A Guide to Visiting Rome in November | Attractions, Weather, Museums & More
Rome is a popular destination for travelers looking for a picturesque retreat, thanks to its artistic ruins and cultural landmarks that dot its thriving cityscape. Apart from its outward appearance, Rome welcomes visitors with pleasant hospitality and food. Locals are frequently seen having a good time and partaking in their favorite foods. If you plan to join them in November, you must be prepared for a life-changing experience like no other. This page contains all of the information you need to plan an unforgettable November trip to Rome.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Rome?
As winter approaches, Rome begins to cool back and experiences a temperature drop in November. Despite being popular with visitors from all over the world all year, Rome has seen a significant downturn in its tourist population overall.
Why You Should Visit
- In Rome, November is quite a pleasant month to visit mainly due to the weather. With the declining temperature, you will find some respite from the summer and autumnal bouts of heat.
- In November, Rome is a good time for visitors to enjoy a calmer, more relaxing time in the city without the fuss of crowds.
- This month also sees the emergence of a number of events, whether musical, artistic, or religious in nature and Italians are seen having a good time amongst themselves.
- There will never be a better time to take advantage of the best hotel and airfare deals while the weather is still mild. November strikes the ideal balance.
What to Look Out For
- In November, Rome sees a dramatic decrease in the length of days, which also means that you will have to accommodate your sightseeing into a shorter time.
- The weather can be a bit fickle in Rome in November, making it difficult to pack for this month. You will need to bring breathable clothing as well as warm clothing to deal with it.
- It tends to rain in Rome in November a bit more than in the previous months. You will need to carry waterproof clothing and an umbrella just in case it rains.
- Some attractions in Rome may have shorter operating hours in November due to the shorter days and lower number of tourists, making it difficult to plan your outings.
Overview of Weather in Rome in November
With temperatures steadily dropping since October, Rome in November provides a welcome respite for visitors seeking moderately cool weather. Aside from the wintry winds, you can expect a good deal of rain every couple of days.
- Average Temperature: High - 19ºC Low - 9º
- Average Rainfall: 70 mm
- Daily Wind Speed: 15 kmph
- The temperature of the sea: 19ºC
More About Weather in Rome in November
How hot is Rome in November?
Rome in November is not hot, with daily highs close to the 20ºC mark quite often. The average temperature is around 14ºC.
Can You Swim in Rome in November?
It may not be pleasant to swim in Rome in November as the water temperature hovers around 19ºC.
Does it rain in Rome in November?
Yes, it rains for about 10 days in Rome in November.
Is Rome windy in November?
Yes, Rome is moderately windy in November. A constant breeze of about 15 km/h blows through the city.
Best Things to do in Rome in November
1. Roman Colosseum
Historical Landmark
Everyone wants to witness the Colosseum, and it does not fail to impress, typically accompanied by stories of armored gladiators and vicious lions. This iconic auditorium represents the resilience and histrionics of ancient Rome more than any other landmark, and it is still an enchanting sight today. In November, the Roman Colosseum is not overwhelmed with visitors, making it a wonderful opportunity to see this iconic site.
November Timings: Daily 9 AM to 7:15 PM
from €21
2. St. Peter's Basilica
Religious Landmark
None can compete with the magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica, Italy's largest, finest, and most remarkable basilica. It was consecrated in Rome in 1626 after 120 years of improvement atop a 4th-century church. Its opulent interior houses a plethora of spectacular works of art, which include three of Italy's most acclaimed masterpieces. The considerably less busy month of November may be the ideal time to visit the basilica.
November Timings: Daily 7 AM to 6 PM
from €27.jpg?auto=format&w=468.29999999999995&h=267.59999999999997&q=90&fit=crop&ar=7%3A4)
3. Vatican Museum
Museum
The Vatican Museums, established by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and expanded by subsequent pontiffs, house one of the world's greatest art collections. Exhibits include Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes, as well as exquisite busts, old masters, and modern art pieces, and are spread out over 4 miles of halls and corridors. Because of the lower tourist traffic in November, you can explore the art museum at your leisure.
November Timings: Mondays to Thursdays 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Fridays, and Saturdays 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
from €27.50
4. Sistine Chapel
Historical Landmark
The Sistine Chapel, which houses two of the world's most famous works of art – Michelangelo's roof frescoes and his Giudizio Universale – is the one section of the Vatican Museums which everyone needs to see, and on a busy day, you might be sharing it with thousands of other visitors. Because of the relatively lesser tourists in November, you will be able to spend more time exploring the Sistine Chapel.
November Timings: Mondays to Thursdays 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, Fridays, and Saturdays 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
from €27.50
5. Palazzo Barberini
Museum | City Landmark
This extravagant baroque palace, built to commemorate the Barberini family's ascension to papal authority, amaze visitors even before they witness its magnificent art collection. Many prominent designers contributed to it, including rivals Bernini and Borromini; the former attributed a square grand staircase, while the latter added a helicoidal one. The Palace, with its gorgeous complex, is a sight to behold in November.
