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The Eternal City. That is a second name for Rome, thanks to its historical significance as the cradle of Western civilization and Christian culture.
Through the centuries, Rome has been known as one of the most famous centers of art and culture and a seat of the Roman Catholic Church. Today it is a modern city and the capital of Italy, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
All About Rome
Rome is a city of fountains, ancient buildings, outstanding museums, and beautiful squares. It has a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters.
During the summer months, you can expect dry and sunny days with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Rainy days are often only in the fall. The temperature rarely falls below zero, even in winter, so you can explore the city all year round.
We recommend going on a historical tour through ancient Rome to visit Colosseum, the worldwide known ancient arena, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, a former roman temple known for its perfect proportion.
Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip
You will love the Sunday morning shopping experience at the Porta Portese flea market and exploring the medieval Trastevere neighborhood. You can climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica or the Gianicolo Hill for a great panoramic view of the city, or explore the Piazza Navona, the square from the 15th century with many cafes, shops, and monuments.
You can also discover the numerous gelaterias, pizzerias, and cafes in the Campo de Fiori area, sit on Spanish steps or toss a coin in the famous Trevi Fountain.
During your visit to Rome, you can also go on day trips to Naples, Florence, and Venice, as well as the beautiful Amalfi Coast and the famous ancient town of Pompeii.
In this Rome travel guide, you will find out the best time to go to Rome and when is the low season with smaller crowds, so you can avoid the long lines at city landmarks.
Spring in Rome
April is maybe the most beautiful month of the year to visit Rome. Many tourists come during Holy Week and Easter. However, in that period you can expect higher prices in hotels. The weather is typically pleasant, with temperatures going to 15-20 degrees Celsius.
Rome Marathon is another significant event that brings tourists from around the world to Rome. It is usually held at the end of March or early April. Every April 21, the locals celebrate Rome’s birthday. You can see the fights of gladiators, street parades, and fireworks over the Tiber River.
Many tourists choose early May to visit Rome, thanks to days off from work for International Worker’s Day. The average temperature is around 20-25 degrees Celsius, so the weather is enjoyable for sightseeing the squares and city attractions. Rome is lovely in May, thanks to many flower arrangements on terraces and greenery in parks.
You can visit the Open House Roma, the annual event celebrating architecture and design. Roma Outdoor Festival brings many musical and art events to the Eternal City.
Night of Museums is another interesting event that celebrates cultural and historical heritage. The museums will stay open until 2 AM, with many free performances.
In May, Rome also hosts the Italian Open, one of the significant tennis tournaments in the world.
Summer in Italy
In June, the days become warmer. The temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius. There are more tourists in the city, thanks to the Republic Day Festival and Festa di San Giovanni.
Summer months are the peak tourist season in Rome, so accommodation prices are growing. If you plan a visit to Rome in the high season, we recommend booking a few months earlier to save some money.
July and August are the hottest months in Rome, with average temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. That is the perfect time for eating gelato, probably the best ice cream in the world. The nights are warm, so it’s ideal for enjoying a dinner in the garden of some nice restaurant while sipping quality Italian wine.
The National Feast Ferragosto is held on August 15, when many Romans go on vacation.
In September, you can visit some exciting events such as Arts and Antique Fairs, and Sagra dell’Uva, the grape harvest festival.
Rome is just 30 kilometers away from the sea. You can go on a day trip to nearby long sandy beaches, like Fregene, Ostia, Sabaudia and Torvajanica beach. They are equipped with sunbaths, showers, bars, and other beach facilities.
You will experience 10 or 11 hours of sunshine every day during the summer. So, don’t forget to drink enough water to stay hydrated, bring sunglasses and put on a lot of SPF. Moving through crowds in high temperatures is normal during the summer in Rome.
Autumn in Rome
After the summer season, many museums and galleries introduce new exhibitions. It attracts numerous art and culture fans to Rome.
The days in October are still warm. Pleasant weather offers ideal conditions for strolls, so you can enjoy exploring the city’s landmarks like Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum.
In October, Rome hosts significant events such as Roma Europa Festival with music concerts and The International Film Festival.
The weather in November can be a bit unpredictable. You can expect rainy days, the temperature starts to drop, and the days become shorter. However, you can still explore Rome before the cold season sets in.
You can attend various live music performances at the Roma Jazz Festival, which is held in early November. That is one of the most significant Jazz festivals in Europe, where the biggest stars such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and Miles Davis performed.
You can expect temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius in October and around 15 degrees Celsius in November. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket and an umbrella.
Winter in Italy
Every December, the Italian capital turns into a winter wonderland. You can admire gorgeous decorations and feel the Christmas spirit at every corner.
Piazza Navona hosts the Christmas Market, and Piazza del Popolo is the central place for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with live music and fireworks. There are also many stands with street food and Italian wines.
Rome also hosts Christmas cribs and Nativity scenes. The most famous crib in Rome is built every year in St. Peter’s Square.
The average temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Winter months are ideal for visiting museums, galleries, and cathedrals such as Galleria Borghese, Capitoline Museums, the Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel.
January, the coldest month in Rome, offers The Feast of the Epiphany holiday with many festivities and parades, as well as winter sales with big discounts of up to 60-70%. So if you love shopping, January is the best time of the year to visit Rome.
February is still cold, but with fewer crowds, so you can visit all of Rome’s landmarks if you don’t mind the cold. In the first half of March, the weather can be wintery cold and rainy. But, by the end of the month, warmer spring days can be expected. March is still the low season, and crowds are possible only if Easter falls in March.
Author Bio: Based in Serbia in Europe, Marija Stojanovic Petkovski worked as a journalist but realized writing about the most beautiful places in the world is something that inspires her. She is sure that a pint of good craft beer perfectly accompanies a tasty home-made lasagne. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her children and spending time outdoors with her family.
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