04 Jun 2012

June is the first month of summer. The fields take on the typical golden color of the hot months, and poppies, lavender and yellow broom tinge the countryside. Bars and restaurants open their outdoor spaces and sagre and festivals animate villages and towns. Besides, June is definitely the month to be in Pisa.

Tuscany in June

tuscany in june

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.

Tuscany in June

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.

The Abbey of St. Galgano in early June

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.

Tuscany in June

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).

Tuscany in June

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.

Tuscany in June

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.

Tuscany in June

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.

Tuscany in June

(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.

Tuscany in June

(Photo by ingroar)

Tuscany in June

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.

lavender in tuscany

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.

tuscany in june

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.

Vacation rental near Siena

So, if you are looking for accommodation, well… I am just saying! LOL

pisa holiday apartment

We are generous with information, be generous with reservations! LOL

Comments

  1. Faith

    Going to Tuscany next June late in the month, tell me all there us to know

  2. Hi there! My sister is marrying in San Gimignano next year on September 1st. I would appreciate any tips on seasonal flowers to make her bouquet and table decorations as Tuscan as possible! 😉

    • Hi! Sorry I have seen this only now. In early September nothing really iconic but you can get beautiful roses, and heather. Lavender might be still available somewhere and small sunflowers. But it will depend on the year and you will have to ask the florist. Check http://www.fioriedintorni.com

      • Sunflower?

        • Not sure what your question is…?

  3. Hi Gloria. Congratulations for your blog; very nice and informative. I’m a retiree from a United Nations organization (FAO) based in Rome, where I still live with my Italian wife and our sweet/little dog (12 kg). We want to visit the whole of Tuscany and are looking for an apartment to use as a base to stay and drive around. Reading your remarks about the weather – and given the various monthly events that could be interesting to see and attend to in the region – I’m not sure anymore whether we should come in June or rather in May. Any suggestions ? Also, any suggestions about an apartment that we could rent for three weeks (one couple and a little dog) ? Preferably in a city where it’s safe.
    Many thanks in advance for your help. Cheers. Jean-Marc

    • Hi Jean-Marc sorry to reply so late. I don’t have as much time as I used to to look after my poor blog. June is much warmer than May. May is more beautiful if you like the green scenery. I am sure you have already planned your trip by now. Sorry that I could not be of help!
      As for accommodation, I am very partial because I run a vacation rental in my home village, Casina di Rosa (http://www.casinadirosa.it) and for me that is the best spot in the world! And still available after June 10! LOL

  4. Hello Gloria. Your blog is very informative. Just wanted to ask a quick question though. If we visit Tuscany in last week of May, will we able to witness the greenery that we see in the photographs?

  5. Hi Gloria. I’m considering visiting Tuscany in June. I know the coast will be heaving with tourists. But what about the interior? Looking to visit quiant medieval villages? Also, will the roads in the interior be very congested? Would it be practical to drive to town within a 100km radius from base on a day trip?

    Many thanks

    • June is not an extremely busy month

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