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Rome in Winter | Weather, Things to do, Packing Checklist, Travel Tips & More
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The Eternal City is a world-renowned tourist destination in Europe with millions of visitors visiting every year. Rome is recognized for its ancient history and culture, which is preserved in its many ruins and monuments. From the Vatican City to the Colosseum, there is a lot to explore in Rome. Enjoy an authentic Italian Pizza, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, or just walk around the city to learn more about the local culture. Visiting Rome in winter can be a magical experience. The city comes alive with its holiday lights and decorations, making it even more beautiful than usual
Why visit Rome in Winter?
1. Amazing Deals and Discount
One of the biggest reasons to travel to Rome in winter is the amazing deals and discounts that you will get during this time. From flights to accommodations, you can get an amazing price on everything due to the low season.
2. Christmas in Rome
Another good reason to plan a trip to Rome in winter is the Christmas festivities. The city features many Christmas markets along with nativity displays which make it a popular festival to experience in Rome.
3. Fewer Crowds & Queues At Attractions
Since this is the low season to travel to Rome, the streets are devoid of tourists and you can enjoy a quieter version of the city during this time. Moreover, since there are fewer tourists, you don’t have to wait in long queues at the attractions.
4. Plenty of Empty Cafes to Explore
For those who love the rainy season, this is a good time to visit. You can spend your days in the cafes enjoying a cup of coffee as you read a book while it rains around the city.
What to Look Out for in Rome in Winter?
1. Low Temperatures
Rome in winter translates to cold and rainy weather. The average temperature ranges around 3 - 14°C which can be a little cold for some tourists and for young ones.
2. Higher Chances of Rainfall
Another important thing to keep in mind is that Rome in winter experiences rainy weather. The average rainfall expected during this time is 78.6mm so, you will be spending most of your time indoors. Do carry a raincoat if you are planning to explore the city in rain.
Fewer Hours of Daylight
Winter in Rome means shorter days with only 6-8 hours of daylight. So, you don’t have a lot of time to explore the wonders of this ancient city.
Attractions Close Up Early
Another major drawback of visiting Rome in winter is that most attractions close around sunset which tends to be early during these months. So, the opening times for the attractions are shorter and you have to plan your itinerary to cover everything efficiently.
What to Wear?
If you plan to visit Rome in winter, woolen clothes are recommended along with a jacket and a raincoat. Rome tends to be a little cold and wet in winter so, pack accordingly. Wear warm clothes and layer up to stay warm.
What to Wear in Rome in Winter?
- Rome can be a little cold and wet in the winter season so it is recommended to wear warm, woolen clothes.
- Long-sleeve t-shirts with pants are perfect for Rome in winter.
- Jackets and sweaters can also help you stay warm and cozy amidst the cold, wet weather.
- Do wear a warm hat and a scarf to keep your head and neck covered from the harsh wind in Rome in winter.
What to Pack for Rome in Winter?
- Woolen Clothes - The temperature in Rome in winter can be a bit low, especially at night, so pack up some woolen clothes to wear.
- Raincoat and Jacket - The winter months in Rome can be quite wet and windy so, do pack a raincoat and a windproof jacket to wear on your trip.
- Hat, gloves, and scarf - As the winter season is a bit cold, make sure to pack a hat, gloves, and a scarf to stay warm and cozy while exploring the city.
- A pair of waterproof shoes to walk around the streets of Rome during the cold, wet weather.
- Long-sleeve T-shirts and long pants - Since it is generally a little cooler in Rome in winter, it is recommended that you carry long-sleeve T-shirts and pants to wear to keep warm.
Top Things to do in Rome in Winter
1. Visit the Colosseum
City Landmark | Gladiator Arena
One of the top places to visit in Rome in winter is the Colosseum, regardless of how cold it might be. But a visit in winter means that there won’t be as many people inside this world’s largest amphitheater. So, you can take your time exploring around and don’t have to worry about the heat increasing in the afternoons as is the case with summers.
from €21
2. Visit the Trevi Fountain
City Square | Iconic Fountain
Another must-visit attraction in Rome in winter is the Trevi Fountain. It is one of the most gorgeous fountains in the city and can be visited in the afternoon when it is slightly warm. Do follow the tradition of throwing a coin in the fountain to make a wish when visiting the city.
from €12
3. Visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Indoor Museums
If you need a break from the cold temperature in Rome in winter, then visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel is a good idea. At the Vatican Museums, you can learn about different cultures and artifacts that date back to the Renaissance times.
from €27.50
4. Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica
Tourist Hotspot
Of course, one of the top things to do in Rome in winter is attending the Christmas mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. This renaissance-style church is located in Vatican City and is one of the top attractions of the Vatican. Apart from the Christmas mass, you can also visit the spectacular dome of the church by paying an entry fee of €27.
from €27
5. Ice Skating in Castel Sant’Angelo
Outdoor Attraction
Located on the bank of Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo is a popular museum in Rome. During the winter season, a public ice rink is formed here where you can enjoy ice skating in the evenings.
