Ponte Sant'Angelo leading to Castel Sant'Angelo

Best Time to Visit Rome

By Robert Heaney

Home to some of the most iconic monuments, attractions and historical sites both in Europe and the world as a whole, Rome is consistently one of the continent’s most popular destinations for its unique blend of culture, history, climate and cuisine.

Though many of the eternal city’s top sights are very much evergreen, making for a fairly dependable trip no matter the time of year, the exact period in which you choose to visit comes with its own unique set of characteristics. Between varying weather, seasonal events and changing tourism rates, each quarter of the year offers something slightly different.

Naturally, there can be no definitive best period to visit Rome, and the benefits of one season easily match up against those of another. As such, we’ve summarized the best of each season to help give you more insight into their individual characteristics, which we hope will help you figure out the best time to visit Rome according to your own preferences.

Winter (December – February)

Image of Cityscape, Urban, Church, Landmark, St. Peter's Basilica,

Average Temperature: 37 - 59°F • Average Rainfall: 6 - 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 - 5 hours/day

For the most part, winter in Rome typically stands among the quietest periods for the city. In the absence of the glorious summertime weather and the waves of family-oriented holidaymakers, the Italian capital falls into somewhat of a relaxed lull throughout winter.

Though Rome can never truly be considered quiet at any given time, owing to its largely evergreen attractions and lauded reputation for city breaks, this is by far its most serene period of the year. Most attractions and venues, while still somewhat busy, are likely to be much more smooth to visit, without nearly as many crowds as the busier months.

There is, of course, a brief caveat in this trend, namely the holiday season. Proud home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism, Vatican City, many visitors and devotees alike flock to the eternal city throughout December to revel in its impressive array of cultural and religious events.

Between the city’s comparatively quiet nature and the thrilling bustle of the holiday season, many consider winter to be the best time to visit Rome. By visiting off-season, you’ll also often benefit from some of the lowest airfare and hotel prices of the year, sometimes at quite a hefty discount on peak-season rates.

Things to do in Winter

Should you find yourself in Rome during the holiday season, you’ll find the city awash with delightful installations and festive events. Naturally, the Vatican tends to be the epicenter of it all, adorned with festive displays to complement the famous mass headed by the Pope himself. Throughout Rome itself, you’ll also find a smattering of delightful European Christmas markets, alongside temporary ice rinks at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and the Ice Space Village.

For the rest of winter, you may want to take advantage of the smaller throughput of tourists to enjoy some of the city’s top attractions and landmarks at their quietest. Of course, the likes of the Colosseum and Vatican City will inevitably top the list, but you’ll see some of the greatest differences around the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, usually packed with visitors and therefore tricky to capture just right.

What’s On in Winter

The winter season in Rome is largely dominated by religious events. Aside from those taking place throughout the holiday season, there’s also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, an impressive Hanukkah celebration, the parade of the Three Kings for the Epiphany and the oddly animal-oriented Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate.

That being said, the few non-religious events to take place throughout the season also happen to be some of the country’s biggest of the year. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a big way in Rome, with impressive light shows and street parties taking place throughout the night. In February, the centuries-old Carnevale erupts in a city-wide party held over several days ahead of the traditional coming of Lent.

Spring (March – June)

Image of City, Bell Tower, Tower, Neighborhood, Urban, Plant, Arch, Gothic Arch, Cathedral, Church, Outdoors, Cityscape,

Average Temperature: 43 - 84°F • Average Rainfall: 4 - 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 - 9 hours/day

Springtime launches Rome into its early-year shoulder season, with average tourism rates resting somewhere between the quiet of winter and the bustle of summer. For the most part, though you can expect plenty of crowds, most attractions and venues should be smoothly accessible for much of the season. Even better, this period still tends to offer somewhat discounted rates on airfare and hotel prices.

The weather differs quite drastically throughout spring, depending on when exactly you choose to visit. Temperatures tend to flirt between rather cool and very pleasantly warm, getting warmer and more consistent the closer to summer you get. With a relatively good chance of rain throughout the season, you’d be best advised packing an umbrella just in case, as well as some warmer clothing options.

Things to do in Spring

This period is best spent balancing the middling tourist scene in spring with those slightly lesser-visited attractions to get the maximum possible experience. The ruins of Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, for example stand as mere whispers of their former glory, offering some brief but mesmerizing insights into the lifestyles and daily practices of everyday folk in a civilization now long since passed.

