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Is November a Good Time to Visit Florence?
November is one of the best months to visit Florence, owing to cheaper airfare, fewer crowds, cooler weather throughout the day, and several cultural events taking place.
Why You Should Visit Florence in November
- Cool-weather with lower temperatures and frequent rains.
- Fewer crowds and lesser waiting times at most attractions as November is part of the shoulder season.
- Enjoy the festivities just before the holiday season crowds begin.
- Run the Florence Marathon, or attend the various film, art, and cultural events throughout the month.
What to Look Out for in Florence in November
- Florence experiences maximum rainfall in November. So make sure you carry an umbrella with you.
- Wind speeds are higher than in most months, so dress accordingly.
- It is advised to book tickets to tourist attractions beforehand to ensure entry during peak times.
- Some attractions may also require you to book a time slot before visiting.
Overview of Weather in Florence in November
November marks the closing of the autumn season in Florence, with an average temperature drop of more than 6℃. It is the month with the most rainfall in the city. It is also one of the months with the least sunshine and highest wind speeds throughout the year.
- Average Temperature: High - 14.7℃ Low - 5.1℃
- Average Rainfall: 113.6 mm
- Average Wind Speeds: 7 miles per hour
- Average Daylight Hours: 9.7
Best Things to do in Florence in November
1. Uffizi Gallery
Art Gallery | Tourist Hotspot
Uffizi Gallery, which was once the office room of the House of Medici, is now home to the Medici family’s carefully-curated art collection. The works of some of the finest artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michaelangelo on display, are admired by millions of visitors every year. Visit in November to skip the larger crowds.
November Timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM (Exit at 6:30 PM)
from €30
2. Florence Duomo
UNESCO Site | Tourist Hotspot
Florence Duomo, an excellent example of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, consists of six iconic religious structures. This includes the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Santa Reparata Church, the Museum of the Opera del Duomo, and the third-largest church in the world - the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
from €16
3. Accademia Gallery
Art Gallery | Top Attraction
The Galleria del Accademia, now known as the Accademia Gallery, was founded in 1748 by the then Grand Duke Peter Leopold, to promote the practice and education of art. The Gallery features the works of Renaissance artists like Jacopo di Cione, Bernardo Daddi, Michelangelo, and Giotto. Take your own time to admire the mesmerizing artworks, in the less crowded November.
November Timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM (Last entry at 5:45 PM)
from €20
4. Boboli Gardens
Open-Air Museum | UNESCO Site
The Boboli Gardens is the largest open-air museum in Florence, spread across 111 acres featuring a plethora of sculptures, grottoes, fountains, and varying topographies. It is all the more beautiful to stroll across the Upper Botanical Garden and the Viale dei Cipressi amidst the November rains.
November Timings: Daily from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM) Closed: 1 & 30 November
from €20
5. Palazzo Pitti
Museum | Historical Monument
The Palazzo Pitti, initially built as the house of Florentine industrialist Lucca Pitti, is now the largest museum in Florence. This excellent example of Renaissance architecture houses the Palantine Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Royal Apartment, the Treasury of the Grand Dukes (the Silver Museum), and the Museum of Costume and Fashion. Explore the museum with shorter queues when you visit in November.
November Timings: Tue - Sun: 1:30 PM - 6:50 PM
6. Palazzo Vecchio
Town Hall | Top Attraction
Initially called Palazzo della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio is a museum and the city’s town hall. Constructed on the ruins of the Uberti family’s palace, Palazzo Vecchio is truly a structure that depicts the rich culture, history, and architecture of Florence through its opulent design. November is one of the best times to visit this otherwise crowded attraction.
November Timings: Fri - Wed: 9 AM to 7 PM | Thur - 9 AM to 2 PM
from €18.50
7. Museo del Bargello
Art Museum | Historical Monument
Originally designed as a barracks and prison, the Museo del Bargello is now an art museum with one of the largest collections of sculptures from the Renaissance period. The museum also has a fine collection of ceramics, textiles, tapestries, ivory, silver, armor, and coins. It is one of the lesser crowded museums to visit in Florence in November to see the works of renowned artists like Michelangelo and Donatello amongst others.
November Timings: Daily from 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM
8. Medici Chapels
Tomb Museum | Top Attraction
The Medici Chapels is the museum and burial place of the Medici family. It was built as a part of the Basilica di San Lorenzo church complex by Michelangelo and Buontalenti between the 16th and 17th centuries. The Chapel of the Princes and the Sagrestia Nuova (New Sacristy) are architectural marvels not to be missed when you visit in November.
November Timings: Wed - Fri from 1:15 PM to 6:50 PM | Sat - Mon from 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM
Closed: 7th, the 13th, the 21st, and the 27th of November.
9. Siena Cathedral
Church | Historical Monument
Siena Cathedral is one of the oldest and most illustrious churches in Siena, an hour's drive from Florence. The Gothic structure was built in 1255 A.D. by Pope Alexander IV in honor of the Virgin Mary. You can see the New Testament etched on bronze doors and glass windows painted by various Renaissance artists, up-close in November amongst the fewer crowds.
