Best Time to Visit Rome
The spring season, which runs from early April to mid-May, is the best time to visit Rome and explore its attractions. The weather is pleasant throughout this period, making it ideal for sitting outside and touring the city's popular sites, such as the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and St. Peter's Basilica. The entire city is decked out in vibrant flowers and clear blue skies. If you are visiting around Easter and Good Friday, you can also witness festivities like the pope heading a candlelit procession around the Colosseum, parades, and so on.
To explore Rome when it is at its liveliest, plan your trip during the summer months between June and September. Summers are one of the busiest tourist seasons in Rome, and rightly so as the Estate Romana, the famous Roman summer festival, kicks in. This festival features several concerts, dance performances, puppet shows, book fairs, and many other entertainment programs. Another festival, Lungo il Tevere, also happens at the same time and treats visitors to live music shows, exhibitions, film screenings, and craft stalls. Though the entire city buzzes with excitement, the weather can get quite hot and so you must wear sunscreen and remain hydrated at all times.
From mid-September to November, autumn arrives in Rome and brings a welcome respite from the hot summer months to a much cooler temperature. During this period, Roman weather is pleasant and ideal for strolling in the streets and taking in the beauty of the city. If you love theatre and movies, this is the best time to visit Rome as several theatre festivals take place during these months such as the Romaeuropa Festival and the International Film Festival of Rome.
From December to February, the temperature drops significantly, and so does the tourist crowd. Hence, the winter season is an ideal time to tour Rome to avoid hectic tourist crowds and hefty travel costs. Since it is a low tourist season, you will benefit from attractive deals and offers. It is also an excellent time to go shopping because holiday markets are set up around Christmas, and heavy discounts are available at practically every store. In addition to shopping, the famous Six Nations rugby competition is also held in the winter.
Best Months to Visit Rome
The coldest month in Rome is January, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 3°C. This month starts off with several New Year’s festivals like the Festa di Sant'antonio Abate and La Festa dell'Epifania (Epifania). Due to the cold weather, it is a low tourist season with fewer crowds and lower transport and hotel prices. In addition, a huge annual winter sale is held throughout Italy in January. Almost all stores offer astonishing discounts of up to 70% off for two months.
In February, Rome is quite calm, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 3°C on average. This month sees the continuation of the winter sale, as well as a number of other festivals. The annual Six Nations rugby tournament is one of the most anticipated events in Rome in February. Other popular events are Carnival and the festivities that occur at Piazza del Popolo, including parades, horse exhibitions, dance performances, and races.
Spring arrives in Rome in March, decking the city in vivid flowers and plants. The average temperature in March ranges between 17°C and 6°C. March is also a low tourist season with highly unpredictable weather. This month, several important celebrations take place to commemorate Julius Caesar and International Women’s Day. By late March, tourists begin to rush into the city to participate in the Easter celebrations.
April is one of the greatest months to visit Rome since the city is buzzing with activity and adorned with gorgeous spring flowers like roses, azaleas, and poppies. The city comes alive with festivities such as the spring festival, the Roman artichoke festival, the Rome Marathon, and Liberation Day. The weather is also pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 8°C. Since it is peak tourist season, expect big crowds and high pricing.
The temperature becomes warmer, ranging between 24°C and 13°C during this month, and the whole city blooms with vibrant flowers. In May, a plethora of events takes place, beginning with a free concert at San Giovanni to celebrate Labor Day on May 1. Other famous cultural events that occur in May are Open House Roma, Rome Outdoor Festival, and Night at the Museums.
In June, the average temperature ranges between 29°C and 17°C. This month is marked by school vacations and a variety of outdoor events. Some popular events that take place during this month are Republic Day, the Gay Village Festival, The Feast of Saint John, and the Roma Estate Lungotevere. One of the perks of visiting Rome in June is that you can see the city transition from spring to summer while also enjoying some delicious gelato. Since it is peak tourist season, hotel prices and crowds are higher.
Though July is Rome's hottest month, with temperatures ranging between 32°C and 19°C, it is also the busiest. In July, Rome hosts many cultural events and outdoor activities like concerts at Teatro Marcello, opera at Caracalla Baths, and film screenings in the piazza. Additionally, blockbuster summer sales begin around mid-July, allowing tourists to enjoy great deals and offers.
August sees the continuation of July activities such as the Festival di Caracalla, opera at Caracalla baths, and Summer shopping, with temperature ranging between 30°C and 18°C. On August 15, Rome celebrates Ferragosto, the festival of assumption, with live dance performances, following which the city is closed for two weeks.
The tourist crowd in Rome thins out in September, yet the entire month is packed with indoor and outdoor activities. Some of the most popular festivities occurring this month are Sagra dell'Uva, the grape harvest festival, the Notte Bianca Festival, and the Arts and Antique Fairs. The average temperature in September is between 27°C and 16°C. While the summer heat persists, evenings tend to be a little cooler, with a higher probability of rain.
In October, autumn kicks in Rome with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 12°C. It is one of the best months to visit Rome as the green leaves begin to change colours, bathing the city in the lovely overtones of autumn. Many outdoor attractions are open later than usual due to the excellent weather and provide an ideal environment for extended walks and exploring the city. Several important festivals like the Roma Europa Festival and the International Film Festival of Rome.
In November, the temperature in Rome ranges between 18°C and 8°C. The weather is unpredictable, and as the temperature drops, the days become shorter. This month sees the Roma Jazz Festival, the Roma Europa Festival, and the Feast of Saint Cecilia, all of which feature live music and wonderful cuisine.
In December, Rome decorates the entire city with dazzling lights and decorations in preparation for Christmas and New Year's. This month is also a low tourist season, thus accommodation rates are modest, except around Christmas and New Year's. Among the many December festivities, the most notable is the New Year's Eve celebrations in Piazza del Popolo, which feature live music, dancing, and fireworks.
FAQs
What is the best month to go to Rome?
The best months to visit Rome are between April, June, September and October as the weather is pleasant and various indoor and outdoor activities are held during these periods.
How many days do you need in Rome?
To explore all Roman attractions and indulge in its delicious cuisine, you must plan a three or four-day trip to the Eternal City.
What is the rainy season in Rome?
The wettest month in Rome is November.
Is Rome warm in April?
The weather is quite pleasant in Rome, with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 8°C.
What is the coldest month in Rome, Italy?
The coldest month in Rome is January, when the temperature swings between 13°C and 3°C.
What is the busiest time to visit Rome?
June and July are the busiest months in Rome. These are also among the best months to visit Rome as the entire city bustles with activity and a wide range of events.