Uffizi Gallery Opening Hours
The Uffizi Gallery is open six days a week, year-round. Whether you’re planning a summer visit or a quiet winter trip, here’s everything you need to know about when the gallery is open, when it’s closed, and when to go for the best experience.
Standard Opening Hours
2026 Schedule
Important: the last entry is at 5:30 PM, not 6:30 PM. Staff begin clearing rooms about 15 minutes before closing time. If you arrive at 5:30 PM, you’ll have less than an hour — not enough for a meaningful visit. Plan to arrive at least 2 hours before closing.
Holiday Closures 2026
The Uffizi closes on two public holidays each year, plus every Monday:
2026 Closure Dates
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every Monday | Closed | Year-round (except December 8) |
| January 1 (New Year) | Closed | Public Holiday |
| December 25 (Christmas) | Closed | Public Holiday |
All other public holidays — including Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, April 25 (Liberation Day), June 2 (Republic Day), August 15 (Ferragosto), and December 8 — the Uffizi is open on regular hours. However, these holidays tend to be very busy, so book your tickets well in advance.
Extended & Special Hours
During peak tourist season, the Uffizi occasionally extends its hours. In recent years, the gallery has offered evening openings on select Tuesdays during summer (typically June through September), staying open until 10:00 PM. These evening sessions are magical — smaller crowds, cooler temperatures, and beautiful light through the windows. Check the official Uffizi website closer to your visit dates for any special openings.
Best Times to Visit
After guiding thousands of visitors through the Uffizi, here’s my honest advice on timing:
Best: 8:15 AM (Opening Time)
The absolute best experience. The gallery is nearly empty for the first hour. You can stand alone in front of the Birth of Venus. Botticelli Hall without crowds is a completely different experience — you notice details that are impossible to see when 50 people are jostling for position. Book the 8:15 time slot and be at Door 1 by 8:00 AM.
Good: After 4:00 PM
Day-trip tour groups leave around 3:00-3:30 PM. By 4:00 PM, the gallery is noticeably calmer. The late afternoon light through the Arno-side windows creates beautiful conditions for photography. You’ll have 2.5 hours until closing — enough for the highlights.
Avoid: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Peak hours. Every group tour, school trip, and cruise ship excursion hits the Uffizi during this window. Botticelli Hall can feel like a crowded subway car. If this is your only option, go directly to rooms 35-90 first (less crowded) and circle back to rooms 2-14 after 2:00 PM.
Best Days of the Week
- Tuesday & Wednesday — Quietest days. Tuesday is the first day open after the Monday closure, and many tourists haven’t arrived yet.
- Thursday — Moderate crowds. A good mid-week option.
- Friday — Busier as weekend visitors start arriving.
- Saturday & Sunday — Busiest days. If you must visit on a weekend, go at 8:15 AM.
- First Sunday of the month — Free entry day. Extremely crowded with 3-4 hour waits. Avoid unless you’re on a very tight budget.
Best Season to Visit
Each season offers different advantages:
- November – February (Low Season): Smallest crowds, cheapest tickets (€12), most comfortable viewing. Florence is quieter, restaurants are easier to book, and you might have entire rooms to yourself.
- March – May (Spring): Beautiful weather but increasingly busy. Book tickets 2+ weeks ahead. April and Easter week are particularly crowded.
- June – August (Summer): Peak crowds and heat. Possible evening openings. Book as far in advance as possible. Morning visits are essential.
- September – October (Autumn): Crowds thin after mid-September. October is one of the best months — good weather, fewer tourists, high-season hours still apply.