I have always wanted to write a post about what Tuscany is like at different times of the year. I get the question a lot from prospective guests of our vacation rentals. So, I have decided this is my new “pet project” for the next 12 months, 1 month in Tuscany at a time! With a word of caution: every year things are slightly different and vary across Tuscany (no need to remind you that Tuscany is a big place, right? If so… please check my post about the various regions of Tuscany, thanks!). See all the posts in this series.
What is Tuscany like in June?
June is a summer month, and typically the month when the first heat wave hits.
The beginning of the month is usually characterized by very warm temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms which get shorter and shorter every day until the rain stops for the summer.
“Typically” is a key word here. As a matter of fact, over the past 5-10 years, the weather has changed considerably, and rainy summers are not so rare anymore, nor are more than two or three heat waves over the months of June, July and August. By heat waves I mean several days of high temperatures and humidity, when there is not much you can do to cope with the heat but going to the beach, or hanging by the pool, in the a/c or in the shade under a tree.
When I was a child, the hottest time of the year was the end of July and early August. Now, I can safely say that late June and July are usually the hottest times of the year, with few exceptions (such as 2011, which saw a cool end of July and a very hot August, September and October).
Average temperatures in June range between 15-17°C (59-63°F) at night and 25-28°C (77-83°F) during the day. When it gets very hot, temperatures during the day can easily reach 30-34°C (86-94°F).
Short sleeves and light cotton clothing items are all you need, but just in case you get caught in a week of poor weather, a light jacket or a cotton jumper should keep you warm enough.
Restaurants and bars will have outdoor seating spaces, swimming pools will be open and so will the establishments on the beach. In cities like Pisa, seasonal bars will reopen, such as the bars on the river, and people will start to gather in the most popular squares after dinner to enjoy the evening breeze. June is the perfect time of the year to enjoy a nice aperitivo al fresco.
What is in season in June?
June is a month rich of delicious products. It is still possible to find good loquats, cherries and strawberries. The first good apricots, melons (cantaloupes), peaches and plums are ready. As for vegetables, asparagus, chard, broad beans, radishes and artichokes are still available. The first cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and zucchini appear.
The colors of the Tuscan countryside in June
May is usually the month of the green fields dotted by many different types of flowers. Early June though is usually as spectacular.
(Photo by borisov)
Red poppies, hot pink sweet peas, yellow broom, white olive tree flowers, purple thistles, roses, and many wild flowers tinge the countryside. By the second half of the month, the green fields have turned golden, and the characteristic hay bales start to appear in the harvested fields. Vineyards are covered in verdant vines and tiny bunches of grapes. By the end of the month, lavender is in bloom.
(Photo by ingroar)
One of the most amazing views, if you are lucky enough to spend some time in the open countryside (Southern Tuscany is the best place to do that), is the fields of wheat full of fireflies flying over the golden ears.
June 2: Festa della Repubblica Italiana
On June 2, Festa della Repubblica, Italy celebrates its history and its democracy. It is a national holiday, so some shops and attractions might be closed. Most museums, restaurants and bars will be open though, because it is a popular day for day trips.
Giugno Pisano
If you decide to visit Northern Tuscsany, June is definitely the best time of the year to visit Pisa. It is the month of the celebrations of Giugno Pisano, which also include La Luminara and Il Gioco del Ponte.
For the calendar of the events of Giugno Pisano 2012 please see the official website of the city tourist board.
June sagre and festivals
June is a month rich in sagre and festivals. In our village, Civitella Marittima, the local sporting association organizes “Cene sotto le stelle”, dinner under the stars, which are dedicated to a different speciality every weekend (mushrooms, seafood, truffles, etc.).
Are you looking for accommodation?
We have two lovely holiday rentals in Tuscany: a cosy vacation house south of Siena, Casina di Rosa, and a self-catering apartment in Pisa, Behind the Tower.
So, if you are looking for accommodation, well… I am just saying! LOL
We are generous with information, be generous with reservations! LOL
