I love January in Siena! There’s a magical atmosphere. Fewer tourists. Better prices for accommodation. And of course the sales are on, which is never a bad thing. You can enjoy the wonderful art museums and sights without the crowds, walk the twinkly streets, and tuck into all those delightful Sienese winter dishes and wine to keep you warm.
Read on to discover all the reasons why January, and Winter in general, is the moment to enjoy the best of Siena.
Discover the Most Picturesque Hilltop Towns in Tuscany
Why I love visiting Siena in January
Siena’s evocative Wintery atmosphere
Every year at the beginning of January I go back to Siena. This is hands down my favourite time to spend a day in this magnificent Medieval town. Until around the 6th January – the day of ‘Epifania’ in Italy – all the Christmas decorations are still up, adding a kind of enchanted touch to a town that already seems like something out of a fairy tale.
But even once the Christmas lights have come down, and everybody goes back to their normal routines, the magic is still there. The narrow streets, dotted with colourful flags from the different contrade, artfully arranged shop windows, cozy enoteche and corners that just seem too picturesque to be real. Then there’s the winter light. Moody and nostalgic, it makes the perfect backdrop to the red brick edifices of Siena.
Best place to catch a Winter sunset? Head to San Domenico, the imposing church on the hill, and walk down to via Camporegio. Prepare your eyes and camera.
Siena is less crowded in Winter
Being one of the most popular sights in Tuscany, Siena suffers from the same fate as many other Italian destinations. During high season (from June to September) things can get pretty busy. Bars and restaurants fill up, prices are higher, and there are groups queuing up everywhere to see the main attractions.
In January you can visit Siena’s top attractions in tranquillity, at any time, taking your time to appreciate the details of the magnificent Siena Cathedral or the wondrous frescoes in the Palazzo Pubblico. For me visiting the city with fewer people around means seeing Siena at its best. You can discover the true atmosphere of the city, and better appreciate its traditions and mysteries.
Siena makes perfect Wintery Dishes and Wines
You absolutely cannot leave town without trying the local pasta, which are pici or pappardelle (strictly handmade) with one of the traditional sauces: hare, duck, wild boar. If you don’t eat meat, opt for the creamy and sinful pici cacio e pepe (pecorino cheese and black pepper). Incidentally, that is among my absolute favourite Tuscan dishes.
You might argue that a huge place of artisanal pici al sugo di cinghiale (wild boar sauce) is good all year round, and I don’t disagree with you. But us Italians are a bit funny about seasonality, matching the food with the weather and the right time of year. And for me a heavier dish is more enjoyable when in cooler weather 😉
And what about those Tuscan red wines, rich and robust that fill the mouth with intoxicating pleasure? In Winter they are just what you need. When it’s cold, they go down way better! Warming you up from the inside, cleaning your palate after the earthy dishes like a Chianina meat steak or a plate of ribollita soup.
Some of Tuscany top wines are produced near Siena so on your visit you’ll definitely need to taste some Chianti, or Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello di Montalcino, all of which are grown in the surroundings of Siena, in the beautiful hills that the sity dominates from its elevated position.
Sales are on throughout January in Siena
Another reason why January is best time to visit Siena is that the sales ore on. Siena has a good range of artisanal shops – many cater for tourists, but are beautiful nonetheless, and it’s not all about cheap souvenirs. There are traditional ceramic shops, beautiful jewellery, and objects made with olive wood.
My personal favourite? I love the historic frame and print shop ‘Bianchi’ in via di Città, and the artisanal ceramic shop Bianco e Nero, near the Cathedral.
You also find some great clothes and shoe shops, with Italian and international brands, that have sales during January. If I need a Winter jacket, this is the when I buy it, spending half the price! It’s true that Florence has a greater range of shops and a couple of bigger department stores, but I find shopping in Siena a more relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Weather in Siena in January
The coldest months in Siena, Tuscany, are January and February. During these months we see less rain but lower temperatures – the average being max. 10 C (50 F) – min. 1 C (33 F). By the end of February the temperatures rise a bit.
Sunset in January in Siena is around 5pm.
Not Visiting in January? Other Times to Visit Siena
Now that I’ve shared why I love coming to Siena in January, I’d like to add general suggestions for people coming at different times.
Without any doubt, Winter and Autumn are top times to visit Siena. It’s true that Spring is a great moment to be in Tuscany because the surrounding countryside is at its best, so if you’re planning to stay in the countryside near Siena, April and May are surely lovely. The weather is nice and the temperature ideal for sightseeing, hiking, spending time outdoors. Just be aware to plan in time as these are busy months (especially Easter).
From June to September it gets hot and busy, with July and August being very hot and humid. During the Palio (first week of July and central week in August) it’s especially busy and chaotic.
It’s true that Siena never gets quite as crowded as Florence. So if you’re prepared to spend at least a couple of days – and not just a few rushed hours – in town, you’ll be able to truly enjoy Siena’s sights and appreciate it even in tourist season. Keep in mind that most bus tours arrive in late morning and depart mid afternoon.
Some Suggestions for Things to see and do in Siena
Check out our Guide to the Best of Siena to pick which attractions and museums to add to your itinerary – Top Museums to Visit in Siena.
Once you’ve explored the city, here’s some ideas for day trips from Siena: 10 Beautiful Small Towns to Visit near Siena.
READ ALSO:
How to Travel from Florence to Siena
3 Lesser Known Tuscan Small Towns to Visit in February
Author: Sabrina Nesi, founder of Lovefromtuscany.com, passionate about sharing the beauty of Tuscany and Italy with the world.
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