Tuscany in August: Weather, Crowds, Where to Stay & What to Expect
Timeless Wanderers: Posted February 1, 2026
Tuscany in August: What to Know Before You Go
August in Tuscany is intense, beautiful, and often misunderstood.
It’s the hottest month of the year and the busiest for visitors, but it’s also when Tuscany settles into a slower pace.
Italians take their annual summer break, days stretch long into the evening, and life shifts to avoid the midday heat.
Travelling well in August means adjusting expectations.
Cities like Florence and Siena can feel overwhelming during the day, while the countryside, hill towns, and coast offer space, shade, and cooler nights.
Long lunches, late dinners, village festivals, and quiet moments away from the crowds become the highlights.
This guide looks at what Tuscany is really like in August — from weather and crowds to where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around — so you can plan a trip that feels relaxed, considered, and genuinely rewarding, even in peak summer.
Table of Contents
Weather in Tuscany in August
August is the hottest and driest month in Tuscany, particularly inland.
Daytime temperatures: 30–36°C
Evenings: 20–24°C
Rainfall: Minimal
Humidity: Higher in cities, lower in hill towns
Florence, Siena, and Pisa can feel stifling during the middle of the day, especially between 12pm and 4pm.
Stone streets and historic buildings trap heat, making cities feel warmer than the countryside.
Hill towns, coastal areas, and rural agriturismos are noticeably more comfortable — especially after sunset, when breezes return and temperatures drop.
Timeless tip: Plan sightseeing early in the morning and late afternoon. Midday is for lunch, rest, or shade — just as locals do.
We can help you plan your dream trip to Tuscany, with a personalised itinerary designed just for you.
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.
That’s where we come in.
We offer a personalised planning service that helps you decide exactly how to explore Tuscany, based on your travel style, budget, and pace.
Plus, we can help you plan scenic drives, time in hilltop towns, food and wine experiences, and those small local moments that make a trip truly special—making your Tuscany holiday easier, smoother, and full of memories you’ll treasure long after you return home.
“Let us plan your perfect trip with a custom itinerary designed just for you.
Fill out the form and let’s begin your dream.”
What to Expect in Tuscany in August
Crowds & Closures
August brings two major realities:
International tourists are everywhere
Italians take holidays — especially around Ferragosto (15 August)
In cities, attractions remain open and busy.
In smaller towns, some family-run restaurants, shops, and businesses may close for one to three weeks, particularly in the second half of August.
That said, tourist-focused restaurants, wineries, and hotels stay open — especially in popular destinations.
Atmosphere
Despite the heat and crowds, evenings are magical.
Piazza dinners stretch late, wine bars buzz after sunset, and villages host summer festivals, concerts, and outdoor cinema nights.
August Tuscany feels social, lively, and very Mediterranean.
What to Do in Tuscany in August
Slow Down Your Sightseeing
August is not the month to rush museums or cram in too many towns. Choose fewer bases and stay longer.
Visit cities early morning or after 5pm
Wander historic centres after dark
Focus on atmosphere over attractions
Escape to the Countryside
The Tuscan countryside shines in August.
Stay in Chianti, Val d’Orcia, or Garfagnana
Enjoy poolside afternoons at agriturismos
Book vineyard tastings with shaded terraces
Take scenic drives through sunflower fields and golden hills
Head to the Coast
The Tuscan coast is popular in August — especially with Italians.
Versilia Coast (Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi) for classic beach culture
Maremma for quieter beaches and nature
Elba Island for crystal-clear water and hiking
Beach clubs (bagni) book out early — reserve in advance.
Embrace Local Festivals
August is festival season.
Village food festivals (sagre)
Outdoor concerts and cinema
Ferragosto celebrations on 15 August
These moments often become the most memorable part of an August trip.
Where to Stay in Tuscany in August
Choosing the right base matters more in August than any other month.
Agriturismos & Country Villas
Ideal for August travel.
Pools offer essential relief
Cooler evenings than cities
On-site dining reduces travel in heat
Look for properties with shaded outdoor areas and air conditioning.
Hill Top Towns
Higher elevation means cooler nights.
Great bases include:
Stay inside or just outside town walls for walkable evenings.
Cities (With Conditions)
If staying in Florence or Siena:
Choose accommodation with air conditioning
Avoid top-floor apartments without lifts
Stay near parks or quieter neighbourhoods
What to Eat in Tuscany in August
Tuscan cuisine shifts with the heat — lighter, fresher, and seasonal.
Seasonal Dishes to Look For
Panzanella (bread salad with tomato and basil)
Caprese-style antipasti
Cold cuts and pecorino with melon
Grilled vegetables
Seafood dishes along the coast
Desserts & Drinks
Gelato (often twice a day)
Granita or affogato
Crisp white wines (Vermentino, Vernaccia)
Rosé and chilled reds in the evening
Lunches are lighter; dinners start later and linger well into the night.
