Tuscany, like most of the country, is hot and crowded. It’s the peak of tourist season, but this monthly guide can point you in the right direction—to less-crowded beaches and cooler locales.
August in Tuscany: A Comprehensive Guide
## Weather in August
August in Tuscany is characterized by persistently hot weather. Temperatures typically soar to the mid-80s to low 90s degrees Fahrenheit (29-33°C) during the daytime hours. As evening approaches, the temperature offers a slight reprieve, cooling off to the mid-60s and 70s (18-24°C). The heat can be quite intense, particularly during the peak hours of the day, so it’s essential to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.
If you’re seeking refuge from the heat, consider venturing into the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine mountains or the series of mountains in the northwest around Garfagnana and Lunigiana. These higher elevations offer cooler temperatures and refreshing breezes. However, it’s worth noting that even inland, without the cooling influence of the breeze off of the Tyrrhenian Sea, temperatures can still feel quite hot. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay well-hydrated, regardless of your location.
While the beginning of August is generally dry, the weather patterns tend to shift towards the latter half of the month. As the transition to autumn approaches, you can anticipate the possibility of thunderstorms. These storms can bring a welcome drop in temperature and a refreshing change from the persistent heat. It’s always a good idea to monitor the weather forecast and be prepared for potential changes in conditions.
## Crowds and Costs
The influx of visitors that begins in July continues unabated into August. Tuscany remains a popular destination for those seeking to enjoy the region’s numerous festivals, lively beach parties, and the generally hot weather. Consequently, escaping the crowds along the Tyrrhenian coast and on the island of Elba can be challenging, especially during weekends and in the week or two surrounding the August 15 Ferragosto holiday.
During this peak period, smaller towns and villages may offer a quieter alternative. Some may even offer more affordable accommodation rates as demand shifts towards the coast. However, venues and services directly related to the beaches, such as chair and umbrella rentals, tend to experience a significant price increase due to high demand.
It is highly recommended that you make reservations and secure your accommodation well in advance, as the demand for hotels and restaurants is substantial during this time. While the interior of the country might offer some respite from the coastal crowds as locals head to the beach, popular destinations like Florence remain bustling with visitors. Hotel rates in these major cities typically remain higher compared to the lower-season months. Careful planning and early booking are essential to secure your preferred accommodation and avoid disappointment.
## Where to Go
The long, hot summer days of August make the Tyrrhenian Sea and its stunning coastline an irresistible draw for visitors. If you are not deterred by the potential for crowds, a trip to the coast and the Tuscan Archipelago is highly recommended. Consider starting your journey along the Versilia coast in Tuscany’s northwest, where you’ll find trendy shops, exquisite restaurants, exciting nightlife, and of course, beautiful sandy beaches that gently slope into the inviting sea.
Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, and Viareggio are captivating coastal cities that are certainly worth a visit. And if you find yourself in this area and yearn for a break from the crowds and the intense heat, consider venturing into Seravezza and Stazzema in the Upper Versilia. These charming villages are nestled in the hills that ascend towards the Apuan Alps, offering a tranquil escape into nature.
On the opposite end of the Tuscan coast lies Monte Argentario, boasting a rugged and dramatic coastline that is part of the Maremma region. A visit to Tuscany’s southernmost point allows you to discover the peninsula’s exceptional beaches, hidden coves, and invigorating hiking trails. As an added bonus, this region is generally less crowded than the more popular beach destinations further north. For a truly unique experience, venture inland into the Maremma to explore the Tarot Garden, where you can wander among colorful and massive Gaudí-esque statues scattered throughout the park. And while you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the charming walled town of Capalbio.
## What to Do
If you find yourself in northern Tuscany, a trip to the Garfagnana at the foot of the Apennines is highly recommended. Here, you’ll be enveloped in the tranquil ambiance of forests, pristine lakes, and expansive green landscapes. Nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful escape will appreciate the hidden villages, the ancient castle ruins, and the picturesque stone bridges that adorn the landscape, creating picture-postcard settings at every turn.
For adrenaline seekers, the Monte Pisano region offers a plethora of exciting activities, including aqua trekking, rafting, mountain biking, climbing, and paragliding. If you’re situated near Lucca, a truly unique experience awaits: the opportunity to trek from Lucca to Pisa along centuries-old aqueducts. And speaking of Lucca, with the Puccini Festival in full swing, be sure to head to Torre del Lago to immerse yourself in an opera performance at the open-air theater on the Massaciuccoli lakefront.
Of course, with the weather at its finest, and if you can navigate the crowds, a visit to the diverse array of beaches that stretch along the coast from Versilia down to the Maremma and Monte Argentario is a must. Here, you can indulge in your choice of swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. The possibilities for enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are endless.
## Events in August
**Ferragosto (Assumption Day).** Celebrated annually on August 15th, Ferragosto commemorates the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This significant religious holiday is marked by numerous religious processions that wind through the streets of towns and cities throughout the country. As a national holiday, many businesses and institutions are closed on this day.
**Palio di Siena.** On August 16th, Siena hosts the second of its two annual horse races (the first takes place on July 2nd). This thrilling event draws massive crowds of enthusiastic fans to the city’s central plaza, the Piazza del Campo, for four days filled with exhilarating horse racing, captivating events, and joyful merrymaking. The Palio di Siena coincides with the Assumption Day festivities.
**Puccini Festival.** In honor of Giacomo Puccini, a renowned Opera composer and a native of Tuscany, the town of Lucca hosts a series of opera performances throughout the month, beginning in late July and concluding in late August. These performances are held in the open-air theater situated on the Massaciuccoli lakefront, providing a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
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