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Best time to visit Siena: month by month
Short answer
April to June and September to October are best, with highs of about 17–29°C and harvest season in autumn. July and August are hot, about 32–33°C, and the Palio days bring huge crowds and high prices. Winter is quiet and cool, around 10–12°C.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10°C | 2°C | 11 | low |
| Feb | 12°C | 3°C | 6 | low |
| Mar | 14°C | 3°C | 4 | medium |
| Apr | 17°C | 6°C | 11 | high |
| May | 23°C | 11°C | 12 | high |
| Jun | 29°C | 17°C | 6 | high |
| Jul | 33°C | 19°C | 5 | very high |
| Aug | 32°C | 19°C | 6 | very high |
| Sep | 27°C | 15°C | 7 | high |
| Oct | 22°C | 12°C | 5 | high |
| Nov | 15°C | 7°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 12°C | 4°C | 11 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
March is cool at about 14°C; April and May warm to 17–23°C, with some rainy days and green hills.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is about 29°C; July and August reach 32–33°C, with the Palio on 2 July and 16 August.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September (about 27°C) and October (about 22°C) are excellent, with the wine harvest; November is cooler and the rainiest month.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool, with highs of 10–12°C and lows near freezing, few visitors and lower prices.
Events worth planning around
- Palio di Siena, the bareback horse race around the Campo (2 July)
- Palio di Siena (16 August)
- Uncovering of the Duomo's inlaid marble floor (usually late summer to October; dates change each year)
When to avoid
Avoid the Palio days if you dislike crowds or high prices, and midday in July and August for sightseeing. November is the wettest month.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Siena?
May, September or October, with highs of about 22–27°C.
When is the Palio?
On 2 July and 16 August every year.
Is Siena worth visiting in winter?
Yes for quiet museums and lower prices; it is cool, with highs around 10–12°C.