For somewhat of a whirlwind tour of Rome’s top attractions and a more convenient means of getting around, a Big Bus Rome tour offers just that and more. The tour operates a central route passing by most of the city’s most popular sights, as well as a hop-on, hop-off service and optional audio-commentary in several major languages.

What’s On in Spring

Embracing the true spirit of spring, Rome puts on a variety of major events and celebrations committed to the themes of rebirth, growth and fertility. Though Easter naturally takes the cake, with an official mass held at the Vatican, there’s also the Festa della Primavera, or Spring Festival, which sees much of the city adorned with blooms of fiery roses and azaleas. Also popular is the Romanesco Artichoke Festival, held in the neighboring coastal town of Ladispoli.

Spring also happens to be littered with holidays and festivities, such as Republic Day, marked by a major military parade through the streets of the capital, and the Birthday of Rome, characterized by another procession led by historical re-enactors dressed in clothing from various historical periods.

Summer (July – September)

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Average Temperature: 61 - 90°F • Average Rainfall: 3 - 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 8 - 11 hours/day

Summer in Rome is easily the most popular and busy period for tourism. Throughout the season, visitors can expect to queue and book sufficiently in advance for their choice of attractions and venues. Given the higher demand, the likes of airfare and accommodation prices also tend to peak around this time.

Though the eternal city has much appeal across the board, one of the defining factors in the summertime rush is its idyllic Mediterranean climate. For most of the season, temperatures remain consistently warm and pleasant, with near-constant sunshine to add to the package. Between the fantastic weather and thrilling bustle of summer, it’s no surprise that the majority of visitors consider this the best time to visit Rome.

Things to do in Summer

As mentioned earlier, many of Rome’s top attractions can get particularly busy around summer. Though that shouldn’t deter you from exploring some of the continent’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites, you’ll want to plan accordingly to avoid any potential disappointment.

Aside from exploring some of the capital’s poster-boy attractions, summertime couldn’t be better for taking some time to enjoy some of Rome’s serene parks and open spaces. Topping the list are the central glades of Villa Borghese, the romantic skyline views atop Pincio Hill and the impressive diversity of international flora houses within the seventeenth-century Botanical Garden.

What’s On in Summer

Rome’s peak tourism season just so happens to coincide with some of its biggest and most hotly anticipated events. Many events, such as the Isola del Cinema film festival, the Rock in Roma music festival and the Lungo il Tevere exhibition space running along the banks of the Tiber stick around for most of summer, meaning you can usually enjoy your pick of the litter no matter when exactly you choose to visit.

Many of these events also turn Rome into even more of a cultural hotspot than usual, such as the Concerti del Tempietto theater series held within the ancient Marcello Theater. Toward the end of the season, the Romaeuropa festival brings together international artists across various disciplines to offer a series of stellar dance, music, theater circus and digital arts performances.

Fall (October – November)

Image of Cityscape, Urban, Ruins,

Average Temperature: 46 - 73°F • Average Rainfall: 8 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 - 6 hours/day

Fall marks the late-year shoulder season for Rome, characterized once again by tourist traffic somewhere between that of summer and winter. In much the same way as throughout spring, you can be fairly sure of comparatively lower rates on airfare and hotel prices.

Much of the fall in Rome offers exactly what you’d expect of the season, with typically cool to mild temperatures dominating much of the month, paired with dwindling daylight hours and sunshine. With at least one day of rainfall likely each week, you’d be best off making sure to pack an umbrella and a waterproof jacket alongside some relatively warm clothing.

Things to do in Fall

As mentioned earlier, the shoulder seasons in Rome are the best times to explore some of the city’s lesser-visited attractions. Unbeknownst to some, the eternal city has its very own Egyptian-style pyramid, the Pyramid of Cestius, alongside the similarly Egyptian-inspired Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio located on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively.

With the spooky season falling slap-bang in the middle of fall, you may find yourself looking to get into the spirit of Halloween. Many major tourist venues and restaurants throughout Rome offer their own themed parties, but for some truly authentic macabre chills, the likes of the Rome Catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt certainly aren’t for the faint of heart.

What's On in Fall

Rome truly becomes the national epicenter of cultural events throughout fall. While also continuing to carry the torch of the Romaeuropa festival, the city also hosts the Rome Art Week to showcase hundreds of international artists across various disciplines, alongside the October Rome Film Fest in celebration of all things cinema.

