Things to Do in Siena in November

November Weather in Siena

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Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dramatic autumn atmosphere with morning mist rolling over the Tuscan hills creating ethereal photography conditions from 7-9am
Truffle season peak (November 1-30) means fresh Crete Senesi truffles at local restaurants for €25-40 per dish versus €60+ in peak summer
Significantly fewer tourists - major sites like Palazzo Pubblico have 70% fewer visitors than July, meaning authentic experiences and better photos
Cooler temperatures (7-18°C/45-64°F) make climbing Torre del Mangia's 400 steps (131m/430ft high) comfortable versus exhausting summer heat

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall (8 rainy days, light showers lasting 1-3 hours) can disrupt outdoor activities and countryside walks
Shorter daylight hours (9.5 hours versus 15 in summer) limits countryside exploration time and golden hour photography
Some agriturismo and countryside restaurants close for winter break from mid-November, reducing dining options outside the city center

Best Activities in November

Val d'Orcia Countryside Photography Tours

November's misty mornings and dramatic cloud formations create perfect conditions for capturing the iconic Tuscan landscape. The golden autumn light between 2-4pm is exceptional, and cypress trees stand out dramatically against moody skies. Rain creates mirror-like puddles reflecting medieval towers.

Booking Tip: Book countryside tours 7-10 days ahead through local operators. Tours typically cost €45-75 per person for half-day excursions. Choose morning tours (8am-12pm) for best mist effects. Check current tour availability in booking section below.

Siena Underground and Museum Tours

Perfect weather backup for rainy November days. The 13th-century underground aqueduct system stays at consistent 12°C (54°F) year-round. Palazzo Pubblico and Duomo museums are less crowded, allowing intimate viewing of Lorenzetti frescoes without summer crowds.

Booking Tip: Museums have flexible cancellation for weather. Combo tickets for Duomo Complex cost €20-25. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend visits. Underground tours typically €15-20 per person. See current museum tour options in booking section below.

Tuscan Truffle and Wine Experiences

November is peak white truffle season in nearby San Miniato (45 minutes away). Local trattorias serve fresh truffle pasta for €28-35 versus €50+ in peak season. Wine harvest celebrations continue through early November with new Chianti Classico tastings.

Booking Tip: Truffle hunting tours cost €65-90 per person including lunch. Book 10-14 days ahead as November is prime season. Look for experiences that include both truffle hunting and wine tasting. Current truffle tour options available in booking section below.

Medieval Walking and Tower Climbing

Cool November temperatures (7-18°C/45-64°F) make climbing Torre del Mangia's 400 steps comfortable. Clear post-rain air offers exceptional views up to 30km (18.6 miles) across Tuscany. Medieval streets are atmospheric in misty conditions without summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Tower climbs cost €10-15, advance booking recommended for weekends. Best visibility 2-3 hours after rain clears. Walking tours typically €20-30 per person. Choose afternoon tours (2-5pm) for best lighting. Check current walking tour availability in booking section below.

Thermal Spa Day Trips

November's cool, damp weather makes thermal springs especially appealing. Bagno Vignoni (45 minutes south) reaches 52°C (126°F) naturally. Saturnia's free thermal pools are less crowded than summer months, offering authentic relaxation in stunning countryside settings.

Booking Tip: Thermal spa tours typically cost €55-85 including transport. Free thermal pools at Saturnia require own transport (1.5 hours drive). Book spa packages 5-7 days ahead. Many combine with wine tasting. See current thermal spa tour options in booking section below.

Cooking Classes and Market Tours

November brings seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, chestnuts, and fresh olive oil from October harvest. Indoor cooking classes are perfect for rainy afternoons. Local markets have autumn specialties like wild boar and porcini mushrooms unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost €75-120 per person including meal. Book 5-10 days ahead for weekend classes. Look for classes featuring seasonal November ingredients. Market tours typically start 9am when produce is freshest. Current cooking class options in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid November

Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco Pregiato

San Miniato's prestigious white truffle fair, 45 minutes from Siena. Features truffle hunting demonstrations, tastings, and direct sales from hunters. Significantly less touristy than Alba's famous fair but equal quality truffles at 30% lower prices.

Early to Mid November

Festa dell'Olio Nuovo

New olive oil celebrations throughout Tuscan villages near Siena. Features first-press tastings, traditional bruschetta preparations, and mill tours. Local frantoios (oil mills) offer free tastings and direct sales at harvest prices.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - medieval cobblestones become slippery when wet, and countryside paths turn muddy after rain

Packable rain jacket and compact umbrella - November showers are frequent but brief (1-3 hours), you'll want protection that packs small

Layering pieces: merino wool base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer - temperatures vary 11°C (20°F) between morning (7°C/45°F) and afternoon (18°C/64°F)

Waterproof camera protection and lens cloth - mist and light rain create constant moisture that fogs lenses

Warm hat and gloves for early morning countryside tours - pre-sunrise photography sessions can feel like 2-3°C (35-37°F) with wind chill

Quick-dry pants instead of jeans - wet denim takes hours to dry in 75% humidity, synthetic blends dry in 30-60 minutes

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight (9.5 hours) means more reliance on phone flashlights and GPS in early evenings

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - you'll walk 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven medieval surfaces

Light scarf - stylish for restaurants and practical for cool evening passeggiatas around the Campo

Small daypack with rain cover - essential for countryside excursions where weather can change quickly

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation with parking 3+ weeks ahead - November is conference season for Italian universities, and Siena hosts several academic events filling hotels

Restaurants close 3-7pm between lunch and dinner year-round, but November's shorter days mean you'll feel hungry during closure times - stock up on panettone and local snacks

The best truffle deals are directly from hunters at small markets, not tourist-focused shops - ask locals for 'mercatini del tartufo' locations that change weekly

Many Sienese leave for beach holidays in early November before winter sets in, so some family-run businesses have irregular hours - call ahead to confirm opening times