Visiting Siena in August

# Visiting Siena in August

August is the hottest, most crowded month. The second Palio is August 16 (Assunta).

Key facts

• Weather: 18-33°C, often very hot.
• Palio: August 16. Practice runs August 13-15.
• Italian holidays (Ferragosto, August 15): many Italians on vacation, locals sometimes scarce in the city.
• Some restaurants close 1-2 weeks for staff holidays.
• Strategy: arrive August 17 onward for a quieter visit.

What I tell visitors

August is rough unless you specifically want the Palio. Otherwise, September is dramatically better.

Related guides

• One Day
• Weather
• Honest

Final word

Whatever brings you to Siena — food, the Palio, the Tuscan countryside — slow down. The city repays attention. If you have a tip to add or a correction, write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it.