From €27
6. Explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
Historic Ruins
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are also popular attractions to visit in Rome in winter. You can visit the ruins of the important Roman buildings here and enjoy a stunning view from Palatine hill, one of the centremost hills out of the seven hills. The best part is that there won’t be long queues for buying tickets and entering these attractions in the winter months.
7. Roam the Streets of Trastevere
Historic Neighborhood
Trastevere is a postcard-perfect neighborhood where you can enjoy a walk in the winter afternoons. The cobblestone streets and old buildings with vines are a sight to behold. You can also spend time in the cafes here to take in the vibe of this old neighborhood in Rome.
8. Enjoy a Picnic at Villa Borghese
Picturesque Garden
Nothing could be better than a picnic in the afternoon at Villa Borghese in Rome in winter. This lush garden features several fountains, statues, and temples that you can explore before sitting down for a comfortable meal in the garden. There is also an artificial lake here where you can enjoy boating on sunny days.
9. Watch a Show at Teatro dell’Opera
Art & Culture
If you are feeling the cold of winter in Rome, then one of the best things to do is catch a show at Teatro dell’Opera. From concerts to operas, to musicals, you will find a wide range of options here to watch while avoiding the outside cold breeze.
Events & Festivals in Rome in WInter
Hanukkah
Dates: 18 - 26 December 2022
As Rome has a major portion of Jewish residents, Hanukkah is a big festival to celebrate in the city. You will find candles lit at Piazza Barberini for the eight days of the duration of Hanukkah.
Nativity Display
When: December
As Christmas approaches, the entire city is transformed into a Nativity stage with the scenes displayed throughout Rome. One of the major nativity displays to catch in Rome is at Sala del Bramante, close to Pizza del Popolo.
Immaculate Conception
Date: 8th December 2022
Another popular day to celebrate in Rome is Immaculate Conception, i.e., the conception of Mother Mary. On this day, a caravan headed by Pope is seen going from the Vatican to Piazza di Spagna where he lays a wreath at the Colonna dell Immacolata.
Christmas
Date: 25 December
Of course, one of the best festivals to attend in Rome is Christmas. Throughout the month, you will find many music concerts, nativity displays, and Christmas markets to attend and celebrate this auspicious time of the year.
New Year’s Day
Date: 1st January 2023
Of course, New Year’s Day is one of the best events to experience in Rome. It is a national holiday in Italy where you can visit Peter’s Square for the Angelus with Pope. He addresses the crowd and kickstarts a new year for the Romans.
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The Epiphany
Date: 6th January 2023
The baptism day of Jesus is celebrated by the people of Rome colorfully and vibrantly. You will see hundreds of people in medieval costumes marching toward the Vatican City and carrying symbolic gifts for the Pope. Later, the Pope conducts a morning mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Carnevale
Date: 8 days in February
A historic festival that is annually celebrated in Rome is the Carnevale. This is an 8-day-long festival featuring fun events and activities is held throughout the city for the locals to enjoy. There is also an amazing parade in the Via del Corso that you can attend during this time.
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Festa di San Valentino
Date: 14th February 2023
Valentine’s Day in Rome is a truly magical experience with so many romantic activities to enjoy. Couples can take a walk through the streets of Trastevere, sit at a Roman trattoria under the sky, or enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner. You will find many offers at the restaurants and cafes at this time so, don’t forget to check them out.
Know Before you Visit Rome in Winter
Transport
Stay
Food
Getting Around Rome in Winter
From metros to trams, you will find all kinds of options here. One thing to keep in mind is that always buy your transport ticket before boarding as there is no option to buy it on the train, metro, or bus.
- Metro - There are two metro lines, A and B, that visitors can use to visit popular attractions in the city.
- Bus - If you are looking for a cheap and convenient way to reach different parts of Rome, then the bus is a good option. With 338 bus lines and 22-night buses, you can easily reach over 8,000 bus stops in the city.
