Tuscany in August is all about warm evenings and a festive atmosphere. It’s the height of the summer season, when most of the region is full of open-air concerts, local festivals, and busy town squares. Although mid-August marks Ferragosto, a national holiday when many Italians take time off, popular towns and tourist attractions remain open. August is an ideal time to explore Tuscany, offering a blend of traditional charm and summer fun. Whether you’re wandering through medieval villages, enjoying food festivals, or taking scenic vineyard tours, the region is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll explore what to expect from the weather in Tuscany in August, highlight the best things to do, share tips for staying comfortable in the heat, and suggest ways to experience Tuscany like a local.
The weather in Tuscany in August
The weather in Tuscany in August is typically hot, sunny, and dry. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures. However, we must emphasise that planning is necessary to avoid the midday heat. Daytime temperatures usually range between 29°C and 33°C, though they can rise higher during heatwaves. Evening temperatures usually drop, bringing some relief from the heat, to a more comfortable 24°C to 28°C.
On average, the temperature in Tuscany in August sits between 25°C and 31°C, with only about 50 mm of rainfall over the course of the month. You can expect around 11 hours of sunshine per day, which means you can enjoy the long, bright days for sightseeing, dining al fresco, or exploring the countryside. Humidity levels remain moderate, and gentle breezes, especially in the hills and along the coast, provide some cooler temps.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that the sun can be intense. We highly suggest you start exploring early in the morning, take breaks indoors during the hottest hours, and make the most of the cooler evenings. Whether you’re planning vineyard visits, beach outings, or cultural tours, understanding the climate will help you get the most out of your trip to Tuscany in August.
Things to do in Tuscany in August
Tuscany in August has many exciting cultural events, music festivals, outdoor experiences, and local traditions. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy during your August visit:
Attend Historical Festivals and Events
August is rich in tradition, and Tuscany’s historic towns come alive.
Bravìo delle Botti in Montepulciano takes place on the last Sunday of August. In this race, participants push 80kg wine barrels uphill through the historic town centre. It’s an unusual but exciting event that takes place along with medieval parades and food stalls. If you’re after an immersive medieval experience, Volterra’s medieval festival, held in the final weeks of August, is a good option. It transforms the town with period costumes, music, crafts, and reenactments. This is a great festival for families, especially those with younger children. Finally, along the coast, Palios marittimi (boat races) are held in towns like Porto Santo Stefano. These traditional boat races can be found in many towns along the Tuscan coast. They host these competitive regattas, where rowers representing different neighbourhoods race decorated boats.
Enjoy Outdoor Music and Art Festivals
Tuscany’s warm August nights are perfect for open-air concerts.
For classical music lovers, the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago begins in June and continues throughout August. It is held beside the lake where the composer lived. It features full opera performances in an open-air theatre, and combines music and scenery in true Tuscan style. Next up, from 1 to 23 August, the Mont’Alfonso Fortress hosts the Montalfonso Sotto le Stelle Festival. It features open-air concerts and performances by ABBA Dream (Aug. 1), Stefano Bollani (Aug. 9), Fiorella Mannoia (Aug. 11), a dawn concert with Cesare Picco (Aug. 15), The Kolors (Aug. 19), and the grand finale with Bolero Carmina Burana (Aug. 23).
Relax at the Coast
To cool off, head to the Tuscan coast, where seaside resorts like Viareggio and Castiglione della Pescaia have beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and family-friendly facilities. Alternatively, why not rent a luxury private villa with a pool, perfect for families or groups of friends?
Discover Tuscany's Vineyards by Vespa
Tuscany’s countryside is ideal for a Vespa tour. There are many villages along the wine country where you can rent Vespas and ride through the scenic countryside, stopping at vineyards and hill towns along the way. Many wine estates, particularly in Chianti, offer wine tastings and estate tours.
Explore Nature, Thermal Baths and Hiking
Tuscany in August is very hot, but you can still stay active, especially in the early morning. Walk stretches of the Via Francigena, the historic pilgrimage route, or take a relaxing dip in Tuscany’s natural hot springs, such as Saturnia or Bagno Vignoni. These spots have thermal waters, ideal for unwinding after a day of hiking.
Visit Artistic Cities
Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Lucca are spectacular in any season, but in August, it’s wise to visit in the early morning or late afternoon. This helps you avoid the midday crowds and heat while enjoying the art, architecture, and atmosphere that make these cities world-famous. Consider booking tours in air-conditioned museums midday as the perfect escape from the heat!
Enjoy Tuscany in August
Tuscany in August has warm weather, lively festivals, and exciting summer holiday vibes. That said, it’s important to be prepared for the summer heat, so plan your days carefully, stay hydrated, and take breaks during the hottest hours to make the most of your trip.
Looking for the perfect base to enjoy it all? Lucca Apartments and Villas offers charming, well-located accommodation options across the region. With apartments located in the city centre to large Tuscan villas in the countryside, book your stay now and experience the best of Tuscany this summer.
