- Why this month: The Giardino dell'Iris is only open from roughly April 25 to May 20, and May is the sweet spot.
- Best time: 9am–11am or after 5pm
- Book by: No booking needed
- Crowds: Low to moderate, much lighter than nearby Piazzale Michelangelo
- Terraced paths fill with iris varieties while the city spreads out below the hillside.
- Don't miss: The upper terraces with Duomo views through the flower beds
- Insider tip: Pair it with a sunset return to Piazzale Michelangelo instead of doing both at once.
Florence in May: Weather, crowds, events and things to do
Florence in Spring: How May compares
| Category | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
Weather | 12–19°C (54–66°F); mild, fresher evenings, occasional rain | 15–23°C (59–73°F); warm, bright, and easy for full walking days | 20–28°C (68–82°F); hotter afternoons, stronger sun, more heat buildup |
Crowds | Moderate to high around Easter and spring weekends | Moderate to high; steady demand all month | High; event-heavy and closer to summer peak |
Atmosphere | Spring starts to feel real; Easter rituals and garden openings | Green hills, longer evenings, outdoor dining, and a city that stays out later | More heat, busier streets, and a louder event calendar |
Key events | Scoppio del Carro, Maggio Musicale opens, Iris Garden opens late month | Maggio Musicale peak, Iris Garden bloom, MIDA closing days, Mugello MotoGP late month | Firenze Rocks, Calcio Storico, San Giovanni, Pitti Uomo |
Public holidays | Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, Liberation Day on April 25 | Labour Day on May 1 | Republic Day on June 2, San Giovanni on June 24 |
Budget | Slightly easier than May except Easter week | Strong shoulder-to-peak pricing, especially weekends | Higher than May, with major spikes around mid- and late June |
Best for | Easter traditions, cool-weather walking, earlier spring | Balanced weather, gardens, art, and countryside day trips | Festival-goers, long evenings, and travelers who do not mind heat |
Book early? | Yes for Easter, Duomo, and major museums | Yes for museums, dome climbs, and late-May stays | Definitely; June is one of the hardest months for central hotels |
Transport tips | Easy on foot; holiday closures can affect schedules | Walking is ideal; reserve trains or day tours for late-May weekends | Start early, avoid midday heat, and expect fuller buses and trains |
Top things to do in Florence in May
Offbeat experiences in May
Planning your May visit
| Lead time | What to book | Why & when | Seasonal price change |
|---|---|---|---|
2–3 months ahead | Central Florence hotel for May 29–31 Mugello weekend | Book by early March if you want walkable central stays before MotoGP demand hits | May 29–31: often +25–45% vs early-May weekdays |
4–6 weeks ahead | Florence Duomo with Brunelleschi Dome Access | Morning dome slots go first; aim for 8am–9am entries on clear-weather days | Official ticket price stays flat; scarcity is in the early slots |
3–5 weeks ahead | Uffizi Gallery Timed Entry Tickets | Book as soon as dates are fixed if you want opening-hour or weekend entries | Official ticket price stays flat; nearby weekend hotel rates can run +10–15% vs Sun–Tue |
2–4 weeks ahead | Accademia Gallery Priority Entry Tickets | David is a shorter visit, but prime morning slots still sell steadily in May | Official ticket price stays flat; late-booked resale-style options usually cost more |
1–2 weeks ahead | Pitti Palace & Boboli Gardens Timed Entry Tickets | Best for dry-weather days; book once you see the forecast taking shape | Usually flat; weekend demand rises, but prices do not surge much |
1–3 weeks ahead | From Florence: Chianti Wineries Tour with Wine Tasting | Spring weekend departures fill before weekdays, especially for small-group comfort | Fri–Sun departures: often +10–20% vs midweek |
2–3 weeks ahead | From Florence: Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano & Chianti Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Lunch | Long Tuscan sampler tours sell on convenience; late-May departures go first | Late-May weekends: commonly +10–15% vs early-May midweek |
3–7 days ahead | City Sightseeing: Florence Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour | Flexible choice for clear-viewpoint days or tired-feet afternoons | Usually stable; little seasonal movement outside holiday weekends |
May highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers
Florence in May: Your perfect 3-day itinerary
Best day trips from Florence in May
Go shopping in Florence in May
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