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Tuscany summer packing list – What to wear and how to wear it

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Tuscany is primarily rural and filled with small medieval villages with old streets and quaint paths.

On our trip to Tuscany, we will spend time in the countryside hunting for truffles, visiting wineries and olive groves, and enjoying casual walks among nature.

In the summer months in Tuscany you should wear comfortable clothing and shoes that can take you from lunch to aperitivo, from walking in cobblestone streets to visiting a winery. High heels and cosmopolitan urban outfits are most suitable for Florence and that elsewhere casual chic is best. 

Summers in Tuscany can be hot and humid, with long days and plenty of sunshine. So loose-fitting, flowing and natural fibers will get you far. Italians are known to dress well, so appearing put together is always a good idea.

See our Amazon Tuscany summer packing list with all the product recommendations mentioned here.

To get right to our packing list and tips, click here, otherwise keep reading for everything you’ll need to know about the weather in Tuscany during the summer.

What to expect in the summer months in Tuscany

Summers in Tuscany are warm and the sun stays up until late. However, not all summer months are made equal. 

June sees long days where the sun is up until past 9pm and summer solstice celebrations abound. It is a wonderful month with warm temperatures, beautiful evenings, extra long days and plenty of festivals in the many medieval towns where age-old traditions are kept alive. It is a month I love because it is the beginning of summer and spirits are high with anticipation. 

July and August are hot and sticky and temperatures can make sightseeing unpleasant in the heat of the day. This is particularly true of the second half of July and the first half of August which I recommend to avoid at all costs.

In August, Italians take their summer holidays and Florence and Tuscany are packed with tourists and fewer locals who prefer to head to the mountains or the beaches. Anything frequented by locals will be booked out.

September is the peak month for tourism in Tuscany. The weather is warm but more bearable than in July and August, days are still long, rains are low and it is the wine harvest season. But peak season means higher prices and everything is booked out early in advance, some villas and hotels even a year out.

Weather in Tuscany in the summer

Summertime in Tuscany runs from June to September, officially, from the 23rd of June until the 23rd of September but each month is slightly different.

The weather in July and August is hot, with temperatures well above the 30 C (86 F) and humidity levels approaching 100%. In the peak hours of the day, you can’t do much, which is why everyone heads to the beach or takes a break. Siestas are also an Italian tradition.

Although both months share a similar weather outlook, there are also some differences; one is at the beginning of the summer while the other is the end of it, so the atmosphere varies and the climate is slightly different.

The weather in June in Tuscany

June is a beautiful month to visit Tuscany, perhaps our favorite. 

Summer solstice festivals abound, with live music and reenactment of medieval celebrations across the many towns such as the knightly tournaments in Arezzo, Palio del Cerro in Volterra where tugs of war and jousts honor local traditions or cherry festivals in towns like Montacino.

Florence celebrates St. John the Baptist Feast on the 24th of June with street parades and dancing and in Pisa, the Feast of St. Ranieri on the 16th and 17th lights the city with candles.

Temperatures in June are very mild and range from 20 to 30 C (65 to 85 F). Rain is rare in June and when it happens, it is short, and the sun is up an average of 9h a day making it a great sightseeing month.

Evenings can get a bit chilly so a light jacket is welcome if you plan to eat at the many terraces or enjoy a stroll back to your accommodation.

The weather in September in Tuscany

In September, locals are more laid back and relaxed after the summer holidays and they anticipate fall and the vineyard’s harvests with a clearer mind and a rested body. It’s the perfect time to visit Tuscany, and that’s why we go on our Immersive Florence and Tuscany adventure during this month!

Days continue to be long, though sunshine drops from 9 to 7 hours since the days are shorter than in June (though still very long) but the temperatures are the same. You should still expect temperatures between 20 to 30 C (65 to 85 F) for the month.

The probability of rain remains low with an average of 9 days with some drops. But when it does rain, you should expect short showers that pass.

September continues to see lots of festivals, especially wine related. Arezzo’s Giostra del Saracino is a very popular medieval reenactment that ends with a joust. 

On the last Sunday of the month, Greve in Chianti welcomes a large market with artisanal products from the area. On the same weekend, Florence celebrates wine with the Carro Mato, a festival where locals dress in traditional costumes and follow a parade headed by two oxen.

How to dress for summer in Tuscany

With the above weather conditions in mind, it is important to pack accordingly for a trip to Tuscany in the summer, not so much for cultural reasons but to make sure you are comfortable. 

