Tuscany in February: Weather, Carnivals, Winter Charm & Where to Stay in Florence
Timeless Wanderers: Posted November 22, 2025
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What to Expect in Tuscany in February
February often gets overlooked when people plan a trip to Tuscany, but we’ve come to love this month for exactly that reason.
It’s one of the quietest times of year, yet it still holds onto the warmth of Tuscan hospitality, the glow of winter light, and the slow, comforting pace that disappears once spring arrives.
When we’re in Tuscany in February, we notice the details more — the way morning fog settles over the vineyards, how cafés feel like little neighbourhood hubs, and how the locals love to pause and chat.
It’s a fantastic month if you enjoy meaningful travel over crowded sightseeing, and it’s budget-friendly too.
Flights dip, hotels reduce their rates, and even big destinations like Florence and Siena feel more relaxed.
February also surprises first-time visitors with its festive side.
Carnevale brings colour and energy to towns across the region, with parades, costumes, music, and long-standing traditions that make winter feel lively rather than quiet.
And on clear days, the countryside can be gorgeous — crisp air, bare vines, and dramatic light that photographers absolutely adore.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, atmospheric, and affordable month to explore Tuscany, February might just be your new favourite.
Tuscany in February feels authentic, calm, and wonderfully local.
This isn’t a month for racing around ticking off a long sightseeing list — it’s more about soaking up the everyday atmosphere of winter life.
You’ll find cosy trattorias with roaring fireplaces, near-empty piazzas that feel like they’re all yours, and museums where you can take your time.
The countryside is quiet too.
Vineyards rest, olive trees stand against soft winter skies, and many wineries focus on cellar work rather than tours, though some remain open by appointment.
Hill towns like Pienza, Volterra, and Montepulciano are peaceful in February, which makes wandering their stone streets even more atmospheric.
Florence and Siena are at their most enjoyable for travellers who prefer space over buzz.
You can walk into the Uffizi or Accademia with minimal waits, explore neighbourhoods without crowds, and enjoy conversations that often don’t happen during peak months.
And then, there’s Carnevale — the part of February that brings a burst of colour, costumes, and celebration.
Depending on where you go, you might stumble upon a small village parade, a local food festival, or a full-blown carnival with floats, music, and masks.
Tuscany Weather in February
February is still very much winter in Tuscany, but temperatures are generally manageable — cold enough for coats and scarves, but not icy.
You’ll likely experience a mix of sunny days, cloudy spells, and some rain.
Typical February temperatures:
Daytime: 8–12°C (46–54°F)
Evening: 2–5°C (35–41°F)
Coldest mornings: occasionally down to 0–1°C (32–34°F)
What the weather feels like
Crisp mornings with mist in the countryside
Soft winter light — fantastic for photography
Cooler evenings perfect for warm dinners and red wine
Variable conditions: sunny one day, drizzly the next
Snow is rare in cities like Florence and Siena, but possible (though light) in higher hill towns or the Apennines.
February also tends to have fewer rainy days compared to November and December, though showers are still possible.
What to pack
Warm coat
Scarf, gloves, and a beanie (especially for mornings/evenings)
Waterproof shoes
Layers for flexible days
A compact umbrella
A warmer evening outfit if you plan on dinners outside the city center (old stone towns get chilly)
Why Visit Tuscany in February?
Here are the reasons we personally love Tuscany in February — and why this month might suit your style too:
1. Fewer crowds
This is one of the quietest months of the year. Florence feels spacious, Pisa’s sites are nearly empty, and Siena’s Piazza del Campo is peaceful enough to enjoy long, quiet moments.
2. Great travel deals
Flights, hotels, and even some tours drop in price. It’s one of the most affordable times of year to visit.
3. Carnevale
Tuscany has its own carnival traditions, and February is full of them — from small village celebrations to the iconic Carnival of Viareggio.
4. Cosy winter atmosphere
Think fireplaces in countryside hotels, long lunches, and evenings with bowls of ribollita and glasses of Chianti.
5. A chance to live like a local
With fewer tourists around, it’s easier to enjoy Tuscany as local life unfolds naturally.
6. Easier museum visits
If you’ve ever queued outside the Uffizi in summer, February feels like a completely different world.
7. Dramatic countryside
Bare vines, misty mornings, and winter light make Tuscany gorgeous in a quiet, understated way.
8. Valentine’s Day
Tuscany is one of the most romantic regions in Italy — perfect for couples visiting mid-month.
