Things to Do in Siena in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Siena
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Virtually no crowds at major sites - you can actually stand in Piazza del Campo without being shoulder-to-shoulder with tour groups, and the Duomo rarely has lines exceeding 15 minutes. Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to summer peaks.
- Perfect hiking weather in the Crete Senesi - those rolling clay hills stay between 8-12°C (46-54°F) during midday, ideal for the 10-15 km (6.2-9.3 miles) trails without the brutal summer heat. The landscape looks dramatic after winter rains.
- Carnevale season brings genuine local celebrations rather than tourist-focused events. Sienese families actually participate in neighborhood festivities, and you'll see traditional costumes and food stalls that disappear once spring arrives.
- February is prime truffle season - specifically bianchetto truffles which locals actually prefer to the pricier white truffles. Restaurant menus feature them heavily at €25-45 per dish, about half what you'd pay for white truffle dishes in autumn.
Considerations
- Daylight is genuinely limited - sunset hits around 5:30pm, which means outdoor exploration realistically ends by 5pm. That's maybe 6-7 hours of good daylight for sightseeing, and the medieval streets get quite dark.
- Many agriturismi and countryside restaurants close entirely or operate weekend-only schedules. If you're planning to explore rural Tuscany, you'll find about 40% fewer dining options compared to April through October.
- The cold is bone-penetrating in ways tourists don't expect - Siena's stone buildings and lack of central heating in many historic properties means indoor spaces often feel colder than outside. Budget hotels especially can be uncomfortably chilly.
Best Activities in February
Crete Senesi Clay Hills Hiking
February transforms these clay badlands into something actually walkable - summer temperatures make the exposed trails brutal, but right now you're looking at 8-12°C (46-54°F) during peak hours. The landscape looks especially dramatic after rain, with deep erosion gullies and that iconic moonscape appearance. Most trails run 8-15 km (5-9.3 miles) and you'll encounter maybe one or two other hikers all day. The lack of vegetation means views stretch for kilometers.
Museo dell'Opera and Duomo Complex Deep Dives
With minimal crowds, you can actually spend time studying the Duccio Maestà panels without being rushed along. February means you'll have gallery rooms nearly to yourself, especially on weekday mornings. The Facciatone panoramic terrace is actually more comfortable now - those 131 steps up the unfinished cathedral wall are miserable in summer heat, but quite pleasant in 10°C (50°F) weather. The combined OPA SI Pass covers six sites and you can take your time without feeling pressured.
Thermal Spa Towns Circuit
February is actually peak season for the thermal baths around Siena - Rapolano Terme and Bagno Vignoni are 30-45 minutes away, and soaking in 37°C (99°F) mineral water when the air temperature is 5°C (41°F) is genuinely magical. Locals pack these places on weekends. The outdoor pools create dramatic steam clouds in the cold air. This is what Sienese actually do in February rather than sightseeing.
Cooking Classes Focusing on Winter Dishes
February menus in Siena revolve around hearty ribollita, pici cacio e pepe, and wild boar preparations - ingredients that don't feature heavily in summer cooking classes. Small-group classes typically run 3-4 hours and you're working with seasonal produce from local markets. Class sizes stay small in February, often 4-6 people maximum, so you get actual instruction rather than demonstration-style classes.
Chianti Winery Visits with Cellar Focus
February is cellar work season - you'll see actual winemaking activities like racking and blending rather than just tasting rooms. Many smaller wineries offer more intimate visits now because they're not overwhelmed with summer traffic. The 20-30 minute drives through Chianti countryside are atmospheric in winter light, though roads can be wet. Tastings typically include 4-6 wines plus olive oil for €25-45 per person.
Palio Museum and Contrade Neighborhood Exploration
February is when you can actually explore the 17 contrade districts without summer crowds blocking the narrow streets. Each contrada has its own museum, fountain, and church - this is genuinely local culture, not tourist infrastructure. The Palio horse race won't happen until July and August, but February is when you can photograph the contrada symbols and architecture without fighting crowds. Plan 3-4 hours to properly explore 4-5 contrade on foot.
February Events & Festivals
Carnevale Celebrations
Siena's Carnevale is neighborhood-focused rather than city-wide spectacle. Individual contrade host parties, mask-making workshops, and traditional food stalls. Worth noting this isn't Venice-level pageantry - it's more about local families in costumes, frittelle pastries, and community gatherings. The main activities happen in the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday.