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- Colosseum
- Vatican Museums
- St. Peter's Basilica
- Rome Pantheon
- Castel Sant Angelo
- Musei Capitolini
- Borghese Gallery
- Roman Catacombs Tour
- Altare della Patria
- Doria Pamphilj Gallery
- Bioparco Rome
- Big Bus Rome Hop-on Hop-off Tours
- Palazzo Barberini
- Leonardo da Vinci Museum
- Trevi Fountain Tours
- Rome Underground Tours
- Rome To Tuscany Tours
Contents
Rome in May at a glance
🌤️ Weather
Average highs of 22–25°C (72–77°F) and average lows of 12–14°C (54–57°F). Very light showers, average wind speed of 10.8mph results in a light breeze throughout the city.
🌇 Daylight
Sunrise is around 5:45am and sunset is around 8:15pm, with approximately 12 hours of sunshine per day.
🎉 Key events
Papal Conclave (May 6 to 12), Open House Roma (May 24 to Jun 1), Internazionali BNL d’Italia (May 6 to 18).
👥 Tourist check
Crowds range from moderate to high; popular attractions can be busy and advance booking is necessary. Visit major sites early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
🎒 Packing essentials
Light layers, sunglasses, comfy shoes, a small umbrella or raincoat, and a good camera — everything is blooming.
🍽️ Seasonal treats
Fava beans with pecorino, late-season artichokes, strawberry tarts and fresh gelato.
Rome in summer: How May compares
Category
April
May
June
Weather
11–19°C (52–66°F)
12–25°C (54–77°F)
17–30°C (62–86°F)
Crowds
Moderate
High
Very high
Key events
Easter, Liberation Day
Labor Day, Tennis Open
Republic Day, Festivals
Budget
Moderate
Moderate to high
High
What to book early
Vatican, Colosseum
Vatican, Colosseum, Tennis
All major attractions, tours
Transportation
Metro/bus availability good; less traffic
Reliable public transport, some crowding
More crowded; public transport essential
Best for
Sightseeing
Outdoor activities
Festivals
Plan ahead: must-visit Rome experiences for May
Palazzo Barberini
City Landmark | Art Gallery
For art lovers, one of the top places to visit in Rome is the Palazzo Barberini. This Baroque-styled palace is home to the best works by Raphael and Lippi. Apart from the stunning Baroque artworks, the palace itself is a work of art. Admire the gorgeous ceiling frescoes or the stunning staircases designed by famous designers and artists in Rome.
Book tickets
Castel Sant'Angelo
Museum | Religious Site
To get a better understanding of Roman history, one must visit the famous Castel Sant Angelo museum. This castle was built in the 2nd century and has gorgeous Roman architecture. Apart from providing you with a lesson in history and Roman architecture, this attraction also offers stunning views of the city and the Tiber river.
Book tickets
Palazzo Massimo
Archaeological Museum | Sightseeing
A popular archaeological museum to visit in Rome is the Palazzo Massimo. It is a branch of the National Museum and is home to amazing collections from the world. From ancient jewelry to sculptures, you will find all kinds of historic artifacts here.
Book tickets
Palatine Hill
Sightseeing
When you visit Rome, don’t forget to explore Palatine Hill next to the Roman Forum. This is the centremost hill of the famous Seven Hills in Rome and features the ruins of many important government buildings from ancient Rome. Tourists can visit the Palatine Museum to watch the wide selection of frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures that are on display here.
Book tickets
Pantheon
Historic Site
In ancient Rome, Pantheon was a popular temple but it was turned into a Catholic church in the later years. This attraction features lavish Roman architecture and gives you a history lesson on the city. Visit this historic site to discover 2,000 years of Roman history and get mesmerized by the architecture here.
Book tickets
Borghese Gallery
Art Museum
Earlier, the Borghese Gallery was a must-visit for the amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, and antiques that are displayed here. But with the onset of the spring season, the gardens of Villa Borghese are a true sight to behold. You can admire the works of renowned artists such as Bernini, Titian, Raphael, and more in the gallery and enjoy the colorful bloom in the garden outside.
Book ticketsMay highlights: Recommended activities for families, couples, and more
👨👩👧👦 Families
- Must experience: Bioparco di Roma is the city zoo, home to various animal species. A great way to teach kids about conservation efforts while having a fun day out.
