Florence in April: Spring Light, Open Streets & a City Coming Alive
Timeless Wanderers: Posted January 2, 2026
“Florence in April is when the city begins to leave winter behind.”
Spring has properly arrived, days are longer and brighter, and the city begins to open outward — café tables spill into piazzas, gardens show fresh green, and there’s a gentle energy in the streets.
It’s a great time to visit, especially if you want to experience Florence at its most inviting, without the intense heat of summer.
April brings a noticeable shift in mood. Locals linger longer outdoors, evening walks stretch later into the day, and Florence feels lighter — both visually and emotionally.
While visitor numbers increase compared to winter, the city still feels manageable, especially if you plan your days well and embrace a slower pace.
For travellers who want spring weather, cultural depth, and a lively yet still walkable Florence, April offers a rewarding time — vibrant without being overwhelming.
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After more than 20 years of travelling to Tuscany—and loving it so much we decided to make it our home—we now live here and explore the region at a relaxed, local pace.
Planning a trip to Tuscany is exciting, but choosing where to go, how long to stay, and how to get around can quickly become overwhelming.
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Why Visit Florence in April?
1. True Spring Weather
April is one of Florence’s most comfortable months.
Days are mild, evenings are pleasant, and walking the city becomes effortless again after winter.
It’s ideal for sightseeing, neighbourhood wandering, and spending time outdoors.
You’ll notice the city feels brighter — not just because of the weather, but because life shifts outside.
2. A City That Feels Alive
Florence in April has energy without chaos. Museums, restaurants, and shops are fully open, cultural life is active, and the city feels engaged rather than crowded.
It’s a wonderful month for travellers who enjoy atmosphere and movement, but still want moments of calm.
3. Still Easier Than Peak Season
While April is busier than March, it’s far more manageable than May through September.
Early mornings, late afternoons, and weekday visits still allow you to explore comfortably.
With a little flexibility, April remains an enjoyable time to see Florence’s highlights.
4. Ideal for First-Time Visitors
April’s mild weather, full opening hours, and lively atmosphere make it a strong choice for first-time visitors who want a classic Florence experience without extreme heat or winter quiet.
Florence Weather in April: What to Expect
April brings stable spring conditions, though occasional showers are possible.
Average daytime temperatures: 13–20°C (55–68°F)
Evening temperatures: 8–12°C (46–54°F)
Rain: Occasional spring showers
Sunlight: Long, bright days
Overall, April weather is excellent for walking, sightseeing, and day trips.
What to Pack for Florence in April
Light layers (cardigans, long sleeves)
A light jacket or blazer
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Small umbrella or light rain jacket
Florence in April is about flexibility — warm afternoons and cooler evenings.
Best Things to Do in Florence in April
1. Visit Museums with Smart Timing
April is still a good month for Florence’s museums, especially if you plan ahead.
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for visiting the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery, where crowds are manageable outside peak hours. Booking tickets in advance becomes more helpful from April onward.
2. Explore the Duomo Complex
The Duomo complex is especially rewarding in April. Spring light enhances the marble details, and climbing the Dome or Bell Tower is far more comfortable than in summer heat.
While queues are longer than winter, the experience remains enjoyable with early entry.
3. Walk Florence’s Neighbourhoods
April is one of the best months for walking Florence.
Oltrarno feels lively yet authentic, with artisans and cafés fully active
Santa Croce offers wide streets and open piazzas perfect for spring wandering
San Lorenzo blends markets, food, and daily life
This is a month where walking becomes the highlight.
4. Enjoy Gardens and Green Spaces
April marks the return of Florence’s outdoor spaces.
Boboli Gardens begin to bloom
Smaller neighbourhood gardens feel fresh and inviting
Hilltop viewpoints become comfortable again
Florence feels greener and softer in April.
5. Outdoor Cafés and Aperitivo
April is when outdoor café culture truly returns. Aperitivo in piazzas becomes a daily ritual, and meals stretch longer into the evening.
It’s one of the pleasures of visiting Florence in spring.
6. Cultural Events and Exhibitions
April often brings seasonal exhibitions, concerts, and cultural programming.
While not dominated by major festivals, it offers a steady rhythm of events that add depth to a visit.
You can read my full Comprehensive Guide on Florence here
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 in April
Whether you base yourself in Florence for day trips or spend your whole Tuscany trip there, April offers great accommodation choices with excellent weather for walking everywhere.
Here are the best neighbourhoods for a April visit:
1. Duomo / Historic Centre
Best for first-time visitors and sightseeing.
Why stay here in April:
Close to major sights
Great for sunrise/sunset walks
Ideal for travellers wanting everything on their doorstep
Hotel picks:
Hotel Spadai – Modern, stylish rooms steps from the Duomo with exceptional comfort and soundproofing.
FH55 Hotel Calzaiuoli – Bright, comfortable rooms on Via Calzaiuoli, perfectly located near the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.
Rocco Forte Hotel Savoy (Luxury) – Elegant 5-star hotel on Piazza della Repubblica with refined rooms and classic Florentine luxury.
2. Santa Croce
A lively, local neighbourhood with great restaurants.
Why stay here in April:
Perfect for dining outdoors
Close to the Arno River for evening strolls
Less touristy than the Duomo area
Hotel picks:
La Maison du Sage – Cozy boutique hotel with elegant rooms, warm service, and central Santa Croce location.
