May 11, 2024

Tuscany in April

Tuscany is one of Italy’s best-loved regions. Home to picturesque scenery, perfectly preserved historical architecture, and some of the country’s most prolific vineyards, there are plenty of standout features of Tuscany that make it a desirable destination.

Choosing the best time to visit Tuscany is often the first stage of planning your trip to this part of Italy. If you’re looking to visit when the weather is good but the busyness of the summer hasn’t begun yet, April is a perfect time to book a holiday.

In this article, we share our recommendations for the best things to do in Tuscany in April and explain why we think this is one of the best months to visit Italy and its iconic Renaissance region. 

Is April the Best Time to Go To Tuscany?

First things first, is April the best time to visit Tuscany? We think so.

April is the last real month of the shoulder season for tourism in Tuscany. Once May begins and the weather really starts to warm up the region gets a lot busier, so it’s your last chance to enjoy a trip with a much quieter atmosphere, and without peak season prices.

The weather in Tuscany in April is mild and increasingly sunny, which is a great combination for travellers who aren’t so keen on scorching temperatures and want to make the most of being outdoors. If you visit towards the end of the month then there’s less chance of rain, with conditions instead promising spring sunshine, mild breezes and blue skies.

Despite being outside of the peak season, there’s still a lot going on in Tuscany in April that offers plenty to see and do when you visit. If you prefer to see a more authentic side of your holiday destinations and you’re looking for weather which won’t get too hot, April is the perfect time for visiting Tuscany.

The Weather in Tuscany in April

Spring properly begins in Tuscany in April, so temperatures gradually climb as the month progresses. There will still be rain amongst the sunshine however, so the key to enjoying the region in the spring is to be ready with both waterproof layers and sunglasses!

The average temperature in Tuscany in April is 18°C, with around six hours of sunshine each day. Colder days are more common at the start of the month with the possibility of temperatures hovering around 10°C, so you’ll want to plan your activities accordingly and make sure you’ve packed a warm coat.

When it comes to Tuscany weather by month, April has a reputation as a rainy time of year. But you shouldn’t let this put you off at all; by the end of the month the chance of rain has decreased a lot, and rain showers rarely last longer than a couple of hours, so won’t impact your plans for too long.

The weather in Tuscany in April is the ideal mix of cooler temperatures and sunshine, making it perfect for jam-packed sightseeing excursions or spending days outdoors.

The Best Things To Do In Tuscany in April

After really slowing down over the winter, Tuscany properly comes back to life in April as hotels and restaurants all open up, the weather gets warmer and tourism in the area starts to increase. The range of things to do in Tuscany in April also increases, and below we’ve highlighted some of our top recommendations for how to spend your time in the region.

Spend Time Outdoors

The weather in Tuscany in April might not always be predictable, but it’s still a great month to spend time outdoors. You’re highly likely to get at least a couple of days of sunshine when you visit the region, and the best way to appreciate this weather is to get out and enjoy the famous landscapes.

There are plenty of options when it comes to getting out and about in the Tuscany weather in April. The countryside that the region is loved for is an obvious choice, and if you’re someone who enjoys an active holiday then you can enjoy hiking or cycling along the paths and trails that climb and cross the hillsides.

If you’ve hired a car for your trip to Tuscany then you can drive between the hilltop towns and villages, enjoying the scenery that provides a backdrop for your journey. Guided tours of the countryside and its settlements are also available to visitors, offering another great way to see more of Tuscany and enjoy the spring weather.

April heralds some of the most impressive displays of natural beauty in Tuscany, with plenty of flowers fully blooming at this time of year. You can enjoy the swathes of wildflowers over the hills in the rural parts of Tuscany, or plan a trip to gardens such as the Garden of Villa Bardini in Florence or the grounds of Villa Reale di Marlia in Capannori near Lucca.

Enjoy the Orcia Wine Festival

Tuscany is famous for its wine, particularly the red varieties. No matter what time of year you visit the region, sampling the drink should be on your to-do list. But when you visit Tuscany in April, you might coincide your visit with the Orcia Wine Festival.

Usually held over the final weekend of the month, the Orcia Wine Festival is an exhibition that showcases some of the best wine produced in the Val d’Orcia. Hosted in the Palazzo Chigi in San Quirico d’Orcia and several other nearby venues, there’s a whole program of different events that focus on the region’s viticulture and offer far more than just tasting experiences.

If tasting Tuscan wines is a top priority however, then there are plenty of chances to sample and buy varieties from all over the Val d’Orcia and beyond. This festival is a wonderful celebration of a key aspect of the area’s culture, and if you’re visiting Tuscany at the end of April then it’s an event you must attend.