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Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Fireworks over the Colosseum in Rome
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New Year's Eve in Rome

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Saint Peter's Basilica and Ponte Sant Angelo reflected in the River Tiber
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Rome in February

Celebrated home to many of Europe’s most famous cultural and historical attractions, Rome presents a unique concoction of both low-season calm and celebratory chaos throughout February. No matter your preferences, whether you’d rather explore the city’s famous sights without the crowds or join in on a city-wide street party, Rome in February has it all. Visiting Rome in February Average Temperature: 37 - 57°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 5 hours/day Continuing the trend set throughout January, Rome in February maintains a relatively low throughput of tourists. While the Italian capital is never truly quiet, owing to its largely evergreen key attractions, this period stands as one of the best times to see Rome in its most serene, authentic state. That being said, events in February such as Carnevale and Valentine’s Day are very much an exception to Rome’s low-season serenity. These celebrations help to create a truly electric atmosphere throughout the city, but they also come at the cost of much busier venues and attractions. Whether these are the ideal times for you to visit will depend entirely on your own preferences. Rome’s weather stays relatively consistent throughout winter, with February temperatures typically drifting between a little above freezing and mildly comfortable. With at least one day of rainfall likely per week to complement the cooler winter climate, you’ll want to make sure to pack appropriately if you plan on exploring more of the city’s open-air attractions. Things to do in February The winter low season is a fantastic time to experience some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks in relative peace. While the likes of Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona are notorious for drawing in a constant stream of tourists, they aren’t nearly as busy during this period as in the busier summer months. Be sure to come early in the day if you want to snap that perfect shot ahead of the crowds. Also worth a visit in February are the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, now in one of their most serene periods between the religious festivities of the festive season and Lent. Take this opportunity to explore one of the world’s most impressive collections of historical artifacts and artworks, and admire the impressive master architecture of two of the world’s most iconic religious sites. In much the same way, winter’s smaller tourism scene makes February a great time to explore more of the country’s best offerings. With Naples, Florence and Pompeii just a little over an hour’s train journey away from Rome, a day trip is more than enough time to experience more of Italy’s world-renowned culture, cuisine and history. If you’re looking for something of a different experience of the Italian capital, take some time to discover the more macabre side to the city. The Roman Catacombs stretch for miles beneath the city, lined with the skeletons of a civilization now long passed, while the likes of a Dark Rome tour takes visitors on a stroll through some of Rome’s darkest and most fascinating stories and legends, from gritty historical events to whispers of the supernatural. What's On in February Carnevale di Roma With roots as far back as the 12th Century, Carnevale is one of Rome’s most hotly anticipated annual events. For eight straight days, the city of Rome comes to a near-complete standstill as thousands of locals and visitors alike take to the streets to revel in all manner of colorful festivities. Historically, the festival stood as a final chance to feast and party in the lead-up to Lent. Alongside much dancing, singing, eating and drinking, the celebration was often punctuated by impressive duels, bullfights, parades and a particularly popular riderless horse race. Although some of these events may have since fallen out of practice, the same jovial merriment is still very much alive in today’s Carnevale. Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and Piazza della Repubblica are often the main epicenter of festivities, erupting into great street parties complete with events and entertainment for all ages. Another popular venue is Castel Sant’Angelo, where you can typically find live music performances and a generally electric buzz, often along with an artificial ice rink. While the traditional Berber horse race fell into oblivion long ago, horses still play an important role in the festival. The race has since been succeeded by a horse-back costumed parade throughout Rome’s historic streets, often joined and escorted by horses from the military’s own equestrian unit. A large equestrian show takes place later in the festival, with horses performing all manner of impressive acrobats and dressage, where children may also be offered free horse-back rides. Those already familiar with Carnevale celebrations in Europe in general may already be aware that Italy’s most popular and famous celebration actually takes place in Venice rather than Rome. If you’re looking to join the very best festivities that Italy has to offer, Rome simply pales in comparison to the colorfully chaotic street parties of Carnevale in Venice. Valentine's Day One of Europe’s most famously romantic cities, there are few better places than Rome to spend Valentine’s Day. Take a relaxing evening stroll along the banks of the Tiber, enjoy a candlelit dinner at a charming Italian restaurant, gaze up at the stars from one of the city’s many popular trattorias or take part in one of many possible couple-friendly activities. Many restaurants and venues throughout the city take the opportunity to offer special menus, products and discounts on and around February 14, resulting in almost endless ways to really treat that special someone. We’d recommend you make plans and bookings ahead of time to avoid any disappointment on the day
Robert Heaney
Vatican City viewed from above
Blog

