Hottest month—average highs 31°C / 88°F; rare rain.
What to eat in Rome in July: Seasonal delicacies
Rome in July is all energy and sun. 2025 marks the Jubilee Year, bringing pilgrims, events and extra buzz to the routes and basilicas across the city. Arm nights set the scene for concerts, riverfront fairs, and twilight strolls. Plan early morning starts, siesta-style afternoons and head out again at dawn to make the most of it. Popular activities, especially Colosseum night tours and Vatican skip-the-line tickets , sell out quickly; make sure to book in advance
Hottest month—average highs 31°C / 88°F; rare rain.
15 h; sunrise ~5:40am, sunset ~8:40pm.
Festa de' Noantri, Roma Summer Fest.
High—school breaks, tourists, Jubilee pilgrims.
Breathable layers, scarf, refillable bottle, sunblock.
Fried zucchini flowers, chilled grattachecca, fresh figs.
When: Fridays–Saturdays through July
Tags: Tour, Cultural experience, Seasonal
Avoid the sun during the hottest month in Rome, and join a limited-entry night tour of the Colosseum, often with arena floor and underground access. The floodlit ruins feel dramatic and cinematic after dark. Spots are limited, so book early.
Recommended Experiences:
When: Fridays until late July, after 7 pm
Tags: Tour, Cultural experience, Seasonal
Skip the noon crush and take advantage of the summer Fridays when the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel stays open till 11pm. Pre-book a timed entry to wander halls and view frescoes without the heat or massive crowds.
Recommended Experiences:
When: Daily, early evening onward
Tags: Outdoors, Family-friendly, Seasonal
Enjoy the culture, music and food of Rome along the Tiber’s east bank, as it lights up with summer pop-ups. With over 90 stalls, craft stands, and riverside bars, it makes for a perfect laidback evening. It’s cooler after 7pm—grab a drink and watch street performers under the bridges.
When: Early mornings, daily
Tags: Outdoors, Explorer
Rent a bike near Porta San Sebastiano and cycle the ancient Appian Way before 10am to beat the heat. Or just take a stroll past aqueducts, catacombs, and pine-lined trails.
Recommended Experiences:
When: Open daily, last entry 6:45 pm
Tags: Cultural experience, Outdoors
These vast imperial ruins offer both history and a shady respite. With fewer crowds than the Roman Forum, it's ideal for midday exploring.
When: Evenings, through July
Tags: Cultural experience, Seasonal
Rome’s open-air opera season unfolds at the Baths of Caracalla. Book tickets to see ballet or Giuseppe Verdi’s magic unfold under the night sky. A memorable setting with sweeping stage views awaits!
When: Mornings or early evenings
Tags: Family-friendly, Outdoors
This central park offers shaded trails, lake boat rentals, and scenic picnic spots. Start at Pincian Terrace (Terrazza del Pincio) for a sunrise view over Piazza del Popolo.
Recommended Experiences:
When: Anytime; best late afternoon
Tags: Explorer, Cultural experience
Explore Rome’s creative side in the city’s hub for contemporary art and music: Ostiense district. Admire murals sprawl across warehouses and apartment blocks—download a map or join a guided tour to spot the best pieces.
Tour the Jewish catacombs
Subterranean Rome, without the crowds
Fewer visitors reach the Jewish catacombs at Vigna Randanini. Rome’s only public Jewish burial site, date from the 2nd–5th centuries CE and feature ancient kokhim tombs and vivid frescoes. Accessible by reservation only, this cool subterranean maze is a rare dive into the city's hidden history.
📍 Where: Via Appia Pignatelli 4
Cinema beneath the stars
From June until mid‑July, Rome’s outdoor film festivals (Il Cinema in Piazza) light up places like Villa Borghese, Piazza Vittorio, and Parco degli Acquedotti with free screenings of Italian and international films. Arrive early to grab a good seat! Don’t worry, most of these films have subtitles!
📍 Where: Villa Borghese or Piazza Vittorio (check local listings)
Zoom past landmarks after dark
Book a pillion ride on a Vespa sidecar with a local driver and circle Rome’s monuments in the night. Less traffic, cooler air, and plenty of photo stops make this a favorite summer thrill.
