When is the best time to visit Rome? Here’s your season-by-season guide to the Eternal City

What’s the best time to visit Rome? Whether you’re a first-time Rome visitor or you’ve taken trips there before, the answer depends on what you’re looking to do on your upcoming Italy tour. There are specific perks tied to traveling to Rome at different times of the year, so read on to find out which season would best suit your travel style.

What is the weather in Rome like in each season?

Because of Rome’s Mediterranean location in Southern Italy, the city enjoys cool (typically rainy) winters that eventually give way to hot summers. Summer in Rome is similar to many destinations in Southern Europe, where high mid-day temperatures usually mean many shops close for a few hours after lunch.

Spring and autumn bring milder, drier conditions. These are the months when the city is less busy with tourism, too. In short: Anytime is the best time to travel to Rome. Here’s your beginner’s Travel Guide to the Eternal City.

The best time of year to visit Rome for festive displays, fewer crowds, and indulgent Roman cuisine

Winter weather in Rome won’t compare to snowy conditions farther north, but you can still experience cold days in late December through most of February. This is the best time to visit Rome if you enjoy a cooler trip—but what really makes it magical is the city’s festive atmosphere. Thanks to the city’s rich Christian and Jewish heritage, you’ll find neighborhoods all over Rome honoring holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah in colorful ways. For example, you’ll find Piazza Barberini lit up for the eight days of Hanukkah and stunning nativity scenes displayed throughout the city.

Even if you don’t travel to Rome during the holidays, the wonderful thing about Rome during the off-season is that there are fewer crowds. Can you imagine discovering the secrets of the Trevi Fountain without having to jostle for space? While winters in Rome can be cooler and rainier, their conditions are ideal for tucking into some of the city’s most indulgent, stick-to-your-bones cuisine, from local delicacies like trippa alla Romana to hearty servings of pasta carbonara.

Months to experience winter in Rome:

December, January, and February

In December, Rome comes alive with holiday celebrations

Because of Rome’s (and Italy’s) rich Catholic history, Christmastime is celebrated all over the city. Expect to find Christmas trees, twinkling lights, stunning nativity scenes, and lively markets (like the popular Piazza Navona Christmas Market) everywhere you go. Our Rome itineraries, like our Grand Tour of Italy, include plenty of free time, which can be spent checking out the various events going on in the city, too. For example, on December 8, there’s the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It’s marked by a holy caravan, led by the pope, from Vatican City to Piazza di Spagna. And, of course, on Christmas Eve night, you can attend mass led by the pope himself.

Maybe you can even time your trip to land on the new year, and set out on our New Year’s Eve in Rome: Italy & Greece tour. Like many other cities, Rome shows off with a fabulous firework display. But you know what other cities won’t have? The chance to welcome the new year with a mass led by the pope. How’s that for a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Vatican City?

In January, Rome will have fewer tourists

The best thing about a Rome tour in January is that there will be far fewer tourists that month than at any other time of the year. Popular areas won’t be crowded, making January a great time for anyone to visit. (Thinking of visiting solo? Check out our solo traveler's guide to Trastevere in Rome.) Expect shorter queues for the Eternal City’s most famous tourism attractions. So whether you’re on our Rome: The City Experience tour or the A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour, you’ll get so much more out of the Italian capital if you visit in January.

And because January is the coldest month of the year in Rome, it’s also the ideal time of year to tuck into the city’s traditionally hearty fare, from its chunky stews to its bountiful pastas. And don’t forget to sample all of it with fantastic local wine—what’s a trip to Italy without a sip or two of Prosecco or Chianti?

In February, come for the world-class museums and a decidedly Roman Carnival

The month of February is still cold and this is when you can anticipate to see the most amount of rain so packing strategically for your Rome tour will be very important. But once you look past the potentially tricky conditions, February can be the best time to visit Rome if you love museums. They’re indoors, which makes the issue of weather irrelevant, and because of the low tourist turnout, iconic art institutions like the Sistine Chapel will be a lot more comfortable to explore.

Another great reason for a Rome tour in February is to experience Carnival, an eight-day celebration filled with opulent parties and a grand parade along the Via del Corso. This is why travelers are loving our brand-new Off-Season Italy: Rome, Naples & Florence tour; it explores the best of Italy during a time of year when crowds are thin so you can get better value from your visit.

Weather in Rome in December, January, and February:

Average temperatures are between 39 F and 56 F.

What our travelers say about winter in Rome:

“Our first trip to Rome surpassed our expectations,” said traveler Kelly, who visited the Eternal City over the holidays. “[It was] a memorable way to ring in the new year!”

