Tuscany in May: Weather, Events, Spring Charm & Where to Stay in Florence
Timeless Wanderers: December 2, 2025
Why Tuscany Is Beautiful in May
May is one of the most beautiful—and arguably one of the best—months of the year to visit Tuscany.
The landscapes are at their greenest, wildflowers spill over the hillsides, vineyards come back to life, and the weather finally settles into warm, sunny days without the intense heat or the crowds of summer.
From countryside road trips to Florence’s Renaissance treasures.
May offers the perfect blend of culture, colour, and calm.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan your May getaway, including weather expectations, what to pack, key festivals, the best spring experiences, and where to stay in Florence.
Table of Contents
What Tuscany in May Is Like
May is one of those months that makes you fall in love with Tuscany all over again.
The days finally feel long, the hills are at their greenest, and the countryside looks fresh and full of life after spring rains.
Mornings are cool enough for a light jacket, but by midday you’re usually walking around in a T-shirt, stopping for gelato on sunny piazzas.
Cities like Florence, Siena, and Lucca have a relaxed, happy buzz — more energy than March or April, but without the heavy summer crowds.
Terraces start to fill again, wineries open their outdoor spaces, and wildflowers bloom everywhere from Val d’Orcia to Chianti.
It’s a great month for scenic drives, photography, and long walks through charming backstreets.
If you want that sweet spot between spring calm and early-summer vibrancy, May is one of the best months of the year to visit Tuscany.
Weather in Tuscany in May
May brings the true arrival of spring warmth.
Unlike April—still a little unpredictable—May settles into consistently beautiful weather, with long daylight hours and mostly sunny skies.
Typical Temperatures in May
Florence: 12°C (54°F) to 24°C (75°F)
Siena & hill towns: 10°C (50°F) to 22°C (72°F)
Coast (Livorno, Viareggio): 14°C (57°F) to 22°C (71°F)
Rainfall
May has light to moderate rain, usually short-lived showers rather than long rainy days.
Expect 6–8 rainy days, mostly in the first half of the month.
Daylight
You’ll enjoy 14–15 hours of daylight, ideal for full-day exploring and road trips.
What the Weather Feels Like
Mornings are fresh.
Afternoons are warm and sunny.
Evenings are mild, perfect for dinner on outdoor terraces.
The countryside is at peak bloom—arguably the most scenic month of the year.
What to Pack for May
Light layers (denim jacket, cotton sweaters, cardigans)
Comfortable walking shoes
Dresses, trousers, breathable tops
Sunglasses & sunscreen
A light scarf or wrap
Light rain jacket or umbrella
A smart outfit for dinners in Florence
Events, Festivals & Seasonal Highlights in May
May is a lively month in Tuscany, filled with flowers, food festivals, medieval traditions, and open-air cultural events.
1. Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Florence)
One of Italy’s most prestigious classical music and opera festivals, held across Florence’s major theatres.
Expect orchestral concerts, ballet, and world-class opera performances.
2. Giro d’Italia (Various Locations)
Italy’s legendary cycling race often passes through Tuscany in May.
Even if you’re not a cycling fan, the atmosphere is exciting and colourful.
3. Infiorata Festivals (San Gimignano, Scarperia, Pescia)
Towns cover their streets in enormous floral carpets in celebration of Corpus Domini (dates vary).
If you’re lucky enough to be in town, it’s magical.
4. Cantine Aperte (Open Wine Cellars Weekend)
Held the last weekend of May across Tuscany’s wine regions—Chianti, Montepulciano, Montalcino , Bolgheri, San Gimignano
You can visit wineries without appointments, enjoy tastings, vineyard walks, and special events.
5. Calcio Storico Parade (Florence)
The historic neighbourhood parade kicks off the lead-up to Florence’s famous June matches.
Expect colourful Renaissance costumes and drum bands.
6. Flower Festivals (Various Towns)
May is the month of flowers!
Look for local Festa dei Fiori events in Lucca, Arezzo, Pienza, and Volterra.
7. Sea-Opening Events on the Coast
Coastal towns like Viareggio and Castiglione della Pescaia reopen beach clubs and promenades.
It’s warm enough for a seaside walk—but still early for swimming.
May is often travellers’ favourite month—and locals love it too.
Perfect Weather for Exploring
Not too hot, not too cold.
Perfect for walking through Florence, climbing medieval towers in San Gimignano hiking in Val d’Orcia, or dining outdoors.
The Countryside at Its Greenest
Rolling hills are lush, fields are bright with poppies, vineyards burst with new leaves, and olive groves shimmer in the sunlight.
It’s Tuscany at its most photogenic.
Fewer Crowds Than Summer
While busier than March and April, May still avoids the heavy crowds of June–August.
Museums are easier to enjoy, and the ambience in Florence feels lively but not overwhelming.
Outdoor Dining Begins
Terraces open, long lunches return, and evenings become perfect for aperitivo with a view.
Best Things to Do in Tuscany in May
You can enjoy everything Tuscany is known for, but May adds an extra level of charm thanks to the weather and scenery.
1. Explore Florence in the Sunshine
Florence shines in May:
wander the Boboli Gardens
enjoy rooftop bars at sunset
visit the Uffizi or Accademia without the summer rush
climb the Duomo or Giotto’s Tower in mild temperatures
2. Drive through Val d’Orcia
This UNESCO region is at its most dazzling in May.
Think: green rolling hills, pencil cypress trees, wildflowers, winding roads, and perfect light.
