Planning a trip to Chianti?

Discover the best time to visit Tuscany with our detailed month-by-month guide covering weather, local festivals, seasonal produce, and unique activities.

What it’s good for:
January is the quietest month in Chianti — peaceful, slow, and introspective. It's perfect for those who seek a retreat from the busy world. Ideal for reading by the fire, slow cooking, writing, or simply walking through misty landscapes. Some wineries and trattorias close for the season, but the ones that stay open feel especially intimate.

Activities:
Cozy wine tastings by the fireplace / Winter walks through bare vineyards and olive groves / Visiting local artisans in their studios / Truffle hunting in nearby woodlands / Long lunches in traditional osterias

Festivals & local events:
Epiphany (January 6) – celebrated with parades and bonfires in many Tuscan towns
Festa del Beccuto in Florence – a historical reenactment held mid-January (worth the short drive)

Seasonal produce:
black cabbage (cavolo nero), chestnuts, wild herbs, and hearty pecorino cheeses — perfect for warming soups and rustic pastas.

Natural beauty:
The landscape is bare and poetic — vineyards are asleep, olive trees are silvery under the pale sun, and mornings are often wrapped in fog. Hills look almost like charcoal drawings, and sunsets can be sharp and icy-pink. It’s a time of rest and deep quiet.

January in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 7–10°C (45–50°F)
Night: 0–3°C (32–37°F)

What it’s good for:
February in Chianti is still quiet, but there’s a subtle shift — more light, longer days, and the first hints of spring in the air. It’s a month for slow discoveries: empty villages, personal conversations with winemakers, and unexpected sunshine on a stone terrace. Fewer tourists mean more space for you — in trattorias, on trails, in thought.

Activities:
Visiting lesser-known wineries with no need to book / Exploring hilltop towns like Radda, Gaiole, or Montefioralle without the crowds / Olive oil tastings and learning about the recent harvest / Attending cooking classes focused on seasonal Tuscan dishes / Wandering through antique markets or local art exhibits

Festivals & local events:
Carnevale – celebrated in nearby towns with parades, masks, and local sweets like cenci
Vino e Cioccolato events – chocolate and wine pairings in Siena or Florence
Village fairs with fried dough, street musicians, and Chianti wine served hot

Seasonal produce:
leeks, artichokes, radicchio, and citrus — perfect for vibrant winter salads and rich vegetable stews.

Natural beauty:
Almond trees may bloom early, and meadows turn a brighter green. The hills are still quiet, often veiled in morning mist, but some days surprise with crisp sunlight and clear blue skies.

February in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 9–12°C (48–54°F)
Night: 2–4°C (35–39°F)

What it’s good for:
March in Chianti is a month of awakening. The fields begin to green, the air smells of damp earth and new beginnings. It’s the perfect time for those who love to see places before the crowds — raw, honest, in-between seasons. There’s still a chill in the evenings, but by midday you might sit in the sun without a coat.

Activities:
Long countryside walks among budding vineyards and olive groves / Visiting wineries as pruning season ends and the year’s work begins / Exploring open-air markets and picking the first wild herbs / Early wildflower spotting on less-traveled trails

Festivals & local events:
Festa della Donna (March 8) – Women’s Day, with mimosa flowers and local gatherings
Taste Florence – a gastronomy event showcasing artisanal Tuscan products (a short trip away)
Local Easter preparations begin toward the end of the month if Easter is early.

Seasonal produce:
agretti (saltwort), asparagus, wild fennel, fresh pecorino, and early strawberries — ideal for simple, joyful cooking.

Natural beauty:
March is all soft greens and slow starts. Vineyards begin to sprout delicate buds. Fruit trees — almond, cherry, plum — surprise you with sudden bloom. The light is gentle, the skies still moody at times, but there's a promise in the air.

