Are you wondering what to wear in Florence in August? Along with July in Florence, August is the hottest month in the city. Summer is definitely in full swing and therefore you need to pack for the heat. This Florence Summer Packing List will cover everything that you need to enjoy a summer city break in this beautiful Tuscan city from information on weather to shoes.
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Weather in Florence in August
August is full on summer in Florence and Tuscany. As the temperatures in the city begin to increase you need to be sure that you pack light breathable natural fabrics that will reduce sweat and help you cope sightseeing in the Italian summer heat.
Note: the weather between months changes quite dramatically in Florence and Tuscany and there are always special events in Italy which can affect both your attire and your ability to visit certain attractions. If your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly and regional Italy guides:
- What to wear in Tuscany in Summer
- What to wear in Italy in August
- What to Wear to Rome in August
- What to Wear in Venice in August
- What to wear to Pompeii
- What to wear to the Amalfi Coast
- What to wear to Cinque Terre
- What to wear in Puglia
- What to wear in Sardinia
- What to wear in Sicily
- What to wear in Lake Como
- What to wear in Positano
How hot is Florence in August?
Tuscany is very hot in Summer. The average high temperature in August in Florence tends to be around high 80s°F to 90s / 32C so breathable fabrics are an absolute must.
Even the lows are relatively high with an average low temperature of 64F/18C.
Does it rain a lot in August in Florence?
August is actually one of the driest months in Florence. Therefore the good news is that you don’t need to worry about rain for your Florence packing list for August.
As weather can change month from month in Florence be sure to check out our monthly guides which details weather and special events.
What to Wear in Florence in August
As we said, Florence in August is hot, hot hot. Therefore one of the most important considerations for traveling to the city at this time is packing clothing that is good for high temperatures.
I think the key to packing for hot weather is light fabrics that are natural rather than manmade that will help reduce sweat.
Therefore whether you are a man, woman or child traveling to Florence in August I would stick to the below fabrics to help you cope with the heat:
- Cotton
- Linen
- Silk
What to wear in Florence in August for Women
In this section of the packing guide we look specifically at what women should wear in Florence and considers both the heat, Italian dress code and more.
Longer length skirts and dresses
Short skirts and dresses are always on my what not to wear in Italy list. Why? Because they are not appropriate in lots of Florence’s main tourist attractions such as churches like the Duomo in Florence.
However midi and maxi length skirts and dresses are great and are good for day to night transition outfits.
Just be sure that whatever skirts you pack don’t reveal your knee. This is especially important if your skirt has a slit in it.
This is because when visiting Italian churches you need to be modest in your dress which includes having knees covered up.
Trousers
Jeans are a no no for Florence in August, they are just too hot. However you are likely want a pair of trousers or two for a week in Florence.
We recommend a lighter weight trouser such as a linen trouser or a chino. These are great in churches, for exploring the city and even for the Duomo.
You could also pack a pair of shorts but these tend to be worn more by the locals at beaches and in the countryside rather than the cities. And if you do pick a pair of shorts we recommend selecting a more fitted tailored pair over cargo shorts to be more in keeping with the locals.
Blouse
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights and perfect for evenings when you decide to dine alfresco.
Also, there can be some mosquitos in the city during this month so a longer sleeve paired with a pair of linen trousers can reduce your risk of being bitten.
T Shirt
I always pack a few t shirts when visiting Florence no matter the time of year.
For this time of year cotton short sleeve t shirts are preferable.
Also it is worth noting that if you want to blend in with locals plan single color tees and t shirts without graphics or slogans will make you fit in with the locals most.
Cardigan
Lots of layers aren’t necessary for Florence in August however a cardigan can always come in handy especially if you plan on dining al fresco in the city.
Just pick a neutral color that will coordinate with most things.Shop cardigans here.
Pashmina
It doesn’t matter where I am traveling, a pashmina is always on my packing list especially for Italy. And Tuscany in Summer is no exception.