Rome in January

One of Europe’s most popular destinations for its wealth of ancient historical sites, vibrant culture and world-class cuisine, Rome is genuinely a destination for all. While you can certainly enjoy the vast majority of the city’s highlights year-round, there’s a great deal to be said for the sheer freedom granted by a winter’s trip to Rome in January. Rome in January Average Temperature: 37 - 55°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 hours/day With the main festivities of the holiday season and New Year’s Eve now little more than a recent memory, Rome tends to return to its usual low-season tourism rates. While the largely evergreen nature of the capital’s famous attractions means that you’ll never be far from other tourists, January nevertheless stands as one of the quietest periods to visit. For some, a winter trip makes for the ideal Rome experience. Fewer crowds mean admission to the city’s top sights should be much easier and seats at some of its more sought-after cafés, bars and restaurants should be more abundant and attainable. As the cherry on top, most airlines and hotels also operate low-season rates, often making for quite the substantial discount on their peak-time prices. As is the case for much of winter in Rome, temperatures throughout January flirt between cold and pleasantly mild, making it a little trickier to plan out more weather-dependent activities. One thing that’s almost guaranteed, however, is at least one day of rainfall per week, so it’s wise to pack for both the cooler weather and the chance of rain. Things to do in January Among the locations to benefit most from the smaller low-season crowds of January, the Vatican Museums and St. Paul’s Basilica may top them all. Aside from a few religious events throughout the month and the usual Sunday masses, this serves as one of the most serene periods for the Vatican, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to explore the renowned site at its most authentic. Equally ideal to explore during the quiet season for those with the stomach for them are the narrow and macabre passages of the Roman Catacombs. Over sixty of these subterranean passages stretch hundreds of miles beneath the city, lined with the hundreds of eerie Roman skeletons buried between the second and fifth centuries. January also offers one of the best opportunities to snap a much sought-after photo of the likes of Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona in their prime. Without quite the same intense crowds you’d expect from a visit in summer, these beautiful landmarks offer a peaceful space to take a break from the bustling streets of the Italian capital. Be sure to visit early in the morning if you truly want to experience these sights at their quietest. Typically beginning the first weekend after New Year’s Day, January marks the start of Italy’s annual winter sales. Throughout Rome, retailers big and small take this chance to offer a large portion of their inventory at often quite impressive discounts, sometimes as high as 70%. Most sales continue as long as stocks last, sometimes running through to the end of February. If you’re looking for an excuse to grab a souvenir or two from your trip, there’s no better time to bag a real bargain. What's On in January Feast of the Epiphany Throughout Italy, January 6 is a day full of festivity. Marking the day that the Three Kings were said to have arrived at the baby Jesus’ crib, the Epiphany sees Rome erupt in celebration. Revelers gather in many popular squares and parks throughout the city in a marvelous spectacle of dancing, live music, masquerades, fairground rides and family activities. A common character of the Epiphany is La Befana, a witch-like figure adored by children across Italy for her Santa Claus-esque status as official gift bringer of the festival. Many children will hang stockings by windows or fireplaces and leave offerings of wine and cake for La Befana, in hopes of receiving candies and other treats in return. The Viva la Befana procession is core to the festival, making its way through the city’s historical streets complete with Magi riding camels, ancient Roman chariots and various other historical characters. Many locals will join the parade in all manner of medieval costumes, carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope as the caravan makes its way to its final destination in St. Peter’s Square. Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate Another religious festival that offers quite a spectacle indeed takes place on January 17 with the ‘Blessing of the Animals’ as part of the Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate. Held in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot, Italian patron saint of butchers and domestic animals, one of the festival’s central traditions sees many pet owners and farmers bring their animals to receive an annual blessing from a cardinal. Alongside this ritual of blessings, the festival is also celebrated with processions of dancers and performers, live music and impressive bonfires. Fire serves as a central symbol of the festival, in reference to a legend in which the saint stole the devil’s fire and gifted it to humans.
Robert Heaney

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