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Tuscany is the Italy many people dream about. Expanses of rolling countryside where life proceeds deliciously slowly. Perfectly symmetrical vineyards where some of the world’s best wines are cultivated. Grand, Renaissance-era cities and medieval hamlets with traditional restaurants that beckon you with the smell of roasted meats.
Situated in the center of Italy, Tuscany benefits from a mild climate, making it a great destination year-round, although the countryside is best enjoyed when the weather is favorable. Activities that were once reserved for summer, such as hiking, cycling, and even city strolling, are now best carried out in spring or early fall due to rising summer temperatures.
When it’s above 30°C (86°F), you don’t want to be out under the scorching sun, unless you're at the beach where you can take refuge in the water. But all of Tuscany's seasons have their pros and cons – here's our guide to the best times to come.
If your goal is to spend time outdoors, spring is generally the best and possibly the most underrated time to visit Tuscany. Winter wind and rain give way to more forgiving weather that doesn’t yet yield to the scorching sun you'll encounter in summer.
The months of April, May and June are ideal for enjoying the Tuscan slow tourism experience. You can walk or cycle along the Via Francigena, passing through historic towns such as San Miniato and San Quirico d’Orcia and immersing yourself in landscapes that are still green before the summer heat builds.
This is a prime time to sample spring produce that includes fresh asparagus and truffles (tartufo marzuolo). Towards the end of the season, temperatures will have warmed enough to justify a visit to the coast around Orbetello, Cala Violina and Marina di Bibbona, as Italy's many privately run beaches reopen, usually just after Easter.
Firenze (Florence), the capital of Tuscany, is known to the world as the cradle of the Renaissance, and this historic city has an abundance of unique sights and museums in its historic center. Visiting off-season is a must, however, unless you want to spend your precious vacation time waiting in line. December and January can be busy over the Christmas period and during the first week of the new year, but are otherwise crowd-free.
What’s more, Florence is decorated for the holidays at this time of year, so everything sparkles a little bit brighter. In addition to Nativity scenes, Christmas trees and holiday decorations across the city, Florence celebrates Green Line Firenze, a festival of lights projecting digital art onto the city’s historical buildings every evening from 5:30pm to 10pm.
Are there cons to visiting in December or January? Well, it rains quite a bit, but there's
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