The city of Rome attracts millions of visitors every year due to its historic and eye-catching monuments, beautiful old buildings, and amazingly delicious foods. Because of this and its amazing Mediterranean weather all year round, the city is one of the most famous places to go on vacation, but the eternal question remains: when is the best time to visit Rome?
Through this blog, we’ll understand what each season brings to the Eternal City and when you should consider visiting.
Quick Jumplinks
Weather in Rome
Rome has that amazing and typical Mediterranean weather that makes it easy for any time or season to be the best time to go to Rome.
Summers are full of hot and humid days. Winters are colder, and it sometimes rains. Springtime and autumn are the best seasons of the year thanks to clear skies, mild-tempered days, pleasant winds, and magical sunsets (if you are considering a visit, this would be the best time to travel to Rome).
Due to Rome being close to the sea, the humidity is pretty typical, so don’t forget to bring clothes that will keep you cool. Throughout the year, temperatures usually range from 3°C (37.4°F) to 31°C (87.8°F), rarely falling below 2°C (28.4°F).
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Rome’s Travel Seasons
Low Season Rome (January—March)
The low season in Rome, for the most part, is winter. Starting at the end of December and lasting until March, it’s when tourists are usually working, at home, and not traveling, so even though a city like Rome is busy all year, it will allow you a more relaxed stay and visit. Better hotels and flight prices are guaranteed, too. It can get a little cold and wet, though!
Shoulder Season Rome (Mid-March—May | October—Early November)
Mid-March to May is the best time to visit Rome. There aren’t usually many tourists yet, and the locals are in full swing thanks to Easter week and Rome’s birthday festivities. However, because of this, prices can sometimes be higher. In terms of weather, temperatures tend to be pleasantly warm.
From late September to early November, Rome’s brutal summer heat is replaced with delightful sunshine and perfect daytime temperatures, which makes it one of the best times to stroll through its timeless streets filled with luxurious boutiques or visit unmissable sites like the Vatican or the Pantheon.
Admire Rome’s changing colors by taking a stroll through Borghese Park or a stroll down the Appian Way. Even better: you can enjoy a savory coffee and look at the Colosseum, and be not disturbed by other tourists or the hot weather.
Off-Season Rome (Mid-November—Easter)
Rome’s off-season is a great time to visit the city if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices of peak season. It typically runs from mid-November to Easter, except for Christmas and New Year’s.
You’ll be able to enjoy the city’s many attractions without having to jostle with hordes of other tourists. This is especially beneficial for popular sites like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Vatican Museums.
Peak Season Rome (May—September)
Summer is peak season in Rome when temperatures are high and you’ll probably be standing in long lines for hours, walking a lot, and sweating alongside other tourists. Remember: wear a lot of SPF and drink enough water!
The good side of visiting Rome during its peak season is that the days are long enough to take in everything the city has to offer, and the heat is the perfect excuse to stop walking around and have a delicious gelato.
It’s worth noting that there are other times of the year when visitor numbers surge, which are referred to as “mini-high seasons.” These are centered on big holidays and key events, such as Holy Week and the week preceding it, as well as a week or two before Christmas and well into the New Year. Because of this, there’s the possibility that room rates will be higher.
Best Time to Go to Rome
For Different Types of Travelers
| ☀️ Outdoor Enthusiasts | Mid-Mar to Apr and Sept to early Nov |
| 🏛️ History Buffs & Museum Mavens | Apr, Jun, Sept, and Oct |
| 💕 Lovebirds Seeking Romance | Apr, May, Oct, and Nov |
| 🤑 Budget-Conscious Travelers | Nov, Dec, Jan, and Feb |
| 🛍️ Shopaholics | Jan and Feb |
For Pleasant Weather
Milder temperatures, the number of special events, and the magical aura of the city make Rome particularly appealing between April and June. More daylight hours are available in the spring, temperatures start rising, and the chill starts fading. You will not only avoid the strong heat and enormous crowds if you visit Rome at this time of year, but you will also be able to sample chocolate eggs, Easter scones, cheesecake, or “pizza di Pasqua”… As well as experience the beauty of flowering flowers, trees, and gardens.