Visit:
Pienza • Montepulciano • San Quirico d’Orcia • Bagno Vignoni
3. Visit Vineyard Towns
Chianti, Montalcino , Montepulciano, and Bolgheri are ideal in May for tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard lunches.
4. Go to the Coast
Not quite swimming weather, but perfect for:
coastal walks
seafood lunches
seaside sunsets
uncrowded beaches
5. Explore Medieval Hill Towns
May is perfect for exploring towns that require a bit of uphill walking:
Lucca (walk/bike the walls in perfect weather)
6. Enjoy Garden & Flower Events
The Bardini Gardens in Florence are beautiful in May, with wisteria and spring blooms in full colour.
7. Visit Hot Springs (Still Comfortable Weather)
Before summer arrives, May is a great time to enjoy:
Bagni San Filippo
Bagno Vignoni
Saturnia (Terme di Saturnia)
Top Things to Do in Florence in May
1. Wander the Boboli Gardens in Full Spring Bloom
May is the month when the Boboli Gardens look picture-perfect—lush lawns, blooming roses, shaded stairways, and sweeping city views.
2. Enjoy Sunrise or Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
With softer May light and warmer temperatures, this is one of the most photogenic months for Florence’s iconic skyline.
3. Visit the Uffizi and Accademia Before Summer Crowds Arrive
Queues are shorter, especially early mornings or late afternoons. Book skip-the-line tickets to maximise your time.
4. Explore the Oltrarno’s Artisan Workshops
May weather makes strolling through Santo Spirito’s small streets a joy.
Ceramic workshops, leather studios, and jewelry artisans welcome visitors.
5. Take a Rooftop Aperitivo
Florence rooftops reopen in May — perfect for sunset drinks with views of the Duomo or Palazzo Vecchio.
6. Climb Brunelleschi’s Dome or Giotto’s Bell Tower
Clear skies and moderate temperatures make climbs comfortable and rewarding.
7. Stroll the Bardini Gardens
May is wisteria season — with their famous purple tunnels in full bloom.
8. Take a Day Trip with Perfect Spring Weather
Some of the best May options:
Chianti wine tasting
Siena and San Gimignano
Val d’Orcia scenery (in peak green season)
9. Visit Florence’s Best Spring Markets
May brings outdoor antique fairs, flower markets, and artisan pop-ups—especially around Piazza Santo Spirito and the Cascine Park.
10. Enjoy Evenings Outdoors
Piazza della Passera, Piazza Santa Croce, and Piazza Santo Spirito come alive with locals eating, chatting, and listening to street musicians.
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 May
Whether you base yourself in Florence for day trips or spend your whole Tuscany trip there, May offers great accommodation choices with excellent weather for walking everywhere.
Here are the best neighbourhoods for a May visit:
1. Duomo / Historic Centre
Best for first-time visitors and sightseeing.
Why stay here in May:
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 May:
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 May:
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 May:
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 May:
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.
What to Eat in Tuscany in May
May is a month of fresh spring flavours:
Pici cacio e pepe (classic in Siena & Montepulciano)
Tagliolini with truffle
Carciofi (artichokes) – peak season early May
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Fresh pecorino cheese (especially from Pienza)
Ravioli stuffed with herbs
Spring vegetable ribollita
Desserts and treats for May:
Crostata with seasonal fruit
Gelato (perfect weather!)
Almond cookies with Vin Santo
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.
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.
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 March.
What to Pack for Tuscany in May
Light layers
Jeans or light trousers
Sweater or cardigan
Waterproof jacket for occasional showers
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Light Scarf for evenings
Camera for spring landscapes
Optional:
Light dress shirts or blouses for dinners
Small umbrella
Frequently Asked Questions: Tuscany in May
1. What is the weather like in Tuscany in May?
May in Tuscany is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 18–23°C (64–73°F). Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket is recommended.
2. Is May a good time to visit Tuscany?
Yes! May combines warm weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer, making it ideal for sightseeing, hiking, and road trips.
3. What festivals or events happen in Tuscany in May?
May features spring festivals, wine tastings, and local celebrations such as the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino in Florence and small town fairs throughout the region.
4. Are the Tuscan countryside and hill towns accessible in May?
Absolutely. Roads and walking trails are fully open, vineyards and olive groves are lush, and scenic drives through Vald’Orcia and Chianti are perfect.
5. Do I need to book hotels in advance for May?
It’s recommended. While crowds are lighter than summer, May is popular for spring travel and long weekends, so central Florence hotels can fill quickly.
6. What should I pack for Tuscany in May?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light layers, a rain jacket for occasional showers, sunglasses, and a hat.
Daytime temperatures are warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool.
7. Is Tuscany family-friendly in May?
Yes! Families can enjoy outdoor activities, cultural sites, countryside walks, and small town festivals without the intense summer crowds.
8. Can I do wine tours and vineyard visits in May?
Yes. May is excellent for wine tasting, as vineyards are green and active. Many wineries offer tours and tastings in beautiful spring settings.
Final Thoughts: Tuscany in May
May is one of those rare months when Tuscany feels perfectly balanced.
The countryside is at its greenest, towns are lively but not crowded, and the weather is warm enough for long days outside without tipping into the heat of summer.
It’s a month made for slow travel—wandering Florence’s streets in the sunshine, driving through rolling hills covered in wildflowers, tasting new-season wines, and enjoying the first real outdoor dinners of the year.
If you’re deciding between spring months, this is often the one that captures travellers’ hearts—and it’s easy to see why.
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.