Rome is a year round city, but the experience changes a great deal with the seasons. Spring and autumn bring warm days and golden light, summer is hot and crowded, and winter is mild, quiet and the best time for museums. Here is what to expect month by month, and the best time to visit Rome for your trip.
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The short answer
- Best overall: April, May, late September and October
- Fewest crowds: January, February and November
- Hottest: July and August
- Busiest: Easter, late spring and early autumn
- Best value: winter, outside the Christmas holidays
Rome Month by Month
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January and February | Cool, often sunny, some rain | Low, except around holidays | Museums, quiet sightseeing, lower hotel rates |
| March | Mild, changeable | Rising, busy around Easter | Sightseeing before the crowds |
| April | Warm, spring flowers | High, especially at Easter | Gardens, terraces, walking |
| May | Warm and sunny | High | The best all round month |
| June | Hot, long evenings | High | Outdoor dining, evening events |
| July | Very hot | High, with many tour groups | Early mornings, rooftop pools |
| August | Very hot, some storms | Fewer locals, some restaurants close around 15 August | Quiet streets, pool hotels |
| September | Warm, settled | High | Sightseeing, food and wine |
| October | Mild, golden light | High early, easing later | Walking, sightseeing |
| November | Cooler, the rainiest month | Low | Museums, lower hotel rates |
| December | Cool, festive | Moderate, busy around Christmas | Christmas markets and lights |
Spring: March to May
Spring is one of the best times to visit Rome. The days are warm, the terraces open and the azaleas flower on the Spanish Steps in spring. It is also very popular: Easter brings large crowds to the Vatican and the city, so book hotels and timed tickets well ahead. May is the ideal month for walking, with long days that are rarely too hot.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Rome is hot, often above 30°C in July and August, and the major sights are crowded. Sightsee early in the morning and in the evening, and spend the afternoon at your hotel pool or indoors. In August many Romans leave the city, especially around Ferragosto on 15 August, so some restaurants and shops close, but the streets feel quieter in the evenings. A hotel with a pool, such as Rome Cavalieri, makes a summer stay far more comfortable.
Autumn: September to November
September and October are many travellers’ favourite months: warm, settled weather, golden light and the start of the season for truffles, mushrooms and new wine. Crowds remain high in September and ease during October. November is the rainiest month, but it brings lower prices and quieter museums.
Winter: December to February
Winter is mild compared with northern Europe, with many sunny days and cool nights. It is the best time for museums and galleries without the queues, and hotel rates are lower outside Christmas and New Year. December brings Christmas lights along Via del Corso and the shopping streets, nativity scenes in the churches and a festive atmosphere.
The Best Time to Visit Rome by Interest
- Sightseeing and walking: April, May, late September and October
- Museums without crowds: January, February and November, see our guide to the best museums in Rome
- Food and wine: autumn, see our Rome food guide
- Golf and tennis: spring and autumn, see our guides to golf near Rome and tennis courts in Rome
- Day trips: spring and autumn, see the best day trips from Rome
Charlotte’s tip: check the religious calendar
Easter, major papal celebrations and Christmas bring huge crowds to the Vatican and push up hotel prices. If you are not travelling for these events, check the dates before booking and plan your Vatican visit around them.
Where to Stay by Season
Summer: choose a hotel with a pool or a shady garden.
Rome Cavalieri
A resort in a large park on Monte Mario, with outdoor pools and a spa, a taxi ride from the centre. Read our Rome Cavalieri review.
Best for: a summer stay with pools
Hotel de Russie
A Rocco Forte hotel near Piazza del Popolo, with a terraced secret garden that is cool and green in summer.
Best for: a garden in the city centre
Check rates at Hotel de Russie
Spring, autumn and winter: stay in the centre so you can walk everywhere.
Hotel Eden
A Dorchester Collection hotel near Via Veneto and the Villa Borghese, with a rooftop restaurant and views over Rome.
Best for: a refined base for a city break
Compare hotels in Rome
Prices change strongly with the season. Check current rates for your dates.
For the best areas, see our guide to where to stay in Rome.
FAQ
What is the best month to visit Rome?
May and October offer the best mix of warm weather and manageable crowds, with April and late September close behind.
When is Rome least crowded?
In January, February and November, outside the holidays.
Is Rome too hot in summer?
July and August are very hot. If you travel then, sightsee early and late, and choose a hotel with a pool or air conditioned rooms.
Is Rome worth visiting in winter?
Yes. The weather is mild, the museums are quieter and hotel rates are lower, except around Christmas and New Year.
