It’s obvious, we love Rome. For us, there’s no bad time to explore the Eternal City. Except, maybe August; it’s so hot that you can even fry eggs on the stones!
Therefore, each season offers something unique; if you want beautiful sunny skies, you have to tackle maddening crowd, or if you want to absorb the serenity around, then expect cold frigid winds – so, the choice is yours!
When to Visit Rome: A Nifty Monthly Guide
January:
Damp and chilly, Rome in January is a different experience altogether! The trees are bare and incessant rainfall lashes the city. Nevertheless, winter in Rome is a sightseer’s dream.
Don’t Miss:
- Artichokes – A delicious complement to meat and pastas, they have our hearts! Try them in the traditional Roman and Jewish styles.
- Winter Sales – Shoppers can enjoy the retail sales on Via del Corso, or head to the magical Christmas market at Piazza Navona for festive shopping and a ride on the carousel.
February:
Rome is manageable but wet in February.
Don’t Miss:
- Fair deals on accommodation – As the holiday season has just ended, the prices for accommodation are relatively low.
- Less crowded – Wander around the streets in your most comfortable winter clothes and take in the ancient Roman sites minus the crowd!
March:
Marzo è pazzo, meaning ‘March is Crazy’, with respect to the weather. Certain days you’ll enjoy mild Spring weather, only to get suddenly caught up in a heavy torrential downpour! Bizarre, but exciting!
Don’t Miss:
- Tours of the Pantheon: If the weather is pleasant, put on a leather jacket, pick up an umbrella and hit the streets of the ancient city! Depending on when Easter falls, the Vatican and Colosseum may also attract fewer crowds.
April:
Spring in Rome is magical. Pleasant weather and stunning vistas will melt your heart. But, expect steady crowds. To avoid long queues and enjoy a hassle-free experience, opt for Vatican & Colosseum Tours.
Don’t Miss:
- Easter – It’s when pilgrims flock to the Vatican. The ancient sites will be crowded but they don’t lose an ounce of their charm and enigma.
- April 21st, the day when Rome was created. ’Tis time to cherish and celebrate!
May:
Rome is drenched in colors in May. An almost carnival-like atmosphere envelops the city.
Don’t Miss:
- The blooming pots of bougainvillea along the Spanish Steps.
- Free concert at San Giovanni.
- A lavish picnic in Circo Massimo.
- Take a walk amidst the Rome’s Rose Garden that remains open for a limited time only in the month of May.
June:
Summer in Rome is glorious. So are the June days. The city is drenched in cheerful vibes and festive feels.
Don’t Miss:
- The most popular gelaterias in Rome –The delicious gelato scene in the Italian capital continues to evolve. A word of advice: embrace the seasonal flavors but say no to outrageous colors and gargantuan mounds of gelato. That’s it!
- Exciting summer concerts.
- Celebrate the Festa di San Giovanni – the Feast of Saint John.
- Wine and dine on seasonal spreads against a stunning backdrop of fireworks and festivals.
July:
Be it Piazza hopping, church gawking or catching concerts in Teatro Marcello, Rome in July is a raft of outdoor activities. The city comes alive during this month. And yes, we do love it to the core!
Don’t Miss:
- Special Offers on Vatican Tours – Avail such guided tours in Rome and avoid the long meandering queues, because the city gets choked with tourists this month and the heat is killer!
- Spend languid evenings on beautiful rooftop bars and watch how Rome comes to life with the setting sun.
August:
Frankly, there’s not much to do in August as Romans close-up shop to take their yearly holiday this month. Also, Rome in August feels like roasting in a furnace, no exaggeration. Still, if you want to come, we recommend the first 2 weeks of August. That’s bearable.
September:
After August, September in Rome can be of respite, as the evening temperature drops a little. Though it’s still warm, the travelers start pouring back in.
Don’t Miss:
- Museums offering new shows, post-summer.
October
Probably one of the best months to visit Rome! With warm days and pleasant nights, October is simply breathtaking in Rome.
Don’t Miss:
- Take a stroll across the Borghese Park or through the Appian Way; it will help you appreciate the fall colors.
- Soak in the gorgeous sunshine falling upon Rome’s Orange Garden; it’s a pure delight.
November:
Generally associated with heavy downpours, November is the month when winter starts to set in. The searing sun-burnt feeling from orange-hued buildings is replaced by cold and damp air biting the lungs.
Don’t Miss:
- Feel the balmy winter sun shining upon you, while sipping glasses of fine wine and relishing the mesmerizing views of the Eternal City.
December:
The month of festivities is here! The lack of crowds and a cooler climate scores extra brownie points. And also, in winter, Rome resembles a wonderland.
The Baroque architecture around the city when kissed by winter sunshine looks spectacular!
Don’t Miss:
- Christmas décor and lights makes Rome look magical!
- Take a walk-through Piazza Navona; it’s a Christmas wonderland.
- Shop the sales – Shopping in Rome is a hit in winter. While the prices dip lower, the volumes of sales swells up.
- Head to Piazza del Popolo and catch the biggest party of the season. It’s here that a smashing New Year Eve’s party takes place, complete with dancing, music and fireworks.
So, have you picked the best month for your visit to Rome?!
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