- Better in May: Visit the Explora Children's Museum which has interesting interactive exhibits for kids and science communicators.
💑 Couples
- Must experience: Romantic candlelit dinners in Trastevere.
- Better in May: Evening walks. Stroll along the Tiber River or through Piazza Navona.
🧑🤝🧑 Friends
- Must experience: Immerse yourself in Rome's vibrant nightlife in Testaccio.
- Better in May: Discover Roman cuisine through guided food tours.
🧘Solo travelers
- Must experience: Street food and wine tours. Discover pizza al taglio and suppli hotspots.
- Better in May: Live music at local clubs – from jazz in Testaccio to indie in Pigneto.
Festivals and events in Rome this May
Event
What/where
When
Best for
Labor Day (Festa dei Lavoratori)
Public holiday throughout Italy
May 1
Cultural immersion & concerts
Internazionali BNL d’Italia
Prestigious tennis tournament at the Foro Italico
Early to mid-May
Sports lovers, celebrities
Papal Conclave
Cardinals will convene at the Sistine Chapel to decide who will become the next pope, conveyed by the titular white smoke from the pope's chimney
Early to mid-May, nearly three weeks after Pope Francis' passing
Spiritual visitors
Open House Roma
Access to normally closed buildings across the city
Usually mid-May
Architecture buffs
Festa della Primavera (Spring Fest)
Roseto Communale & parks
All month
Garden lovers & photographers
Pentecost Petal Drop
Pantheon
50 days after Easter
Religious & cultural fans
0
Rome in May: Your perfect 3-day itinerary
Day 1: Iconic Rome
MORNING:
- Start at the Colosseum with a skip-the-line ticket.
- Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
AFTERNOON:
- Savor a hearty lunch in the Monti district.
- Walk to the Pantheon and admire its grand architecture and interesting history. Wander around the nearby Piazza Navona for some shopping and people-watching.
EVENING:
- Enjoy dinner in Campo de’ Fiori and catch the glow of Trevi Fountain after dark.
Day 2: Vatican dreams
MORNING:
- Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel early in the morning.
- Climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for sweeping views.
AFTERNOON:
- Lunch in Prati, followed by a stroll along Via Cola di Rienzo.
- Relax at Villa Doria Pamphilj or Janiculum Hill.
EVENING:
- Sunset from Castel Sant’Angelo.
- Dinner and wine in Trastevere.
Day 3: Hidden gems & markets
MORNING:
- Explore the Jewish Ghetto and Teatro Marcello, nicknamed ‘little Colosseum’.
- Enjoy coffee at Portico d’Ottavia, an elevated porchway that has served numerous purposes over its long history.
AFTERNOON:
- Browse Campo de’ Fiori or Testaccio Market.
- Visit Palazzo Altemps or shop along Via del Corso.
EVENING:
End your Roman holiday with rooftop drinks at Hotel Minerva or Zuma.
Make the most of Rome this summer
Tips
What to wear
What to pack
Transport
Stay
Food
- Travel smart with city cards: Get a Roma Pass or Omnia Card for transport and skip-the-line access.
- Beat the heat: Early mornings and late evenings are best for outdoor walks
- Hydrate: Rome’s public fountains offer clean, cool drinking water — bring a refillable bottle
- Avoid peak times: Major attractions are quieter at lunchtime or right before closing.
What to Wear in Rome in May
- Visitors are recommended to wear multiple layers of clothing as it makes it easier to remove a layer when you start feeling hot.
- The weather in this Rome in May is mildly warm and pleasant.
- You can wear summer clothes such as cotton pants, jeans, skirts, dresses, shorts, and more in Rome in May.
- Do carry a light jacket or shrug to wear in the evening when there is a cool breeze flowing through the city.
What to Pack in Rome in May
- Power Adapter: A type C, F, or L plug.
- Clothes: Cotton pants, jeans, shorts, skirts, blouses, tops, and loose-fitted clothes.
- Hat and a light jacket or a shrug.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen for the day.
- A small backpack to store your essentials and carry around during the day when you are exploring Rome.
