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Rome vs Florence: which is better, and when to go
Rome is at its best in May and Florence in April. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Rome and Florence
At a glance
| Rome | Florence | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | May (10/10) | April (9/10) |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C | July, 30°C |
| Coolest month | January, 13°C | January, 9°C |
| Quietest month | January (Low) | January (Low) |
| Busiest month | July (Very High) | July (Very High) |
| Cheapest month | January (€€) | January (€) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Florence for
- a gentler warmest month (July highs around 30°C, against 33°C)
Little difference between them in: crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets, prices across the year, events through the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Rome | Florence | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C · Low · €€ | 9°C · Low · € | Rome |
| February | 14°C · Low · €€ | 11°C · Low · € | Rome |
| March | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | 14°C · Low–Moderate · €€ | Rome |
| April | 20°C · High · €€€€ | 18°C · Moderate · €€ | Close |
| May | 25°C · High · €€€€€ | 22°C · Moderate–High · €€€ | Rome |
| June | 30°C · High · €€€€€ | 26°C · High · €€€€ | Rome |
| July | 33°C · Very High · €€€€€ | 30°C · Very High · €€€€€ | Rome |
| August | 33°C · High · €€€€ | 30°C · Very High · €€€€€ | Florence |
| September | 28°C · High · €€€€€ | 25°C · Moderate · €€€ | Close |
| October | 23°C · Moderate-High · €€€€ | 19°C · Moderate · €€ | Rome |
| November | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | 14°C · Low · € | Rome |
| December | 13°C · Moderate · €€€ | 10°C · Moderate · €€ | Florence |
FAQ
Rome or Florence?
Is Rome or Florence better?
It depends on when you go. Rome is at its best in May and Florence in April. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Rome and Florence?
Rome: May. Florence: April.
Which is cheaper, Rome or Florence?
Prices are similar across the year. Check each month for the difference.
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