Best time to go

• During spring: with mild temperatures of around 20°C (68°F) and the gardens in full bloom, springtime in Florence is both serene and scenic. This is the time to wander through the piazzas, stop for a coffee al fresco, or see the historic sites of the city without the usual summer bustle. The atmosphere is relaxed and this is when you’ll find Florence at its most authentic. You may encounter the occasional rain shower, but they are usually very brief and the sun quickly returns.

• During summer: the one thing that will strike you about Florence in the summer is the scent of jasmine everywhere. During this period, the temperatures climb up into the high 20s°C, the perfect excuse for indulging in some of the city’s famous gelato. Head to the strip of bars and cafés along the river in the evening for a glass of chilled wine and a bowl of rich Ragù di Cinghiale - rich wild boar ragu served upon ribbon pasta.

• During autumn: as the seasons change, the visitors disperse and Florence takes on a more sleepy personality in the autumn. The weather is still excellent for sightseeing at this time of the year - not as hot as the summer months but still pleasantly warm. This is the perfect moment to visit the city’s gardens and parks, which are a blaze of autumnal orange, gold and red.

• During winter: as with many northern European cities, Florence turns into a winter wonderland once the colder months arrive. Throughout November and December, the Christmas markets fill every square and the streets are bejewelled with coloured lights. January and February are the quietest months of the year, so if you want to browse the city’s world-famous works of art in complete peace, now is the time to visit.