Footwear for cobblestone streets

Tuscany reached its splendor during the medieval period, and in particular during the Renaissance when artists transformed Florence and the region into a beautiful example of this new artistic movement.

Most of the villages and towns that make Tuscany what it is today were developed during that period and have been maintained until today largely unchanged.

This means that the streets are made of the original cobblestone that was used at the time, with uneven surfaces and lots of gaps. Wearing adequate footwear is critical not only to be comfortable and able to walk for a few hours every day but also for safety, to avoid twisted ankles.

High-heels or very flat shoes without grip or support will make your feet tired and walking the wonderful villages more challenging. 

A pair of cute sneakers like the ever present Italian brand Superga or any other sturdy pair of shoes that provides support (aka holds your foot in place) and cushion (for the long days of walking) is a great idea. These Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are our choice for class, versatility and comfort.

Italians are not big fans of AC

While the weather will be hot outside, public indoor spaces will have AC, though it is not something readily available everywhere and locals prefer to open windows and doors. Hotels and indoor restaurants may be the exception.

On our other women-only tours in hot destinations like Greece, the Amalfi Coast and Tanzania, guests have raved about this portable air conditioner you wear around your neck, which can help if you are someone who overheats easily.

Beware of pickpockets

Europe is generally a very safe continent for solo female travelers but the popular tourist destinations such as London, Paris, Milan or Florence are magnets for pickpockets who, believe me, are absolute pros. 

A cross-body bag that is always zipped and in front will help but the best safeguard is a slash-proof, anti-theft bag, designed for extra safety. There are a few anti-theft bag models that I specifically recommend because Meg and I, our team or many of our guests have used on our European tours:

  • Our photographer uses this backpack from Pacsafe for all her photographer equipment and highly recommends it.
  • Meg has this larger cross body bag that even fits her laptop and can also expand (think shopping).
  • Many of our guests have this one from Travelon that comes with a compartment for the water bottle. This has to be the most commonly used by our guests.
  • Another classic cross-body bag from Travelon that is smaller so many of our guests love it because it is lighter.
  • A waist bag option from Travelon that you can wear on your waist or across your chest like I always use mine. This makes it much more convenient to reach out for things and much closer to your body, so harder to steal from.
  • For shorter trips to the beach, or a half day excursion, a simpler water bottle with a compartment for some essentials is usually enough. Meg likes to use this one, to the amusement of her nephews who think she is “not cool enough”.

When walking the many touristy villages or wandering the streets of Florence, you should be extra alert to anyone trying to distract you, asking something from you, etc. who may have hidden intentions. Never leave belongings unattended or in plain sight and keep everything inside a zipped handbag.

There are so many easy targets available in crowded places that, as soon as you make yourself a more difficult one, you raise the barrier for the average thief. 

Everything goes, but locals like it stylish

In Tuscany you can dress however you like with the weather in mind. There are no restrictions, cultural or otherwise, on what clothes you should or should not wear. Modesty is only required in religious buildings where you should cover knees and shoulders. 

High-end fine dining restaurants in Florence are more traditional and old school and will most likely require long trousers, closed toe shoes and a jacket for men, but women have more freedom although sports clothes will not be welcome for either gender. 

However, if you want to blend in and dress like the locals, smart casual with a dash of chic is the way to go, but bear in mind that the Italian version of casual is not sports clothes, it’s well put together outfits that are fitted, stylish and sophisticated. 

While comfort trumps style in the countryside, people still dress nicely, and good appearance will get you far. Cut denims, flip flops and oversized clothing that doesn’t fit your shape will distinguish tourists from locals.

Try the local designers

If you have watched the movie House of Gucci starring Lady Gaga, you’ll know that the brand hails from this region and makes its products with leather from the local cow breed. You can learn more about the brand and shop for exclusive pieces at Gucci Garden in Florence.

Salvatore Ferragamo, my mum’s most favorite shoe brand, is also from Florence, although the designer was originally from the south of Italy. Did you know that he found his calling at age 9 when he made a pair of shoes for his sister’s communion? He also has the highest number of patents for shoe designs.

Emilio Pucci’s colorful and geometric designs follow no fashion trend and set themselves apart thanks to their recognisable patterns and the fact that the designer himself was born a Marquis and traded under a pseudonym.

Less bright but equally bold and oblivious to trends, Cavalli is another high end designer from Tuscany that can easily be recognised for its sexy designs, unique animal prints and gold accessories.

Ermanno Scervino is a more sophisticated and newer brand that is less famous than the rest but making inroads. 

For more accessible high-street fashion options, Patrizia Pepe is a great representative of the Florentine fashion style, elegant and modern.

