Florence ruined me for every other city. I spent a summer there at 21 during a study abroad stint, and it’s the place that ignited my love for travel, Italy as a whole, and slow living.
I recently returned with my husband to show him my favorite spots around Florence before we set out on a road trip through the Tuscan countryside. We stayed at a romantic agriturismo outside San Gimignano, hunted for truffles in the early morning, and wandered Siena’s medieval streets.
Packing for Tuscany means preparing for long lunches, golden hour walks through vineyards, and outfits that transition from day trips to candlelit dinners. This Tuscany packing list for summer has exactly what to bring.
Looking for a packing guide that covers all of Italy? Read our Italy packing list for summer guide.
Tuscany Summer Weather Overview
| Month | Low/High (°F) |
|---|---|
| June | 61°–82° |
| July | 66°–88° |
| August | 66°–88° |
Tuscany in summer ranges from pleasantly warm to genuinely hot, depending on where you are and when. Florence is surrounded by hills that trap heat, so it can feel stifling in July and August with highs in the upper 80s. The countryside tends to be slightly more forgiving, with breezes rolling through the vineyards and olive groves.
Afternoons in the cities can be intense, which is why the Italian tradition of a long lunch followed by a rest makes so much sense here. Plan your sightseeing for mornings and evenings, and embrace the slower pace. Evenings cool off nicely, especially in the countryside. Outdoor dinners at agriturismos or in hilltop towns are comfortable with just a light layer.
August brings the annual Italian holiday exodus, when many Italians head to the coast or mountains for vacation. In Florence and other Tuscan cities, you might find some neighborhood shops and restaurants closed. The countryside, on the other hand, fills up with both Italian and international tourists escaping the heat.
Summer in Tuscany Packing Tips & What to wear
Exploring the Pitti Palace in Florence in just shorts and a cami because it was so hot (left) and exploring the Tuscan countryside from our base in San Gimignano with a dress I bought in town (right).
Tuscany covers a lot of ground, from the crowded streets of Florence to quiet hilltop villages to vineyard-covered countryside. What you pack depends somewhat on your itinerary, but the region rewards versatile pieces that work in both city museums and long winery lunches.
- Pack layers for temperature swings. Florence can feel stifling in the afternoon, but museums often crank up the air conditioning. And the Tuscan countryside cools off in the evening. A light cardigan, scarf/shawl, or jacket is a must-have in your bag.
- Bring comfortable shoes for cobblestones. Whether you’re wandering Florence or exploring San Gimignano, you’ll be on uneven stone streets. Supportive sandals or broken-in and supportive sneakers work best.
- Plan for wine tasting. If you’re visiting vineyards, you’ll often be walking through cellars and across gravel paths. Leave the white linen at the hotel and opt for something that won’t show wine stains.
- Florence’s Duomo can be strict about dress codes. Covered shoulders and knees are technically required, and enforcement at the door varies. I’ve unintentionally gotten in with bare shoulders, but others have been turned away. Having a scarf to throw on means you won’t have to find out the hard way.
- Bring a nice outfit for agriturismos. Dinners at countryside farmhouse restaurants are one of the highlights of Tuscany. The dress code is relaxed but not sloppy. A simple dress or nice pants with a linen top fits the mood.
7-Day Tuscany Summer Packing List For Women
Tops & Layers (6)
- Lightweight tops (4) – Breathable cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking blends. Mix of tanks and tees for daytime exploring with a couple of nicer blouses or elevated tops for wine tastings and dinners. Tuscany runs casual, but Italians always look polished.
- Linen button-down (1) – Doubles as light layer, coverup over swimsuit at the agriturismo pool, or elevated piece for wine country.
- Light cardigan or cotton sweater (1) – Wine cellars are cool even in summer, evenings in the countryside get breezy, and Florence museums sometimes blast AC.
Bottoms & Dresses (5-6)
- Linen or flowy pants (2) – Comfortable for long days exploring Florence, appropriate for churches, nice for wine country dinners.
- Shorts (1) – For casual exploring days. Linen or tailored styles fit the Italian aesthetic better than athletic or denim shorts.
- Dresses (2-3) – The Tuscany uniform. Easy for wine tastings, hill town wandering, and casual dinners. Midi lengths work for churches, sun protection, and the overall vibe. Nothing fancy is required for wine country since wineries are working farms.
Shoes (2-3)
- Comfortable walking shoes (1) – Florence means miles on cobblestones, hill towns have steep inclines, and you’ll be on your feet more than you expect. Supportive and cushioned walking sneakers are a must. These double for wine country since clean sneakers work fine at Tuscan wineries.
- Supportive sandals (1) – For lighter exploring days, casual wine tastings, wandering small towns. Tevas, leather walking sandals, or similar styles, with actual arch support and cushioning, can handle vineyard gravel paths.
- Dressy flat sandals (optional) (0-1) – Nicer dinners if you want something more polished than your daytime shoes. Totally fine to skip if your supportive sandals look presentable.
Accessories & Other Must-Haves
- Swimsuit (0-1) – Many agriturismos and countryside hotels have pools. It’s a lovely way to spend a hot afternoon between wine tastings. If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, skip this.
- Crossbody bag (1) – Hands-free for holding wine glasses at tastings, eating gelato in Florence, and navigating crowded markets. Keep it secure in busy tourist areas.
- Small daypack (1) – For carrying layers, water, and wine purchases on touring days or for long sightseeing days in Florence.
