Motezza Guide - Motorcycling in Tuscany
When is the best time to ride a motorcycle in Tuscany?
Tuscany is beautiful almost all year round. But when you're on a motorcycle, not every month feels the same. Here's when a tour through Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, and the surrounding hills is really worth it—and when I'd advise against it.
Driving conditions by month
The seasons at a glance
Fall - September and October
Fall is my favorite time of year here. The vineyards turn golden, the air grows clearer, the streets become quieter, and the vendemmia is in full swing everywhere. September is usually still warm, without being oppressive. In October, the light softens and the colors become more muted.
Spring - April and May
In the spring, Tuscany is almost outrageously green. The hills are fresh, wildflowers line the roadsides, and the terraces reopen. April can still be unpredictable. From mid-April on, the weather is usually reliable, and May is one of the best months of the year.
Early summer - June
June is a wonderful month. Warm, but rarely too hot. The days are long, the light lasts well into the evening, and a tour ends perfectly with dinner on the terrace. It’s almost ideal for multi-day trips through Chianti, Val d’Orcia, or toward San Gimignano.
High Season · July and August
It's peak season—and the hottest time of the year. In the morning, the Chianti region is still quiet; in the evening, the light turns warm and the temperatures drop. The hours in between are best spent in the shade rather than out on the street.
Winter - November to March
Winter isn't the typical time to rent a motorcycle in Tuscany. The scenery can be beautiful, but the days are short, the roads are often wet, and many places are closed. Winter, on the other hand, is a great time to plan your next trip.
The Motezza Sweet spot
Mid-April through early June and early September through mid-October. During these weeks, Tuscany is lively but not overcrowded, and the temperatures are just right.
September on the SR222 is pretty close to the perfect motorcycle day for me: cool air in the morning, warm road, little traffic and a piece of Chianti behind every bend.
Gerhard - Motezza - Greve in ChiantiMonth after month
April
Early April can still be chilly and occasionally wet. Starting in mid-April, the weather usually becomes much more pleasant. The hills are green, the air smells like spring, and the first longer hikes are really fun again. Wearing the right clothes and being a little flexible will help if a shower rolls through.
May
One of the best months for motorcycle riding in Tuscany. The temperatures are pleasant, the days are long, the landscape is lush, and the roads aren't as crowded as they are in the height of summer. If you want to visit in May, you should make your reservations early.
June
June brings summer light, usually without too much heat. The evenings are long, and the restaurants and wineries are in full swing. For multi-day tours, this is the best balance of weather, atmosphere, and comfort.
July and August
Peak season. Early morning rides through Chianti, when the valleys are still cool and the roads are empty. Out again in the evening, when the light turns golden yellow and the temperatures drop. In between, it’s simply hot. That’s why extended pickup and drop-off hours apply from mid-June through mid-September.
Extended pickup and return times
From June 15 to September 15, the pickup and drop-off window is between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., for both pickup and return. The idea behind this: get out early while it’s still cool, take a long break around noon by the pool or at a winery, and head out again in the evening when the light softens. It’s easy to underestimate the midday heat in Chianti. If you book for several days, you can also pick up the motorcycle in the evening and return it on the last day starting at 7:00 a.m.—that way, the motorcycle stays with you overnight.
September
My favorite. The grape harvest begins, the colors grow warmer, and the summer crowds begin to thin out. For long drives through Chianti Classico, toward Siena or San Gimignano, September is hard to beat.
october
Early October is often still excellent: the light becomes softer, and the vineyards begin to change color. Starting in the second half of the month, the weather becomes more changeable. If you stay flexible, you can still catch some very nice days.
November to March
It’s more of a time for planning, daydreaming, and spreading out good maps on the kitchen table. There are beautiful days in winter, too, but spring, early summer, and fall are by far the better choices for a relaxing motorcycle rental.
Practical tips for every season
- Even in summer, mornings on the hills are cooler than expected. An extra light layer is almost never a bad idea.
- Offline maps are helpful. Reception is weak in some valleys between Panzano, Radda and Castelnuovo Berardenga.
- During the grape harvest from the end of August to October, tractors may be driving on small roads. It is better to drive a little slower in blind bends.
- In July and August, it's best to drive early in the morning or late in the evening. It's just too hot on the road at midday.
- I would avoid the small country roads at night. Wild boar, deer and other animals are not a theoretical decoration in Tuscany.
- Always pack water for longer tours. Especially on a leisurely country road tour, you often notice the sun later than you think.
Which time suits which driver?
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, vibrant colors, and a special atmosphere, visit in September or October. For lush greenery and mild temperatures, April and May are the best months. June brings long evenings and heat that’s still bearable. And if you choose the peak season in July and August, you’ll experience Tuscany at its warmest, but you’ll need to plan your day around midday.
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