What to pack for Tuscany in the summer

Now that you understand the weather and the fashion sense of Tuscany, it’s time to have a look at what to wear in the summer.

See all our item recommendations in one place on our Amazon Storefront here.

Dresses

The best thing to wear during an Italian summer is a light, comfortable, flowy dress.

It can be long or short, mini or maxi, in a solid color or patterned, but generally, it is loose rather than tight, like this V-neck one, this statement tunic dress or this great summery option.

Think wrap-around dresses, spaghetti strap dresses, florals, etc. If you plan to visit churches or religious sites, you’ll be expected to cover your shoulders and knees.

For the night, if you are looking to dress up a bit more, a cute short dress paired with a nice clutch or a long dress with a pair of statement earrings will help you blend in.

Skirts

Skirts, of all lengths are the perfect, versatile option to bring for your trip to Tuscany. Here are a few options:

Leggings or jeans

Dressy leggings or summer fit jeans are another great comfortable outfit to pack. They cover your legs and knees for any religious building and can pair up with lots of tops. They are light and comfy and locals wear them too.

On the other hand, sports leggings (eg. Lululemon style) are not something Italians wear. Athleisure is not an Italian trend outside gyms and sports facilities so leave them at home if you want to blend in. 

Cropped pants, jumpsuits or rompers

I am a big fan of cropped pants because they can be really cute, come in a variety of materials and are fun yet conservative and cover me from the sun, plus they fit my silhouette. 

A pair of light crop denims like these ones or linen pants will come in handy.

You could also opt for floral jumpsuits, comfy and loose wide-legged jumpsuits or ruffle rompers. Many of our guests wear all these kinds of outfits for the comfort, look and easiness of only having to pack one item to make a full outfit.

Shorts

I like to wear lightweight linen shorts in the summertime. They are comfortable, easy to pair with a t-shirt or top and will keep you fresh when the sun is shining. To add a touch of class, wear a cut pair of chinos or cotton shorts.

Linen shirts and slacks

Linen is a great material for the hot summer weather and I love to wear it, especially in loose fitting shirts over leggings or as a pair of long trousers. 

The main issue with linen clothing is that it requires ironing and I don’t like to iron when I am on holidays. To minimize creasing, check out our packing hacks and roll the clothes. Or bring a portable travel steamer.

A light jacket

Although it is quite warm in June and September in Tuscany, evenings get chilly so a light jacket comes in handy.

Think blazers, a cute denim jacket, a faux leather jacket (especially for late September or early June) or a lightweight or knitted cardigan, anything that is light to carry if you will be out and about all day.

Swimwear

Whether you prefer a bikini or a swim suit, you can’t visit Tuscany in the summer without bringing appropriate swimwear with you, not just for the beach but because every Tuscan villa and hotel has a pool to take a dip during the hottest hours of the day. We also spend a morning a the thermal spa and you’ll want to stand out agains the baby blue waters.

Don’t forget sandals or flip flops for the pool, as well as a cover up – this could be anything from a sarong to a kaftan, or a dress shirt to a dress.

Cute t-shirts and tops

Italian women like to wear comfy but cute tshirts, sleeveless, strapless or tank tops and blouses that may be floral, with a design or have details that make them a bit more than just a white t-shirt.

Materials such as cotton and silk can dress you up and are light and fresh, linen works great in the summer.

Crop tops, spaghetti strap tops and other clothes that show a lot of skin are also worn, but they tend to be loose. 

A pair of sneakers

Even if you choose not to wear sneakers for the rest of the trip, we will spend a lot of time in the countryside, in farms and especially, in the vineyards and in the forest, hunting for truffles so you should at least bring a pair of sneakers for that day. These Dr. Scholl’s sneakers are our choice for class, versatility and comfort.

As mentioned earlier, Superga are also a great shoe for Tuscany. Cute, light, comfortable and very Italian. I also love to wear ballet flats which are comfortable and stylish. These ballet ones are made for walking and for travel and these golden ones are sleek and pair with everything.

A kaftan

Did I mention our Tuscan villa has a wonderful pool with the typical postcard perfect views of the rolling hills around? 

That’s right, channel your inner goddess and Italian chic style with a flowy kaftan for poolside chilling, we will have an entire day dedicated to just that.

A cute evening outfit

Italians like to dress up, we’ve mentioned that, and for dinner, they dress up extra nicely with pretty accessories, nice flowy dresses and perfect hair and makeup.

You don’t have to follow local attire but if you like to, this is when you should bring out your most elegant and fashionable outfits.

Statement accessories

Italians like to dress up relatively neutral outfits with statement accessories for maximum impact. Pack a couple of pieces that transform your outfit:

Other things to pack for Tuscany

Besides clothing, there are a few other things worth packing for your trip to Tuscany.

A sun hat: As mentioned, the sun will be shining all day long so a hat is a great way to protect eyes and face from the sun exposure. I like wide-brim straw hats. Check out this wide brim one.
A strapless bra: For all those tops and dresses, or if your outfit demands it, a stick-on one so you look perfect, or these best selling nipple covers if you don’t need the support. Find a comfy wire free strapless bra here.
A travel umbrella: I discussed the weather in the summer months earlier and you know that rain is unusual at this time of year, but we will be spending a lot of time outdoors and if showers appear, a travel umbrella will come in handy. This one weighs less than 500 grams and is wind-resistant.
European / universal plug adaptor: Italy uses standard two round prong European plugs. I like the ones which come with USB ports so that I can charge phones, cameras and everything else with just one adaptor. I love this one because it has USB ports for all the electronics.
Power bank: This Anker Portable Charger has a 20000mAh capacity, and fast-charging USB-C ports, you can power up your devices in a flash, while the LED display keeps you in the know about your battery level. It’s the perfect companion for road trips, travel adventures, or just surviving a long day out and about.
Sunglasses: I expect sunshine, so a pair of sunglasses is an essential travel item. I like Oakley sunglasses as they are polarized and protect your eyes from any damaging sun rays. I alway wear them. Yes, they are not fashionable, but I have sensitive eyes that don’t like bright days, so they are a lifesaver for me. Lately, they have been launching more modern and stylish models. Check out their store on Amazon.
Waterproof mobile phone case: This comes in handy to take with you in the water in case you go to the beach alone as you can stash other belongings like credit cards or money in it and make sure they are safely with you even if you go for a dip. This one is a commonly purchased one by our guests.
Water bottle: Single use plastic bottles are terrible for the environment so I recommend you bring your own reusable bottle as part of our efforts towards zero-waste and responsible travel. Tap water in Spain is safe to drink and you don’t need to bring a water filter, just your regular bottle will do. Replenish it in your room or at breakfast, or use any of the public fountains.
Sunscreen: Perhaps the most important item in this packing is sunscreen. The sun is very strong in the summer and you will be under its powerful rays for many hours, protecting your skin is key. I like and use Biore SPF 50++++ because you can wear it under makeup and it is non-sticky and silky smooth.

For the body, I highly recommend Aussie brand Sun Bum which is specifically designed for strong sun, is vegan, reef-safe and smells heavenly. They have a travel pack with sizes below 100ml that comes with a pretty pouch and includes sunscreen, lip balm (very important) and aftersun.
Lip balm: The sun makes it particularly tough for the skin and lips so you should bring a lip balm to stay moisturized. I find these are essential to not end up with completely ruined lips or even blisters. This best selling Neutrogena has SPF 15, so your lips will never be dry again!
Sleep mask: Although hotels have proper blinds, you will be sharing the room with another traveler who may be a late owl. Bring a sleep mask like this one to block the light. Or upgrade to Manta Sleep, I have been using the sound mask for months now and it is INCREDIBLE both for the flight as well as to sleep at night and get over the jetlag. It is magic when paired with my Calm app.
Travel pillow: If you are flying to Italy overnight, you will need a proper neck pillow to sleep and arrive rested. Me and Meg both use the Turtle neck.
Pajamas: As mentioned, you will most likely be sharing a room so don’t forget to pack your pajamas! Here’s a comfy choice from Amazon.
Ear plugs: It is never a bad idea to have a pair of earplugs handy, for the flight, a noisy neighbor or an antsy roommate. Check out these from Amazon.
First aid kit and medication: Available medications, brands and products in Spain may not be the same back home so it’s always best to bring everything you are used to and of course, all prescription medication or vitamins you take. I also recommend packing a basic first aid kit with items such as plasters, an antiseptic ointment, eye drops, hydration powder, etc. Have a look at our suggested first aid kit here.
A foldable toiletry bag: I always travel with a foldable toiletry bag which I can hang anywhere. You will be moving around a lot on any trip to Iceland because of the fact that most people visit on a road trip, so you save on packing and unpacking. They also help you keep everything easy to find and tidy. This one is very cute.
A shawl: Some religious buildings such as churches will require that you cover your shoulders and knees so a shawl or sarong comes in pretty handy in those situations. This beautiful one adds a touch of color to your outfit.
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