Florence events & things to do in May 2027
Start with Ponte Vecchio and Vasari Corridor, Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens, plus Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi's Dome. May in Florence averages 25°C / 76°F highs, 12°C / 54°F nights, and about 8 rainy days.
Expect 25°C/76°F days and about 8 rainy ones in May. Start with these:
- Ponte Vecchio and Vasari Corridor★ 4.7 · 150.5k reviewsThe shop-lined bridge over the Arno dates to 1345 and survived World War II.
- Palazzo Pitti and Boboli Gardens★ 4.2 · 30.0k reviewsThe Pitti Palace became the Medici and later royal residence south of the Arno, with Palatine Gallery rooms, treasury collections, costume displays…
- ELODIE SHOW 2027May 18Mandela Forum · Source: Ticketmaster
30% off a Going membership when you plan your trip.
By TripSapien Research · Updated June 3, 2026
Florence in May 2027
Weather
TempTemperature
76°F / 54°F
24.5°C / 12.2°C
RainPrecipitation
8d
2.8in · 70mm
LightDaylight
14.5h
May is one of Florence's best months, with gardens, Arno walks, and Siena trips before summer heat.
Events & festivals
Event calendar- May 1 – May 31
Maggio Musicale Fiorentino 2027 - Spring Concert Series
The renowned annual opera and classical music festival featuring concerts, operas, and ballet performances across various historic venues in Florence.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
- May 5 – May 9
Florence International Comics Festival 2027
A festival dedicated to comic art and graphic novels, including exhibitions, workshops, and guest artist panels.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
- May 10 – May 30
Florence Biennale 2027 - Contemporary Art Exhibition
An international contemporary art exhibition showcasing works by artists from around the world, held at Fortezza da Basso.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
Show all 5 events for May
- May 15 – May 25
Florence Dance Festival 2027
A festival dedicated to contemporary dance performances by international and local companies, held in various theaters across Florence.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
- May 20 – May 23
Florence Craft Beer Festival 2027
A celebration of craft beers from Italy and beyond, featuring tastings, workshops, and live music in central Florence.
Planning lead · dates set closer in · Source: festival research
Holidays, observances & long weekends
Holiday and observance schedules can affect services and venue hours; confirm each place directly.
- May 1Labour DayPublic holiday
About Florence
City overview
Florence is a compact Arno River city where the medieval street grid, Medici palaces, Brunelleschi dome, and Oltrarno workshops put Renaissance art within short walks. Santa Maria Novella handles arrivals, San Giovanni and Santa Croce hold the museum core, and Santo Spirito or San Niccolò show the working south-bank layer.
Food & drink
Florence food is Tuscan and offal-friendly: bistecca alla fiorentina is a thick T-bone grilled rare, ribollita reheats bread, beans, and cavolo nero into soup, pappa al pomodoro softens tomato and bread, and lampredotto fills street sandwiches with simmered tripe. Mercato Centrale, Sant'Ambrogio Market, Nerbone, Via de' Neri sandwich shops, and Oltrarno trattorie add crostini neri, pappardelle al cinghiale, cantucci, Chianti, and Brunello.
Top sights
Ranked for May suitability using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi's Dome
- 2Santa Croce
- 3Uffizi Gallery
- 4Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria
- 5Bargello Museum
- 6Santa Maria Novella
- 7Galleria dell'Accademia
- 8Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte
1Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Brunelleschi's Dome
4.8★ · 108,694indoorClosed SunFlorence began the cathedral in the 13th century and finished the massive brick dome under Filippo Brunelleschi in the 15th century. The complex includes the cathedral, Giotto's Campanile, the Baptistery, and the Opera del Duomo museum.
Dome climbs require a reserved time slot and 464 steps; the cathedral floor is free but separate from monument tickets.
2Santa Croce
4.8★ · 41,242indoorOpen dailyThe Franciscan basilica holds tombs and memorials for Michelangelo, Galileo, Machiavelli, Dante, and Rossini. The Pazzi Chapel and flood-damaged Cimabue crucifix add 1966 Arno flood context.
3Uffizi Gallery
4.7★ · 92,055indoorClosed MonGiorgio Vasari designed the late 16th-century offices that became the Medici art collection. Botticelli's Birth of Venus, Leonardo's Annunciation, Titian, Caravaggio, Raphael, and corridor portraits make three hours realistic.
WikipediaReserve timed entry for spring, summer, and holiday weeks; same-day lines are longest after 10:00.
Show 3 more sights
- 4Palazzo Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria
- 5Bargello Museum
- 6Santa Maria Novella
Neighborhoods
1San Giovanni and Piazza del Duomo
San Giovanni is cathedral Florence, with the Duomo, Baptistery, Campanile, Via Calzaiuoli, Piazza della Repubblica, and the densest day-trip crowds.
2Santa Maria Novella
Santa Maria Novella is arrival-and-hotel Florence, with Firenze SMN, the basilica, Via della Scala, tram stops, and practical restaurants near the station.
3Santa Croce
Santa Croce mixes basilica courtyards, leather shops, bars, Sant'Ambrogio market, and evening squares east of the Uffizi core.
Day trips
8km / 20-30min by ATAF bus 7 from Piazza San Marco
Fiesole
The hill town has Etruscan and Roman ruins, a small cathedral, cypress views, and sunset terraces over Florence. It is the easiest half-day escape.
75km / about 1h 20min by bus from Florence bus station near SMN
Siena
Piazza del Campo, the striped cathedral, contrade streets, and Palio history make Siena the strongest Tuscan city day trip. Bus usually beats train for the historic center.
85km / 1h by train from Firenze SMN to Pisa Centrale, plus 25min to Lucca
Pisa and Lucca
Pisa gives the Leaning Tower and cathedral field, while Lucca adds Renaissance walls and a flatter old town. Pairing both works if you start early.
Getting around
Florence's historic center is fastest on foot, with ZTL rules making rental cars a liability inside the core. Tram T2 links the airport with Santa Maria Novella, T1 reaches Villa Costanza park-and-ride and Scandicci, and regional buses or trains from SMN handle Fiesole, Siena, Pisa, Lucca, and Chianti transfers.
Planning a Florence trip?
Add your dates and we'll check every place for closures, limited hours, and booking needs in May.
Common questions about Florence in May
- What to pack for Florence in May
Pack for May's weather, not a generic Florence checklist.
- Layerable daytime clothes for average highs around 25°C / 76°F.
- A light evening layer because nights average 12°C / 54°F.
- A small umbrella or packable shell for scattered rain across about 8 days.
- How many days do you need in Florence
- 4 days covers the main Florence highlights at a realistic pace. Add 3 extra days if you want the listed day trips.
- Is Florence worth visiting in May
- Yes. May in Florence averages 25°C / 76°F highs, 12°C / 54°F nights, and about 8 rainy days.
Ready to plan Florence?
You've seen what's on — now get a day-by-day Florence plan for May 2027, every place checked for your exact dates.