November Timings: Mon - Sat from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM) | Sundays & public holidays from 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
from €9
10. Day Trip to Pisa
Day Trip | International Landmark
Explore the historic city of Pisa and visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World on a day trip from Florence. Choose from the various half-day and full-day excursion options from Florence to Pisa in luxury coaches. Get a guided tour around famous landmarks like the Piazza Dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower of Pisa when you visit this November.
from €24
11. Wine Tasting at Chianti
Day Trip | Culinary Experience
Enjoy the Tuscan countryside experience at Chianti while holidaying in Florence. Take a trip along the hills and tingle your tastebuds at one of the wineries in Chianti, just a bus ride away from the city of Florence. With a few stops on the way, it could be a beautiful full-day trip during the November rains.
from €64
12. Train Rides at Cinque Terre
Day Trip | Adventure Experience
Discover the Italian seaside while holidaying in Florence. Hop on a coach and head towards the Ligurian coast of Cinque Terre to enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Here you can find train rides that promise great vistas of Florence and the colorful fishing villages along the Italian Riviera. You can also enjoy dipping in the cool beach waters in November!
from €840
Festivals in Florence in November
The Festival dei Popoli
Venue: Various sites across Florence (TBA)
Dates: 5th November 2022 - 13th November 2022
Festival dei Popoli is the oldest and one of the most important International Documentary Film Festivals in Europe. The 63rd edition of the annual event is set to take place across various venues in Florence, in November 2022. The Festival program includes documentary screenings, artist tributes, workshops, debates, special events, and competitions across two levels - International and Italian.
Know more
Lo schermo dell’arte Cinema and Contemporary Art Festival
Venue: Cinema La Compagnia, Manifattura Tabacchi, Florence
Dates: 16th November 2022 - 20th November 2022
The 15th edition of Lo schermo dell’arte Cinema and Contemporary Art Festival will be held in Florence in November this year. The Festival is an international event that showcases some of the best works of contemporary artists and filmmakers from across the globe. The Art Festival includes exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programs, and talks with artists, authors, and curators.
Know more
Weihnachtsmarkt Santa Croce
Venues: Piazza of the Basilica di Santa Croce, Florence
Dates: 28th November 2022 - 20th December 2022
For the last 500 years, the Weihnachtsmarkt market has been an annual tradition in Florence, marking the onset of Christmas festivities in the city. The traditional festive market spread out in the piazza of the Basillica di Santa Croce offers a variety of local and international delicacies and gifts, set up in open-air wooden stalls. The market remains open from 10 am - 10 pm every day.
Know moreEvents in Florence in November
Olafur Eliasson Art Exhibition
Venue: Palazzo Strozzi, Florence
Dates: 22nd September 2022 - 22nd January 2023
The Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi in collaboration with Castello di Rivoli Museo d’Arte Contemporanea, is hosting an exhibition by the internationally renowned artist Olafur Eliasson. For this exhibition, Arturo Galansino has curated some of the artist’s best works from his 30 years of practice. New works devised especially for Palazzo Strozzi will also be on display.
Know more
Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) Concert
Venue: Tuscany Hall, Teatro di Firenze, Florence
Dates: 25th November 2022
The legendary Italian progressive rock band Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) will be performing in Florence in November. The concert will be a part of their PFM 1972-2022 tour, celebrating their history in rock music spanning half a century. The concert features artists Franz Di Cioccio, Patrick Djivas, Alessandro Bonetti, Alessandro Scaglione, Marco Sfogli, Eugenio Mori, and special guest Luca Zabbini.
Know more
Florence Marathon
Venue: All across Florence starting at Piazza Duomo
Dates: 27th November 2022
An annual sporting event held on the last Sunday of November, the Florence Marathon, brings in thousands of participants from all over the world. The marathon, now in its 38th year, is a 42 kilometers and 195 meters run that lets you see the architecture, art, and culture of the historic city of Florence.
Know moreKnow Before You Visit Florence in November
Travel Essentials
What to Wear
What to Pack
Transport
Stay
Food
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Florence which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00).
- Currency: Euro | EUR | €
- Language: Italian
- Country code: +39
- Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, and medical services.
What to Wear in Florence in November
- The weather in Florence in November is cool and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 17-20 degrees Celsius. However, evenings can be quite chilly, so it is advisable to pack a light jacket or sweater.
- As for footwear, comfortable walking shoes are a must as you will be doing a lot of walking while sightseeing.
- If you are planning to visit any of the churches, make sure to pack a pair of socks as you will be required to remove your shoes before entering.
- Poncho or raincoat: November is the start of the rainy season in Florence, so pack a rainproof jacket or poncho to stay dry while exploring the city. An umbrella will also come in handy to shelter you from the rain.
What to Pack For Florence in November
- November is the rainiest month in Florence. Hence, do pack an umbrella, a poncho or raincoat, and waterproof boots for your trip.
- A good pair of walking shoes.
- Heavy cotton and light woolen clothes.
- Scarves and jackets for the windy days.
- A few pairs of thick socks.
- 3-pin to 2-pin converter plugs with round pins for the C, F, and L type sockets found in Florence.
Getting Around Florence in November
- By Bus: Autolinee Toscane runs a network of mini electric buses throughout Tuscany, offering rides to all major cities on a single ticket. Tickets can be bought digitally through the Tabnet app, or by sending a text message typed “Firenze” to 4880105. Tickets are also available at official ticket offices, vending machines, and authorized retailers.
- By Tram: Florence offers tram service across three lines in the city from 5:30 AM to midnight. Tram tickets can be purchased at the same points as bus tickets.
- By Cab: Unlike most other places, you cannot flag down a cab as it passes along the street in Florence. There are designated taxi stands in every major square and at the airport, from where you can hop into one. Pre-booking is done by calling one of these numbers: 0554242 / 0554390 / 0554798 / 0554499 or through the Taxi 4242 app. Taxis are the safest means to get around at night, especially for women traveling alone.
Where to Stay in Florence in November
Based on your itinerary, you could choose to stay in the residential area, or closer to the main attractions in the historic center, or towards the countryside. Here are some good options depending on your budget.
What to eat in Florence in November
Italian cuisine is known to be made from fresh ingredients, subtly seasoned with spices, and topped with creamy sauces. Here are some of the must-try dishes apart from their authentic pizzas, pasta, and risottos.
- Gelato: The world-famous Italian version of ice cream can surely be found all around Florence. Avoid street vendors and opt for cafes and restaurants that serve unique flavors and combinations in smaller batches.
- Bistecca Alla Fiorentina: If you wish to try out authentic Florentine food, then this must be the first dish you taste. This fire-grilled t-bone cut, seasoned with basic spices and roasted chestnuts is sure to give you the smokey flavor of the city.
- Antipasto Toscano: Also known as Crostini, this dish is an appetizer platter of bread and sauces. It introduces you to the various types of bruschetta (Tuscan bread), served with a variety of sauces, purees, vegetables, and toppings.
Explore Florence Through the Year
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Florence in November
Is November a good time to visit Florence?
November is one of the best months to visit Florence, owing to cheaper airfare, fewer crowds, cooler weather throughout the day, and several cultural events taking place.
What are the best things to do in Florence in November?
Florence offers a great travel experience to visitors amidst the lesser crowds in November. You can visit the magnificent churches, admire artworks at the grand museums, go wine tasting in Chianti, hit the beaches along the Italian Riviera, or go on day trips to explore neighboring cities of Pisa and Siena.
Is Florence cold in November?
November is one of the cooler months in Florence marking a temperature drop of 6℃ from the previous month. The rains and strong winds can bring the temperature down to 5.1 ℃.
How hot is Florence in November?
Florence is comparatively cooler in November with the temperature going up to 14.7 ℃.
Can you swim in Florence in November?
The waters in Florence are cool in November, making them apt for some cool water swimming, especially towards the Italian coastline.
Is it sunny in Florence in November?
Florence gets almost 10 hours of daylight in November with just about 3 hours of sunshine, which is the least throughout the year.
What clothes to wear in Florence in November?
If you are stepping out without an umbrella, water-repelling clothes like raincoats and ponchos are recommended, along with rain boots. Otherwise, heavy cotton or woolen clothes would be comfortable. it is advised to wear a jacket or a scarf to withstand the winds.
Is it rainy in Florence in November?
The month of November marks the highest rainfall levels in Florence, averaging 113.6 mm.
Is Florence expensive to visit?
Florence is less expensive as compared to other neighboring European countries, especially if you make your bookings well in advance. Buses are cheaper and more connected to go around Florence and also to neighboring cities. Taxis, although expensive, are a safer option for night travel.
How safe is Florence?
Florence is generally a safe city for travelers. The crime rates are low, with just a few instances of pickpocketing and theft. However, some parts of the city may not be so safe at night, especially for women. In case of any emergency, you can dial 112 for police, fire services, and medical help.
What can I see in Florence in November?
Florence is an open museum of Renaissance art and architecture, which can be explored and admired at a leisurely pace in November. Some of the must-see attractions include Florence Duomo, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Vecchio, Boboli Gardens, Uffizi Gallery, Museo del Bargello, and Medici Chapels.
What are the major events in Florence in November?
November is when the city’s biggest annual sporting event, the Florence Marathon is held. This November, you will also get to experience a music concert by legendary Italian rock band Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM), and an art exhibition by artist Olafur Eliasson.
What is the average temperature in Florence in November?
The average temperature in Florence during November ranges from 5.1 ℃ to 14.7 ℃.
What are the main festivals in Florence in November?
Tourists who visit Florence in November get to witness the Christmas festivities at the Weihnachtsmarkt market and attend film festivals like the Festival dei Popoli and the Lo schermo dell’arte Cinema and Contemporary Art Festival.