November Timings: Tuesdays to Sundays 10 AM to 6 PM
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6. Roman Catacombs
Historic Landmark
The Roman Catacombs are a somber symbol of the city's past and its relationship with the underworld. The walls of these underground tunnels, which began as private burial grounds, are now crammed with the remnants of thousands of former Roman citizens. The Roman Catacombs are a great place to visit on one of November's cool evenings.
November Timings: Daily 9 AM to 12 noon and from 4 AM to 6 PM
from €48
7. Castel Sant Angelo
City Landmark
This castle is a well-known landmark, with its sculpted round keep. It was originally constructed as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian, but in the sixth century, it was transformed into a papal citadel and titled after Pope Gregory the Great's angelic dream in 590. At Castel Sant Angelo, you can pick a skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide, making your November visit effortless.
November Timings: Daily 9 AM to 7:30 PM
from €25
8. Walk Around Trastevere Neighborhood
City Landmark | Leisure
The intimate Roman district is unlike any other well-known tourist spot in the city. Just across the Tiber, the Trastevere neighborhood encapsulates the lovely exurban charm that will mesmerize you. The streets of the neighborhood are rich in history, culture, and fine cuisine. The weather is ideal for a hike through this neighborhood in November.
9. Take a Day Trip to Tuscany
Leisure | Day Trip
On this full-day tour from Rome, embark on a sun-drenched expedition to the breathtaking region of Tuscany. Board comfortable air-conditioned coaches that will transport you to and from Tuscany, leaving you with the sole obligation of having a good time. Enjoy this authentic tour with a small group and an expert English-speaking tour guide. As you travel through Tuscany, gain knowledge about its history, architecture, and ancient faith while taking in the view and sounds.
10. Roman Pantheon
Historical Landmark
The Pantheon, a magnificent 2000-year-old memorial that is now a church, is one of Rome's best-preserved legacy landmarks and one of the Western world's most prominent structures. It was built by Hadrian over Marcus Agrippa's earlier temple in 27 BCE, and it has continued to stand since around 125 CE. In November, you will be able to take advantage of the lower tourist footfall to this famous landmark.
November Timings: Daily 9 AM to 7 PM
from €5
11. Borghese Gallery
Museum
If you only had time for one art museum in Rome, this is the one to go to. It is known as the "queen of all private art collections," with works of art by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian, as well as spectacular Bernini sculptures. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the most skilled and brutal art collector of his time, formed the museum's catalog. Look for carefully curated exhibitions at the Borghese Gallery in November.
November Timings: Tuesdays to Sunday 9 AM to 7 PM
from €21
12. Take a Hop On Hop Off Tour of Rome
City Tour
Cover the streets and attractions of Rome in one, two, or three days by taking the iconic pink bus through eight assigned stops, departing every 10 - 15 minutes. You can get on and off the bus at any stop, giving you comprehensive control over your journey. Along the way, you'll see major landmarks like Piazza Barberini, the Colosseum, Circo Massimo, the Vatican, and more, all of which will add to your Rome in November experience.
Festivals in Rome in November
All Saints Day
Dates: November 1
All Saints Day, observed as a national holiday in Rome on November 1, is a significant day for the Romans. Countless numbers of locals visit the cemeteries of their loved ones on this day. It is significant for those saints who died for the religion. On that day, people can be seen joining a church and attending masses. All Saints Day is a holiday in Rome, so plan your trip carefully to avoid missing out on the city's closed shops and tourist attractions.
RomaEuropa Festival
Dates: September to November
Once a year, Rome has hosted a multi-disciplinary art festival with the participation of great artists from all over the world since 1980. Its quality has risen over time and is now regarded as one of the world's most important art events. Visitors to the Romaeuropa Festival can enjoy iconic works of art as well as contemporary compositions from different fields such as theater, dance, and music. The festival events take place in central halls like the Teatro Olimpico and the Auditorium Parco de la Musica. This is a true festival for art enthusiasts.
Know moreEvents in Rome in November
Rome International Film Festival
Dates: Mid November
The annual Rome International Film Festival (RIFF) is held in November at the historic Desoto Theatre in Rome. It is also well-known for hosting Rome's first independent film festival. The primary goal of this fest is to pique the interest of young moviemakers in films and filmmaking. The seven-day celebration gives the young crowd a platform to introduce their work before an audience and noteworthy chief guests.
Know more
Roma Jazz Festival
Dates: Early November
This jazz concert festival has been held in Rome's Auditorium Parco Della Musica for over 40 years, generally during the first week of November. The week-long jazz festival has it all, with Italian and international jazz performers serving up an eclectic mix. Previous performers have included Gregory Porter, the Dhafer Youssef Quartet, and Australian Grammy winner Sarah Mckenzie. Keep a close eye on the event schedule for free concerts, which are occasionally announced.
Know moreKnow Before You Visit Rome in November
Time Zone: GMT +2
Currency: Euro EUR - €
Country code: +39
Emergency numbers: 112, 113, 114
Travel Guide
What to Wear in Rome in November
- Because November is a transitory month in Rome, dress in light, breathable garments but be prepared to layer on warm jackets.
