Rome in January

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Robert Heaney
Vatican City viewed from above

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

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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

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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

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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Tiber Island viewed from across the river
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Rome in July

If there’s any period best suited to discovering the eternal city in its prime, summer is most certainly it. Alongside its idyllic Mediterranean climate, world-class cuisine and stunning historical landmarks, Rome in July is veritably brimming with life, owing to both its huge tourism rates and its fantastic program of summertime events and festivals. Visiting Rome in July Average Temperature: 66 - 90°F • Average Rainfall: 3 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 11 hours/day With summer now in full swing, so too is Rome’s tourism scene. Though the Italian capital is never truly quiet, this is by far her busiest period. Though that does mean you should expect to queue for attractions and often book hotels, tickets and venues and advance, it’s also what gives the city its renowned buzz. Given the summertime climate of Rome in July, it isn’t tough to see why so many people choose the Italian capital for their summer vacation. With temperatures very consistently warm, near-constant sunshine and very little rain throughout the month, this is the perfect time for some outdoor city exploring or taking a load off on a traditional Italian terrace with a glass of vino in hand. Things to do in July Topping any Rome itinerary should be the eternal city’s poster monuments, some of UNESCO’s most famous World Heritage Sites. The iconic Colosseum remains the world’s largest standing amphitheater and offers insight into the dark entertainment practices of ancient Rome, while the Pantheon reflects the daily lives and core beliefs of a civilization long since passed. Much less well-known on the tourist trail are the remnants of the Roman Empire’s Egypt-mania phase, most notably the Pyramid of Cestius, the 120-foot resting place of the first-century BC Roman priest and magistrate, Gaius Cestius. Only slightly less loud are the Egyptian-style Flamanian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio, located on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio respectively. Aside from its ancient architectural wonders, chances are high that your initial mental image of Rome stems from the capital’s three most renowned and photogenic locations. These, of course, are the elegant Trevi Fountain, the wide Spanish Steps joining Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti and the beating heart of Roman Catholicism itself, Vatican City. Known for their stunningly picturesque architecture and the oh-so-Instagrammable photos they permit, these tend to be some of most tourist-packed locations in Rome at any given time. Those looking for a quieter, more genuine experience (and much better photo ops) should be sure to visit early in the day, ahead of the rising tourist crowd. To make the most of Rome’s idyllic weather, pack up a picnic of Italian treats and wine and head to one of Rome’s many open green spaces. Most central of Rome’s parks are the 100-plus-acre wooded glades and grassy banks of Villa Borghese, while one of its most romantic spots sits atop Pincio Hill, with balcony gardens overlooking the stunning city skyline. The Botanical Garden easily offers the city’s most impressive collection of flora from around the world. Dating back to the 17th Century, the garden comprises roughly 30 acres of exotic plant-life, from the serenity of the Japanese Garden to the humid tropical greenhouse and the splendidly colorful Rose Garden. Should you find yourself with a little more time to spare during your trip, then summer is the perfect time to discover more of what Italy has to offer. With Naples, Florence and Pompeii just a short train ride from Rome, they each make for a perfect day trip to explore some of the country’s best culture, cuisine and historical sites. What's On in July 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. Rock in Roma It wouldn’t be a European summer without the introduction of festival season. Rock in Roma takes place over multiple weeks and draws in thousands of rock fans of all shapes, sizes and nationalities to enjoy the stellar performances of some of the world’s biggest names in rock. Previous editions have included sets by the likes of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phoenix and Marilyn Manson. 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
Statue of Caesar and a rainbow in Rome
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Things to do in Rome for Pride Day