Festivals & Events in Tuscany in February
February may be quiet, but it certainly isn’t dull. Here are some of the key events you’ll likely encounter:
1. Carnevale (Carnival Season)
Late January through February
Tuscany celebrates Carnival with parades, floats, masks, costume parties, and plenty of festive food. Every town does it differently, but here are the main highlights:
Viareggio Carnival
The most famous carnival in Tuscany, known for its enormous papier-mâché floats, parades along the promenade, music, food stalls, and fireworks. It runs across several weekends.
Foiano della Chiana Carnival
One of Europe’s oldest carnivals, known for its giant handcrafted floats and strong local tradition.
Pietrasanta Carnival
Much smaller but very community-oriented — perfect if you want a local celebration.
Florence Carnevale
Florence hosts various smaller celebrations, pop-up events, children’s parades, and themed museum activities.
2. Valentine’s Day
14 February
Restaurants offer special menus, hotels add romantic packages, and towns like Florence, Siena, and Lucca feel especially magical in the winter air.
3. Wine & Food Experiences
February is the season of comfort food in Tuscany. Expect:
Truffle dishes (especially in the hills of Siena)
Slow-cooked stews
Ribollita, pappa al pomodoro, and hearty soups
Local red wines served with winter pairings
Olive oil tastings from the recent harvest
Some wineries remain open for winter visits, especially those with indoor tasting rooms.
4. Art Exhibitions & Museum Events
Winter is exhibition season in Florence and Siena. With fewer crowds, February is one of the best months to enjoy:
The Uffizi
Accademia Gallery
Palazzo Pitti
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Museo Nazionale del Bargello
Often, these institutions host winter-specific exhibits or extended evening hours.
Best Things to Do in Tuscany in February
Here are our favourite experiences in Tuscany during this quiet winter month:
1. Explore Florence without crowds
Visit the Uffizi, climb the Duomo, walk across Ponte Vecchio, and enjoy Santa Croce with space to breathe.
2. Join a Carnevale event
Whether it’s Viareggio or a small village parade, Carnival season brings warmth to winter.
3. Visit Siena
Quiet, atmospheric, and perfect for leisurely exploration. The cathedral is stunning in winter light.
4. Wander hill towns
Places like Montepulciano, Pienza, Cortona, and Volterra feel peaceful and incredibly charming.
5. Take a winter cooking class
Perfect on a colder day — hearty Tuscan food is made for winter.
6. Warm up in a Tuscan thermal bath
Bagno Vignoni, Saturnia (though sometimes cool in Feb), Bagni San Filippo, Chianciano Terme — wonderful winter experiences.
7. Enjoy wine tastings
Some wineries offer indoor tastings focused on reds, which are perfect for this season.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Winter City Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, evening Christmas market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca’s city walls by bicycle and hot chocolate in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
5-Day Countryside Escape
Days 1–2: Florence highlights.
Day 3: Chianti for winery tastings and olive oil sampling.
Day 4: Val d’Orcia—Pienza and Montepulciano under a winter mist.
Day 5: Hot springs soak in Bagno Vignoni.
Florence in February: What to Expect
Florence is truly lovely in February.
The city is calm and elegant, with locals going about their routines and only a handful of travellers exploring the sights.
You can walk the historic center in peace, enjoy restaurants without reservations, and easily visit museums that are normally packed.
What February feels like in Florence
Cool mornings, crisp afternoons
Easier restaurant bookings
A more intimate experience of the city
Warm cafes and wine bars perfect for winter evenings
A good month for photography — fewer crowds, softer light
Museums & Galleries
February is one of the best times of year to visit the Uffizi and Accademia. You can take your time, enjoy the art, and actually see the details.
Valentine’s Day in Florence
Florence is naturally romantic — the Arno at sunset, rooftop bars, candlelit trattorias. February is perfect if you want a quieter, more intimate visit.
Tours of Florence
Joining a tour can help save you time waiting in line, allow you to learn more about Florence from a knowledgeable guide, and introduce you to sights that you may not be able to do on your own.
Here are some of the best tours in Florence.
This small group tour is the perfect way to get the most out of your visit to the Uffizi Gallery.
Climb the dome, visit the Baptistery, and tour the Opera del Duomo Museum with an experienced guide on this small group tour.
Take a guided tour of the Uffizi and Accademia.
Go shopping in the central market in Florence and then learn how to cook a Tuscan meal. This tour gets nothing but rave reviews.
Take a food tour of Florence or a 2-hour guided sightseeing bike tour.
