Rome, Italy
🇮🇹Best Time to Visit Guide

Rome

Italy

Eternal city, ancient wonders

16°C avg
6 rain days/mo
3.5 crowds
See Monthly Breakdown
Best Time to Visit
Jul – Aug
Score: 100/100 • Perfect conditions
Consider Avoiding
Dec – Apr
Score: 30/100 • Less ideal
Overall Score Scale
0
100
Climate Overview

Weather in Rome

Monthly temperature ranges and rainfall patterns to help you pack right

Jan
13°
3°
7
Feb
14°
4°
7
Mar
16°
5°
7
Apr
19°
8°
8
May
24°
12°
6
Jun
28°
16°
4
Best
Jul
31°
19°
2
Best
Aug
31°
19°
2
Best
Sep
27°
15°
6
Oct
22°
11°
8
Nov
17°
7°
9
Dec
14°
4°
8
Cool
Mild
Warm
Hot
Best months
Crowds & Prices

When to Save Money

Monthly crowd levels and price indices for Rome

Avg Crowds
3.5
Avg Prices
3.5
Quietest
Jan
Cheapest
Jan
Jan
2
Low
Feb
2
Low
Mar
3
Moderate
Apr
4
High
May
5
Very High
Jun
5
Very High
Jul
5
Very High
Aug
5
Very High
Sep
4
High
Oct
3
Moderate
Nov
2
Low
Dec
2
Low
1-2: Best value
3: Moderate
4-5: Peak season
Sweet spot month

Pro Tip

Months marked with a star offer the best balance of low crowds and affordable prices. In Rome, consider visiting in January, February, November.

TripMemo Recommendation

The Sweet Spot

Perfect balance of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and great value in Rome

#1 Pick

July

#1 recommended

100/100
Temp
19°–31°C
Rain
2 days
Crowds
5
Prices
5
Great weatherLow rainfall

August

#2 recommended

100/100
Temp
19°–31°C
Rain
2 days
Crowds
5
Prices
5
Great weatherLow rainfall

June

#3 recommended

90/100
Temp
16°–28°C
Rain
4 days
Crowds
5
Prices
5
Great weatherLow rainfall

September

#4 recommended

81/100
Temp
15°–27°C
Rain
6 days
Crowds
4
Prices
4
Great weatherLow rainfall

Best months to visit Rome:

July, August, June

Month by Month

What to Expect Each Month

Detailed month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Rome

Low CrowdsBudget Prices

Weather

Mild winter. Average 4-12°C. Occasional rain.

Highlights

  • Epiphany celebrations
  • Winter sales
  • No queues at attractions
  • Off-season prices

Consider

  • Some attractions have reduced hours
  • Early darkness

Packing

  • Medium coat
  • Layers
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable shoes
Low CrowdsBudget Prices

Weather

Cool but pleasant. Average 4-13°C. Almond blossoms appear.

Highlights

  • Carnival celebrations
  • Valentine's Day romance
  • Quieter Vatican tours
  • Early spring blooms

Consider

  • Weather variable
  • Carnival crowds in some areas

Packing

  • Light jacket
  • Layers
  • Umbrella
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Spring arrives. Average 7-16°C. Mix of sunshine and showers.

Highlights

  • Perfect walking weather
  • Gardens awakening
  • Easter festivities
  • Longer days

Consider

  • Easter week extremely busy
  • Book Vatican in advance

Packing

  • Light jacket
  • Layers
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable shoes
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Beautiful spring. Average 10-19°C. Mild and mostly sunny.

Highlights

  • Rome's Birthday (April 21)
  • Perfect sightseeing weather
  • Wisteria in bloom
  • Outdoor dining season

Consider

  • Easter crowds
  • Book everything ahead
  • Rising prices

Packing

  • Light layers
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Warm late spring. Average 13-24°C. Long sunny days.

Highlights

  • Open-air concerts begin
  • Perfect weather
  • Roses at Roseto Comunale
  • Aperitivo season

Consider

  • Getting crowded
  • Start booking summer trips

Packing

  • Light clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Comfortable shoes
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Early summer heat. Average 17-29°C. Hot but manageable.

Highlights

  • Estate Romana festival
  • Festa di San Giovanni
  • Long evenings
  • Rooftop bars

Consider

  • Getting hot
  • Afternoon siestas recommended

Packing

  • Light clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Water bottle
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Hot summer. Average 20-32°C. Very hot afternoons.

Highlights

  • Opera at Caracalla
  • Lungo il Tevere festival
  • Outdoor cinema
  • Evening passeggiata

Consider

  • Very hot
  • Sightseeing best morning/evening
  • Some restaurants closed

Packing

  • Light clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Water bottle
  • Portable fan
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Peak heat. Average 20-32°C. Romans flee the city.

Highlights

  • Ferragosto celebrations (Aug 15)
  • City feels empty
  • Beach day trips
  • Fewer local crowds

Consider

  • Extreme heat
  • Many local restaurants closed
  • Limited local life

Packing

  • Light clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Water bottle
  • Portable fan
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Pleasant early autumn. Average 17-27°C. Still warm, less intense.

