Rome, the Eternal City – there are endless reasons to visit, but when is the best time to go? Based on my experience, late October is the best time to visit Rome, thanks to the wonderful fall weather and fewer crowds.
Having visited Rome throughout all the seasons, I’m sharing a quick breakdown below of what to expect and when the best time is to plan your trip.
Best time to go to Rome: April, May, October & November
Spring and fall offer the best weather in Rome, particularly in April, May, October, and November. These months mark the city’s shoulder seasons when crowds are less dense compared to the busy summer months.
That said, Rome is never truly quiet – you’ll still encounter a lot of visitors. The shoulder seasons also seem to be shifting, as more people discover that spring and fall are great times to visit. This means you’ll still need to plan your trip well in advance, even during these times of the year.
Spring in Rome (March to May)
If you don’t mind a little rain, March is a fantastic time to visit Rome without the crowds, unless Easter falls in March. I visited toward the end of the month and, although it was cloudy and rainy most of the time, I still thoroughly enjoyed all the sights, including the Colosseum.
I simply carried an umbrella and wore a rain jacket. The best part? The city was noticeably quieter than it would be later in the season.
- Weather: Spring weather in Rome is mixed. March starts off cool, with daytime highs barely reaching the 60s°F. By May, however, the days have warmed up nicely, often hitting the mid-70s°F. March and April are the wettest months of spring, so you can expect some rain during your visit.
- Crowds: As the weather warms, crowds in Rome begin to grow, but they remain manageable throughout spring. The exception is the Easter holidays, when the city sees a surge of visitors. Tourists visiting for Easter primarily gather around religious sites like Vatican City, so it’s best to be aware of the holiday dates when planning your days.
- Festivals: Easter is one of Rome’s biggest festivals of the year, with events spanning from Ash Wednesday to Easter Monday. In 2025, Ash Wednesday falls on March 5, with Easter Monday on April 21. On Good Friday, the Pope leads a procession through the city to the Colosseum, which would be neat to experience.
- Tips: The weather this time of year is somewhat unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to pack and dress in layers. One moment you might be enjoying warm sunshine, and the next, you could be caught in a rain shower. Be sure to bring a light rain jacket and comfortable, waterproof shoes to stay prepared for whatever the weather brings..
- Personal insight: I love spring in Rome for the blossoms that fill the city—it’s such a beautiful time of year! While it’s technically shoulder season, don’t expect the city to be quiet. It’s still important to book tickets and make reservations well in advance, especially around Easter, when Rome gets particularly busy.
Summer in Rome (June to August)
- Weather: Summer in Rome is hot and humid, with July and August being the warmest months. Daytime highs often reach the high 80s°F or even into the 90s°F, while nighttime lows hover in the high 60s°F. Rain is rare during the summer, with July being the driest month of the year.
- Crowds: Summer is by far the busiest season in Rome. Tourists flood the city, and the most famous sights are packed, often shoulder to shoulder. It can be overwhelming but to ensure you have a positive experience, plan ahead.
- Tips: Book attractions in advance, like the Colosseum, Borghese Gallery, and Vatican Museums. It’s also wise to make restaurant reservations a few weeks in advance, the good ones fill up. Another tip: get out early. I like to get up before or around sunrise to see the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain without the crowds. It makes a world of a difference.
- Personal insight: One of the few perks of Rome’s summer crowds is that some sights extend their opening hours to accommodate the influx of visitors. Plus, the longer days give you even more time to explore the city.
- Festivals: Rome Summer Fest is a summer concert series that takes place through much of the summer — usually from early June through mid August. Check their website to see who is on the roster for this year. The Festa dei Noantri is a religious festival which takes place at the end of July in the Trastevere neighborhood.
Fall in Rome (September to November)
- Weather: As fall settles in, temperatures in Rome begin to drop. September can still see highs in the low 80s°F, but by November, daytime temperatures hover in the low 60s°F. Rain becomes more frequent as the season progresses, with November being the rainiest month of the year in Rome.
- Crowds: September and October remain fairly busy. The comfortable weather also make it an ideal time to visit. By November, however, the crowds start to fade, and while the weather is cooler, it really is a great month to go to Rome.
- Tips: Even though fall is considered shoulder season, it is still pretty crowded. Book tickets and reserve restaurants ahead of time.
- Festivals: Festa del Cinema di Roma — or the Rome Film Festival, takes place each year in late October. There are often screenings open to the public. Throughout November the Rome Jazz Festival takes place at different venues around the city.
- Personal Insight: Mid-October is my favorite time to visit Rome. There’s something about the city in the fall that I absolutely love. It feels cozy yet the weather is warm enough to make it feel like a proper holiday.
Winter in Rome (December to February)
- Weather: Winter is the coldest season in Rome, with December and January being the chilliest months. Highs hover around the mid-50s°F, while lows can dip into the 30s°F. Rain is also common in winter, with December being the wettest month of the season.
- Crowds: Winter is Rome’s low season — besides the period around the Christmas and New Years holidays, it is a very quiet time of year. So if you can deal with the cold this is the best time to visit to be able to see the city’s sights without the crowds.
- Festivals: The big winter holiday in Rome is Christmas. The main Christmas market takes place in Piazza Navona throughout most of December and into early January. However, there are other smaller markets as well as other festive events taking place across the city throughout the holiday season.
- Tips: Don’t underestimate the weather if you’re visiting Rome in winter. Pack plenty of warm clothes and layers. Be mindful of shortened opening hours at attractions during the off-season. Some sites may close earlier or have fewer open days, so always double-check timings before planning your visit.
- Personal insight: Because this is one of the quietest times to visit Rome, you’ll see a lot of deals at hotels. Take advantage of those off-season prices to stay at nicer properties than you might otherwise normally be able to fit in your budget. This is also just a great time to enjoy Rome at a slower pace amongst the locals.
More information for your trip to Italy
- Top 17 Museums in Rome
- Rome to Pompeii Day Trip
- Italy in April
- Italy May
- Italy in October
- Italy in November
- Italy in December
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
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