Hotel Mulino di Firenze – Quiet riverside stay with comfortable rooms and friendly hospitality.
Plaza Hotel Lucchesi – Stylish hotel with rooftop pool and panoramic views of the Arno River.
3. Oltrarno (Santo Spirito / San Frediano)
Florence’s artisan heart with a local feel.
Why stay here in April:
Best cafés and trattorias spill onto small piazzas
Lovely May evenings for aperitivo
Close to Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace
Hotel picks:
Hotel Lungarno – Luxury hotel on the Arno with elegant rooms and excellent service.
Casa Botticelli – Boutique accommodation with stylish interiors and a charming, local vibe.
Palazzo Guadagni – Boutique property with historic character and central access to artisan shops.
4. Santa Maria Novella
Convenient and surprisingly stylish.
Why stay here in April:
Great for day trips by train
Easy arrival/departure
Wide choice of modern hotels
Hotel picks:
The Place Firenze – Modern, comfortable rooms with central location near Santa Maria Novella station.
c-hotels Ambasciatori – Contemporary hotel offering easy access to Florence sights and transport links.
25hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino – Stylish boutique hotel with fun design and convenient central location.
5. Fiesole (Just Outside Florence)
A quiet hilltop escape with stunning views.
Why stay here in April:
Perfect weather for panoramic sunsets
Great base for hiking
Peaceful alternative to staying downtown
Hotel picks:
Belmond Villa San Michele – Luxury hilltop hotel with breathtaking views, historic charm, and exceptional service.
Hotel Villa Fiesole – Elegant property with panoramic terraces, peaceful gardens, and a relaxing atmosphere.
P.S. You can read my full guide on where to Stay in Florence for more hotel recommendations and insights!
Other accommodation in Tuscany.
Florence in April for Food & Wine Lovers
April brings a noticeable shift in Florence’s food scene.
Lighter spring dishes begin appearing
Seasonal vegetables feature more prominently
Wine bars and enotecas feel lively
Long lunches and outdoor dinners return
It’s a rewarding month for relaxed, social dining.
Getting Around Florence in April
Walking remains the best way to explore
Buses and trams are reliable
Taxis are useful during busy periods
Comfortable footwear remains essential on cobblestone streets.
- Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in March.
Best Day Trips from Florence in April
Pisa (½ day)
Lucca (full day)
Siena (full day)
San Gimignano & Volterra (full-day duo)
Chianti wineries
Val d’Orcia road trip (ideal with a Car Rental:)
April temperatures make exploring comfortable and uncrowded.
12 Amazing Day Trips From Florence.
A Perfect day trip From Florence To Pisa And Lucca
Bologna or Venice (Train Option)
Train enthusiasts will love how connected Florence is: Bologna is roughly 35–40 minutes away by high-speed train, and Venice is around 2 hours — both offering extraordinary culture, food, and architecture for a long day trip.
Fiesole — Local Hilltop Escape
For a closer getaway, the small Etruscan town of Fiesole is just a short bus ride away, offering quiet ruins, sweeping views, and a peaceful contrast to the city below.
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day City Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, sunset market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca city walls by bicycle and a Aperitif 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 golden sunset.
Day 5: Hot springs soak in Bagno Vignoni.
How to Spend 7 Magical Days in Tuscany by Car
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in April.
Florence in April: FAQs
Is April a good time to visit Florence?
Yes. April offers spring weather, full cultural life, and a lively but still enjoyable atmosphere.
Is Florence crowded in April?
It’s busier than winter months, but still manageable — especially with early starts and advance bookings.
What is the weather like in Florence in April?
Mild, bright, and comfortable, with occasional rain.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
For major museums, booking ahead is recommended from April onward.
Is April good for first-time visitors?
Very much so. It offers classic Florence conditions without extreme heat.
What should I pack for Florence in April?
Light layers, a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and rain protection.
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Tuscany?
(Short Answer: Yes — It’s Still a Smart Idea)
Travel insurance isn’t legally required to visit Tuscany, but it’s one of the smartest things you can have when travelling in Italy.
Even in a relaxed destination like Tuscany, things can go wrong — from delayed flights and lost luggage to medical issues, rental car damage, or unexpected trip cancellations.
And while Italy has excellent healthcare, medical treatment for visitors can still be costly without proper coverage.
As long-term travellers living in Italy, we’ve found SafetyWing to be a practical option for trips around Europe, offering coverage for medical care, travel delays, and lost belongings without complicated fine print.
SafetyWing
(Best for Long-Term Travel & Affordability)
We personally use SafetyWing, and have since 2019.
It’s perfect for travelling, spending multiple weeks or a whole year abroad.
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It’s the kind of insurance you hope you never need—but you’ll be very glad you have if something unexpected happens.
Final Thoughts: Florence in April
Florence in April feels open, bright, and welcoming.
The city has fully emerged from winter, yet hasn’t reached the intensity of summer.
Streets feel lively but not chaotic, museums are active without being exhausting, and outdoor life becomes part of everyday experience again.
For travellers seeking spring weather, culture, and a sense of Florence in motion, April is a wonderful time to visit — energetic, elegant, and deeply enjoyable.
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 –OMIO – 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.