Rome’s location in the central-western part of Italy makes it a popular holiday destination, especially in the summer months. The hottest month of the year is July, when the average temperature is around 27°C, with temperatures going up to 32°C during the midday.
Spring and fall are great times to travel to Rome. You can see the Colosseum and other ancient ruins, indulge in Italian cuisine and wine and even shop for gifts and souvenirs.
You should visit the city in springtime for the blooming of the beautiful gardens and catch the annual opera season. In fall, you can see the Colosseum in its gorgeous, golden hues and witness the city’s spectacular cultural events.
If you want to see the Eternal City when it’s not too hot, Rome is best visited between November and June. The weather is still warm, but it won’t be too hot or uncomfortable.
The best time if you want to go for a swim is during the summer when the water is warm and enjoyable. If you are going to be on the beach, you will need to wear suncream because it can get very hot and there isn’t much sea breeze. If you travel in the summer, you’ll want to be prepared for the heat and crowds and expect high season prices in the entire city.
There is a chance of lots of rain throughout autumn in Rome, which is the wettest time of the year. November is the wettest month with an average monthly rainfall of 49mm.
Enjoy sunny weather, fervent Easter celebrations, azaleas on the Spanish Steps, and Rome’s birthday festivities when you visit in April. If you wait until autumn, you will still experience warm weather, plenty of cultural activities, and fewer tourists.
The only downside to traveling during these months: it’s busy, and peak rates apply. The high season is typically from Easter to September, over Christmas and New Year, and during major religious festivals. And while Rome doesn’t have a low season, as such, rates are their lowest from November to March, naturally excluding Christmas and New Year when prices surge.
Spring
Rome is an excellent place to visit during the spring season. The weather is usually warm enough for you to eat outside, and the city is looking gorgeous with pleasant weather, blue skies, and bustling spring flowers.
The most famous and impressive staircase in Rome is the Spanish Steps, which climb up from Piazza di Spagna to the Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti. This is a great place to people watch, and it is also a great place to get a view of Rome. From early April to mid-May, the Spanish Steps are covered in azaleas.
At the top of the steps is the Chiesa della Trinit dei Monti, which has frescoes by Daniele da Volterra and great views of Rome from its front staircase. The Barcaccia, the “sinking boat” fountain, is located down on the piazza.
For a more comfortable experience, Mid-January through early March is your best bet to experience thinner crowds at major attractions and usually much better rates on accommodation and airfare.
The 8th of March is International Women’s Day and Rome, just like the rest of Italy, celebrates with mimosa flowers, the traditional gift to women which will find for sale at every corner. These mimosa flowers are given to women not only by men but also by each other.
Holy Week
Easter is a great time to visit Rome, as there are plenty of festivities to celebrate. On Good Friday, the pope leads a candlelit procession around the Colosseum. On Easter Sunday, the pope gives a blessing to the crowd in St Peter’s Square.
Holy Thursday is called the Great Vigil and begins with a vigil service on Maundy Thursday, in which we celebrate the gift of Christ’s bloodshed for our sins on the cross. The Vigil is a special prayer service that begins at nightfall on Maundy Thursday and ends at the Easter Vigil, which begins at sunrise on Easter Sunday. This is referred to as the Easter Triduum, Holy Triduum, or the Paschal Triduum, and it means three days in Latin.
The Triduum refers to the three days of the Easter Season, including Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Holy Week refers to the entire week preceding Easter Sunday, but Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is when services start to intensify.
Visit Rome during Easter 2022
Easter in Rome will take place on Sunday, April 17, 2022, the culmination of Lent and Holy Week. Christians traditionally enter the 40 days of fast known as Lent after Ash Wednesday on March 2nd, 2022, up until Easter Sunday to reflect on Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness. It is a time of fasting, penance, and prayer that Christians use to reflect on their relationship with God.