March in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 13–16°C (55–61°F)
Night: 5–7°C (41–45°F)

What it’s good for:
April is when Chianti truly wakes up. Hills roll in a thousand shades of green, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and the countryside smells like spring. It’s the perfect month for hikers, cyclists, and anyone who loves slow travel. Villages feel alive again — shops reopen, cafés set out their tables, and you might find yourself drinking wine in the sun without meaning to.

Activities:
Wildflower walks and picnics among blooming fields / Cycling between villages while the weather is still cool / Joining Easter processions and local rituals / Exploring food markets brimming with fresh greens and herbs

Festivals & local events:
Pasqua (Easter) – processions, church bells, and festive meals with lamb and artichokes
Scoppio del Carro (Florence) – a spectacular Easter tradition with fireworks (worth the drive)
Small village festivals celebrating spring, wine, and rebirth.

Seasonal produce:
artichokes, fava beans, peas, agretti, strawberries, and the first zucchini flowers — ideal for light frittatas, spring risottos, and garden lunches.

Natural beauty:
April in Chianti is a symphony of bloom. The hills are soft and bright, meadows dotted with poppies, daisies, and wild irises that grow along stone paths and vineyard edges. Fruit trees — cherry, plum, and peach — are in full blossom, painting the landscape in clouds of pale pink and white. Wisteria spills in cascades of lilac from pergolas and garden walls, filling the air with its sweet, powdery scent.

April in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 17–20°C (63–68°F)
Night: 8–10°C (46–50°F)

What it’s good for:
May is Chianti at its most lush and generous. The countryside is in full bloom, the days are long, and the weather is warm but not yet summer-hot. It's a golden time for exploring — whether you're wandering through vineyards, hiking in the hills, or lingering over lunch on a shaded terrace. Everything feels alive, open, and possible.

Activities:
Hikes through forest trails and vineyard roads rich with birdsong / Alfresco lunches under blooming pergolas / Garden visits — from private estates to abbey herb gardens / Bike rides through cypress-lined strade bianche / Evening aperitivi in piazzas glowing with golden light

Festivals & local events:
Cantine Aperte – a weekend when wineries open their doors for tastings, cellar tours, and music.
Infiorate – flower festivals in nearby towns with petal carpets and local celebrations.
Festa del Cinghiale (wild boar festival) in various villages — rustic food, wine, and live music.
Markets celebrating local honey, herbs, and artisanal cheese.

Seasonal produce:
zucchini flowers, cherries, early tomatoes, fresh herbs, lettuce, and baby potatoes — perfect for market baskets and long, easy meals shared outdoors.

Natural beauty:
May is when Chianti feels enchanted. Roses climb stone walls in full bloom, and wisteria still lingers in the air. Fruit trees carry the last of their blossoms, while vines stretch toward the sun. Everything hums quietly — bees in the lavender, leaves in the breeze, footsteps on a gravel path.

May in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 21–25°C (70–77°F)
Night: 11–13°C (52–55°F)

What it’s good for:
June brings warm, golden days and balmy evenings, perfect for lingering outside. It’s the time when vineyards are lush and green, olive trees shimmer silver, and the scent of herbs fills the air. Days are long and lively — ideal for picnics, swimming in pools, and discovering shaded corners of Chianti’s villages.

Activities:
Early morning vineyard walks before the heat sets in / Swimming in local pools or rivers / Visiting olive groves and herb gardens / Outdoor concerts and cinema under the stars / Evening aperitivi and dinners on terraces/

Festivals & local events:
Festa della Repubblica (June 2) — Italy’s national day with parades and celebrations.
Local village festivals featuring grilled meats, fresh wine, and folk music.
Outdoor music and art festivals in towns like Greve and Castellina.

Seasonal produce:
early cherries, fava beans, zucchinis, tomatoes, and fresh basil — the building blocks for classic Tuscan summer dishes.

Natural beauty:
June in Chianti is a time of fullness. The hills are rich green, vineyards thick with young grapes, and olive trees in their prime. Lavender blooms in splashes of purple along country roads, and rosemary and thyme perfume the warm breeze. The wildflowers fade, replaced by the heavy scent of ripening fruit and fresh hay.