Highlights

  • Perfect weather returns
  • City comes back to life
  • Wine harvest festivals
  • Great photography light

Consider

  • Prices still elevated
  • Book popular restaurants

Packing

  • Light layers
  • Sunscreen
  • Light jacket for evenings
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Beautiful autumn. Average 13-22°C. Mostly sunny with occasional rain.

Highlights

  • Excellent weather
  • Autumn colors
  • Truffle season
  • Festival season

Consider

  • Can be rainy
  • Book Vatican ahead

Packing

  • Medium jacket
  • Layers
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable shoes
Low CrowdsBudget Prices

Weather

Cool autumn. Average 8-17°C. More rainy days.

Highlights

  • All Saints Day
  • Fewer tourists
  • Olive oil harvest
  • Cozy restaurants

Consider

  • Shorter days
  • Some rain expected

Packing

  • Medium jacket
  • Layers
  • Umbrella
  • Waterproof shoes
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Mild winter. Average 5-13°C. Festive atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Christmas at the Vatican
  • Piazza Navona market
  • Nativity scenes
  • Festive atmosphere

Consider

  • Christmas/New Year very busy
  • Book restaurants ahead

Packing

  • Medium coat
  • Layers
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable shoes
Events & Festivals

What's Happening in Rome

Major events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year

Jan

January

Epiphany (La Befana)

The witch Befana brings gifts to children. Processions at Piazza Navona.

holiday
Feb

February

Carnival

Carnival celebrations with parades and costumes throughout the city.

festival
Apr

April

Easter at the Vatican

Papal mass at St. Peter's Square and Via Crucis at the Colosseum.

holiday

Rome's Birthday (Natale di Roma)

Celebrates the founding of Rome on April 21, 753 BC.

cultural
Jun

June

Estate Romana

June-September

Summer festival with concerts, cinema, and events at historic venues.

festival

Festa di San Giovanni

Feast day celebration in San Giovanni in Laterano.

festival
Jul

July

Opera at Caracalla

July-August

Opera performances in the ancient Baths of Caracalla.

music

Lungo il Tevere

June-September

Festival along the Tiber River with food, crafts, and entertainment.

festival
Aug

August

Ferragosto

National holiday on August 15 celebrating the Assumption of Mary.

holiday
Sep

September

Roma Europa Festival

Sept-Nov

Performing arts festival featuring dance, theatre, and music.

cultural
Nov

November

All Saints Day

Italians visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives.

holiday
Dec

December

Christmas at the Vatican

Midnight mass at St. Peter's and display of the world's largest nativity scene.

holiday

Local Tips

  • 1Visit the Vatican early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
  • 2August means many local restaurants close—but tourist areas stay open.
  • 3Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best combination of weather and crowds.
  • 4Book the Colosseum and Vatican Museum tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • 5Romans take the passeggiata (evening stroll) seriously—join them around 6-8pm.
Explore More

Related Tools

More tools to help plan your perfect trip to Rome

Seasonal Journaling

Capture the Season in Rome

Thoughtful prompts to help you journal about how the season shaped your experience

Summer

How did the Roman heat shape your daily rhythm and plans?

Mediterranean summers

Spring

Describe the spring wildflowers growing among ancient ruins.

Nature meets history

Winter

What was it like experiencing Rome without the summer crowds?

Off-season travel

Autumn

How did autumn light illuminate the ancient stone differently?

Golden hour on ruins

Any Season

What seasonal food or drink became part of your Rome routine?

Seasonal cuisine

Summer

Describe seeking shade or cool spaces during the hottest part of the day.

Siesta culture

Photo Checklist

Perfect Photo Moments in Rome

Know exactly when to capture the best shots based on season and timing

Golden Hour

Colosseum at golden hour

March - May, Sept - Nov

West side catches afternoon sun

Nature

Spring poppies at Palatine Hill

April - May

Red flowers against ancient walls

Crowd Timing

Empty Spanish Steps at dawn

October - March

Summer means crowds even at sunrise

Golden Hour

Trevi Fountain night reflections

Year-round after 11pm

Fewer people, dramatic lighting

Festival

Christmas nativity scenes (presepi)

December

Piazza Navona market has elaborate displays

Nature

Umbrella pines silhouetted at sunset

Any season

Pincian Hill for classic view

Activity

Summer evening passeggiata

June - August

After 7pm when heat breaks

Nature

Autumn colors at Villa Borghese

October - November

Umbrella pines and changing leaves

Festival

Easter celebrations at Vatican

March - April

Book tickets months ahead

Weather Shot

Rain on Roman cobblestones

November - February

Reflections of ancient buildings

Golden Hour

Morning light in Trastevere

Any season, 7-9am

Ivy-covered walls catch soft light

Golden Hour

Forum at blue hour

Winter for earlier blue hour

From Capitoline Hill lookout

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Data Source

Climate and weather data sourced from World Bank Climate Data. Historical climate data from weather stations and climate models

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