Things to Do in Siena in March

March Weather in Siena

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Is March Right for You?

Advantages

March marks spring's arrival - almond trees bloom throughout the Tuscan countryside creating stunning white and pink landscapes perfect for photography from 7-9am when light is softest
Tourist crowds are 60% lower than summer months, meaning you can actually appreciate the Duomo and Palazzo Pubblico without fighting for photos or waiting 45+ minutes in lines
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak season - luxury accommodations that cost €400+ in July average €180-250 in March, especially mid-week bookings
March weather is ideal for walking Siena's medieval streets - comfortable 15-18°C (59-64°F) afternoons won't leave you exhausted climbing the city's famous hills, unlike the 35°C+ (95°F+) summer heat

Considerations

Weather is unpredictable - you might experience 5°C (41°F) mornings requiring winter coats, then 18°C (64°F) afternoons perfect for t-shirts, sometimes within the same day
Some countryside restaurants and agriturismo close for annual renovations in March before Easter season, limiting dining options outside the city center
Daylight hours are shorter (11 hours vs 15 in summer) - sunset around 6:30pm means less time for afternoon countryside exploration and golden hour photography

Best Activities in March

Tuscan Countryside Wine Estate Tours

March is pruning season in Chianti vineyards - you'll witness vintners preparing vines for the growing season while tasting last year's harvest in intimate cellar settings. Cool 10-15°C (50-59°F) temperatures are perfect for walking vineyard rows without summer's oppressive heat. Many estates offer special pruning workshops unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for small group tours (typically €45-65 per person including tastings). Look for tours that combine 2-3 estates with transportation. Many offer lunch pairings for €80-110. Check current countryside tour options in the booking section below.

Medieval Siena Walking Tours

March's mild afternoons (15-18°C/59-64°F) make climbing Siena's steep medieval streets comfortable rather than exhausting. With fewer tourists, you can actually hear guides explain the Contrada system and Palio traditions without shouting over crowds. Early morning tours at 9am capture the best light filtering through narrow alleys.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead for 2-hour walking tours (typically €25-40 per person). Morning tours 9-11am avoid afternoon rain chances. Look for tours including Duomo interior access. See current guided tour options in the booking section below.

San Gimignano Day Trips

March offers clear visibility across Val d'Elsa valley for stunning tower views without summer haze. The 1-hour drive through rolling hills showcases early spring colors - fresh green grass and blooming fruit trees. Afternoon temperatures around 16°C (61°F) are perfect for climbing the Torre Grossa without overheating.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours 5-7 days ahead (typically €55-75 including transport from Siena). Afternoon departures 1-6pm work best with March daylight. Combined tours with Volterra add €20-30. Check current San Gimignano tour options in the booking section below.

Cooking Classes in Traditional Kitchens

March features seasonal ingredients like wild asparagus, early artichokes, and pecorino fresco unavailable in summer months. Indoor classes are perfect for rainy March days (10 rainy days typical). You'll learn to make fresh pasta and seasonal soups that locals actually eat in spring weather.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead for hands-on classes (typically €85-125 per person with lunch). 3-4 hour sessions usually run 10am-2pm or 3-7pm. Look for classes in actual Tuscan homes rather than commercial kitchens. See current cooking class options in the booking section below.

Montalcino and Brunello Wine Tours

March is ideal for Brunello tastings as cool weather enhances wine appreciation and you can comfortably walk hillside vineyards at 400m (1,312 ft) elevation. The drive through UNESCO Val d'Orcia showcases cypress-lined hills without summer's tour bus crowds clogging narrow roads.

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours 7-10 days ahead (typically €95-140 including tastings and lunch). Tours run 9am-5pm to maximize March daylight. Brunello tastings cost more than regular Chianti - budget €15-25 per tasting. Check current Montalcino tour options in the booking section below.

Thermal Springs Day Trips

March's cool air temperatures (5-18°C/41-64°F) create perfect contrast with 37°C (98°F) thermal waters at Bagno Vignoni and Saturnia. You'll avoid summer crowds and have natural pools mostly to yourself. The 1.5-hour drive through southern Tuscany showcases early wildflowers and sheep grazing season.

Booking Tip: Book day trips 5-7 days ahead (typically €75-95 with transport). Afternoon departures work best - arrive at thermal springs around 2pm when air is warmest. Bring towels or rent on-site for €5-8. See current thermal springs tour options in the booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid to Late March

Siena Jazz Festival

International jazz musicians perform in medieval venues throughout the city. Intimate concerts in wine bars and historic palazzos showcase both established and emerging artists. The cool March weather makes venue-hopping comfortable.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures swing from 5°C (41°F) at dawn to 18°C (64°F) by afternoon, requiring both warm jackets and light shirts

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Siena's medieval stones become slippery when wet, and 10 rainy days in March mean inevitable puddles

Compact umbrella that fits in day bag - March showers are brief (15-30 minutes) but frequent, and you'll want mobility while sightseeing

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 5 combined with reflection off light-colored medieval stones can cause unexpected burns during 3-hour walking tours

Light wool sweater or fleece - essential for morning wine tours in countryside where temperatures can be 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than in the city

Scarf that's easy to remove - locals wear scarves in March mornings then remove them by 2pm when temperatures peak

Small backpack or crossbody bag - hands-free mobility is crucial for navigating steep, narrow medieval streets and climbing tower stairs

Portable phone charger - cold March weather drains phone batteries 30-40% faster, and you'll need GPS for countryside tours

Light rain jacket that packs small - locals prefer this over heavy coats since March rain is light but frequent

Comfortable walking socks and blister patches - you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven medieval stones

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) in March for 20-30% savings - weekends still command higher rates due to Italian domestic tourism

Eat lunch between 12:30-1:30pm before restaurants switch to tourist menus - locals finish lunch early in March due to shorter daylight hours

March is when Sienese clean their homes for spring - many family-run shops close Tuesday afternoons for 'pulizie di primavera' (spring cleaning)

The No. 54 city bus to countryside attractions runs limited Sunday schedules in March - verify times day-before or you'll wait 2+ hours for next bus