Where to Stay in Florence — Hotel Recommendations
Luxury
Portrait Firenze — River-front suites, handcrafted interiors, and one of the best Ponte Vecchio views in the city; superb for a romantic, high-service stay.
Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy — Iconic 5-star on Piazza della Repubblica, minutes from the Duomo and Uffizi; classic luxe, great concierge service.
Mid-Range
Grand Hotel Minerva — Rooftop terrace and pool (seasonal), easy walk to Santa Maria Novella and the Duomo — excellent mix of comfort and location.
Hotel L’Orologio — Stylish, themed hotel on Piazza Santa Maria Novella; compact, polished rooms and very walkable to Florence’s highlights.
Boutique
Helvetia & Bristol Firenze – Starhotels Collezione — Elegant palazzo setting, antique details, and refined service — a short stroll from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
Palazzo Vecchietti – Residenza d’Epoca — A tiny historic palazzo turned luxury-boutique property; feels like living in a Renaissance home. Fantastic location near Palazzo Strozzi.
Budget / Hostel
Ostello Bello Firenze — Highly rated, social hostel in the heart of Florence — private rooms available if you want budget with style and great communal spaces.
Hostel Archi Rossi — Simple, clean, and very central (near Santa Maria Novella train station) — great for budget travellers who want to be in the thick of things.
P.S. You can read my full guide on hotel recommendations and insights! “Where to Stay in Florence : Best Neighbourhoods, Hotels & Insider Tips”
FAQs — Tuscany in February
Is February a good time to visit Tuscany?
Yes — fewer tourists, lower prices, and authentic local life. It’s ideal if you like quieter museums, cosy meals, and winter light over the hills.What’s the weather like in February?
Expect cool days (around 8–12°C) and chilly evenings (around 2–5°C). Mornings can be misty; higher hills and Apennines may see snow.Will there be festivals or events in February?
Yes — Carnevale runs through February (town parades, masks, and floats). There are also Valentine’s specials, local food events, and some winter exhibitions in Florence.Do attractions stay open in February?
Major museums and sights in Florence, Siena, and Pisa are open year-round. Some smaller rural attractions and agriturismi may have reduced hours — check ahead.Can I visit wineries and do tastings?
Yes — many wineries remain open for winter tastings and cellar tours, though some require appointments in the low season.Are thermal springs a good option in February?
Absolutely — hot springs like Saturnia and Bagno Vignoni are particularly lovely in winter (warm water + cool air = magic).Should I rent a car in February?
A car is great for countryside exploring, but check weather (fog, occasional frost) and be comfortable driving narrow regional roads. Trains work well between major cities.What should I pack for February in Tuscany?
Layered clothing: warm coat, sweaters, scarf, gloves, waterproof shoes/boots, and an umbrella. A smart outfit for dinners helps if you plan on nicer restaurants.Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in February.
Final Thoughts
Tuscany in February isn’t the obvious choice, but that’s exactly why it’s so special.
The crowds are gone, the prices are lower, and the region feels wonderfully authentic.
Museums are more enjoyable, hill towns are peaceful, and the winter light makes even a simple walk feel cinematic.
And then there’s Carnevale — a burst of colour and joy that breaks up the quiet of winter.
If you’re dreaming of a trip where you can really take your time, enjoy local life, and sink into the charm of Tuscany at your own pace, February is one of the best months of the year to visit.
PLAN YOUR TUSCANY ADVENTURE
These are our favorite companies we use when planning a trip, they consistently have the best prices, great customer service, and overall, are better than their competitors.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
CAR RENTAL – We recommend using Discover Cars or Rental Cars when booking a car rental, they work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs.
TRAINS – TRAINLINE – is our favorite, this site is very reliable and easy to use.
BUS – OMIO – this website allows you to book train or bus tickets to travel from city to city the best and cheapest way. FLIXBUS is another terrific website with routes between 20 European countries.
ACCOMMODATIONS
BOOKING.com – is our go to for hotel searches around the world, we find they always have the cheapest rates and offer different payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
HOSTELWORLD – is great if you’re traveling on a budget, and if you need a cheap place to stay.
SIGHTSEEING TOURS
GET YOUR GUIDE – is our favorite; they have stacks of tours and excursions available in cities all over the world. VIATOR is another great website for all types of tours.
TAKE WALKS – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
SAFETY WING – is our go to travel medical insurance company, especially for longer trips. You can either purchase a monthly plan or a plan for specific trip dates (i.e. 1-2 week trips). They cover people from all over the world, while outside their home country.
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.