What to Wear & Pack for August
Breathable linen and cotton clothing
Comfortable walking sandals or shoes
Sunhat and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle
Light scarf for churches
Portable fan (surprisingly useful)
Air conditioning exists but isn’t guaranteed everywhere — especially in historic buildings.
Best Things to Do in Florence in August
1. Explore the Historic Centre Early or After Dark
Florence is at its best in August before 10am and after sunset.
Walk the Duomo area early, then return in the evening when the stone streets cool, lights come on, and the crowds thin.
Night-time Florence feels calmer and more atmospheric.
2. Visit Museums First Thing in the Morning
If museums are on your list, go at opening time.
The Uffizi and Accademia are busiest and hottest by midday, so early entry makes a huge difference.
Book skip-the-line tickets and plan just one major museum per day.
3. Escape the Heat in Boboli Gardens
Shaded paths, fountains, and wide open spaces make Boboli Gardens a welcome break from the heat.
Go mid-morning or late afternoon and take your time — it’s one of the cooler places in the city.
4. Enjoy a Long Lunch in an Air-Conditioned Trattoria
August lunches are slower and lighter. Choose a trattoria with air conditioning or thick stone walls, and let the hottest part of the day pass with good food and a glass of chilled wine.
5. Head Up to Piazzale Michelangelo at Sunset
Sunset is the only sensible time to visit in August.
The heat eases, the views are spectacular, and the atmosphere feels celebratory without being rushed.
6. Take a Day Trip to the Tuscan Countryside
Use Florence as a base and escape the city heat.
Hill towns, vineyards, and countryside agriturismos are noticeably cooler — even for just a half-day.
7. Cool Off with Evening Gelato & River Walks
Gelato isn’t optional in August.
Pair it with an evening stroll along the Arno or across the Ponte Vecchio once the day trippers have gone.
8. Keep Plans Light and Flexible
August in Florence isn’t about ticking off everything.
Leave space for rest, shade, and spontaneity — it’s the key to enjoying the city in peak summer.
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.
Day Trips from Florence
Where to Stay in Florence in August
Whether you base yourself in Florence for day trips or spend your whole Tuscany trip there, August offers great accommodation choices with excellent weather for walking everywhere.
Here are the best neighbourhoods for a August visit:
1. Duomo / Historic Centre
Best for first-time visitors and sightseeing.
Why stay here in August:
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 August:
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 August:
Best cafés and trattorias spill onto small piazzas
Lovely August 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 August:
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 August:
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.
Best Day Trips from Florence in August
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:)
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day City Break
Day 1: Florence – Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio, evening market stroll.
Day 2: Day trip to Siena for the market and Gothic architecture.
Day 3: Lucca’s city walls by bicycle and a Spritz 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 summer sky
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 August.
How to Get Around Tuscany in August
Getting around Tuscany in August requires a little more planning than other times of year.
A rental car is the best option for countryside stays, hill towns, agriturismos, and coastal areas.
It allows you to travel early in the morning or later in the day, avoiding peak heat and crowds.
Book well in advance, as August availability is limited.
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in August.
Trains work well between major cities such as Florence, Pisa, Siena (via bus connection), Lucca, and Arezzo, but services can be busier around Ferragosto.
Buses reach smaller towns but run less frequently in August, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
For city-only trips, walking combined with public transport is usually enough.
Is Tuscany in August Worth It?
Yes — if you travel differently.
August rewards travellers who:
Wake early
Rest midday
Stay outside major cities
Prioritise comfort over constant movement
If you expect empty streets and cool weather, August will feel overwhelming.
If you lean into slow mornings, shaded lunches, countryside evenings, and late-night strolls, Tuscany still delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscany in August
1. Is August too hot to visit Tuscany?
It can be very hot, especially in cities. Countryside and hill towns are far more comfortable, particularly in the evenings.
2. Do things close in August?
Yes, some local businesses close, especially around Ferragosto. Tourist services remain open in major destinations.
3. Is Florence unbearable in August?
Midday can be difficult, but mornings and evenings are manageable. Air-conditioned accommodation is essential.
4. Is August the most expensive month?
Yes. Accommodation prices peak in August, particularly near the coast and in popular hill towns.
5. Are wineries open in August?
Most well-known wineries remain open, but bookings are essential and hours may be reduced.
6. Is Tuscany crowded in August?
Yes — especially Florence, Pisa, Siena, and coastal towns. Lesser-known villages are much quieter.
7. Can you still enjoy food and wine in August?
Absolutely. Dining shifts later, menus become lighter, and evenings are perfect for wine outdoors.
8. Would you recommend August for first-time visitors?
Only if you plan carefully and accept the heat. Spring or September–October are easier, but August can still be rewarding.
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.
You can get a Quote here.
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: Tuscany in August, the Timeless Way
Tuscany in August isn’t about ticking boxes or racing between sights.
It’s about long lunches, late dinners, warm stone streets after dark, and finding shade when the sun is high.
It wants you to slow down, adapt your pace, and travel the way Italians do.
Choose the right base, respect the heat, and let the days unfold naturally — and August in Tuscany can still feel every bit as timeless as the name suggests.
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.