A pashmina can be used as a scarf or lovely accessory but can double up as an added extra layer or help provide some added modesty for churches in required.
PJs or Nightie
Lightweight pyjamas and nighties are perfect for August especially as much Florentine accommodation does not have air conditioning.
Swimwear
Only for if your accommodation has a pool.
Sunglasses
The sun in bright in Florence whatever month you visit but it is particularly essential for August.
Sunhat
I always recommend taking a sun hat if you are visiting Florence in summer. I tend to opt for smarter hats rather than baseball caps which can single you out as a tourist.
Underwear and Socks
What to pack for Florence in August for Men
For men visiting Tuscany in Summer, I actually recommend actually keeping things similar to the ladies packing list. The items we recommend including on your mens Tuscan Summer packing list are:
Chinos/Jeans
Chinos and linen trousers are perfect for men in August for churches, museums and restaurants in Florence.
Shorts
Although Chinos and linens are great for traveling in both cities and countryside, for days when you are not visiting churches you will also want to have some shorts with you.
We recommend tailored pairs over cargo shorts as these will be more in keeping with locals.
T Shirts and Shirts
During the day t shirts are great. For men short sleeve tees are probably going to be the most useful for you.
Again I would recommend avoiding anything with a graphic or slogan or in overly loud colors if you want to fit in with the locals.
You should also pack at least one button down shirt with you for Tuscany in Summer for going out to dinner.
However if shirts aren’t your thing then be sure to pack a smart polo.
Sunglasses
for the reasons we said above
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
Best Shoes for Florence in August
Sneakers
Now I know many people worry about wearing sneakers in Italy, there seems to be an internet rumour that tells people these are a big no no in Italy.
Sneakers are perfectly acceptable in Italy and they are my go to shoe for Italy.
Fashion trainers tend to be more in keeping with locals over sports sneakers but any is fine.
I actually like wearing allBirds trainers in summer as I find them more breathable and can cope with the Florence summer temperatures well.
Sandals
Sandals are great for the day in the heat and are also my go to shoe for dinner in Italy where the locals do tend to dress for dinner.
Flip Flops (optional)
Flip flops are only really necessary if your Florence accommodation has a pool
What Else to Pack for Florence in August
- Universal Travel Adaptor – very important for those traveling from outside of Europe as Rome uses standard European plugs.
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Crossbody bag – one with plenty of zips that can put off pick pockets is best.
- Reusable Water bottle – as the temperatures in August skyrocket, you will need to stay hydrated. One of my favourite things about Rome is the free water fountains around the city so be sure to make use of them.
- Sunscreen – the sun is strong in Italy in the summertime
- After Sun – no one wants to get burnt however this will help if you do get burnt in Florence.
- Mosquito Repellant
- Toiletries – find out full list of essential travel toiletries here.
- Medication
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
- Camera
FAQs about Summer Florence Packing List
What to wear to the Duomo in Florence?
Possibly the biggest tourist attraction in Florence is the Duomo, which is the place that attracts most visitors.
It is also the place in Florence that has the strictest dress code as an Italian church.
The dress code at Italian churches tends require a modest attire which includes:
- keeping your shoulders covered at all times inside the church
- keeping your knees covered.
This dress code applies to both men and women.
Do I need swimwear for Florence in August?
Unless you have booked accommodation with a pool or plan on going onto a beach location or on a Med cruise it is unlikely you will need swimwear in Florence.
However if you are planning a day trip to a beach or do have access to a pool I would definitely bring a swimming costume with you.
What do people wear in Florence in August?
Florence is hot hot hot in August. Locals tend to wear summer dresses and loose trousers and blouses in August.
Can you wear jeans in Florence in Summer?
There is nothing to stop you wearing jeans in Florence in the summer in terms of dress code. However given the heat I would personally try and avoid denim as it can be too hot in summer in Florence.
Have you been to Florence in August what did you wear? And if you have a question that we haven’t answered here drop us a comment below and we will do out best to answer!