Special Events to Check Out in Florence in November (2024)
When you hear “Florence in November”, you might instantly think gray skies, endless rain, and not much going on.
We totally understand you because those were our worries too before. But Florence in November really proved us wrong.
Even though it’s known as the wettest month, there are actually some really exciting events that make it worth braving the occasional showers.
And we’re here to fill you in on all the details about them.
We’ll also talk about the weather in November, what’s good to eat, where to stay, what to wear, how to get around, and some handy tips to make your trip awesome.
Weather in Florence Italy in November
The weather’s nice and mild during November in Florence. You’re looking at an average temperature of 10.6°C (51°F).
If you’re not used to these temps, you better bundle up real well.
But keep in mind that Florence is already milder compared to other spots in Europe, like Ufa and Rovaniemi. Those places can hit as low as -19°C (-2.2°F).
Also, one big thing you’ll have to deal with during November is the rain, especially since it’s the wettest month.
But don’t worry too much – you’ll still see plenty of sunshine (just between rain showers, of course).
Just don’t forget a raincoat or an umbrella when you head out.
How Long Does the Sun Rise in Florence in November?
When you’re checking out a city, it’s good to know the daytime hours so you can plan your activities better.
During November in Florence, the sun comes up around 7:10 am and goes down at about 4:50 pm. So, you’ll get about 9.5 hours of daylight.
Actually, it has less daylight compared to the summer months, so it’s really a good idea to start early to make the most of your sightseeing before it gets dark.
Does It Rain in Florence in November?
In November, Florence usually sees about 9 rainy days with around 78.7mm (3.1in) of rain in total.
The showers are usually light, so heavy downpours don’t happen all the time.
But if it’s raining too hard, you can always check out indoor places like museums for a fun time.
Just make sure to throw an umbrella and a rain jacket in your bag for outdoor fun.
Also, don’t forget to peek at the weather before you step out to avoid any unexpected “swimming in the streets” scenarios.
Does It Snow in Florence in November?
If you’re coming during the off-season, that’s probably something you wanna know and be excited about.
Sadly, snow hardly ever happens in Florence, especially in November.
But don’t let the lack of snow deter you—there’s still a lot to love about Florence in the winter.
Winter Temperature in Florence in November
Be ready for some mild and ever-changing weather when you visit Florence in November.
During the day, it can hit as high as 20°C (68°F). Then, nights can be as low as 0°C (32°F).
But here’s the cool part: November is a fantastic time to check out Florence’s iconic spots like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
Since it’s less crowded, you can really take your time and appreciate the beauty without all the rush.
Average Low Temperature: 6.1°C (43°F)
Average High Temperature: 14.4°C (58°F)
Average Temperature: 10.6°C (51°F)
Precipitation: 78.7mm (3.1in)
Special Events to Look out for in Florence in November
To make your November trip to Florence even more awesome, we totally recommend checking out some of the special events going on during this time.
Here are the best ones to check out in 2024:
The Festival Dei Popoli
The Festival dei Popoli is a famous documentary film event in Florence that’s happening from November 2nd to November 10th in 2024.
Just so you know, this event is one of the oldest and most respected events of its kind worldwide.
At the festival, you’ll find tons of stuff to do. They’ve got the best documentaries out there from not just Italy but all around the world.
But it’s not just about watching films; you also get to hang out with other film lovers and meet people in the industry.
Last year, in 2023, they had some pretty awesome guests. Think famous musicians, actors, and even directors!
We were lucky enough to catch a Q&A with this incredible director last year—we are talking about Pedro Costa.
You can totally expect the same vibe this year, too. Plus, they have these super interesting workshops and discussions about making documentaries.
They cover all sorts of topics like social issues, politics, the environment, and music.
For the venues, the festival usually goes down at spots like La Compagnia, Spazio Alfieri, Cinema Astra, Murate Art District, Performing Arts Research Centre, Teatro Giotto, and a few more.
And if you’re wondering about the prices, you could snag a subscription for €60 or just go for a daily pass at €10.
But for the full details, it’s always best to double-check their website. They’ll have all the latest info for this year’s event.
All Saint’s Day
All Saints’ Day, or Ognissanti in Florence, is a meaningful day observed on November 1.
It’s a time when people come together to remember and pay respects to loved ones.
We always find the atmosphere in the city to be really moving on this day.
Since this holiday usually turns into a long weekend for lots of Italians, you can expect more tourists in cities and popular spots.
You’ll also find loads of food everywhere, like dolci dei morti (sweets of the dead), cookies, and our all-time favorite “marzipan” (they’re too pretty to eat, actually).
No need to stress about public transportation on this day, though; it keeps running smoothly, so you can still get around easily.