Rome has more layers than a prize-winning onion. It’s a city where deeply held religious beliefs (*cough* the Vatican *cough*) can live side by side with a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and an annual Pride celebration that turns the ancient, timeworn streets into rainbow-colored rivers of love, joy and inclusion. There’s stacks to do across Roma Pride weekend and indeed through the rest of the hot Italian summer. So, without further ado, here are some of the best things to do in Rome for Pride Day and beyond. Roma Pride Parade While not as fulsomely flamboyant as Pride parades in more progressive Italian cities like Milan, Rome’s June party still packs a punch. The parade has been running here since 1994, drawing thousands of revelers keen to catch a glimpse of the ostentatious floats, outlandish costumes and fabulous drag queens as they weave their colorful way south from the Piazza della Repubblica to the ancient Roman Baths of Caracalla, passing such little-known Rome attractions as the Colosseum and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica along the way. The parade usually takes place on a Saturday in mid-June, kicking off in the afternoon, around 3PM.  Roma Pride: Art and Culture The Pride Croisette is a festival of art and culture that runs for the two weeks up to and including Pride Day, promising music, comedy, debates and more drag acts that you can shake a pink feather boa at. The Pride festival culminates on Saturday night with a huge ticketed event: Rock Me Pride brings together dozens of acts – from rock stars to drag queens – at the Capannelle Racecourse. Get info and listings for the Pride Croisette and Rock Me Pride party on the official Roma Pride website here. Gay Street The clue’s in the name here. Ok ok, so the real name of this LGBTQ+ enclave opposite the Colosseum is ‘Via di San Giovanni in Laterano’, but just try asking for directions to that after a couple of aperol spritzes. There’s a party going on along this lively cobbled lane year-round, but things hit a high on Pride weekend when crowds of colorful punters make a beeline for the bars here after the parade, filling the street with laughter, song and often incredible garb as the festivities continue well into the night. Rome’s LGBTQ+ Nightlife Rome isn’t exactly heaving with LGBTQ-friendly bars and clubs outside of Gay Street. But those that have established themselves will certainly be running special events and Pride-themed parties on the Saturday night after the parade. Try the 101 Club near Rome’s Termini Station. Or hit up its near neighbor, the smoky basement bar that is Company Roma (note: you’ll need to purchase a membership card at the entrance for this one). Over in the Pigneto district, the Malo Glitter Bar is your place for cool cocktails and craft beers, with a side order of cabaret, drag shows, comedy and other live entertainment on its small stage. Gay Village The party doesn’t stop just because Pride proper is over. No sir! Gay Village is a summer-long shindig and the largest LGBTQ+ festival in Italy, running between June and September in the Parco del Ninfeo south of the city center. For 15 weeks, the historic park is transformed, becoming a vast outdoor entertainment complex complete with bars, dance floors, an outdoor cinema, open-air gym and more. Expect a great big joyous love-in with theater, fun competitions, art shows and – on weekends – the biggest, most hedonistic LGBTQ+ party in town. The park is free to enter Sunday-Wednesday but there’s a fee Thursday-Saturday. Some events in the park – generally those involving the biggest international DJs and performers – are also ticketed. But what price an unforgettable summer of love? The Baths of Caracalla… and Beyond When in Rome, do as the Romans do… and head for the thermal baths. Hit up the Insta-perfect Baths of Caracalla for a taster: this ancient complex features beautifully-preserved floor mosaics, soaring honey-stone arches, and a tepidarium, and would have accommodated some 1,500 bathers in its 3rd-Century heyday. Having boned up on your Roman bathing history, try the real thing at some of the city’s top gay saunas and bathhouses for men only; Adam, Apollion and Illumined are among the most popular. LGBTQ-Friendly Neighborhoods in Rome Clinging to opposite sides of the Tiber, just south of the Centro Storico, the hip ‘hoods of Trastevere and Ostiense are among some of the most welcoming and inclusive in Rome. Trastevere’s café-lined piazzas and cute ocher-colored houses are manna for Insta addicts, while Ostiense has a cooler, more industrial vibe. Both are chock-full of trendy young bars, trattorias and gelaterias, as well as some of the finest contemporary galleries and street art in town. Hit up Tridente in the center for high-end Italian fashion boutiques and the chance to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, or make for the tiny fairytale enclave of Quartiere Coppedè, with its ornate fountains, Florentine towers, baroque palazzi and swoonsome Moorish arches.  Read our guide to Rome’s best neighborhoods here. Best of the Rest: Rome’s Top Attractions So you’re in Rome for Pride and to sample the best of the Eternal City’s LGBTQ+ nightlife. But don’t let that stop you from also checking out Rome’s many, many attractions. You could save up to 50% on a wide variety of tours, activities and attractions with a Go Rome pass. We’re talking some of the biggest and best bucket-listers in town, including… Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican and Michelangelo’s extraordinary Sistine Chapel ceiling frescoes. An audio-guided tour of Ancient Rome’s big three: the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The immersive Leonardo da Vinci Experience, featuring faithful reproductions of the maestro’s paintings and inventions. Pizza and wine-tasting experiences by the Colosseum. Cocktails by the Spanish Steps. A sweet-lover’s dream-come-true: an epic gelato, espresso and tiramisu tour. … and many many more! Find out more and get your Rome attractions pass here.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Expertly-crafted interior walls of the Pantheon
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Rome in May

