Harbouring innumerable masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture, Florence is an irresistible treasure trove of Tuscany. Narrow cobbled streets, churches with unbelievable frescos, art museums overflowing with works of the most famous artists, magnificent palaces; no wonder the entire city centre of Florence is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Home to famous designers like Guccio Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, Florence exudes style. Florence is brimming with something new and exciting throughout the year but if one wants to avoid huge crowds and yet have a pleasant weather, October is one of the best times to visit the city. With Fall wearing off, Florence in October adorns a brilliant foliage and ushers many events and festivals.
What makes Florence in October a must-visit?
Florence in October is lovely. The heat of September is gone, rains are yet to arrive,the weather is mild with a comfortable chill in the air. With diminishing crowds there is more peace yet there is an ambience of festivity and the city prepares itself for a number of events. The traditional vintage and antique festivals, medieval procession in Santa Reparata’s honour, a ceramic exposition, Festival Delle Mongolfiere to enjoy kite flying and hot air balloon rides, festivals that take you to the woods be it for chestnuts, mushrooms or truffles, vintage bike racing, classical music concerts, wine carnivals and many other events make Florence in October a very desirable destination. Besides these special events visiting the various attractions of the city is a far more enjoyable experience with extra leg room and a tranquil look of the town.
Florence in October : Weather
With the arrival of winter months, you find comfortable cooler temperatures in October. At an average temperature is about 24°C during the daytime and 14°C after dark with about 10 to 11 hours of daylight and about 7 hours of sunshine. There are about 30% chances of rainfall.
Florence in October : Things to Do
1
Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is a world famous art museum in the historic centre of Florence. This gallery with stunning frescoed ceilings makes you discover the rich history of Florence and admire the most renowned works by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. October is a great time to visit Uffizi as you shall not be subjected to long queues.
October Timings
Tuesday to Sunday, 8:15 AM to 6:50 PM.
Closed on Mondays
Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
2
Florence Duomo
Duomo Cathedral of Florence, also called the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fior is the city's most iconic landmark. The entire building has the shape of a cross, symbolizing the crucifixion of Christ. The cathedral has stunning frescoes by Vasari and Zuccari, splendid stained-glass windows and Duomo cupola offers best panoramic views of the city.
October Timings
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
The cathedral remains closed on Sundays and on days of religious celebrations.
Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
3
Accademia Gallery
Accademia Gallery is best known as the home of Michelangelo's giant marble sculpture David and many other glorious sculptures. Hosting the masterpieces and most artistic innovations of mankind, Accademia Gallery is one of the most visited art museums. The month of October with thinner crowds definitely offers you an opportunity to enjoy this amazing gallery at a relaxed pace.
October Timings
Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15 AM – 6:50 PM
Entry closes at 6:20 PM
Closed on Mondays
Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
4
Florence Segway Guided Tour
Moving around the streets of Renaissance cradle city, Florence on Segway is a unique experience. Admiring the artistic and cultural atmosphere, going through the pathway, you can feel the city life. Assisted by a professional guide, you explore the major attractions around the historical city centre.
October Timings
The tour starts at 9:30 AM or 3 PM, depending on the option selected.
Florence, Italy,
Getting There ›
5
Walking Food & Art Tour
Florence is known for its rich food culture. A walking Food & Art Tour is a gastronomical as well as a visual feast for all food lovers. You can visit the lively market at San Lorenzo, indulge in authentic Florentine cuisine, learn the culinary traditions and absorb the art and architecture of this beautiful city.
October Timings
Tour starts at 09:00 AM
Kiosk , Firenze, Italy
Getting There ›
6
Day trip to Seina
It is definitely worthwhile to explore the historic city of Siena in the heart of Tuscany dotted with a number of famous monuments. Hardly 75kms away from Florence, with the center of this beautiful town listed on UNESCO’s world heritage sites, it is worth visiting on a day trip from Florence.
October Timings
The tour starts from 6:45 AM
Piazzale Montelungo,
Firenze FI, Italy
Getting There ›
7
Day Trip to Cinque Terre
A two and a half hour drive from Florence along the Italian Riviera coastline takes you to a string of centuries-old seaside village cluster, Cinque Terre. Presenting a spectacular landscape of colourful houses, vineyards along the steep mountain terraces, lush green valleys, these surreal cliff side villages along Ligurian Sea are completely captivating.
October Timings
The tour starts at 6:45 AM
Piazzale Montelungo, Yellow Street Sign,
Florence, Italy
Getting There ›
8
The Red Legend-Ferrari Museum Tour with Lunch
Those who are car lovers and have a fascination for vintage cars, racing and production cars, F1simulation experiences, historical information on cars, drivers and the Ferrari family, The Red Legend-Ferrari Museum is the ultimate place to visit for them.
October Timings
The tour starts at 8:15 AM
Bar Reale, inside Santa Maria Novella Train Station,
Firenze, Italy
Getting There ›
Florence in October : Events to Look Out For
Florence Sommelier Course
4 October to 13 December, 2022
The first level of the the course consists of 13 lessons, including an educational visit to a winery to be carried out during the course period, plus a final evaluation test on the functions of the sommelier, viticulture, enology, legislation, spirits and beers.
The Counting Crows Tour
7 October, 2022
The Counting Crows are a rock band that formed in the early 1990s. They quickly gained popularity with their debut album and have since released seven studio albums, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. Their latest album, "Somewhere Under Wonderland," was released in 2014 to critical acclaim. The Counting crows will be at the Tuscany Hall in Florence on the 7th of October 2022.