June in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 26–29°C (79–84°F)
Night: 15–17°C (59–63°F)

What it’s good for:
July in Chianti is hot, sunny, and full of vibrant summer life. It’s the time for slow mornings, afternoon rests in the shade, and lively evenings under the stars. The countryside hums with cicadas, and vineyards bask in the strong Tuscan sun. It’s perfect for those who love the energy of summer festivals and long, warm nights.

Activities:
Early morning hikes to avoid the midday heat / Swimming in pools, rivers, or nearby lakes / Evening aperitivi in village piazzas / Outdoor concerts, open-air cinemas, and summer festivals / Wine tastings in the cool cellars.

Festivals & local events:
Summer wine festivals and food markets in towns like Greve and Radda.
Outdoor theater and music performances.

Seasonal produce:
ripe tomatoes, fresh figs, zucchinis, eggplants, and basil — essentials for the classic Tuscan summer kitchen.

Natural beauty:
The golden light of July afternoons softens the hills, while cypress silhouettes stand dark against fiery sunsets. Gardens and terraces burst with summer blooms — geraniums, oleanders, and roses, vineyards are dense with ripening grapes.

July in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 29–33°C (84–91°F)
Night: 17–19°C (63–66°F)

What it’s good for:
August in Chianti is hot and slow, the perfect month for resting in the shade, swimming in cool pools, and enjoying long, lazy evenings. Many locals take their holidays now, so some villages feel peaceful and quiet, while others buzz with summer festivals and communal dinners. It’s a time for savoring summer’s fullness and the sweet taste of ripe fruit.

Activities:
Swimming and relaxing by the pool or in shaded garden spots / Evening passeggiata (leisurely stroll) through cool village streets / Outdoor dining under pergolas lit by lanterns / Local summer festivals with food, wine, and music / Stargazing on clear, warm nights.

Festivals & local events:
Ferragosto (August 15) — Italy’s big summer holiday with feasts, fireworks, and village celebrations.
Village sagre featuring grilled meats, fresh pasta, and local wine.
Outdoor concerts, cinema, and cultural events.

Seasonal produce:
ripe peaches, figs, tomatoes, and eggplants — perfect for fresh summer salads and hearty evening meals.

Natural beauty:
The air is fragrant with lavender, thyme, and dry summer grass, while gardens burst with lush late-season blooms like dahlias, sunflowers, and hydrangeas.

August in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 30–34°C (86–93°F)
Night: 18–20°C (64–68°F)

What it’s good for:
September is the heart of harvest season in Chianti. The weather is still warm but gentler than summer’s peak, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring vineyards heavy with fruit. It’s a lively time when the countryside buzzes with the excitement of grape picking, local festivals, and rich seasonal flavors.

Activities:
Participating in or watching grape harvests (vendemmia) / Wine tastings and cellar tours with freshly pressed wines / Hiking through fields turning gold and amber / Visiting olive groves before the olive harvest begins / Enjoying slow meals with new wine and local specialties.

Festivals & local events:
Vendemmia celebrations — grape harvest festivals with food, music, and dance.
Festa del Vino (Wine Festival) in towns like Greve and Castellina.

Seasonal produce:
ripe grapes, early olives, figs, plums, and mushrooms — perfect for autumnal dishes and hearty meals shared with friends.

Natural beauty:
September cloaks Chianti in warm shades of gold, amber, and rust as vineyards show off bunches of plump grapes ready for picking. Olive trees stand dark green against fading summer light, while wildflowers are replaced by late blooming asters and hardy grasses. The scent of fermenting grapes mingles with earth and dry leaves, and the air cools just enough in the evenings for cozy fires and long conversations.

