Best Time to Visit Rome | Seasonal Highlights & Top Festivals

Q: What is the peak tourist season in Rome?

Peak season runs from April through June and September, when weather is mild and festivals fill the calendar.

Q: When is the cheapest time to visit Rome?

January, February, and November offer the lowest hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Q: What’s the best weather in Rome?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) bring mild temperatures and minimal rain.

Q: Is it too hot to visit Rome in summer?

July and August can reach 31 °C (88 °F); plan early-morning or evening activities and book air-conditioned accommodation.

Q: Is winter a good time to visit Rome?

Winter is quieter and more affordable, with festive markets and easy access to museums and churches.

Q: Are there closures in August?

Many shops and restaurants close for Ferragosto (August 15), but main attractions and museums remain open.

Q: When should I book tickets for top attractions?*

Book <link linkType="internal" newTab="false" url="" id="wYfKVh8P" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68061cf4e0c023bd4885906c" text="Colosseum " uid="www.tickets-rome.com.colosseum" />and <link linkType="internal" newTab="false" url="" id="lCMmIIEU" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6812646d5fbe43b5f5baa867" text="Vatican Museums" uid="www.thevaticantickets.com" /> tickets several weeks in advance during spring, summer, and major holidays.

Q: What’s the best month for foodies in Rome?

September and October are ideal for food festivals, wine tastings, and autumn specialties like truffles and chestnuts.

Q: What is the best time to go swimming at the beach in Rome?

Anytime between May and September is the best time to go swimming at the beach in Rome.

Q: What can I do in Rome in Winter?

You can go ice skating in Castel Sant'Angelo, visit the Indoor Market in Testaccio, and picnic at the Villa Borghese.

Season	When	Weather	Crowds	Events/festivals
High season	April–June, September	Mild to hot, dry	High	Easter, Natale di Roma, Republic Day, harvest fests
Shoulder season	March, October	Mild, some rain	Moderate	Rome Film Festival, art fairs
Low season	November–February	Cool, rainy, short days	Low	Christmas Markets, Epiphany, Carnival

Seasons in the city: What to expect

🌸 Spring [Mar–May]

Spring in Rome brings blooming gardens, outdoor cafés, and the city’s most celebrated festivals. Days grow longer and warmer, making it perfect for sightseeing and park strolls. Crowds build around Easter and major holidays, so book ahead for top attractions.

Avg. temp: 16–23 °C / 61–73 °F
Weather: Mild, occasional rain showers
Events: Easter (dates vary), Natale di Roma (April 21), Labor Day Concert (May 1)
Travel tips: Pack layers and an umbrella; reserve tickets for Vatican and Colosseum
Top things to do: Explore Villa Borghese gardens , join Easter Mass, picnic in parks
Why go: Ideal for outdoor dining, cultural events, and fewer crowds than summer

☀️ Summer [Jun–Aug]

Rome’s summer is lively and sun-drenched, with long days and a packed festival calendar. Expect high temperatures and bustling piazzas, but also some local closures in August as Romans head to the coast for Ferragosto.

Avg. temp: 28–31 °C / 82–88 °F
Weather: Hot, dry, occasional heatwaves
Events: Republic Day (June 2), Noantri Festival (July), Ferragosto (August 15)
Travel tips: Sightsee early or late; book air-conditioned stays; carry water
Top things to do: Evening walks, open-air concerts, riverside bars
Why go: Best for nightlife, festivals, and long daylight hours

🍂 Fall [Sep–Nov]

Autumn offers pleasant temperatures, a full cultural calendar, and harvest flavors in markets and menus. Crowds thin after mid-October, making it a great time for art lovers and foodies.

Avg. temp: 27–17 °C / 81–63 °F
Weather: Mild, crisp, more rain in November
Events: Rome Film Festival (October), All Saints’ Day (November 1)
Travel tips: Bring a light jacket; book museum tickets for rainy days
Top things to do: Art fairs, wine tastings, strolls along the Appian Way
Why go: Perfect for culture, food, and fewer tourists

❄️ Winter [Dec–Feb]

Winter in Rome is quieter and budget-friendly, except for the festive buzz around Christmas and New Year. Short days and chilly weather are balanced by lively markets and easy access to museums.

Avg. temp: 12–13 °C / 54–55 °F
Weather: Cool, damp, occasional frost
Events: Christmas Markets (December), Epiphany Fair (January 6), Carnival (February)
Travel tips: Book indoor attractions; dress in warm layers
Top things to do: Nativity scenes, winter sales, hot chocolate at historic cafés
Why go: Lowest hotel rates, festive atmosphere, and minimal lines at top sights

Rome through the months

📅January

January is Rome’s quietest month, with cool temperatures and festive Epiphany markets.