Getting Around Rome in May
- By Metro: Metro is by far the most convenient and quickest way to travel around Rome in May. You can use the two metro lines, Linea A and Linea B, to travel around Colosseum and Vatican City.
- By Bus: Another good way to travel around Rome is by using their amazing bus network. It connects most neighborhoods in Rome connects you to places where metros don't reach. Visitors can use the night bus network too for exploring at night too.
- Rental Bikes/Scooters: For those who wish to explore Rome at their own pace, renting a bike or a scooter is a great idea. There are bike/scooter rentals available throughout the city.
Where to stay in Rome in May
Rome is a huge city with a wide range of accommodation options available. So, whether you are looking for a budget accommodation or a luxurious one, Rome won't disappoint you.
- Budget Hotels: YellowSquare Rome, Generator Rome, Hotel Adriatic.
- Mid Range Hotels: NH Roma Villa Carpegna, Napoleon Hotel Roma, EXE International Palace.
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento, Romanico Palace Luxury Hotel & SPA, iQ Hotel Roma.
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What to eat in Rome in May
When you are visiting Rome, you have to try the delectable cuisine offered here. If you are visiting Rome in May, then here are a few top dishes to try here.
Caprese Salad - A staple yet simple dish to try in Rome is the Caprese Salad which includes slices of tomato and mozzarella cheese. This salad is dressed with olive oil, black pepper, fresh basil, and salt.
Vignarola - One of the top dishes to try in Rome in May is the famous Italian stew named Vignarola. It is prepared using fava beans, peas, asparagus, artichokes, and springtime vegetables and is generally served with bread and cheese.
Italian Gelato - As the weather becomes warm, gelato becomes a necessity when you are in Rome. The best part about Italian Gelato is the different flavors that you have available. From traditional strawberry to salted caramel, you will find all kinds of yum flavors to try here.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Rome in May
Is May a good time to visit Rome?
Yes, the weather in Rome in May is mild and warm. Also, you can explore the city during the long, sunny days with the spring flowers blooming around you.
Is Rome cold in May?
The average temperature of Rome in May ranges between a high of 20°C and a low of 13°C. So, no, it is not cold in Rome during this month.
How hot is Rome in May?
The weather in Rome in May is fairly mild and warm with the temperature picking up in the latter part of the month. The temperature ranges between a high of 20°C and a low of 13°C.
Can you swim in Rome in May?
It is a little cold in Rome in May so, it is not recommended for swimming. The average seawater temperature during this month is 18.5ºC so, if you don’t mind the cold, you can enjoy swimming in the city.
Is it sunny in Rome in May?
Yes, you can enjoy bright and long sunny days in Rome in May with an average of 10-12 hours of sunshine daily.
What clothes to wear in Rome in May?
It is important to layer your clothes in Rome in May. This way, you can add a jacket or remove one, depending on the changing weather.
Is it rainy in Rome in May?
No, the chances of rain are significantly low in May. You can expect rainfall for around 6 days of the month.
Is Rome expensive to visit?
Since this is the start of the tourist season in Rome, the prices slowly pick up but if you plan well in advance, you can get good rates for flights, hotels, and attractions.
How safe is Rome?
Although Rome is a safe city to visit, there are chances of petty thefts and tourist scams. So, be careful when you are exploring the city.
What can I see in Rome in May?
There are many famous attractions to visit in Rome in May including Sistine Chapel, Palatine Hill, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and so on.
What are the major events in Rome in May?
Open House Roma and the Papal Conclave is one of the major events that you cannot miss out on in Rome in May.
What is the average temperature in Rome in May?
The average high is 20°C and the average low is 13°C in Rome in May.
What are the best things to do in Rome in May?
There are lots of fun things to do in Rome in May. You can attend the outdoor festivals, enjoy a walk in the gorgeous streets, go museum hopping, learn the history of Rome, and do so much more.
What are the best things to do with kids in Rome in May?
Rome offers a lot of fun things to do with kids such as a food tour, visiting an amusement park, exploring the fountains, and so on.
Is May a good time for day trips from Rome?
May is the best time to set off on a day trip from Rome. Head to the Amalfi Coast when all its services are in full swing. Or visit archaeological and geological landmarks in Naples like Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Mount Vesuvius.