best time to visit San Gimignano guide San Gimignano sits on a hilltop in inland Tuscany at 324 metres (1,063 feet) above sea level, giving it a Mediterranean climate with a touch of continental influence. Summers are hot and dry, winters are cool and damp, and the shoulder seasons bring the most comfortable weather for climbing the town’s medieval towers. Here’s what to expect each month, with real temperature and rainfall data for the area.
San Gimignano Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
things to do in San Gimignano The table below shows average daily high and low temperatures plus monthly rainfall for San Gimignano. Data reflects the inland Tuscan hill climate , about 3-4C (5-7F) warmer than Florence in summer and slightly cooler in winter due to the elevation.
| Month | Avg High (C/F) | Avg Low (C/F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9 / 48 | 2 / 36 | 55 | 8 |
| February | 11 / 52 | 3 / 37 | 50 | 7 |
| March | 14 / 57 | 5 / 41 | 58 | 8 |
| April | 18 / 64 | 8 / 46 | 65 | 9 |
| May | 22 / 72 | 12 / 54 | 55 | 7 |
| June | 27 / 81 | 16 / 61 | 40 | 5 |
| July | 31 / 88 | 18 / 64 | 25 | 3 |
| August | 30 / 86 | 18 / 64 | 35 | 4 |
| September | 25 / 77 | 14 / 57 | 70 | 7 |
| October | 20 / 68 | 10 / 50 | 90 | 9 |
| November | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 92 | 10 |
| December | 10 / 50 | 3 / 37 | 70 | 9 |
San Gimignano Weather by Month: Seasonal Breakdown
Winter (December to February)
San Gimignano events calendar Daytime highs reach 9-11C (48-52F) and nights drop to 2-3C (36-37F). January is the coldest month. You’ll get about 4-5 hours of sunshine per day. Snow is rare but not unheard of , the town gets a light dusting once every 2-3 years. Rain falls on 7-9 days per month, mainly as light showers. The low winter sun lighting up the stone towers makes for excellent photography, and you’ll have the piazzas nearly to yourself. Pack a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes for the cobblestone streets.
Spring (March to May)
San Gimignano neighborhoods guide March starts cool at 14C (57F) but May brings pleasant 22C (72F) days. This is the greenest season , the surrounding Chianti and Vernaccia vineyards burst into leaf and wildflowers carpet the hills. Rainfall is moderate at 55-65mm per month across 7-9 rain days. April can be unpredictable: you might get a week of sunshine or a week of grey drizzle. Pack layers and a light rain jacket. The town is noticeably busier from mid-April when tour groups from Florence and Siena start arriving in numbers.
Summer (June to August)
where to stay in San Gimignano July is the hottest month at 31C (88F) and the driest with just 25mm of rain over 3 days. August is nearly as warm at 30C (86F). Humidity stays moderate (50-60%) thanks to the hilltop elevation and steady breezes , it’s more comfortable than Florence which traps heat in its valley basin. You’ll get 10-11 hours of daily sunshine. The town is at peak tourist density in July and August, especially between 10am and 4pm when day-trippers arrive. Visit the towers before 9am or after 5pm to avoid both crowds and the strongest sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and carry water , there are public fountains (fontanelle) with drinkable water throughout the historic centre.
Autumn (September to November)
San Gimignano travel tips September stays warm at 25C (77F) but rainfall jumps to 70mm. October cools to 20C (68F) and is the second-wettest month at 90mm. November is the wettest (92mm, 10 rain days) and temperatures fall to 14C (57F). The autumn light on the stone towers is spectacular , photographers rate October as the best month. The grape harvest (vendemmia) happens in late September to early October, and the surrounding countryside turns gold and amber. Pack a mix of warm and waterproof layers. Many agriturismi offer harvest-season rates in October that are 20-30% cheaper than summer.
San Gimignano Weather by Month: Daylight and Sunshine
The longest day is June 21 with about 15 hours 25 minutes of daylight. The shortest is December 21 with 8 hours 55 minutes. July averages 11 hours of actual sunshine per day , the sunniest month. November and December are the cloudiest, averaging just 3-4 hours of sun. If you’re photographing the towers, November and February offer low-angle golden light for most of the day.