The perfect time to see the Eternal City in bloom and soak in the local scene

For some travelers, March, April, and May are the best months to visit Rome. While we know there are countless reasons to travel to Rome in the spring, our favorite might just be seeing the city in bloom. Just as the flowers are blooming, so is the city’s social scene. Spring is the best time to go to Rome to experience the locals’ zest for life, so feel free to participate in rousing afternoon aperitivo or languorous weekend lunches over pizza and crisp white wines.

While springtime is technically shoulder season in Rome, meaning crowds won’t be as intense as they will be in the summer, Easter is a popular time for visitors. Like during Christmas, the city goes all-out for Easter with countless events and celebrations.

Months to experience spring in Rome:

March, April, and May

In March, enjoy lighter end-of-winter crowds

Falling at the tail end of winter, March stays relatively quiet in Rome, which means you can still enjoy the city’s cozy trattorias, impressive museums, and ancient architectural sites without masses of travelers around. The exception: Easter. Whether it falls in March or April, Easter and the two weeks surrounding it draw thousands of visitors to Rome and Vatican City, where the pope leads an annual Easter mass. (From its history to its currency and more, check out important things to know about visiting Vatican City.)

See Rome’s blooming gardens in April

April is the best time to visit Rome, Italy, if you’re a flower lover. On our London & Rome tour (or the longer London, Paris & Rome tour), you get enough free time in the Eternal City for a leisurely stroll through these verdant pockets, whether that’s the rose garden near Circus Maximus or the fabled Borghese Gardens. Even an iconic attraction like the Spanish Steps gets in on the action; in April, it gets cloaked in a blanket of azaleas.

Rome starts to get much busier in May, with world-renowned events and the beginning of peak tourist season

It may not be summer yet, but May in Rome can feel as busy as it does in July or August. The weather will be perfect, which means everything you could want to do in Rome will be cast in a warm Mediterranean glow. If you ask us, there’s nothing better than ending a day of sightseeing with an outdoor aperitivo at a lively Roman trattoria.

What’s special about a Rome tour in May is that the city will be full of events so there’s a lot you can add to a classic Rome: The City Experience tour. Maybe you’d like to watch the Italian Open (or the Internazionali BNL d’Italia). This is a renowned tennis tournament, where world-class athletes compete at the Foro Italico stadium.

Weather in Rome in March, April, and May:

Average temperatures are between 43 F and 75 F.

What our travelers say about spring in Rome:

“Rome at its best!” said traveler Sharon following her adventures on our Rome: The City Experience tour. “It’s a great place to relax and catch up on your walking. Experience and see the best restaurants in the world. You are located in the heart of the city, just blocks away from all the beautiful sites.”

The perfect time to slow down during extra warm days and late-night meals

If you’re a fan of hot weather, the best time to visit Rome is summer. The city’s Mediterranean perch means balmy, summer-vacation vibes all season long. There’s no need to ask what the weather is like; the answer is always: hot. For many travelers, that alone makes June to August the best time of the year to visit Rome, when the sun is brightly shining and there’s nothing like being outside to soak it all in.

A summer trip to Rome is also the best time to experience the city’s late-night energy. No, this doesn’t mean heading out to the nightclubs—but Italians love a long dinner. Do as the Romans do and settle in on an outdoor patio for a later-than-usual dinner reservation. Picture it: The sun has long set, the Rome weather has dipped to a comfortable temperature, and you’re savoring a multi-course meal with your new travel buddies.

Months to experience summer in Rome:

June, July, and August

In June, enjoy summer vacation vibes in Rome

This month marks the official start of peak travel season in most of southern Europe, but especially in Rome. If you love the energy of a city full of people, then June is the best time to visit Rome on our Venice, Florence & Rome tour. You’ll see the best of the city on this itinerary, which includes guided visits to historic sites like the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Colosseum. There’s also plenty of free time for you to carve out your own agenda, or take one of the top day trips from Rome to nearby towns.

One of the most important Italian holidays also falls in June: Republic Day, or Festa della Repubblica, is a national celebration commemorating the day Italy became a republic in 1946. (Be aware that many shops, restaurants, and attractions close in observance of this special day.)

Visit Rome in July for concerts, events, and shopping

The month of July is usually when Rome receives its highest temperatures so if you love to travel for warm weather, this is it. But what’s especially fantastic about a Rome tour in July is that there is plenty to do. If you’re on our Rome: The City Experience tour, you’ll get guided tours of all the classic attractions, from the Colosseum to the Vatican. But this is also an itinerary that allows for a ton of flexibility because of all the free time, which you can use to attend all sorts of fun events, from open-air operas and a cinema festival in Trastevere to Rock in Roma, an annual outdoor music event that attracts thousands.