Holy Week, also known as Easter Week, is celebrated widely in Italy as a deeply Catholic country. Italians go on excursions outside the main city on Easter Monday. In particular, roads can get very congested.
Visit a museum for free
On the first Sunday of March, many Rome museums and attractions are free to visit.
If you’re on a budget, this is a great time to visit Rome and see some of the city’s main attractions, such as the Colosseum or the Borghese Gallery. Many popular museums will still require a reservation, but entry is free.
Check out out list of top museums in Rome!
What to wear in Rome during spring
- A pair of comfortable walking shoes, preferably weatherproofed.
- Long trousers and/or jeans.
- A comfy sweater, preferably both a warm and a lighter one.
- A warm jacket or coat. It’s chilly if you’re not accustomed to a colder climate.
In March, the average temperature in Rome is 12C/53F and around the 21st of March is when spring starts in Rome. Coming into April, the average temperature in Rome is 14C/57F so it’s a couple of degrees warmer.
Summer
One of the busiest times for tourists is during the summer when there are lots of festivals and other happenings. Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful in June.
With the sun shining, the temperatures rising, and the nights getting longer, June is the perfect month for a Rome break. With plenty of sightseeing and dining options, it’s a great time to visit the Eternal City.
The Festa del Tevere runs from June to September and includes a variety of music, dance, theater, and cultural events, as well as outdoor concerts and exhibitions. The Lungo il Tevere festival takes place from June to September on the banks of the Tiber between Ponte Sublicio and Ponte Sisto.
Lots of people in the city
During the summer months, there are tourists from all over the world flocking to Eternal City. Visiting Rome now, during the tourist season makes for long queues at the most popular attractions.
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum for example are truly fantastic to visit during the summer. But they only hold a fixed amount of people and it is an exceptionally busy time during peak season. If you plan to visit any of the main attractions, you might have to pre-book your tickets weeks, or in some cases, months in advance.
Explore the main piazzas of Rome
During the summer, the piazzas are packed with tourists and locals. In the city center, the Campidoglio is a beautiful piazza surrounded by magnificent ancient monuments. The Spanish Steps is another beautiful piazza in the center of the city. It’s one of the most popular spots in Rome and is a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
The main piazzas of Rome are full of people and it’s a good idea to visit them before the crowds come in. The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon are three of the most popular attractions. Don’t miss this list of some of the most magnificent fountains in Rome you’d not want to miss.
But before you head to the Spanish Steps, take a look at the area around the Spanish Steps. It’s a very nice area to wander around and get a feel for the area.
Moreover, you’ll find some lovely shops and boutiques. If you’re a keen photographer, you might want to visit Rome during the summer months. The piazzas and squares are packed with tourists, so it’s a great opportunity to get some nice shots of Rome and its people.
What to wear in Rome during summer
- Bring your best walking shoes, odds are you’re going to walk a lot.
- Long (lighter) trousers and jeans.
- Light sweaters for the evenings.
- Shorts and skirts, but make sure they go below the knee, or else you won’t be able to enter churches.
- Swimming attire, for when you want to cool off at the pool or in the ocean.
- Sunglasses and a sun hat.
Also, make sure to always have a bottle of water with you. It gets hot during the day, and you will need to rehydrate. There are many water fountains in the city where you can refill. The tap water in Rome is really good!
Explore Ancient Rome
Just a short train ride from Rome, the ancient harbor city of Ostia Antica is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Ancient Roman history. The ruins of the city are incredibly well-preserved, and it’s easy to imagine what life was like here centuries ago. From the ancient port to the baths and temples, there is much to explore. And if you need a break from sightseeing, there are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy the view. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day trip, Ostia Antica is definitely worth a visit.