- Urban Railway - To connect the suburbs, there is a railway system also with three lines connecting Giardinetti, Lido, and Viterbo.
- Taxi - For more convenience, you can also get a taxi from the designated taxi stands or a taxi-hailing app. However, do remember that the cabs charge extra on Sundays and public holidays and can be overall expensive.
Where to Stay in Rome in Winter
Rome is a popular destination for tourists throughout the year. This is why it is important to book your stay beforehand to get the best accommodation for your trip. Thankfully, there is a wide range of options available in Rome in the different price ranges.
- Budget Hotels: Camping Village Fabulous, YellowSquare Rome, Freedom Traveller Hostel, Hotel Roma Tor Vergata
- Mid-range Hotels: Otivm Hotel, Orazio Palace Hotel, Camplus Hotel Roma Centro, Meraviglia, River Palace Hotel
- Luxury Hotels: Palazzo Montemartini Rome, A Radisson Collection Hotel, Baglioni Hotel Regina - Rome, Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel
What to Eat in Rome in Winter?
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara- One of the best dishes to eat in Rome in winter is Spaghetti Alla Carbonara. It is a heavy pasta dish made up of eggs and cheese and is available at every restaurant in the city.
Gnocchi - A popular comfort food for winters in Rome is gnocchi. It is made up of marbles of potatoes covered in a Tuscan meat sauce with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on the top.
Suppli - Another must-try dish in Rome is Suppli which is a risotto ball with tomato ragu filling. It is available throughout the city and one can even choose to enjoy cheese suppli for a better pairing with wine.
Ribolita - Made from seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, and bread, Ribolita is a popular soup dish to try in Rome. It is popular comfort food for winter and it is recommended to be eaten with stale bread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Rome in Winter
Is winter a good time to visit Rome?
Rome is a year-round destination as there is some activity or attraction for visitors to explore throughout the year. Winter is the perfect time to visit Rome to enjoy Christmas and the cold, milder weather in the city. There are fewer tourists in the city and you get amazing deals and discounts on flights and accommodations.
How cold is Rome in winter?
Rome in winter can be a little cold and wet with average temperatures around 14°C. However, if you are layered up and want to enjoy a slow trip, then it is a great time to visit. Be prepared to spend your days in the cafes around here as it rains a lot in the winter season.
What is the average temperature in Rome in winter?
The average temperature in Rome in winter is around 3 - 14°C.
Is it sunny in Rome during winter?
Rome experiences sunny and clear days for most of the year, but the winters tend to be quite cloudy. Make sure you pack a jacket and a scarf if you are travelling to Rome in winter.
Is it windy in Rome during winter?
It is extremely windy in Rome in winter as the average wind speed is around 12.2 mph.
Does it rain in Rome during winter?
The winter season in Rome is mostly rainy and cloudy. The average rainfall during these months to expect is 78.5 mm.
What clothes to wear in Rome in winter?
Since Rome is cold and wet in winter, visitors are recommended to wear warm, woollen clothes. Long-sleeved T-shirts, pants, and a jacket are perfect to enjoy the winter weather in the city.
Is Rome cheaper in winter?
While Rome is an expensive city to visit, it becomes a little cheaper in the winter due to the low season. You can get good discounts and deals on your flight tickets and hotel stays during this time.
Is Rome expensive to visit?
Generally, Rome is not that expensive to visit and winter is one of the cheapest times to visit the city. There are fewer tourists at the attractions so, you can get cheaper tickets without spending too much time in the queues. Moreover, the flight tickets and hotels in the city offer good discounts and deals to the tourists as this is the low season.
What are some things to do in Rome in winter?
Some popular things to do in Rome in winter are sightseeing, walking through the city, museum hopping, enjoying a cup of coffee in a cafe, picnicking in the gardens, and so on.
How safe is Rome?
Rome is a relatively safe city to visit but visitors should always be vigilant and be aware of the tourist scams. Avoid buying tickets outside the ticket counter and don’t leave your bag unattended when exploring the city.
What can I see in Rome in winter?
During the winter season, there are many beautiful attractions to visit in Rome such as the St. Peter’s Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Roman Catacombs.
What free things can you do in Rome in winter?
There are many free things to do in Rome in winter such as a walk beside River Tiber, making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, walking through the streets of Travestere, and so on.
What events and festivals should you attend in Rome in winter?
A few top events and festivals that you should attend in Rome in winter are Christmas, Hanukkah, Immaculate Conception, The Epiphany, and Carnevale.