📍 Where: Departs near Piazza Venezia
Roman-style shaved ice, crushed to order
Try this local summer dessert—hand-shaved ice with syrups and fruit. Try the classic combos at Sora Mirella by Tiber Island, best enjoyed post‑4pm as the heat eases.
📍 Where: Lungotevere degli Anguillara 7
Experience Verdi, Puccini, or Mozart performed at Caracalla under the stars, wine in hand.
Stroll Trastevere’s Festa de' Noantri, especially during fireworks.
Take a sunset Vespa tour for dreamy city views without the crowds.
Browse river stalls at Lungo il Tevere and grab a Spritz.
Join a small-group Vatican night tour to meet others while you explore the halls of Renaissance masterpieces—without the crowds.
Wander Testaccio’s shaded markets and try a street food lunch.
🚅 Travel time: ~1 h by train
Cooler hill breezes make July perfect for Villa d'Este’s fountains and Villa Adriana’s ruins. Go early to avoid peak sun.
🚅 Travel time: ~45 min by train
Explore the ancient port ruins, colorful mosaics and Roman streets without the Pompeii crowds. Bring water and a hat—shade is limited.
🚗 Travel time: ~40 min by train
Escape to Rome’s nearby wine towns. Frascati has breezy terraces, porchetta sandwiches, and vineyard tastings. Ideal for a lazy lunch.
🚗 Travel time: ~1 h by train + 15-min walk from Bracciano station to lakefront
A scenic lake for swimming and castle views. Take a picnic or rent a pedal boat. Cooler than the city.
Start sightseeing by 8:30am to beat both heat and crowds. Sites like the Forum open early.
Carry small change. Many cafés and public toilets charge a small fee and don’t accept cards.
Always carry a scarf or linen shirt: churches require covered shoulders and sun demands protection.
Fill your bottle at public fountains (nasoni). Water's cold, safe, and everywhere.
Buy bus/metro tickets in advance from tabacchi shops—bus drivers don’t sell them
Metro Line A may shut down early for repairs; plan return routes from Spagna or Ottaviano.
Dinner starts late. Locals eat at 8:30–9pm; try aperitivo around 7pm if hungry early.
Shops stay open later, but smaller ones close mid-afternoon (1–4pm). Plan purchases before or after.
Bring a mini fan or cooling towel—museums can be warm despite AC.
Book Vatican and Colosseum night tours a month ahead—they fill fast in summer.
Trastevere is loud in July. Book your stay a little further from the main piazzas for sound sleep.
Many churches and museums offer free or discounted late hours—check sites weekly.
It’s hot, yes—highs often hit 32–34°C. But start early, rest midday, and plan night outings.
Yes. Summer hours often extend into the evening. Major sites run daily, with occasional closures for events.
Breathable layers and covered shoulders. Churches require modesty. Hats, scarves, and linen work best.
Yes, but lines are long. Book skip-the-line or early evening slots. Fridays offer late hours.
Yes—public fountains provide clean, cold water. Refill often.
Very high. Expect tour groups by 9am and packed piazzas at dusk. Book tickets early.
Mostly yes, but some rely on fans—especially in historic buildings. Check before booking your stay.
Most open at 7:30pm; locals dine after 8:30pm. Reserve on weekends.
Not required, but rounding up or leaving €1–2 is appreciated. No need for US-style tipping.
Zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta and anchovy, then fried. Fresh and crunchy, they scream summer.
Where to eat: Da Teo, Piazza dei Ponziani 7A
Rome’s hand-shaved ice treat comes with syrups and fruit. Perfect for an afternoon cool-down.
Where to eat: Sora Mirella, Lungotevere degli Anguillara 7
A sweet-salty starter with ripe figs and cured ham. July is peak fig season.
Where to eat: Roscioli, Via dei Giubbonari 21
Enjoy this Roman heatwave classic, made of uncooked tomato, mozzarella, and basil tossed with cold pasta.
Where to eat: Lo Scopettaro, Lungotevere Testaccio 7