Plus, you’ll find that many sites (especially museums) remain open, but some stores might have limited hours or be closed.
Just to be safe, make sure you double-check their websites for the schedules.
Lo Schermo Dell’Arte (Cinema and Contemporary Art Festival )
The “Lo Schermo Dell’Arte” is this awesome international event that happens in Florence every mid-November.
You get to see how modern art and cinema vibe together here. Basically, it’s a big showcase for artists and filmmakers to strut their stuff.
They’ve got documentaries, exhibitions, and talks that’ll surely keep you entertained.
Christmas Market in Santa Croce
Have you heard about the Christmas Market at Santa Croce in Florence?
It’s pretty famous and the largest one in the city. Plus, the cool thing is it starts as early as November 18.
You can expect over 50 wooden stalls here filled with goodies from Italy and all over Europe (Spain, Switzerland, Scotland, England, and more).
They’ve got everything from delicious food like waffles, sausages, pretzels, and mulled wine to artwork, handmade ornaments, scarves, fancy jewelry, and wooden toys.
Oh, and don’t forget to try the chimney cake (our favorite) here, which is usually topped with yummy choices like cinnamon and chocolate.
Warning: This may result in uncontrollable cravings and regrettable belt adjustments.
What’s awesome is that it’s not just about food and gifts. Your kids can have a blast at Santa’s house with Christmas games, too!
So, if you’re around during the holidays, you don’t want to miss this festive vibe!
Florence Marathon
The Florence Marathon happens every year in late November, specifically on the last Sunday of the month.
What makes it super fun is that as you run, you get to pass famous spots like Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria – it’s like a sightseeing tour while getting your workout in!
Don’t worry if you’re not up for the full marathon – they have shorter races, too, for all fitness levels.
And even if you’re not running, it’s still fun to watch and experience the lively atmosphere during the event.
Cheering on the sidelines totally counts as cardio, right?
Just make sure to head over to Piazza Duomo since that’s where it’s going to start and finish.
So, if you’re interested in joining, you can sign up on their website. Registration fees start at around €55.
Brick in Florence Festival
As Lego lovers, the Brick in Florence Festival is one of the events in Florence that we really look forward to.
This isn’t just for kids; it’s for adults to enjoy, too. You get to see play areas here filled with 150 kilos of Lego bricks and even shop for books and games.
The selection was actually amazing – we ended up blowing way too much money on Lego sets.
Plus, you can join workshops and mingle with fellow Lego enthusiasts.
Thanksgiving Day in Florence
If you’re a tourist and don’t know anyone in the city, the easiest way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day is by heading to a restaurant for a traditional Thanksgiving meal—that’s exactly what we did!
Luckily, there are tons of awesome options to pick from. We actually ended up trying a few different places.
There’s Melaleuca, Harry’s Bar The Garden at Via Il Prato, Hard Rock Café, and Ristorante Accademia at Piazza San Marco (where we totally satisfied our cravings for pumpkin soup and turkey).
You’ll find Thanksgiving meals at these restaurants going for around €25 to €55. Bring your family along and celebrate the day together!
Florence Percussion Festival
The Florence Percussion Festival is a celebration of concerts and exhibitors in the first week of November.
You can also expect some workshops and, of course, yummy food!
They usually throw a theme for the festivities, so make sure to peep their website to stay in the loop.
You surely won’t want to miss this if you’re anywhere near Florence during the festival dates.
What to Eat in Florence in November
Ribollita (Tuscan Bread Soup)
Ribollita really captured our hearts and was definitely one of our go-to comfort foods in Florence.
What makes Ribollita so good is its simple, rustic vibe and deep flavors.
Every spoonful has a mix of textures – tender veggies, creamy beans, and that thickened broth from the bread.
They usually heat it up over a few days to let the flavors mix and intensify.
You’ll see Ribollita not just in Christmas markets but also on lots of menus in family-run trattorias in Florence.
Schiacciata all’Uva (Grape Focaccia)
And while you’re indulging in Florence’s off-season vibes, don’t miss out on Schiacciata all’uva – grape focaccia—It’s a classic food.
We liked ours paired with Vin Santo or a steaming cup of coffee.
And because it’s easy to carry, it’s perfect for munching while you explore Florence or have a picnic in one of the city’s beautiful gardens.
Lampredotto (Tripe Sandwich)
In Florence, November calls for a taste of Lampredotto, a tripe sandwich that might surprise you.
It’s a local favorite, slow-cooked to perfection, and full of savory goodness.
You can totally have an authentic experience at any of the Christmas Markets in Florence.
Waffles
Waffles are not something you’d typically associate with Italy. But in Florence, they’re a hit, especially when the Christmas Markets start.
These fluffy, golden waffles are usually topped with Nutella, fruits, or whipped cream, perfect for snacking while you’re exploring the city.