And if you love shopping, July is the ideal time to plan your trip to Rome as many of the city’s shops—from designer stores to charming independent boutiques—will be hosting their summer sales.

August is the perfect time for day trips and late-night meals

Rome in August is, to be blunt, hot, sunny, and humid. If you love being outside, exploring with non-stop sunlight on your face, the final weeks of summer will be the perfect time to schedule your Roman holiday—whether you’re on our best-selling London, Paris & Rome tour or our Grand Tour of Italy.

In August, may we suggest a day trip? There are countless bucket-list destinations that are quick-and-easy trips from the Italian capital. And because you’re leaving the big city, it might pay to learn several Italian phrases; you never know when they’ll come in handy. And upon your return to Rome, the city will still be buzzing. Locals love a late-night dinner when the sun has set and high temperatures have dipped a bit. Joining them for a classic Italian supper is just one of the ways to experience Italy like a local.

Weather in Rome in June, July, and August:

Average temperatures are between 63 F and 89 F.

What our travelers say about summer in Rome:

“Summer is one of the best times to visit Rome because of the infectious energy,” said staff writer Chadner. “Yes, Rome’s weather can be overwhelmingly hot, but that heat inspires you to slow it down. Join the locals for an Italian aperitivo—maybe by the river, which is busy with pop-up bars and lounges during the summer.”

The best time to visit Rome’s ancient sights and whip up seasonal dishes

The weather in Rome during the fall is incredible for both indoor and outdoor exploration. It’s warm, but not excessively so. You can just as easily enjoy an afternoon in the museums as you can a day strolling around Rome’s top neighborhoods or learning about its ancient monuments. It can feel like anything is possible, and that’s why fall is one of the best times to visit Rome.

Fall is also a great season for a Roman cooking class, thanks to the bounty of seasonal ingredients like truffles and chestnuts. That’s why we offer an optional Pasta-Making Class & Dinner excursion during the Rome portion of our A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour.

Months to experience fall in Rome:

September, October, and November

Go to Rome in September for summer vibes with fewer crowds

This month can feel like the very best time to go to Rome. The weather won’t have dropped much so the city will remain sunny and warm, but you’re entering the beginning of shoulder season so while Rome will be busy, it won’t be as crowded as peak summer-travel season. Our immersive Grand Tour of Italy or the best-selling A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome tour can be especially perfect this time of year.

In fact, we love a Rome tour in September, because it can feel like the best time to do just about anything. You can visit a nearby beach town, stroll through city gardens, visit ancient sights, enjoy a day of shopping, and tuck into the best local food.

October in Rome is perfect for seeing the sights

If your ideal trip to Rome is all about discovering its history, then our Rome: The City Experience tour is made for you. Taking educational, guided tours of the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon is made much better by the season’s mild-yet-sunny weather. Plus, the deeper we get into autumn, the thinner the crowds become. For the best of both worlds (lovely weather and fewer crowds), take your Rome trip in October.

One of our favorite local events, Rome Art Week, is hosted in late October, too. Enjoy six days of public activations and exhibitions, which are held at art institutions, event spaces, and hotels, and which are all free of charge. (Ask a new friend to tag along with you during your free time on our Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers tour!)

Go to Rome in November for memorable culinary experiences

What makes November a fantastic time to visit Rome is you can expect pleasant weather and very few crowds. But because we think food is an important part of an Italy tour, when November rolls around, eating becomes an especially thrilling component of a trip to Rome, which is known for its heartier cuisine. Autumn harvest will yield some unique opportunities to sample season specialities like mushroom, pumpkin, and chestnuts. You should also try the popular street food suppli, a rice croquette that locals love to eat when the weather starts to cool.

If you’re a food lover on our brand-new Off-Season Italy: Rome, Naples & Florence tour, you won’t want to miss the Food of Rome: Walking Tour of Trastevere excursion. It’ll guide you through to the best pasta, pastries, and gelato of this historic Roman neighborhood.

Weather in Rome in September, October, and November:

Average temperatures are between 45 F and 81 F.

What our travelers say about fall in Rome:

“October was a good time of the year to travel as well—[there were] comfortable temperatures and less crowds,” said traveler Kelly after her Grand Tour of Italy. “We were blessed with sunny, warm weather the entire tour.”

Use this guide to help you decide when to travel on one of our amazing Rome tours and start planning your trip today.