Fall / Autumn
Summer is coming to an end, and the kids are back in school. The city has returned to work mode, and high-season rates apply. The annual Romaeuropa festival, held from mid-September through to mid-November, is one of September’s major events. It’s staged at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Autumn in Rome is a season to explore the many beautiful churches, museums, archaeological sites, and art galleries in the city. The city’s many ancient ruins, beautiful parks and views, and the many outdoor events and festivals are all perfect for a fun and relaxing visit. The city is filled with tourists and locals, the harvest is in full swing, and the weather is mild and clear. Sightseeing and city exploring are easy and it’s a great time to visit Rome.
The Festa del Cinema di Roma (International Film Festival) is held in October at the Auditorium Parco della Musica. The film festival is a chance for the public to get a look at some of the biggest stars in Italian cinema and the occasional Hollywood star.
Rome’s fall/autumn season officially starts on the 21st of September and ends on the 20th of December. During this time, temperatures slowly decrease and Rome slowly starts to get dressed up in autumn colors.
Where should you stay in Rome during the fall?
During the fall, there are lots of great places to stay in Rome. The best place to be in Rome is in the center of the city, especially the area around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Also, hotels close to the Colosseum will be a good choice.
Staying in Rome center will allow you to walk to most attractions and skip having to catch the bus, not a pleasant experience on a rainy day when locals and tourists want to stay dry.
Don’t be afraid to walk around the city
The last time I visited Rome it was just for a very short period of days, but I still had 2 days to just wander around and enjoy the sights, museums, and the bustling city life. During these two days, I walked 50 kilometers (31 miles). I’d lie if I didn’t say my legs were a bit sore after that.
Rome’s most scenic neighborhoods are perfect for taking in the beauty of mild temperatures. You will fall in love with the most romantic side of Rome if you visit Monti, Trastevere, and the Aventine.
What to wear in Rome during fall
It’s getting a bit chilly at night and there might be the occasional shower of rain so make sure to bring a pair of shoes if they should get soaking wet.
- Good comfortable walking shoes, as always. Preferably at least one waterproof pair.
- A medium jacket to withstand the colder evening and nights when you’re out and about.
Winter
Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Visit during the winter months and see why. The city is blanketed in snow, but its atmosphere is lively and filled with warmth. The Roman attractions and museums are packed with visitors, and the streets are crowded with locals. It’s one of the best times of year to visit Rome!
The Romans are proud people who love to show off their city and enjoy sharing it with the world. If you’re visiting Rome, now is a great time to come!
If you’re visiting Rome in the winter, it can get a bit cold. Bring a light coat, and pack a scarf. You’ll probably want a warm coat and scarf, right? Snow is not that common in Rome during the winter, but the city is indeed covered in snow from time to time, just don’t expect it.
Holiday Season
Rome is amazing during the Christmas season.
The city is bursting with activity as Christmas lights and decorations sparkle on the streets and piazzas. During the festival of light, stores showcase their best displays and churches get ready for one of the biggest celebrations of the Christian calendar during this holiday season.
The Piazza Navona’s holiday market transforms into a Christmas bazaar from December 1st through January 6th. Take a stroll from kiosk to kiosk looking at toys, roasted chestnuts, handmade crafts, and many other singular selections perfect for a friend or family member.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a fantastic example of Baroque style and you can check out the surrounding restaurants for a delicious Italian meal.
The spectacular decorations on display in the cities’ majestic churches, old piazzas, and the buzz around the town make up for the missing festivities in the snow. The month of December has perks of cheaper accommodations and commute along with thinner crowds at major attractions.
Don’t miss out on Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican which is open daily for visits and normally scheduled masses. The basilica opens at 7 am and closes at 6:30 pm.
What to wear in Rome during winter
January is historically the coldest month in Rome so you’d better come prepared with not only warmer clothes but also something to withstand the rain.
- A good pair o walking shoes that will keep your feet warm.
- A warm winter jacket, preferably one that can withstand some wind and rain.
- Warm sweaters and cardigans.
- Jeans and long trousers.
- Also, don’t forget to bring a hat and gloves to keep you extra warm.