Bratwurst
On the savory side, thanks to the city’s German influence, you can’t miss out on bratwurst.
These tasty sausages made from pork and spices are grilled just right and usually served with mustard or sauerkraut.
You’ll find bratwurst stands scattered across the Christmas Markets in Florence.
Pretzels
Pretzels were one of our snacks while we were strolling around the Christmas Market in Santa Croce.
Make sure to grab yours while it’s warm, maybe with a sprinkle of salt or sesame seeds.
It’s also the perfect snack to munch on while sipping on some Tuscan wine.
Mulled Wine
When the weather gets chilly in November, you gotta try the local favorite, mulled wine, or as they call it here, ‘vin brulé.’
It’s like a warm hug in a cup, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
You’ll spot vendors selling it all over town during the off-season.
What to Wear in Florence in November
When you’re going to Florence in November, just keep in mind the cooler weather and the possibility of rain.
Here are some tips to help you decide what to wear:
Cozy Tops
For tops, it’s good to have a mix of long and short sleeves.
Bring along some lightweight sweaters, and don’t forget a warm jacket or coat for those chilly days.
And if you’re going to churches, just remember to wear tops that cover your shoulders as a sign of respect.
We don’t want you to make the same mistake as us.
We had to grab a couple of cheap shawls from a street vendor to have something to cover up with before going into some of the famous churches.
Toasty Bottoms
Jeans are a good choice for bottoms, especially on rainy days. Also, it’s a good idea to pack some warmer pants or tights to layer underneath.
Nights can get pretty cold, so having that extra layer will keep you cozy.
Travel Shoes
When it comes to shoes, go for closed-toe ones with good traction.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially on those cobblestone streets, so supportive sneakers or boots are a great choice.
We learned this the hard way after our feet were killing us from wearing flimsy flats all day.
And if you’re planning fancy dinners or the opera, throw in some dressier shoes, too.
Winter Accessories
Accessories can make a big difference. So, grab a scarf, gloves, and a hat to stay warm.
And don’t forget an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.
Getting Around Florence in November
Take a Bus
In Florence, there are these buses that go all over, even to the nearby towns.
They’re not too pricey, but sometimes the routes can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re new here.
Traffic jams can also slow things down, especially during busy times.
But getting tickets is easy – you can grab them at the station or on the machines at big bus stops. Just remember to validate your ticket when you hop on.
Catch a Tram
Florence also has these sleek trams, just two lines but they get you places.
T1 goes from Scandicci to the Santa Maria Novella train station, and T2 goes from Santa Maria Novella to Peretola airport.
We usually take the tram to dodge traffic, especially for our longer trips across the city.
What’s great is that you can use the same tickets and passes you use for buses; just make sure to validate them on the tram.
Join the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
Hop-on hop-off buses in Florence are pretty cool for seeing a lot without tiring yourself out or getting lost.
You just hop off where you want, check out the spot, then hop back on when you’re ready for the next place.
You can avail a 1-day ticket or even a 3-day ticket.
Going for the 3-day choice can save you a good chunk of cash, especially if you’re gonna be there for a while.
> Grab this Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Hail a Taxi
Taxis aren’t the cheapest, but they’re handy, especially if you’re hauling luggage around or need to zip somewhere quickly.
You can expect a base fee of €3.30, and then it’ll go up depending on how far you’re going.
Look for the white ones with “TAXI” on top, and you can wave them down or find stands around the city.
Ride a Bicycle
Lots of folks are into biking around Florence now. It’s eco-friendly and lets you see more than walking.
Just keep an eye out for cars in the narrow streets and mind those bumpy cobblestones.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Florence in November
Bring Rain-Ready Gear
November in Florence can get pretty rainy, so it’s smart to pack stuff that’ll keep you dry.
Grab a tough umbrella, some waterproof shoes or boots, and a light raincoat or poncho.
That way, you can wander around the city without getting soaked.
Double-Check Event Schedules
Florence is always full of special events, especially in November. So when you’re there, make sure not to miss them out.
But the most important thing before anything else is to double-check the events schedule before you go.
That way, you can make sure to catch all the fun stuff happening.
Always Carry Cash
You can totally use cards in a bunch of spots in Florence, but it’s smart to have some cash on you, too.
It really comes in handy, especially at those local markets or small shops that might prefer cash.
And let’s not forget about Christmas markets or when you’re dealing with street vendors – cash is usually the way to go in those situations.
Be Cautious
Florence is generally safe, but it’s smart to stay cautious, especially if you’re on your own.
If you’re out at night, think about grabbing a cab or using a rideshare app, especially if you’re a solo female traveler.
Always stick to the bustling parts of town and stay alert to what’s happening around you.
