Florence or Rome in May?

In May, Rome comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Florence 74/100 vs Rome 86/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.

This comparison focuses on May as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Florence averages a climate score of 60/100, Rome 67/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.

The average daily high is about 20 °C in Florence and 23 °C in Rome — warmer in Rome. Average daily lows are around 9 °C versus 13 °C.

On rain, Florence sees about 11 rainy days in May and Rome about 9 — drier in Rome. Rome gets more sunshine (7 vs 8 hours a day).

Over a full year Florence records roughly 118 rainy days and Rome about 105 — the drier of the two overall is Rome. At their sunniest, Florence reaches about 9 hours of sun a day (July) and Rome about 9 (July). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.

Climatically, Florence is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Rome peaks in May, June, September and October. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.

Based on the May scores for each travel style:

City breaks: Rome scores higher in May (Florence 86 vs Rome 92).

Active & hiking: both are close (Florence 82 vs Rome 82).

Family: Rome scores higher in May (Florence 59 vs Rome 85).

In May, Rome leads overall and for city breaks and family trips, while the active trips score is effectively tied. Over the year, Rome carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority still matters, and the month-by-month pages give you the full picture before you book.