As Rome waltzes toward the coming summertime rush, May offers a unique window of idyllic Mediterranean weather, delectable Italian cuisine and the last remnants of a somewhat quieter capital. If you’re looking for the best combination of circumstances to visit the eternal city, a trip to Rome in May is truly the one to beat. Visiting Rome in May Average Temperature: 55 - 75°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day May is perhaps one of the most idyllic periods in which to visit Rome. As spring begins drawing to a close, so too does the spring shoulder season as visitors begin flocking to the Italian capital in force for their own brief piece of Mediterranean paradise. This is typically the final hoorah before the coming peak season of tourism, which makes it prime time to experience the best that the city has to offer while it’s still comparatively quiet. Come early enough in the month, and you’re likely to still benefit from off-peak airfare and accommodation rates, with prices not quite as low as winter and early spring but often significantly lower than summertime rates. With summer just around the corner, Rome in May well and truly embraces its renowned Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures range between mild and very pleasantly warm, complemented by regular sunshine ideal for exploring the city or relaxing on a traditional Italian terrace. That being said, at least one day of rainfall per week isn’t yet out of the question, so it’s always wise to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to do in May Just about any visitor to Rome is sure to be keen to tour some of the eternal city’s poster-boy landmarks and attractions. Of course, taking pride of place is the Colosseum, renowned UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest standing amphitheater on Earth. Following closely behind, the Pantheon temple offers a remarkably intact insight into ancient Roman social and religious practices and pastimes. Whether you’re a devout Catholic, an architectural enthusiast or simply a keen traveler looking to tick off the smallest country in the world, Vatican City is certain to be of interest. Home to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, the vast historical collections of the Vatican Museums and, of course, the famous seat of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican is truly one of Europe’s greatest marvels and a real bucket-list destination. Among the most attractive places throughout Rome to take a break from wandering the busy city streets are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Popular with many tourists for their incredibly photogenic qualities, these are often some of the most crowded places during peak times, so be sure to arrive early enough in the day if you’re looking to snap that perfect shot. For an alternative way to explore the Italian capital and a chance to rest your feet between attractions, a Big Bus Rome tour passes by many of the city’s top landmarks and offers audio insights into their cultural and historical significance. Those looking to discover an otherwise untold underworld of Rome can explore the macabre underground passages of the Rome Catacombs, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletons of a civilization long since passed. If you find yourself in Rome for more than just a few days, why not take advantage of the idyllic weather to experience more of what Italy has to offer? Just over an hour away by train, the likes of Naples, Florence and Pompeii each offer a unique blend of Italian culture, history and cuisine ideal for a delightful day out. What's On in May Primo Maggio May 1 marks a rather important day for Italy, with a national holiday for Primo Maggio, or May Day, offering many businesses and services the opportunity to take the day off. Running in conjunction with the holiday, the Festa dei Lavoratori, or Worker’s Day, commemorates the efforts of the working population and the social and economic achievements of trade unions on behalf of their members. While much of the country takes the day to rest, Rome’s trade unions famously host the annual Concerto del Primo Maggio outside the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, just a short walk from the Colosseum. The concert typically begins in the late afternoon and continues right into the late hours of the night, with performances from a variety of established and upcoming Italian artists. With many stores and services closed for the day, May 1 is an ideal day for outdoor excursions. If the weather’s in your favor, the likes of Palatine Hill, the Botanical Garden, the Orange Garden and the Rome Rose Garden are fantastic for a relaxing day out beneath the sun with a picnic of traditional Italian meats and local wine. Rome Outdoor Festival For the best part of a month in late spring, Rome’s Mattatoio Testaccio museum comes alive as it hosts Italy’s largest annual metropolitan culture festival. Through a vast program of events, the Rome Outdoor Festival serves to celebrate Italian art, music and pop culture in all forms, centered around a different theme each year. The festival spreads itself across several key festival zones. Taking pride of place, the Art Pavilion is home to a variety of engaging and often interactive art installations from both established and rising international artists. The Television Section offers a program of screenings and events dedicated to entertainment, science, culture, sports, TV and movies. Guest speakers and organizations hold performances, debates and lectures on a variety of topics in the Conference Section, while the Market Area offers local and international artisans and designers the opportunity to exhibit and sell their wares. The market typically introduces a new theme each week, making for a rolling catalog of vendors and products, while the city’s best bartenders offer attendees a specialist menu of beverages and refreshments in the food area. Open House Roma In celebration of Rome’s world-class architecture and design, Open House Roma invites the public to explore some of the city’s most lauded buildings for one weekend each spring. The event aims to feature a balanced mix of architecture, from small-scale to large and ancient to contemporary, typically opening the doors to more than 200 sites dating back throughout the vast history of the city. Venues are spread across various categories, including private residences, buildings little known to many of Rome’s residents, hospitality establishments, key locations from throughout various historical eras and a collection of institutes dedicated to knowledge, culture and research. As an Open House event, visitors have a rare opportunity to discover some of Rome’s more exclusive architectural marvels free of charge. For those with more of a specialist interest in the design, heritage and preservation of the venues, the festival also features various talks, tours and special events hosted by experts throughout many of the buildings.
Robert Heaney

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