Ultimate Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

Although there isn't exactly an unsuitable time to see Rome, you should be aware that it is quite hot in July and August with increased humidity levels, and from December to March, it will be colder. Learning about the characteristics of each month will make it easier for you to decide when to visit Rome.

Most travelers have a preferred time of year to visit Rome, and once you see the expert recommendations, you will certainly find an ideal month to plan a special vacation in this location.

If you're unsure about when to visit Rome, you should consider both the weather and how crowded the city will be, as well as specific events. For example, from September to November, you won’t have problems with crowds and won't need to dress too warmly.

Here is how to choose when to visit Rome, based on the specifics of each month of the year:

Best Time to Visit Rome

January
Temperatures drop this month, but there will also be many sunny days. Although it is believed there isn’t much to do during this time, know that the Eternal City never shuts down.

Interesting events:

The end of the year is celebrated with an event in Piazza del Popolo, which includes music, dance, and fireworks;
On January 6th, Epiphany, children receive candy from the good witch La Befana and a procession in medieval costumes takes place at the Vatican;
January 17th is Saint Anthony’s day.

February
February in Rome is cold, and tourists are seen quite rarely, meaning you'll have the chance to explore Italy’s capital at leisure, without stress.

Notable event:

Don't miss the Rome Carnival, celebrated at the start of Lent. Even though it’s not as famous as Venice’s, you will certainly have fun.

March
The start of spring brings congestion to Rome when thousands of believers come here during Easter (which may be in March or April) to visit the Vatican Museum and St. Peter's Basilica. Most hotels will have their highest rates during this period.

Important events:

March 8th, International Women's Day (Festa Della Donna);
Papal audiences, for which you can buy tickets online.

April
In years when Holy Week falls in April, the Easter religious service takes place in St. Peter's Square, attended by 80,000 pilgrims.

Important events:

The torch-lit procession along the Via Crucis;
Sunday religious service at 10:00 AM, organized in St. Peter’s Square, where the Pope addresses those present;
On Easter Monday, the Pope officiates a service in St. Peter's Square;
The Rome Marathon takes place in April every year.

May
The number of tourists increases after Holy Week, so book your ticket early if you want to come this month.

Interesting events:

May 1st is Labor Day;
On May 6th, the ceremony for appointing new Vatican guards takes place;
At the beginning or mid-May, the Internazionali BNL d'Italia tennis championship is held.

June
This month, accommodations catering to families are in high demand. Book your hotel and flights in advance if you plan to visit Rome with loved ones.

Interesting events:

Festa Della Republica on June 2nd, commemorating the moment in 1946 when Italy became a republic;
Festa di San Giovanni, an important festival celebrated with music, dance, and many culinary delights.

July
It is the hottest month of the year, and temperatures can reach 38°C (100°F).

Avoid the outdoor heat by visiting museums and cool churches during the day and strolling the charming streets in the evening or at night, when the entire city comes to life.

Do not miss Lungo Il Tevere Roma, a popular event organized along the banks of the Tiber River, where you can visit restaurants, bars, artisanal stalls, and listen to music until dawn.

August
It will be almost as hot as in July, but the city will become very quiet as this is the month when residents head to the seaside.

Events to note:

Isola del Cinema offers a series of films on Tiber Island, located in the center of the Tiber River;
Ferragosto (Assumption Day) takes place on August 15th, marked by a string of barbecues that spread enticing aromas while you realize summer will soon end.

September
Although residents have returned from the sea and children start school, so the city will not be very crowded, and the weather becomes much more pleasant. It will still be warm during the day, but evenings and nights will offer cool breezes and fresh air.

Do not miss Sagra dell'Uva (Grape Festival), an event organized to mark the harvest.

It takes place at the beginning of the month in St. Constantine's Basilica in the Forum.

October
You will be greeted by the colors of autumn everywhere, but also by artistic works and antique fairs. Don't miss Rome's Jazz Festival at the end of the month.
November
Winter is very close, but you can still enjoy the blue skies and sunny afternoons.

Events to note: