Located in the center west of Italy, bordered by the mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tuscany lends itself to tourism in all seasons.
If the summer heat can make it difficult to discover the cities of art, the food and wine routes are more pleasant in autumn while the coast and the islands are a little paradise on earth from May to October.
To discover
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Weather, events... The best periods by region
Visit Tuscany in Spring
In Florence, at nightfall, the Ponte Vecchio is reflected in the waters of the Arno.
The beginning of spring is the ideal time to discover the Tuscany of sunshine and reasonable temperatures combined with a little less tourist influx.
Stanislas Fautré / Le Figaro Magazine
Spring is the perfect time for a trip to Tuscany, both in the countryside and in the city.
The thermometer shows 25°C in May in
Florence
, cradle of the Renaissance, where art bounces from palaces to squares to find its most prestigious setting in the halls of the Uffizi, Bargello and Palazzo Pitti museums.
The city is also full of gardens and green spaces which are adorned with flowers during this season, like the sumptuous Boboli Gardens.
In May, the roses of the Giardino delle Rose bloom and color the landscape, offering a superb visual and olfactory spectacle.
Spring also attracts classical music lovers who come to admire the performances of world-renowned artists during the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
Pisa is known for its leaning tower, located in the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, while
Siena
stands out for the beauty of its Gothic churches and monuments.
The surroundings of the city are also home to charming medieval villages, such as
Montepulciano
,
Montalcino
,
Brunello
,
San Gimignano
or even
Pienza
which will be particularly pleasant to explore during this period, neither too hot nor too cool, and perfectly sunny.
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Discover Tuscany in summer
During the summer period, the island of Elba is the ideal destination for travelers wishing to combine lazing on the beach and hiking.
sansa55
With temperatures reaching 35°C, the summer in Tuscany is especially pleasant at the water's edge in
Argentario
or
Forte dei Marmi,
provided you do not fear the many travelers who also come to enjoy the beauty and the sweetness of the region.
Beyond its sublime beaches,
the island of Elba
is an ideal destination for people looking for an active holiday, thanks to its imposing hills that will delight cyclists.
The summer season is also suitable for trekking and hiking in the mountains.
Among the main routes are the peaks of the Apuan Alps, the trails of the Apennines or, closer to the city, trekking along the medieval ring around Florence.
The region is home to various sections of the Via Francigena, a 380km route, to be covered on foot, by bike or on horseback.
The Palio di Siena, which takes place on July 2 (and repeats on August 16) in the charming Piazza del Campo, is the highlight of summer in Tuscany.
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Visit Tuscany in Autumn
A 140 km route linking Florence to Siena, the Chianti valley is best visited in autumn during the harvest.
stevanzz / stock.adobe.com
The region changes colors in autumn.
Temperatures are still high and pleasant in September while they drop in October and November, months during which the maximum rarely exceeds 16°C.
In this season, the countryside offers different experiences, such as food and wine tours.
Autumn in the Tuscan countryside is also synonymous with the grape harvest, which you can witness while exploring a land of excellence like Chianti.
The rains are not uncommon in the first days of October and become more persistent over the weeks, associated with occasional gusts of wind.
Read alsoFive emblematic medieval villages of Tuscany
Visit Tuscany in Winter
In winter, Tuscany is appreciated for its many thermal baths and hot springs.
Here the thermal basin of Bagno Vignoni, a small village south of Siena.
Dusan Zidar
In winter, the big cities of art are pleasant to visit, because they are less crowded.
However, there is the risk that museums and churches will reduce their opening hours.
Temperatures drop, with highs fluctuating between 10°C and 13°C from December to February, but the magic of Tuscany retains all its splendour.
Winter is perfect for relaxing in the many thermal baths and hot springs in the area, such as the baths of San Filippo and Bagno Vignoni.
Near Siena you can take a hot bath in the middle of wild nature in Val d'Orcia, a valley famous for its natural thermal waters and live a unique experience.
Since 1873, between February and March, the famous carnival of Viareggio has been held, with its parade of allegorical floats not to be missed.