September in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 25–28°C (77–82°F)
Night: 13–15°C (55–59°F)

What it’s good for:
October is a month of rich colors and deep flavors in Chianti. The weather is mild and crisp, perfect for long walks through vineyards and olive groves. This is the prime time for olive harvesting and enjoying the freshest, newly pressed extra virgin olive oil. The atmosphere is warm and festive as locals celebrate the bounty of the land.

Activities:
Participating in or observing the olive harvest (la raccolta delle olive) / Tasting fresh olive oil straight from the press / Hiking amidst the fiery autumn foliage / Attending local food and wine festivals / Cozying up in rustic trattorias with seasonal dishes

Festivals & local events:
Festa della Oliva (Olive Festival) — tasting and celebrating new olive oil.
Chestnut festivals in surrounding hills.
Local fairs featuring truffles, wild mushrooms, and autumn produce.

Seasonal produce:
olives, chestnuts, grapes for late harvest wines, mushrooms, and pumpkins — perfect for warming autumn meals and festive gatherings.

Natural beauty:
October wraps Chianti in a tapestry of reds, golds, and burnt oranges as grapevines shed their leaves and olive trees shine deep green. The hillsides glow under soft autumn light, and the air smells of wood smoke, earth, and ripe fruit. Chestnut trees drop their spiky burs, and wild mushrooms peek through fallen leaves. Gardens slow their blooms but still offer late asters and hardy chrysanthemums.

October in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
Night: 9–12°C (48–54°F)

What it’s good for:
November brings cooler days and crisp, quiet mornings to Chianti. It’s a time for slowing down, enjoying peaceful walks through the countryside, and savoring hearty seasonal dishes. The olive harvest often finishes, and locals prepare for the winter ahead. Misty mornings and soft light give the landscape a gentle, introspective mood.

Activities:
Exploring quiet trails surrounded by autumn colors / Visiting local markets with late-season produce / Sampling fresh olive oil and aged wines / Cooking warm Tuscan recipes using seasonal ingredients / Enjoying quiet moments by the fireplace

Festivals & local events:
Truffle fairs in nearby towns, celebrating the prized white truffle season.
Small village festivals with seasonal food specialties.
Wine tastings featuring recent vintages and aged Chianti classics.

Seasonal produce:
chestnuts, mushrooms, late apples and pears, root vegetables, and hearty greens — perfect for warming stews and comforting meals.

Natural beauty:
November tones down Chianti’s colors to muted golds, browns, and soft greens. Trees stand mostly bare, with only a few stubborn leaves clinging on. Mist often blankets the hills in the early morning, creating a mysterious and calm atmosphere. The earth is rich and damp, with mushrooms and late autumn herbs still visible. Gardens rest, waiting for spring’s return.

November in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 12–16°C (54–61°F)
Night: 4–7°C (39–45°F)

What it’s good for:
December in Chianti is a time of peaceful quiet and cozy gatherings. The landscape rests under soft winter light, while villages glow with festive decorations and warm lights. It’s perfect for slow walks, enjoying hearty meals by the fire, and celebrating the holiday season with friends and family.

Activities:
Exploring quiet, frost-kissed countryside trails / Visiting Christmas markets and local artisan fairs / Enjoying traditional holiday feasts featuring seasonal produce / Attending church services and community celebrations / Curling up with a good book by the fire.

Festivals & local events:
Christmas markets in towns like Greve and Castellina.
Festive nativity scenes (presepi) displayed in villages.
Seasonal concerts and church celebrations.

Seasonal produce:
winter citrus, chestnuts, root vegetables, and hearty greens — perfect for comforting soups and slow-cooked dishes.

Natural beauty:
December’s light is soft and low, casting long shadows across olive groves and vineyards resting bare for winter. The hills are muted in shades of gray, green, and brown, with occasional frost sparkling on leaves and rooftops. Gardens are dormant, but holly berries and evergreen shrubs add festive color to the landscape.

December in Chianti Average temperatures:
Day: 9–13°C (48–55°F)
Night: 1–4°C (34–39°F)