Tuscany in Summer: When to Go, What to Expect & How to Travel Well (June–August)
Timeless Wanderers: Posted January 2, 2026
Summer in Tuscany is bright, social, and full of life.
Golden hills replace spring greens, evenings stretch long into the night, and life shifts outdoors — to piazzas, vineyard terraces, and shaded café tables.
At the same time, temperatures rise, crowds grow, and the rhythm of daily life changes.
Travelling well in Tuscany between June and August is less about doing more and more about doing things differently.
This guide covers what Tuscany is really like in summer, how June, July, and August compare, where to base yourself, what to expect with weather and crowds, and how to plan a summer trip that still feels relaxed and rewarding.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning with a slower pace in mind, this is how to experience Tuscany at its best during the warmer month
Table of Contents
Understanding Summer in Tuscany
Summer in Tuscany runs from early June through late August, with each month offering a distinct experience.
June feels like early summer — warm, lively, and still relatively balanced
July brings heat, festivals, and long golden evenings
August is peak summer — hotter, busier, and shaped by Ferragosto
Across all three months, one thing remains constant: Tuscany rewards travellers who slow down.
Early starts, shaded afternoons, countryside bases, and evening exploration make all the difference.
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.”
Tuscany Weather in Summer: June vs July vs August
June: Warm and Comfortable
June is often considered the sweet spot of summer.
Daytime temperatures are warm rather than extreme
Evenings are pleasantly cool
Rainfall drops, but the heat hasn’t fully set in
It’s an excellent month for sightseeing, countryside driving, and combining cities with rural stays.
July: Hotter but Manageable
July marks the true start of high summer.
Days are consistently hot
Rain is rare
Evenings stay warm and social
Cities can feel intense at midday, but the countryside and hill towns remain comfortable — especially with pools and shade. July is about adapting your daily rhythm rather than avoiding travel altogether.
*Read my full guide* The 14 Best Things to Do in Tuscany: The Complete Guide (2026)
August: Peak Heat and Peak Season
August is the most challenging — and most misunderstood — summer month.
Highest temperatures of the year
Busiest period for tourism
Italian holiday season, especially around Ferragosto (15 August)
With the right base and expectations, August can still be rewarding, particularly in rural areas and coastal regions.
Crowds, Costs & Closures in Summer
Crowds
Summer is the busiest time of year in Tuscany, especially in:
Florence
Pisa
- Lucca
Siena
San Gimignano
Chianti wine region
June is the calmest, July is busy but manageable, and August is the most intense. Smaller hill towns and rural areas remain noticeably quieter throughout.
Prices
Accommodation prices peak in July and August, particularly:
Along the coast
In popular countryside regions
During school holiday periods
Booking early is essential for summer travel, especially if you’re looking for air conditioning, pools, or central locations.
Closures
June & July: Everything operates normally
August: Some family-run restaurants and shops close for holidays, particularly in smaller towns
Tourist-focused services generally remain open, but flexibility is important in August.
Where to Stay in Tuscany in Summer
Your choice of base matters more in summer than any other season.
The Countryside (Best Overall Choice)
Agriturismos, villas, and rural estates shine in summer.
Why they work so well:
Pools provide essential relief from heat
Evenings are cooler
Space and shade encourage slower travel
On-site dining reduces unnecessary driving
Regions to consider:
Chianti
Val d’Orcia
Crete Senesi
Garfagnana
Hill Towns (Cooler Nights, Lively Evenings)
Elevation brings comfort in summer.
Excellent hill town bases include:
Staying within walking distance of the historic centre allows you to enjoy evenings without navigating heat or parking.
Cities (With Care)
Florence and Siena are best enjoyed briefly in summer.
If you stay in a city:
Choose accommodation with strong air conditioning
Avoid top-floor apartments without lifts
Plan sightseeing early and evenings late
Many travellers prefer pairing 2–3 nights in Florence with a longer countryside stay.
P.S. You can read my full guide on where to Stay in Florence for more hotel recommendations and insights!
Other accommodation in Tuscany.
What to Do in Tuscany in Summer
Adjust Your Daily Routine
Summer sightseeing works best when you:
Start early
Rest or retreat midday
Explore again after 5pm
This mirrors local life and makes even busy destinations more enjoyable.
Focus on Fewer Places
Rather than rushing between towns:
Choose 2–3 bases
Stay longer
Explore nearby villages slowly
Summer is about depth, not coverage.
Enjoy the Coast
Summer is ideal for Tuscany’s coastline.
Versilia Coast for classic Italian beach culture
Maremma for wilder, less developed beaches
Elba Island for swimming, hiking, and boat trips
Beach clubs book out early in July and August — reserve ahead.
Lean Into Festivals
Summer evenings bring:
Food festivals (sagre)
Outdoor concerts
Open-air cinemas
Historical reenactments
These local events often become the highlight of a summer trip.
What to Eat in Tuscany in Summer
Tuscan cuisine shifts with the season — lighter, fresher, and simpler.
Typical Summer Dishes
Panzanella (bread salad)
Tomatoes with olive oil and basil
Pecorino with melon
Cold cuts and fresh bread
Grilled vegetables
Seafood along the coast
Heavier dishes return in autumn.
Drinks & Desserts
Gelato daily
Granita and affogato
Chilled white wines (Vermentino, Vernaccia)
Rosé and light reds in the evening
Meals start later, linger longer, and are almost always enjoyed outdoors.
What to Pack for Tuscany in Summer
Linen and breathable cotton clothing
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Sunhat and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle
Light scarf for churches
High-SPF sunscreen
Air conditioning is common but not guaranteed — especially in historic buildings.
Choosing the Best Summer Month for You
Choose June if you:
Want warm but comfortable weather
Prefer lighter crowds
Plan a first-time visit
Choose July if you:
Enjoy lively evenings and festivals
Don’t mind heat with planning
Want long golden days
Choose August if you:
Are flexible and slow-paced
Prefer countryside or coastal stays
Understand Ferragosto
Each month works — as long as expectations match reality.
Best Day Trips from Florence in Summer
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 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 Summer.
How to Get Around Tuscany in Summer
Getting around Tuscany in Summer 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 Summer availability is limited.
Car rental – If you plan to visit countryside towns and vineyards, a rental car is invaluable in Summer.
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 Summer, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
For city-only trips, walking combined with public transport is usually enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscany in Summer
Is summer too hot to visit Tuscany?
It can be, especially in cities. Countryside and hill towns are far more comfortable.
Is Tuscany crowded in summer?
Yes, particularly July and August. June is the least busy.
Are restaurants open all summer?
Mostly yes, though August brings some closures in smaller towns.
Is summer expensive?
Yes. Prices peak in July and August, especially near the coast.
Do you need a car in summer?
A car is ideal for countryside stays but not necessary for cities.
Is Florence worth visiting in summer?
Yes, with early starts, evening exploration, and air-conditioned accommodation.
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 Summer, the Timeless Way
Summer in Tuscany isn’t about squeezing everything in.
It’s about choosing the right base, respecting the heat, and letting days unfold naturally.
Long lunches, late dinners, shaded afternoons, and evening walks through warm stone streets define the season far more than ticking off sights.
Travel slowly, plan wisely, and Tuscany in summer — whether June, July, or August — can still feel deeply timeless.
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.