Visiting Siena in August
Visit Siena Guide editorial··6 min read
August is the hottest, most crowded month. The second Palio is August 16 (Assunta).
# 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
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.
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