Weather in Siena

About Siena

Siena's Piazza del Campo is medieval perfection—shell-shaped plaza surrounded by Gothic buildings rising in brick tiers. The Cathedral dominates nearby, its facade glittering with colourful marble. Palio horse race creates summer magic. This city exudes antiquity.

Country

Italy

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian

Things to do in Siena

Explore the Piazza del Campo (Palio preparation if summer) Tour the Cathedral with its spectacular marble facade Climb the bell tower (Torre del Mangia) for views Visit the Pinacoteca Nazionale for Sienese art Walk the medieval streets beyond the famous plaza Day trip to nearby wine region (Chianti, Brunello)

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

10C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

12C

Cool, with some rainy days.

March

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

18C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

May

22C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

August

31C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

Recommended

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

October

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

Siena's medieval core has barely changed since its rivalry with Florence peaked centuries ago — narrow brick streets radiate out from the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, which twice a year becomes the racetrack for the Palio, a bareback horse race that's been run since the Middle Ages. It's one of Tuscany's most atmospheric towns, especially once the day-trippers from Florence head home.

Best areas to stay in Siena

Piazza del Campo

Siena's famous shell-shaped central square, surrounded by cafes and the site of the Palio horse race.

Duomo area

Around Siena's striped marble cathedral, one of Italy's most striking Gothic churches.

Terzo di Camollia

A quieter northern district of the historic centre, with narrow medieval streets and fewer crowds.

Val d'Orcia (nearby)

Rolling Tuscan countryside south of Siena, dotted with cypress trees, vineyards and hilltop towns.

Getting to Siena

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Flights

Florence or Pisa airports are the nearest, both around 1.5-2 hours from Siena by car or bus.

⏱

From London

~2.5 hours by air from London to Florence or Pisa, plus an onward journey.

🚕

Getting around

Siena's hilly historic centre is best explored on foot; a hire car is useful for exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Siena?

April-June and September-October offer pleasant weather; the famous Palio horse race takes place on 2 July and 16 August each year, drawing huge crowds.

Is Siena a day trip from Florence?

Many visit on a day trip (around 1-1.5 hours away), but staying overnight lets you experience the Piazza del Campo without the daytime crowds.

What is the Palio?

A historic bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo, contested by the city's historic districts (contrade), held twice yearly with huge local passion.

What should I see in Siena?

The Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral with its striped marble facade, and climbing the Torre del Mangia for views over the Tuscan countryside.

Is Siena a good base for exploring Tuscany?

Yes — towns like San Gimignano, Montalcino and the Val d'Orcia countryside are all within easy reach by car.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Stayed overnight and the Piazza del Campo in the evening, once the day-trippers had gone, was magical — climbing the Torre del Mangia at sunset was a highlight.

Sarah J. · May 2024

★★★★★

Happened to be there for the Palio and the atmosphere was unbelievable — the whole city seems to hold its breath for 90 seconds of racing.

Franco B. · July 2023

★★★★☆

Used Siena as a base for the Val d'Orcia and it was perfect — quieter than Florence with easy access to some of Tuscany's best countryside.

Zoe K. · October 2024