Spending a summer studying abroad at SRISA in Florence is a dream for many students with long afternoons relaxing in a beautiful garden and evenings overlooking the Arno. That part is real—but so is the heat.

Temperatures in Florence in June, July, and August regularly climb into the mid-30s°C (90s°F), and unlike many modern cities, not every apartment, museum, or café has air conditioning. The good news? Air conditioning is becoming more common, plus Florentines have been living with these summers for centuries. Once you learn a few local habits, you too will be able to stay comfortable while still enjoying the city’s summer vibe.

Learn the Rhythm of the City

One of the best discoveries when adjusting to the pace of summer is finding those quiet moments when the city feels practically all yours.

Early mornings belong to the Florentines—commuters grabbing coffee, locals shopping for the day’s ingredients in neighborhood markets while shopkeepers prepare to open. Leave for class a bit early, soak in the cooler air, and enjoy Florence before the crowds arrive. Those quiet morning walks may become one of your favorite parts of studying abroad.

During the hottest part of the afternoon, many locals slow down, find shade, or spend time indoors before the city comes alive again in the evening.

Find a cool spot to relax between noon and 6 p.m., when the day’s heat is at its peak. Hang out at your favorite SRISA campus, set up at a local bookshop, or take refuge in a heavily shaded area like a park or Circolo Rondinella del Torrino.

Evenings Are Magical

The best part of summer in Florence is the evenings.

When the sun starts to set and temperatures fall, the city fills with people enjoying dinner outdoors, meeting friends in piazzas, attending concerts and outdoor films, or simply taking an evening stroll—the traditional passeggiata.

Discover Florence’s Cool Spaces

When temperatures peak, some of Florence’s most beautiful places happen to be its coolest.

Historic churches, museums, libraries, and shaded cloisters offer a welcome break from the sun while giving you a chance to explore the city’s extraordinary history and art.

Take a Gelato Break

There is a reason you’ll see Florentines stopping for gelato, typically in the afternoon or late at night after an evening stroll. Besides being delicious, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down, cool off, and enjoy a piazza after class. Summer is the perfect time to discover your favorite neighborhood gelateria.

Carry Water Everywhere

Florence has dozens of public drinking fountains, known as fontanelle, that provide clean, cold drinking water throughout the city.

Refill your bottle whenever you pass one. It’s free, sustainable, and one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated during long days of walking between classes and exploring.

Dress for Walking

Florence is a walking city.

Lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a hat can make a remarkable difference after several hours of walking on warm stone streets.

You’ll also quickly discover why so many Italians seek the shaded side of the street. Truly, zig-zag walking to stay in the shade is an art form!

Pro tip: Get a UV umbrella to shade you during high exposure times of the day.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

The Tuscan sun is stronger than many students expect. In fact, Florentines have several colorful expressions for extreme heat:

Ill sole picchia”: meaning, “the sun is hitting/pounding”

“Fa un caldo bestia”: Meaning “it’s beastly hot”

“Quando il caldo picchia, abbaiano anche i cristiani”: A popular Florentine saying meaning “when the heat pounds down, even humans start barking.”

So, make sure to slather on the sunscreen before leaving your apartment. This can save you from an uncomfortable evening—and help you enjoy weekend trips throughout Italy.

Summer in Florence takes a little adjustment, but before long you’ll find yourself living much like the locals do—starting early, slowing down during the hottest hours, and making the most of the city’s lively evenings. Once you settle into that rhythm, you’ll discover that summer isn’t something to endure. It’s simply another way to experience Florence.