Avg. temp: 12 °C / 54 °F
Weather: Cool, occasional rain
Key events: Epiphany Fair (Jan 6)
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Vatican Museums , winter sales, Piazza Navona’s Befana fair
Travel tip: Some attractions close early; plan indoor visits
Style tip: Warm coat, scarf, umbrella
Verdict: Best for budget travelers and empty museums

Rome in January

📅February

February is peaceful, with Carnival parades and art exhibitions.

Avg. temp: 13 °C / 55 °F
Weather: Chilly, chance of rain
Key events: Carnival (dates vary)
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Gallery visits, coffee bars, Carnival parades
Travel tip: Book Colosseum tours ahead
Style tip: Waterproof jacket, layers
Verdict: Great for culture and quiet streets

Rome in February

📅March

March brings spring blooms and marathon excitement.

Avg. temp: 16 °C / 61 °F
Weather: Mild, variable
Key events: Run Rome the Marathon (Mar 16), early Easter (dates vary)
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Cherry blossoms at EUR, outdoor cafés
Travel tip: Reserve Vatican and Colosseum tickets
Style tip: Light jacket, umbrella
Verdict: Good for outdoor activities and early festivals

Rome in March

📅April

April is lively with Easter and Rome’s birthday celebrations.

Avg. temp: 20 °C / 68 °F
Weather: Pleasant, some rain
Key events: Easter, Natale di Roma (Apr 21), Liberation Day (Apr 25)
Crowd level: High during holidays
Top things to do: Parades, gardens, outdoor dining
Travel tip: Book everything early; check for closures
Style tip: Layers, sunhat
Verdict: Peak for festivals and spring beauty

Rome in April

📅May

May is warm and vibrant, with parks in full bloom.

Avg. temp: 23 °C / 73 °F
Weather: Warm, occasional showers
Key events: Labor Day (May 1), Concertone
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Picnics, day trips, free concerts
Travel tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds
Style tip: T-shirts, umbrella
Verdict: Ideal for gardens and outdoor events

Rome in May

📅June

June marks the start of summer, with long days and national celebrations.

Avg. temp: 28 °C / 82 °F
Weather: Hot, sunny
Key events: Republic Day (June 2), Sts Peter & Paul Day (June 29)
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Evening walks, open-air concerts
Travel tip: Book air-conditioned stays
Style tip: Light clothes, sunscreen
Verdict: Great for festivals and nightlife

Rome in June

📅July

July is hot and bustling, with vibrant nightlife and festivals.

Avg. temp: 31 °C / 88 °F
Weather: Hot, humid
Key events: Noantri Festival, summer sales
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Museums by day, riverside bars by night
Travel tip: Reserve opera tickets, stay hydrated
Style tip: Shorts, breathable fabrics
Verdict: Best for night owls and festival fans

Rome in July

📅August

August is quieter as locals leave, but the city stays hot and festive.

Avg. temp: 31 °C / 88 °F
Weather: Hot, dry
Key events: Ferragosto (Aug 15), summer concerts
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Beach trips, day trips, evening museums
Travel tip: Use public fountains, plan for closures
Style tip: Light clothes, hat
Verdict: Good for seaside escapes and fewer crowds

Rome in August

📅September

September offers pleasant weather and a full cultural calendar.

Avg. temp: 27 °C / 81 °F
Weather: Warm, mild
Key events: Harvest festivals, cultural season begins
Crowd level: High
Top things to do: Wine tastings, Appian Way bike rides
Travel tip: Book concert tickets early
Style tip: Light layers
Verdict: Top month for food and culture

Rome in September

📅October

October is mild and artsy, with film festivals and autumn flavors.

Avg. temp: 22 °C / 72 °F
Weather: Mild, changeable
Key events: Rome Film Festival (Oct 15–26), art fairs
Crowd level: Medium
Top things to do: Film screenings, truffle menus
Travel tip: Reserve museum and festival passes
Style tip: Layers, light jacket
Verdict: Best for art lovers and pleasant walks

Rome in October

📅November

November is quiet and damp, perfect for museums and opera.

Avg. temp: 17 °C / 63 °F
Weather: Rainy, cool
Key events: All Saints’ Day (Nov 1), Feast of St Cecilia (Nov 22)
Crowd level: Low
Top things to do: Free museum Sundays, chestnut stalls
Travel tip: Plan indoor activities
Style tip: Jacket, umbrella
Verdict: Best for budget travelers and culture

Rome in November

📅December

December is festive, with markets and Christmas lights brightening the city.

Avg. temp: 13 °C / 55 °F
Weather: Cool, festive
Key events: Christmas Markets, Immaculate Conception (Dec 8), New Year’s Eve
Crowd level: Medium–high at holidays
Top things to do: Nativity scenes, holiday shopping, Vatican Midnight Mass
Travel tip: Book Christmas Eve dinner, check opening hours
Style tip: Coat, warm layers
Verdict: Magical for festive travelers