- Sunglasses (1) – for that intense summer sun.
- Sun hat (1) – packable for tucking in your bag between stops, bonus points if you find one that has SPF protection.
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ – good to apply religiously on those hot days, especially when exploring during peak sun.
- Light scarf (1) – for church shoulder coverage, chilly wine cellars, and adds polish to a simple outfit.
- Refillable water bottle – Florence has public fountains for refills throughout the city.
- Anti-chafe stick or shorts – sundresses + heat + lots of walking = bring the slip shorts or stick.
- Insect repellent – We had SO many mosquitoes at the agritourismo we stayed in outside of San Gimignano, so this is a must. A small spray or wipes/cream will save you from itchy nights.
- Underwear (9) – pack a couple extra pairs for hot, sweaty days when you might want to freshen up before dinner. Try to go for moisture-wicking and breathable options when you can. It’s worth it.
- Bras (2-3) – include at least one that works under sundress straps or a strapless/convertible option.
- Socks (3-4) – for walking sneakers. Lightweight no-show or ankle styles work well for summer.
- Pajamas (1) – lightweight for warm nights. Some countryside accommodations rely on open windows rather than AC. I would pack fuller-coverage PJs if you’re staying at an agriturismo because of the mosquitoes.
Additional Tuscany Summer Travel Essentials
I bring the same core items on every trip regardless of destination. For the full rundown on toiletries, electronics, and all the little extras, check out my complete travel essentials packing list.
If You’re Going Truffle Hunting in Tuscany
The truffle hunting dogs were very cute and well-trained with our guide (left), and right before setting off for the truffle hunt (right). It was chilly! I wish I had packed different shoes because my Allbirds got very muddy and dirty, and they were the only sneakers I brought on the trip.
Truffle hunting is a memorable Tuscan experience, but it requires different gear than wine tasting. You’ll be walking through forest undergrowth in the early morning when it’s much cooler than you’d expect for a summer day.
This is what you should add to your packing list if you’re planning to go truffle hunting:
- Your walking shoes should have a good grip on the bottom – You’re walking on uneven forest floors with roots, fallen leaves, and potentially damp ground. The terrain isn’t necessarily steep or strenuous, but you’ll want trail-ready shoes. Also, your shoes will likely get dirty, so bringing something darker or that you can easily wash is a good idea.
- Long pants – jeans or casual pants (I wore my travel day leggings) protect your legs from brambles and brush as you follow the truffle dogs through the woods.
- Layers for cool mornings – a light jacket or extra sweater you can tie around your waist later. Early morning forest temperatures can be 15-20 degrees cooler than the afternoon, and the shade keeps it chilly longer than you’d think.
- Clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty – dewy vegetation, brushing against trees, kneeling to watch the dog dig. Nothing will get ruined, but save your favorite light color linens for non-truffle-hunting days.
Most truffle hunting tours last 2-3 hours and are followed by a meal featuring fresh truffles. You can change afterward if you have somewhere nicer to be, or just brush off and head out as-is, since Tuscany keeps things relatively casual.
What Not to Pack For Tuscany in Summer
I was worried about being cold, but bringing my corduroy jacket as my layer was a mistake. It was too heavy and not breathable enough for Tuscany (left), and at the top of the Duomo, when I unintentionally wore a tank top without covering my shoulders (right). I wasn’t stopped, but that might not always be the case.
- Fancy evening wear – Tuscany is pretty relaxed. I did wear a LBD for a nicer meal in Florence with my husband, but honestly, your nicest sundress is probably fine for even upscale agriturismos and restaurants in Florence. Save the glamorous pieces for Amalfi.
- Heels of any kind – cobblestones in Florence, gravel paths at wineries, steep streets in hill towns. Even wedges are a bad idea.
- All white for wine country – red wine spills happen. Patterns, prints, or wine-adjacent colors are safer bets.
- Too many “nice” pieces for wineries – Tuscan wineries are farms. Tour operators specifically say not to wear your best dress. Sundresses and good walking sandals strike the right note.
- Heavy fabrics or too much black – summer heat is real, especially in Florence, and while walking between vineyard tastings.
Heading to Tuscany for a different amount of days? Here are my packing adjustments
Going out for a nice dinner with my husband in my LBD in Florence (left) and exploring the historic town of San Gimignano with a gelato in hand (right).
Note: I plan to do laundry every 7-10 days to keep my packing light for longer trips.
| Item | 2-3 Days | 4-5 Days | 10 Days | 14 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tops | 2-3 | 4-5 | 5-6 | 5-6 |
| Bottoms | 1-2 | 2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Dresses | 1 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3 |
| Layers | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Shoes | 2 | 2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Underwear | 3-4 | 6-7 | 12 | 12 |
| Bras | 1-2 | 2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Socks | 2 | 3-4 | 4-5 | 4-5 |
| Swimsuit* | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Pajamas | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
*Only bring a bathing suit if your hotel or agriturismo has a pool. Otherwise, Tuscany isn’t a swimsuit destination.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mimi McFadden
Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Mimi McFadden started The Atlas Heart in 2013 to write about her travels abroad. After spending 15 years visiting 45+ countries, she realized she’d accidentally become a packing expert in the process. Now, The Atlas Heart is all about helping women figure out what to pack, what to wear, and what gear is actually worth it. When she’s not deep in a packing list or testing out new travel shoes, you can find her hiking with her son, reading in her chaise lounge, winning 3-point contests against her husband, and playing board games with friends.
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