Explore Mediaeval Towns on Foot

Mild temperatures and spring sunshine provide the ideal conditions for sightseeing in Tuscany without having to worry about overheating, which can be an issue in the summer months. One of the main attractions in Tuscany is the array of towns and villages that consist of impressively preserved mediaeval architecture, often perched on top of hills and sometimes fortified by impressive city walls.

If you’re looking to explore Tuscany when you visit in April then you should make a plan to visit at least a few of the famous towns. You can read a full list of recommendations in our guide to the best places to visit in Tuscany, but highlights include San Gimignano, Montepulciano and San Quirico.

These mediaeval towns are definitely best explored on foot, as you’ll have the best vantage point to notice details of the architecture and also to properly soak up the atmosphere of the places you’re visiting. Some of the best experiences you’ll have in Tuscany will come from letting your feet guide you around the streets instead of trying to follow a map, allowing yourself to happen across hidden squares, local restaurants and artisan shops.

Most places in Tuscany will be busier at the weekend, especially if there are markets, so be aware of this if you’d rather avoid getting caught up in foot traffic. But when the sun is shining and your schedule is as free and flexible as it should be on a trip to Tuscany, there’s no better way to get a proper feel for the region than by strolling the streets of its hilltop towns.

The Best Places To Visit In Tuscany in April

Whether it’s a long weekend excursion or an extended trip, there are so many places to visit in Tuscany that it would be a shame not to explore at least a couple of them. Here are our recommendations for some of the best places to go when you’re visiting Tuscany.

Val d’Orcia

The Val d’Orcia is an area of Tuscany that stretches between Siena and Monte Amiata in the south of the region. It’s a rural destination that is known and loved for its gorgeous scenery and the slow-living atmosphere that makes this the ideal place to unwind on your holiday.

Historically, Val d’Orcia was home to a network of farms in the Renaissance period that were established by the wealthy families in Siena. Over time, villages and churches sprung up around these farms and have remained ever since, which contributed to almost all of the area becoming a UNESCO World Heritage centre.

If you’re looking for a change of pace after visiting places like Florence and Siena, the Val d’Orcia is an ideal place to stay in Tuscany in April for a restful end to your holiday. It’s a gorgeous place for walking, cycling and sightseeing, and is also another great part of Tuscany to enjoy wine tasting and vineyard trips.

Florence

Florence is perhaps the most famous city in Tuscany and one of the most visited places in the whole of Italy. Best known for being the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, it’s a city that is overflowing with art and culture, with a huge range of galleries, museums and historical attractions that tell its story from across the centuries.

A benefit of visiting Florence in April is that the city won’t be as busy as it usually is during the peak tourist season. Make the most of being able to visit places like the iconic Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the Uffizi Gallery and the Ponte Vecchio without crowds of other travellers and get ready with your camera to capture the city in its prime.

Florence is also a great place to visit in Tuscany because it offers plenty to do on days when the spring sunshine isn’t as eager to make an appearance. With hundreds of museums and galleries to choose from, you’ve got plenty of places to enjoy yourself if the weather is rainy. The culinary offering in Florence is also fantastic, so don’t hold back from sampling food from all kinds of local restaurants!

Lucca

Our final recommendation for where to visit in Tuscany in April is the charming city of Lucca, situated between the Apuan Alps and the coast of Versilia. It’s home to some classic mediaeval Tuscan architecture, including a large circle of fortified walls which were built to protect the city and its inhabitants from threats across the centuries. You can still walk around these walls, providing lovely views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Lucca is something referred to as the “town of a hundred churches” because of the impressive number of religious buildings you’ll find here. It’s a prime location for historic sightseeing, with highlights alongside all the churches including the Torre Guinigi Tower, the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and the Palazzo Pfanner.

If you’re staying in Florence then Lucca is close enough to visit in a day, but the city itself is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the proximity to the beach and the mountains. It’s also close to Pisa, so is a great spot to base yourself if you’d like to visit the Leaning Tower during your trip to Tuscany.

Luuca is often overlooked in favour of places like Florence and Siena, but it has a lot to offer visitors as a Tuscan city. When you visit in April you won’t be disturbed by too many other tourists, allowing you to enjoy a wonderfully unspoiled atmosphere. 

Summary

The Tuscany climate in April is just one of the reasons why this is such a popular month to visit the region. April is the ideal time for an active holiday, or a trip where you can sightsee to your heart’s content without worrying too much about queues. It’s also the best time to go to Tuscany if you’re looking to make the most of off-season deals, as prices for travel and accommodation will start to climb from May.

If you’re thinking about planning a trip to Tuscany in April and are looking for somewhere to stay, The Villa Collection has an exclusive portfolio of properties in the region that are ideal for a group or family holiday. Take a look at our villas in Tuscany or explore more of our Italian properties.