- During the day, wear hats or caps to protect yourself from the sun and heat.
- Rain is common in Rome in November, so be prepared to bring out your waterproof clothing.
- If you intend to visit several outdoor locations, wear sundresses and shorts.
- Wear clothes to cover your shoulders and knees when going to visit religious sites in Rome.
- Put on a pair of comfortable shoes before you go out.
What to Pack in Rome in November
- Bring type C, F, or L adapters to Rome for your electrical devices.
- Bring plenty of sunblock if you want to be out in the sun for an extended period for sightseeing.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes with you on your November trip to Rome.
- Carry enough light, breezy clothing to last you through all of your excursions.
- You also need to carry light jackets for the evenings of November.
- Bring a backpack with plenty of pockets to hold all of your possessions when you go out.
Getting Around Rome in November
By Metro: The metro is faster than road transportation, but it has restricted accessibility. The center is served by two main lines, A and B, which intersect at Stazione Termini. Trains run from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until 1:30 a.m.
By Bus: The main bus depot in Rome is situated on Piazza Dei Cinquecento, next to Stazione Termini, where an information booth is also located.
By Train: Aside from connections to Fiumicino airport, you'll most likely only need the public transport rail network to get out of town. Stazione Tiburtina is Rome's second train station, situated four stops from Termini on metro line B.
Where to Stay in Rome in November
With the dwindling of tourists, several advantages show up for visitors to Rome. One of the advantages is the greater availability of hotels near tourist hotspots. Another advantage is the presence of discounts and deals on hotel rates because of the imminent arrival of the off-season. Here are some stays categorized by price:
Budget Stays: Aurelius Art Gallery Smart Hotel Rome, Fragrance Hotel St.Peter, Hotel Villa San Lorenzo Maria
Mid-Range Stays: Atlante Star Hotel, Hotel Fellini, Albergo Etico Roma
Luxury Stays: Palazzo Cardinal Cesi, DOM Hotel, Singer Palace Hotel
What to eat in Rome in November
Autumn is a great time to visit Rome for its food as well. You can never go wrong trying an Italian specialty in Rome in November, thanks to an abundant supply of local produce and an even diverse range of seasonal dishes.
Pasta Alla Carbonara: You must not overlook a pasta dish while in Rome. This trademark Roman heavy pasta will linger with you long after you come back home.
Ribollita: This soup recipe is from the Tuscany region. Cannellini beans and climatic vegetables are used in the soup. This dish, unusually, is said to fare better when offered with stale bread.
Caponata: The spicy, meaty, and tangy taste profiles of conventional Caponata will explode in your mouth.
Hacks & Tips to Visit Rome in November
- November in Rome is an excellent time to experiment with new and regional dishes. During this season, vegetables such as artichokes, pumpkins, and onions are abundant.
- November is ideal if you want to spend more time discovering the monuments because the off-season attracts fewer visitors. On weekends, several museums stay open late.
- The Vatican Museums are free and open on the last Sunday of each month.
- You must carry an umbrella on your outings and keep track of the weather forecast because November can be quite rainy.
- Book your flights and hotels in advance to get attractive discounts during the off-season.
- In November, ride a bike through Rome's parks to get a great view of the last few days of autumn.
- Because the weather is ideal in November, go on an evening walking tour of Rome. You can also take a Ghost tour, which is precisely what it sounds like.
- Keep an eye on your bags and belongings when visiting popular tourist destinations because small-time theft is common.
- If you plan to shop at the local markets, bring plenty of cash.
All Your Questions About Visiting Rome in November Answered
The weather in Rome in November can be quite variable, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (about 12 to 21 degrees Celsius). However, November is generally a quieter month for tourism, so you may find that hotels and attractions are less crowded than usual. Prices can also be lower in November.
No, Rome isn’t very cold in November with temperatures dropping to 8°C.
Rome in November is not hot with average highs being around 20ºC.
No, November is not a great time to swim in Rome.
Yes, Rome in November is quite sunny for the most part.
You can wear light and breezy clothes in Rome in November during the day because it is quite sunny on clear days. You should also wear comfortable footwear and a hat when you go out. In the evenings, wear a light jacket as it tends to get much cooler.
Yes, it rains for about 10 days in Rome in November.
Like most of the upscale and popular tourist destinations in Europe, Rome can be a bit expensive.
Rome is quite safe for the most part. However, you still need to keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
In Rome, you can see the Borghese Gallery, Castel Sant Angelo, and the Colosseum in November.
The major events in Rome in November are Rome International Film Festival and Roma Jazz Festival.
The average temperature in Rome in November is 14ºC.
The best things to do in Rome in November are visiting the Trastevere neighborhood, going to the Vatican Museums, and witnessing the grandeur of St Peter’s Basilica.
The best things to do in Rome in November are visiting the gardens and going for a gelato.
The main festivals in Rome in November are All Saints Day and RomaEuropa Festival.
The major events in Rome in November are Rome International Film Festival and Roma Jazz Festival.