🌧️ Weather: Highs reach 32 °C / 90 °F; dry and humid.
August in Rome means long, hot days and locals heading for the sea—but that makes the city yours to explore. Big sights stay open, and nighttime becomes prime time for music, festivals, and riverbank walks. Ferragosto week brings quirky traditions and free museum days. Be strategic: start early, nap midday, roam again after dark.
Category
July
August
September
Weather
Very hot, 31 °C / 88 °F
Still hot, 32 °C / 90 °F, humid
Cooling down, ~27 °C / 81 °F
Crowds & vibe
Peak tourist + locals in town
Tourist-heavy, many locals away
Busy again, especially with Jubilee
Key events
Festa de' Noantri, Roma Fest
Ferragosto, Estate Romana concerts
Wine festivals, art exhibits start
Best for
Festival lovers, night owls
Sunset roamers, seaside escapes
Culture fans, wine lovers
Book early?
Yes—hotels, Vatican, Colosseum
Yes—especially for indoor escapes
Absolutely—many tours fill fast
Transport notes
Metro A closes ~9:30 pm
Some shops/restaurants closed
Normal schedule; fewer closures
Budget
High—Jubilee and summer surge
High but some restaurant deals
High—shoulder season spike
Event/Festival
Dates
Event type
Location
What to expect
Gran Ballo di Ferragosto
15 August 2025 [TBC]
Cultural Festival
Piazza Venezia or a nearby square
Open-air ballroom dancing with live orchestras on Rome’s hottest holiday. Dress lightly and arrive before 9 pm.
Estate Romana
All August 2025
Cultural Festival
Citywide
From jazz to open-air cinema, this municipal festival livens up Rome’s summer nights. Most events are free, and many are outdoors.
Roma Summer Fest
Through August 2025
Concert Series
Big names and orchestras perform under the stars. Check listings early—tickets from €30
Open-air Cinema Nights
All August 2025
Film Festival
Villa Borghese, Piazza Vittorio, others
Screenings of classics and current hits in outdoor settings. Often free; bring a blanket and arrive early for a good spot.
Ferragosto Fireworks
Around 15 August 2025
Fireworks/Celebration
Celebrate Ferragosto with fireworks over the Tiber. Join the crowds along the river for one of Rome’s most festive summer nights.
Chilled cantaloupe wrapped with cured ham. Sweet, salty, and cool.
Where to eat: Roscioli Salumeria, Via dei Giubbonari 21
Roman-style shaved ice topped with fruit syrup. Refreshing and nostalgic.
Where to eat: Sora Mirella, Lungotevere degli Anguillara 7
Herb-roasted pork piled into warm bread. A picnic favorite in August.
Where to eat: Er Buchetto, Via del Viminale 2F
Fresh-cut watermelon sold from street carts. Classic Ferragosto snack.
Where to eat: Street stands near Campo de’ Fiori or Testaccio
Start your day by 8 am—heat builds fast. Prioritize shaded or indoor sights early.
Museums may offer free entry on Ferragosto (Aug 15). Check listings the week before.
Locals leave mid-August. Some restaurants close for 1–2 weeks; call ahead.
Refill your bottle at public fountains (nasoni). They flow cold even in 30+ °C.
Outdoor movies often start at 9:15 pm. Bring a light layer and a seat cushion.
Metro A may close after 9:30 pm. Use buses or taxis for return trips.
Sit-down dinners skew late—book for 8:30 or 9 pm. Earlier? Go for aperitivo plates.
Pack linen or loose cotton. Avoid jeans; they’re sweltering in this heat.
Consider a portable mini-fan or cooling towel for midday survival.
Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps empty out in early afternoon—ideal for photos.
It’s hot, yes—but early mornings and evenings are magical. Plan breaks and dress smart.
August 15 is Italy’s summer holiday. Many shops close, but public events, fireworks, and free museum entries pop up.
City parks and some early museum slots are calmer. Locals leave, so certain eateries and piazzas thin out.
Restaurants may close mid-month for holidays. Museums and churches keep their usual hours. Always double-check August timings.
Shorts are fine below the knee. Shoulders must be covered—carry a scarf or lightweight shirt.
Yes, but limited. Cafes or museums are more reliable. Many are upgraded for Jubilee 2025.
Try Villa Borghese, underground crypts, or air-conditioned museums. Avoid long walks between 1–4 pm.
Yes. Stay on lit main roads. Riverfront and piazzas bustle until late.
