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.
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.
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 €21None 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 €27The 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 €27.50The 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 €27.50This 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
Know MoreThe 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 €48This 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 €25The 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.
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.
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 €5If 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 €21Cover 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.
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.
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 moreDates: 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 moreDates: 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 moreTime Zone: GMT +2
Currency: Euro EUR - €
Country code: +39
Emergency numbers: 112, 113, 114
Travel GuideBy 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.
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
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.
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.