Florence Queer Festival
2022
11 - 16 October, 2022
The Florence Queer Festival is a Tuscan festival dedicated to queer culture, organized by the IREOS association of Florence. The festival has grown to become one of the most important Italian LGBT festivals. It will celebrate its first 20 years in the Cinema La Compagnia in Florence, from 11 to 16 October 2022. The festival will continue to offer feature films, short films, book presentations, exhibitions and more on the LGBTQIA+ movement.
International Biennial of Antiques in Florence
24 September - 2 October, 2022
The La Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze is one of the most important events dedicated to Italian art on the international scene, with over 28,000 visitors expected. The 32nd edition of the BIAF, returns to Palazzo Corsini, to give art-loving visitors the unique opportunity to see previously private rich, and cultural artworks. It is also one of the oldest market exhibitions in the world.
Florence in October : One Day Itinerary
Check out our Florence trip planners to plan your trip like a pro! For More Florence Itineraries and planners:
Florence in October - Essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, F, L
CurrencyEuros €
Florence Weather in October
The average temperature in the beginning of the month is 19°C and is about 14°C by the latter part of the month. The wearing off autumn season does bring in a little chill with cloudier and wetter days. However, the weather is still mild during daytime and cool in the evenings.
Where to Stay in Florence in October
Depending on your preference and budget you can choose to stay either within the historical centre or in the residential area or in the relative quiet of the countryside. The historical centre has all the main attractions of Florence so staying here would ensure that everything is within walking distance. There are many hotels in this area like the luxurious The St. Regis Florence and mid range Hotel Brunelleschi. The hotels like Hotel Duomo Firenze and Hilton Florence Metropole outside of the historic centre, surrounded by residential areas are more peaceful and reasonable. Hotels like CDH Hotel Radda and Hotel Orcagna are good country side options.
What to Pack for Visiting Florence in October
As it is a changing weather in the month of October in Florence so you need to pack neither too summers clothes nor too wintery. Heavy cottons and light woollens with options for layering are most suitable. Scarves are always a good idea to carry as they can save you against any breeze and they also make a good accessory. Comfortable pair of shoes with multiple pairs of socks and an umbrella should take care of loads of walking and sudden rain shower.
Getting Around Florence in October
If staying in the city centre of Florence, one can simply walk around to see all major attractions. For those who stay a little far from the city centre, Florence has a bus network of nearly 100 lines with a few night buses, run by ATAF. These are mini electric buses. The tickets can be purchased from the ATAF booth within the SMN train station or any authorized sales points like coffee shops, tobacconists, newsagents with "ATAF" stickers on their shop windows. Even though there is a humble tram network too but that is not very convenient for tourists as it doesn't go through the city centre.
Florence in October : Must Try Delicacies
October means loads of Pumpkins, olives, mushrooms, chestnuts, squids and truffle hunting. Here are some of the local delicacies that you simply cannot miss.
![florence in October](https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/blog-content/image/ed56bac21f12f9c12657ed8d4eb7a829-GELATO.jpg?ixlib=rb-0.3.5&ixid=eyJhcHBfaWQiOjEyMDd9&s=cc1080b2c97301bbd83d70d0ebbdce45&auto=format&fit=crop&w=658&q=10")
The famous Italian Gelato is basically a low-fat frozen dessert that is available in a variety of flavours and is produced in small batches, unlike mass-produced ice creams. Dig into scoops of this amazing dessert made without preservatives or artificial colouring.
Where to eat: Badiani
A Florentine Steak, large t-bone cut, fire grilled on the outside and pink on the inside, seasoned with salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon and traditionally cooked over roasted chestnuts for a smoky flavour. The dish is sold by weight. Trattoria-Marione is one of the best places to have this local favourite.
Where to eat: Trattoria-Marione
Home to Florence is world famous pizzas that needs no introduction. A quick tasty street food, while you are on the move can be picked up from stalls along the main tourist routes selling pizza by the slice. However if you want something that is more authentically baked in a wood-fired oven then Gustariumis one of the best known places.
This is a popular antipasti made up of white bread. They are bite-sized versions of bruschetta topped with chicken liver pate. This is a traditional Tuscan starter that you’ll find in most restaurants. .
Where to eat: All'Antico Vinaio
This popular street food is easily found at food carts around Florence, and is made with tripe, meat from the fourth (and most tender) stomach of a cow. Accompanied with a crusty bun dipped in cooking broth and sprinkled in salt and pepper, Lampredotto is a staple with the locals.
Where to eat: Sergio Pollini Lampredotto
Tips to Visit Florence in October
- While October is the beginning of low season for Florence, this city is usually a busy destination throughout the year. Make your bookings in advance to score the best deals.
- While planning your shopping keep in mind that many local shops are closed between 1-4 PM for siesta. Also remember that prices are generally negotiable at local shops and it is preferable to pay in cash and be careful with fakes.
- October being the harvesting season of Italy, you will have the option to try many interesting seasonal foods. You can try pumpkin, chestnut, mushrooms or truffles specialities.
- Before planning your itinerary go through the festival/event calendar of Florence. October offers quite a few of these here.
- There are a lot of these lovely things like browsing at San Lorenzo Mercato Centrale, walking across the city’s medieval bridge, Ponte Vecchio, and climbing up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo which can be enjoyed for free in Florence. Make the most of them.
Explore Florence Through The Year
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