 60% (mildly humid) three days out of four, whilst it's at its most humid around February 23rd, when it rises above 89% (very humid) three days out of four.
Wind
Over the course of the month, normal wind speeds vary between 0 m/s (calm) and 4 m/s (gentle breeze), rarely rising above 9 m/s (fresh breeze). The highest average wind speed of 2 m/s (light breeze) occurs around February 26th, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 4 m/s, whilst the lowest average wind speed of 2 m/s happens around February 1st, when the average daily maximum wind speed is 3 m/s (gentle breeze).
Hotels for Florence in February
Hotel Laurus al Duomo
Hotel Laurus al Duomo is a four-star hotel located in the centre of Florence, just 70m away from the Duomo and 150m away from the Santa Maria Novella train station, where you'll find a wealth of bars, restaurants, cafes and boutiques. Here guests can choose between single rooms, double rooms, triple rooms and junior suites, each of which features flat-screen satellite TV, free WiFi access and private bathroom with bath.
Onsite dining options include the breakfast terrace with panoramic views of the Duomo, Caffe Astra al Duomo which serves pastries, sandwiches, pastas, teas and coffees and the Vista Wine Bar which serves Tuscan wine, cold cuts, honey, jams, bruschetta and pizza. Other onsite services and facilities include babysitting, complimentary newspapers and private parking nearby.
Residence La Contessina
For something more modern, consider Residence La Contessina. Also situated in the centre of the city close to the Santa Maria Novella train station, as well as several churches and art galleries, this hotel provides accommodation in the form of double rooms, standard apartments, superior apartments and family suites. Each room comes with air conditioning, heating, LCD TV, WiFi access and private bathroom with shower, whilst the apartments and family suites also include separate living room and kitchenette with fridge, freezer, oven, microwave and kettle.
Within the hotel you'll find a café-bar where breakfast is served, free WiFi access throughout and private parking. The hotel can also arrange special discounts for guests for outdoor sports events, gym access, spa days and golf course green fees.
Best Western grand Hotel Adriatico
The Best Western Grand Hotel Adriatico is another top pick when it comes to modern hotels in the heart of Florence. This four-star hotel is within easy walking distance of the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza dell Signoria and loads of pedestrian shopping streets. Here guests can choose between classic rooms, superior rooms, junior suites and suites, each of which comes with soundproofing, air conditioning, WiFi access, LCD satellite TV and electronic safe.
Onsite dining options include the I Delfini e La Vela restaurant which serves traditional Florentine and Tuscan dishes, plus the Vespucci American Bar which serves cocktails, light snacks and Italian coffee. Other onsite services and facilities include free WiFi access throughout, parking, relaxation lounge, exhibition area and free gym.
NH Firenze
Located in the Porta al Prato zone of the city, close to the ancient Walls of Florence, NH Firenze is just steps away from Cascine Park the city's largest green space. This four-star hotel is made up of 152 modern rooms, divided between single, standard, superior and superior XL rooms and junior suite, suite and presidential suite categories. Each guestroom comes with free WiFi access, satellite TV, balcony, sitting area and private bathroom with bath, whilst the suites are much larger and also come with separate lounge with sofa bed and better views.
Onsite dining options include continental breakfast buffet, NH Firenze Restaurant which specialises in Tuscan cuisine and the NH Firenze Bar which serves informal lunch and drinks throughout the day. Within the hotel you'll also find free gym with cardio machines and weights, free WiFi access throughout and room service. Note: no onsite parking is available.
Restaurants and Bars for Florence in February
La Buchetta
For superb food and wine in Florence, it's tough to beat La Buchetta. Open daily from 9am until 2am, this restaurant specialises in simple, modern Italian cuisine and although there is only a small selection of dishes on the main menu, everything is cooked skilfully and to perfection. The main menu features steak, beef and chicken, plus grilled vegetables, peas Florentine and roast potatoes for vegetarians.
As well as the main menu, La Buschetta also offers five happy hour menus salads, platters, carpaccio, croutons and sandwiches which work out superb value for money. The drinks menu is made up of mostly red, wine, rose and sparkling wines, with more than 20 different variations.
Dal Barone
For something a bit more budget-friendly, try Dal Barone. This small family-run restaurant serves up a selection of cheese boards, cold cut platters and gourmet sandwiches, such as gorgonzola with grilled eggplant and zucchini. The drinks are also remarkably cheap here, with wine by the litre, wine by the glass, beers, spirits and soft drinks all very competitively priced for an establishment in Florence.
Whilst it might not be sophisticated enough for a romantic meal, Dal Barone is a great place to grab a snack or enjoy a drink without going over budget.
Vini e Vecchi Sapori
Vini e Vecchi Sapori is ideal if you're looking for something more refined. Open Thursday to Tuesday from noon until 3pm for lunch and from 7pm to 11.15pm for dinner, this restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine in cosy home-like surroundings. The menu features classic dishes such as veal osso bucco, wild boar pappardelle and homemade cheese-stuffed ravioli in tomato sauce, plus traditional Italian desserts such as tiramisu.
There is a great selection of Florentine wines available and the cheapest option the house wine is superb. This restaurant gets booked up months in advance, so reserve a table before your holiday if you really want to go.
Things to Do in Florence in February
Piazzale Michelangelo
Piazzale Michelangelo is one of the most-visited squares in Florence. Designed in 1869 by Guiseppe Poggio, this square is best known for its panoramic views which span across the whole of Florence over to the Arno Valley. The style of the square is typical of the 19th century and today is full of vendors selling all sorts of souvenirs, from postcards, city guides and maps to miniature statues, handbags and jewellery.
Since February is part of the quiet season for Florence, this month is one of the best to visit, when there will be hardly any tourists and you'll be able to admire the views and snap photos in peace.
Loggia dei Lanzi
Located on the corner of the Pizza della Signoria, the Loggia dei Lanzi is a historic building famed for its beauty and impressive architecture. Built between 1376 and 1382 by Benci di Cione, the arched gallery was originally used for important ceremonies and meetings, but today it is solely a tourist attraction, decorated with several statues.
The structure is comprised of two wide arches which open out onto the street and rest on clustered pilasters which feature Corinthian capitals. Some of the most popular statues include the bronze Perseus, the marble Abduction of the Sabine Virgins and Hercules Slaying the Centaur Nessus.
Firenzeart Gallery
Most art galleries specialise in classic art, which is what makes the Firenzeart Gallery really stand out. This art gallery is dedicated to contemporary art all of which is available to buy for various prices up to 3,000. Paintings available to buy come in all sorts of styles, including figurative art, landscapes, cities, flowers, compositions, seas, graphics, portraits, informal, still life, abstractionism, pop art, surrealism, sculpture, antique trade and naïf, so you're sure to find something which catches your eye.
Most of the pieces here have been created by up-and-coming local artists, so not only will you have a unique piece of original artwork if you decide to buy something here, but you'll also be supporting creative Florentines trying to make a living out of their art.
Palazzo Strozzi
The Palazzo Strozzi is a palace which was built in a renaissance style between 1489 and 1538 for Filippo Strozzi the Elder. Today the palace isn't a formal residence, but instead an art museum committed to making art more accessible to people. The Courtyard (open daily from 9am to 10pm) is the centre of the palace and hosts film nights, free music concerts and a permanent exhibition of the history of the palace with interactive touch screens.
The basement of the palace is also worthy of a visit, as it houses an important museum dedicated to contemporary art. Loads of activities and events designed to get people excited about art also take place here, including art workshops, discounted family days, storytelling for children, art classes and casual art discussion nights.
