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

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

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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

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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

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Rome's Castel Sant'Angelo viewed from Ponte Sant'Angelo
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Rome in October

As fall well and truly comes into its own, Rome steps back into its familiar low-season buzz. Though the city is still far from quiet, the busy hubbub of summertime holidaymakers is now replaced largely by those looking to discover a much more authentic side to Italy’s renowned culture, cuisine and historical sites. If you’re in the market for more of a serene experience of the city’s renowned attractions, complemented by its pleasant Mediterranean climate and a host of unique cultural events, a trip to Rome in October is beyond a doubt the one to beat. Visiting Rome in October Average Temperature: 54 - 73°F • Average Rainfall: 8 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day With summer now but a fond memory, Rome rapidly returns to a steady baseline flow of tourists. While the eternal city is never truly quiet, owing largely to its many evergreen attractions, you can expect significantly smaller crowds from this point onward. With that, you’re also likely to notice a drop in airfare and hotel prices, often making for quite a substantial discount on high-season prices. Almost in parallel with the city’s tourism rates, the climate in Rome begins to dip significantly in October as fall comes into full swing. Temperatures flirt between pleasantly mild and warm throughout the month, a welcome respite from the summertime heat, and sunshine remains relatively regular and consistent. Though most of the month tends to be very pleasant across the board, be sure to pack an umbrella, as you can likely expect at least one day of rainfall per week. Things to do in October Taking pride of place on the Rome tourist trail are naturally the city’s globally-revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Colosseum, named one of the seven wonders of the world, stands as the largest standing amphitheater on the planet and, much like the impressive Pantheon temple, gives visitors a unique glimpse into everyday lifestyles and pastimes of ancient Romans. Second only to these renowned historical sites is Vatican City, permanent residence to the Pope and the symbolic heart of Roman Catholicism. While incredibly popular with devotees from around the world, the site draws in huge waves of tourists with the iconic St. Peter’s Square and awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, adorned with the globally-recognized frescoes of Michelangelo. Popular among sightseers and photographers alike, the elegant craftsmanship of the Trevi Fountain and the vast Spanish Steps bridging Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti easily stand as some of Rome’s most lauded landmarks. Given their huge following among tourists, these sites tend to get very crowded during peak times, so you’d be best advised to visit early in the day for more of a serene experience and better photo ops. Those captured by Rome’s rich and complex history may find themselves inspired by a walk through the Roman Forum, where towering ruins now stand as mere whispers of the once great administrative district of the ancient empire. Older still are the ruins atop Palatine Hill, considered to be the cradle of Roman civilization and the fabled site of the Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth, said to be the true birthplace of the revered historical empire. For a little more insight into some of the eternal city’s top sights, a Big Bus tour offers visitors a much quicker means of exploring Rome without cutting corners. The tour’s main route passes by the likes of the Colosseum and Vatican City, with stops strategically placed near key locations where pass-holders can hop on and off at their leisure. Audio commentary is also available in seven major languages, providing cultural and historical insights into many of the city’s famous landmarks. What’s On in October Romaeuropa Festival One of Rome’s most anticipated cultural events to take place each year, Romaeuropa brings together hundreds of artists across a wide range of disciplines and from a variety of countries to help put together an impressive program of dance, music, theater, circus and digital arts performances. Over the course of several months, Rome becomes the true cultural epicenter of Italy, with artists both established and upcoming sharing their multidisciplinary talents and passions for thousands to enjoy. Performances tend to range from classical compositions to cutting-edge technological displays, covering just about the whole spectrum of the modern performing arts. Rome Art Week For one week in October, Rome hosts a monumental festival dedicated to contemporary art in all of its forms. Exhibiting the works of over 300 visual artists across over 100 venues and workspaces throughout the city, the Rome Art Week brings together professionals, curators and aficionados of the art world together in one of Europe’s most culturally significant cities. Rome Film Fest Taking place over roughly two weeks in mid-October, the Rome Film Fest sees the eternal city host a vast program of film screenings, industry-expert conferences and panels, installations and exhibitions in celebration of all things cinema. Events throughout the festival take place across various venues, with the impressive Auditorium Parco della Musica at the center of it all, complemented by one of the world’s largest red carpets for the duration of the celebration. Halloween While of course not a traditionally Italian celebration, Rome – like many major European cities – has largely adopted this now globally-popular festival of ghosts and ghouls. As October draws to a close, you can expect to find many local retailers and venues embracing the spooky season with all manner of Halloween-themed decor and limited-time products. Many bars, clubs and restaurants across the city host their own – often spectacular – nights of terror, with the likes of the Hard Rock Café putting on a hugely popular event each year. Even the Vatican plays its own part, hosting its traditional Holy Halloween Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. If you find yourself in Rome around this time, a sure-fire way to get yourself into the Halloween spirit is to explore the eternal city’s macabre underbelly. The Rome Catacombs, for example, stretches for miles beneath the city streets, lined with the skeletal remains of those who walked them centuries ago. In the same vein, the Capuchin Crypt beneath the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione comprises several tiny chapels adorned with the skeletons of many of the site’s former monks.
Robert Heaney
The Parco degli Acquedotti at sunset
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Rome in August