In autumn the weather can sometimes be windy, cold, and rainy, but there is something that stands out above all else: Rome’s sunny afternoons. Don’t miss witnessing its incredible jaw-dropping sunsets; they make Rome’s famous ottobrate days emblematic of the city’s climate. To some, it is considered the most romantic and nostalgic season of the year!
For Lowest Prices & Fewer Crowds
September to February is the best time for the lowest prices and fewer crowds: there are fewer tourists and better room rates because of this.
The hotels and accommodations are priced lower, and the general price of staying in Rome decreases. Some sales happen right after January, allowing you to shop until you drop on the many beautiful stores and boutiques of Rome.
During this time you’ll also experience thinner crowds, and shorter or no lines at all while visiting monuments such as the Vatican or the Forum. You’ll especially have more luck trying to take the emblematic picture at the Fontana Di Trevi than in any other season!
For Activities & Events
As you might expect, Holy Week and Easter are significant occasions in Rome during springtime. The Via Crucis in the Colosseum, the Easter Sunday Mass, and the Urbi et Orbi benediction in Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City are among the highlights.
Finally, on Easter Monday, or Pasquetta, massive fireworks show above the Tiber River lights up the sky. The Anniversary of the Foundation of Rome in April, and the Festa Della Primavera are all worth seeing: the Plaza de España and its stairway are transformed into a riot of brilliant flowers during this event, which takes place between March and May.
Autumn is the best time to enjoy seasonal products because of the dreary and dark days: the truffles and wild mushrooms stand out among them, as do the young wine and the first roasted chestnuts. Romaeuropa, a festival that takes place in September, is one of the most famous festivals in Italy. People gather to enjoy some dance, theater, music, cinema, meetings with artists, visual arts, and technological challenges.
Winter isn’t the tourist season we all usually expect, but there are many key events and activities during the season that will make you want to visit. Christmas markets, like Piazza Navona Christmas Market, ice skating rinks, merry-go-rounds, rides, food booths, and other attractions are always on display on the streets. As for the Christmas celebrations, the end of the year and the Epiphany are big and significant celebrations for the Romans. The squares are decorated with their famed presepi (nativity scenes) and the zampognari (bagpipe-playing musicians who have performed in the city streets for centuries during these decades).
During the summer, you may enjoy events and festivals like Festa Dei Santi Pietro e Paolo, Isola del Cinema, Lungo il Tevere, Roma Incontro il Mondo, and Estate Romana. The wonderful night temperature might surprise and tempt you to venture out and take in the sights of the city, and the best plans during this time would be to visit the catacombs in the cool of the evening or sunset strolling across the streets of Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Rome?
A good time to go to Rome would be during spring (April-May) and fall (October-early November). These shoulder seasons offer delightful weather but be prepared for larger crowds and potentially higher prices compared to the off-season.
What is the worst time to visit Rome?
July and August. Summer heat can steal the Roman charm. While these months boast long days, expect scorching temperatures, oppressive humidity, and throngs of tourists.
What is the cheapest time to go to Rome, Italy?
In general, visiting Italy in November is the most budget-friendly option. However, if you decide to go during the winter, be sure to pack warm clothes and rain gear. Even in late fall, Italy can experience chilly weather and rainy days.
What are the top day trips from Rome and when is the best time to take them?
For cultural immersion – Vatican City. Craving history? Pompeii. For a taste of Italy’s charm, consider the scenic wine country of Castelli Romani or the charming medieval hill towns of Assisi and Orvieto. There are a myriad of options to choose from. Use our handy guide for the best day trips from Rome.
What are the most popular landmarks in Rome? And how do the crowds there look?
Rome’s superstars are the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain, all guaranteed to be packed with tourists snapping photos. Expect similar crowds at Vatican City‘s St. Peter’s Basilica and the Roman Forum, while Castel Sant’Angelo and Spanish Steps offer a mix of tourists and locals.
