Check out when is the best time to visit Rome. After reading our tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your travel itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
Rome is a great city to visit all year round. However, spring there is simply enchanting. In Europe, this season takes place between the months of April and June, giving the cities a wonderful climate.
These are the months when temperatures in Rome are at their mildest, between 23°C and 18°C. Below is a graph with the average temperatures:
It’s worth noting that the days are sunnier and have a great climate, making sightseeing very pleasant. We therefore recommend that you visit the city during spring. But below we’ve listed all the tips to make your trip unforgettable whatever season you choose.
- Important tip: Rome is a city with many tourist attractions, such as museums and tours. That’s why our tip is to always buy your tickets in advance. We buy everything on this website that has the best price.
Summer and high season in Rome
Summer in Rome starts on June 21 and ends on September 20, coinciding with the European vacation period. And precisely because Europeans are enjoying their vacations, it is common for the city to become more crowded, with tourist attractions packed to capacity and huge queues.
So if you prefer a quieter trip, we don’t recommend traveling at this time of year. It’s also worth noting that it gets very hot there in summer, reaching up to 40°C. In addition, this time of year is also the high season for this destination, which is why airline tickets and accommodation are much more expensive.
September: a great month to visit Rome
September is the month that sees the transition between the end of summer and the beginning of European fall, from September 21 to December 20. Temperatures during this month are between 15°C and 27°C, which means that the summer heat and rainfall in Rome are decreasing.
Another point worth noting is that the city is also emptier, which means better prices for airline tickets and accommodation. In addition to September, October also has good characteristics, but with a greater chance of rain and much milder temperatures, averaging between 11°C and 21°C.
October and November in Rome
Another thing worth noting is the rainy season in Rome. It happens at the beginning of fall, from September 21 to December 20. Therefore, if you want a trip with lower prices and mild temperatures, this is the ideal time.
The rains are heaviest in October and November, and because most of the excursions are outdoors, they may not be very attractive. However, the average frequency of rain is between 8 and 10 days per month and, as we explained above, there can be some advantages to traveling during this period.
Winter in Rome
Winter in Rome is marked by cold and rain. The season runs from December to March, and sunset can occur earlier during this period. So, like summer, we don’t recommend it for traveling.
In December, it tends to get dark earlier in the city, around 5pm, and you’ll end up having less time in daylight to explore the sights.
- Important tip: to make the most of your trip to Rome, staying in the best areas is essential. So, if you want, check out our article explaining the main areas, the hotels and how you can save a lot on accommodation.
What do I find at each time of year in Rome?
Once you’ve seen the characteristics of each season in Rome, check out the events and attractions taking place there and be sure to put them on your travel itinerary.
1. Spring events in Rome
Spring in Rome is a great opportunity to visit the Municipal Rose Garden, which is only open at this time of year. It has more than a thousand types of roses and is one of the most attractive places in the city. Another place that looks just as amazing as the Garden is Piazza di Spagna. It is in full bloom and receives even more visitors.
April: this is the month when “Natale di Roma” takes place, celebrating the city’s birthday. It takes place on April 21 and is one of the most traditional festivities in all of Italy, with a themed parade of more than 2,000 participants. The main highlight is the characterization of the people, who come dressed as they were in Ancient Rome.
Another event that also takes place in April is the “Settimana dei Beni Culturalli”. It lasts about 9 days and several museums in the state offer free admission.
May: May 1st marks Rome with free music concerts in Piazza San Giovanni in celebration of Labor Day. This is also the month of the BNL Internacionazionali D’Italia, a great opportunity to see the big names in international tennis at more affordable prices.
2. Summer events in Rome
July: this is usually Rome’s hottest and busiest season. This is when music, gastronomy and even film festivals take place. The months of June, July, August and September mark summer in Europe, so it’s at this time of year that the city council sponsors these free festivals, as well as more affordable concerts for locals and tourists to enjoy the city.
Another thing that summer calls for is the beach. Rome has Ostia Beach, which is about 30 minutes from the city. And in general, Italy has great beaches, such as Santa Marinella and Santa Severa, which are also closer to Rome.
August: this month is the height of summer and the intense heat in Italy, when most of the locals take their vacations and decide to travel, causing businesses to close their doors and rest. Therefore, if you travel to Rome at this time, it’s common to see some businesses and residential areas closed.
However, the tourist flow is in full swing and the neighborhoods with the highest concentration of visitors operate normally. In addition, on August 15th there is the Italian holiday Ferragosto, which commemorates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. As it is right in the middle of summer, people usually go to the beach, have a picnic in the local parks or just relax.
3. Fall events in Rome
Autumn is one of the most recommended times to visit Rome, as it is when the city is less crowded and more pleasant. Accommodation and airfare prices also tend to drop, which can make your trip very economical.
For those who love wine, we recommend the month of November, when you can find labels of the novello grape in the Roman markets. This wine begins to appear in local establishments because it’s the post-harvest season. It’s a great option to enjoy with the local cuisine and take advantage of the milder days in Rome.
4. Winter events in Rome
January: the year begins in Rome with the Feast of the Befana, which marks the end of the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Italy. January 6 is a public holiday in Rome, as well as the last day of the Christmas markets. It is also a local tradition to leave sweets in the stockings of children who have behaved well in the past year.
February: Rome’s Carnival is marked by the horse show in Piazza del Popolo, which usually takes place on a Saturday.
March: this month is when the Rome Marathon takes place, a perfect event for athletes and a unique chance to run around the city’s main attractions. To take part, you need to register well in advance.
Save money on your trip to Rome:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Rome cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Rome tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Rome. You will find out the best area and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