Carrying on the summertime buzz from July, Rome remains well and truly in its prime in August. Alongside its near-perfect Mediterranean weather, world-class cuisine and wealth of fantastic heritage sites, Rome in August puts on a great spread of seasonal events and festivals to add to its already renowned bustling and electric atmosphere. Visiting Rome in August Average Temperature: 64 - 86°F • Average Rainfall: – days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day As far as tourism goes, August is the big boy for Rome. Deep into the academic summer break, many families, couples and individuals alike flock to the eternal city to make the most of its unparalleled summertime charm. While that does mean you should be prepared for plenty of queueing and advance booking for top attractions and venues, it also lends itself to the city’s famous citywide buzz. There are few better times than August to enjoy the very best of Rome’s idyllic Mediterranean climate. Combining near-constant sunshine with typically very warm temperatures and next to no rain throughout the month, this is a wonderful time for sunbathing in one of Rome’s many open green spaces or enjoying a glass of local wine on a traditional Italian terrace. Things to do in August Just about any trip to the eternal city is simply destined to include its most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both the Colosseum, the world’s largest-standing ancient amphitheater, and the Pantheon, a former Roman temple, offer unique insights into the day-to-day lives and culture of the now long-gone Roman empire. In much the same way, the whispers of Europe’s most influential historical empire can still be heard among the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the site of many key administrative buildings. The oldest remnants of the Roman empire can be found atop Palatine Hill, where Rome was first founded and the supposed site of the fabled Lupercal cave of ancient Roman myth. Equally central to Rome’s historical and cultural appeal is its status as home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism. Vatican City is simultaneously one of the world’s most lauded religious sites, the permanent residence of the Pope and the smallest country on the planet. Adding to that are the fact that it boasts the stunning artwork and architecture of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, alongside one of the world’s largest historical art collections housed within the Vatican Museums. If you know anything about Rome’s top sites, though, then you’ll be well aware that some of its top sights are far more modern. The graceful sculpture work of the Trevi Fountain and the sleek Spanish Steps linking Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti offer some of the capital’s most sought-after photo ops for their iconic architecture. With Rome’s weather currently at its finest, it’d be a shame not to spend a free day or two exploring and lounging in some of the city’s open, green spaces. Among the best of these are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades of Villa Borghese and the unparalleled views atop Pincio Hill, alongside the impressive display of international foliage living among the Botanical Garden. Should you find yourself with a day or two to spare, the likes of Florence, Naples and Pompeii each make for a fantastic day trip. Just a short train ride away from Rome, these and other nearby towns all offer a fantastic opportunity to explore more of what Italy has to offer, from its world-renowned cuisine to its rich and diverse historical sites. What’s On in August Isola del Cinema Each summer, Tiber Island, located between Pons Fabricius and the Trastevere district, transforms into the magical Isola del Cinema, or Isle of Cinema. Over the course of several weeks throughout the summer period, the island becomes the epicenter of visual entertainment with a vibrant and evocative film festival dedicated to bringing to the limelight the best in Italian cinema. Inviting directors, actors, producers, screenwriters, musicians and film aficionados alike, the festival operates a vast program of outdoor screenings of great Italian films, alongside many critically-acclaimed international offerings from over 100 countries. Works on display typically include everything from full-length features and short films to virtual reality gaming experiences. Concerti del Tempietto Throughout summer, the ancient open-air Theater of Marcellus among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo Sosianus comes alive with an historic Roman music festival. For roughly three months, the Concerti del Tempietto puts on an impressive program of concerts across a wide range of genres. Musicians both established and niche offer everything from classical concerts and opera arias to pop and jazz performances. Tickets to the festival typically include a guided tour of the archaeological park around the Theater of Marcellus, both in Italian and English, exploring the parallels between the venue’s modern day role and its original dedication to performing arts twenty centuries ago. Lungo il Tevere One of the most hotly anticipated festivals of the year, Lungo il Tevere (‘Along the Tiber’) attracts hordes of visitors keen to join in on its unique and exciting program of riverside events and activities. It isn’t difficult to notice when the festival comes to town, with the banks of the Tiber simply brimming with all manner of event stands, art installations and interactive exhibits. The event typically lasts the duration of summer, with a vast program of evening shows, performances, improvised theater and live music concerts by local bands at its core. During the daytime, though, the venue stands as somewhat of an interactive expo of art installations, unique photo ops and street arcade games like air hockey and foosball. Usually accompanying the festival is a market of local vendors selling all manner of wares, from vintage records to hand-crafted jewelry. Sometimes present at the market are the likes of tarot readers and petting zoos hosted by local animal shelters charities. The festival also hosts a number of pop-up restaurants, cafés and bars, offering cuisine and beverages both local and international.
Robert Heaney

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