Tuscany in July: Weather, Crowds, Where to Stay & What to Expect
Timeless Wanderers: Posted January 30, 2026
July in Tuscany is sun-soaked, vibrant, and unapologetically summery.
The countryside glows in shades of gold, hill towns are busy with evening life, and long days invite slow travel — if you’re willing to adapt to the heat.
This is peak summer travel, but not yet the full shutdown of August.
Locals are still working, shops and restaurants remain reliably open, and festivals begin to fill village calendars.
While temperatures climb and popular destinations grow busier, July is at it’s best in the early mornings, lazy lunches, shaded afternoons, and late dinners under the stars.
Tuscany in July is not about racing from sight to sight.
It’s about choosing the right base, enjoying the Mediterranean pace, and letting the days unfold naturally.
Travel smart, and July becomes one of the most atmospheric months to experience Tuscany — warm, social, and full of life.
Weather in Tuscany in July
July marks the true start of summer heat in Tuscany.
Daytime temperatures: 28–35°C
Evenings: 18–22°C
Rainfall: Very low
Humidity: Moderate, higher in cities
Florence, Pisa, and Siena can feel hot by midday, especially on still days.
The countryside, coastal areas, and hill towns are noticeably cooler, particularly in the evenings when breezes return.
Sun is constant, skies are blue, and rain is rare — ideal for outdoor dining, festivals, and countryside stays.
Timeless tip: Plan sightseeing before 11am and after 4–5pm. July is best for early risers.
What to Expect in Tuscany in July
Crowds
July is busy, especially in headline destinations like Florence, Pisa, Siena, San Gimignano, and the Chianti wine region.
That said, it’s still more manageable than August, and many smaller towns retain a local feel.
Life shifts with the heat.
Early mornings are active
Midday slows down
Evenings stretch late into the night
Piazzas fill after sunset, restaurants buzz until 10pm or later, and strolling after dinner becomes part of daily life.
Atmosphere
July feels energetic and social. Outdoor concerts, food festivals, village celebrations, and open-air cinemas are common — particularly in smaller towns.
What to Do in Tuscany in July
Explore Cities Strategically
Cities are best enjoyed early or late.
Visit museums at opening time
Walk historic centres in the evening
Book skip-the-line tickets where possible
Florence is most enjoyable at dawn or after dark, when the heat eases and crowds thin.
Base Yourself in the Countryside
July is ideal for countryside stays.
Agriturismos with pools
Vineyard estates with shaded terraces
Farmhouses surrounded by olive groves
Days revolve around swimming, reading, and relaxed meals rather than constant sightseeing.
Visit the Coast
July is excellent beach weather without the full August crowds.
Versilia Coast for classic Italian beach culture
Maremma for quieter, wilder beaches
Elba Island for swimming, hiking, and boat trips
Book beach clubs ahead for weekends.
Enjoy Summer Festivals
July is rich with local events:
Food festivals (sagre)
Outdoor concerts
Historical reenactments
Evening markets
These experiences often define a July visit more than major attractions.
Where to Stay in Tuscany in July
Agriturismos & Rural Villas
The best choice for July.
Pools are essential
Cooler nights
Space, shade, and quiet
Look for properties with air conditioning and outdoor dining areas.
Hill Top Towns
Higher elevation means relief from heat.
Excellent bases include:
Staying within walking distance of the historic centre makes evenings effortless.
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 Eat in Tuscany in July
Tuscan summer food is fresh, simple, and seasonal.
Typical July Dishes
Panzanella (Tuscan bread salad)
Tomatoes with olive oil and basil
Cold cuts and pecorino
Grilled vegetables
Seafood along the coast
Heavy dishes like ribollita and wild boar ragù step aside until cooler months.
Drinks & Desserts
Gelato daily (sometimes twice)
Granita and affogato
Chilled Vermentino or Vernaccia
Rosé and light reds in the evening
Meals are later, slower, and often outdoors.
Florence in July: What to Expect
Florence in July is bustling with activity but still feels authentic.
The city’s long summer days allow for relaxed wandering.
Cafés and restaurants fill terraces, museums operate with longer hours, and artisan workshops in Oltrarno invite exploration.
Top Things to Do in Florence in July:
Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Tower in mild, sunny conditions
Wander Boboli and Bardini Gardens as blooms are at their peak
Visit Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery booking early is a must in July–August.
Enjoy aperitivo outdoors in Santo Spirito, Santa Croce, or Piazza della Repubblica
Explore Oltrarno’s artisan workshops and studio galleries
Take a guided evening wine and food walk
Photograph Florence in the soft morning and evening light
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
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 Apertif 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.
Best Day Trips from Florence in July
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:)
What to Pack for Tuscany in July
Linen or lightweight cotton clothing
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Sunhat and sunglasses
Refillable water bottle
Light scarf for churches
High-SPF sunscreen
Air conditioning varies — especially in historic buildings — so pack with heat in mind.
*Read my full guide* The 14 Best Things to Do in Tuscany: The Complete Guide (2026)
Is Tuscany in July Worth It?
Yes — if you embrace summer travel.
July suits travellers who:
Don’t mind warm weather
Enjoy long evenings
Prefer atmosphere over solitude
Can slow their pace
If you expect cool temperatures and quiet streets, July may feel overwhelming.
If you enjoy Mediterranean summers and plan your days wisely, it can be one of Tuscany’s most rewarding months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscany in July
1. Is Tuscany too hot in July?
It can be hot, particularly in cities. Countryside and hill towns are more comfortable, especially in the evenings.
2. Is July crowded in Tuscany?
Yes, especially in major destinations, but it’s less intense than August.
3. Are restaurants and shops open in July?
Yes. July is fully operational, with fewer closures than August.
4. Is July expensive?
Prices are high, particularly for accommodation, but still slightly lower than August.
5. Can you visit wineries in July?
Yes. Many wineries are open, though tastings should be booked in advance.
6. Is Florence worth visiting in July?
Yes, with early starts, evening exploration, and air-conditioned accommodation.
7. Is July good for the Tuscan countryside?
Absolutely. Sunflower fields, vineyards, and long golden evenings are at their peak.
8. Is July better than August?
For many travellers, yes — fewer closures, slightly lower prices, and a more balanced feel.
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 July, the Timeless Way
Tuscany in July asks you to travel differently.
Wake early, slow down at midday, swim when the sun is high, and save your wandering for the evening.
Choose countryside or hill top bases, embrace outdoor dining, and let the summer guide your days.
July in Tuscany feels warm, generous, and wonderfully alive.
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.