With its matchless historical wealth, Rome is Europe’s third-most visited city. The city of Rome pulls tourists from all across the globe who are highly eager to explore Rome’s magnificent archaeological sites and monuments, not to mention its lively ambiance and palate-pampering foods.
Due to these factors and its fantastic Mediterranean weather all through the year, Rome happens to be one of the most famed destinations to go on holiday, but there’s a question every tourist would ask; i.e., when is the best time to visit Rome? In this article, you’ll get an answer to this question. So, read on:
How To Decide On Which Is The Best Time To Visit Rome?
The best time to visit Rome is determined by the weather of Rome, the hotel rates, and the overcrowding of the city. Tourists worldwide look for the best-traveling weather, affordable hotel rates, and traveling periods with fewer crowds so that the city can be peacefully explored.
Rome Weather
Before going into the details of the ‘best time to visit Rome,’ you must first know about the weather in Rome.
Summers in Rome
The summers in Rome start in June and end in August. However, sometimes the summers may linger till mid-September. The summers are hot, humid, dry, short, and devoid of rain. June marks the summer season’s beginning, while the middle of September marks the closure. During the beginning and end of the summer, the temperatures could still be moderate, but the months of July and August in Rome are pretty hot and muggy, with average temperatures hovering around 45° C.
Who Can Travel?
- People who can tolerate heat, sun, and crowds
- People who are fond of outdoor summertime activities like paragliding, rafting, horse excursion, and boat excursion
- People who are fond of beach outings
- People who do not mind high hotel rates
Travel Tips for Summertime Traveling
- If you wish to explore the city in summer, set out in the early morning hours when the weather is still cool and comfortable, and the daylight is intense.
- If you cannot wake up early in the morning and cannot also tolerate the intense daytime heat, you may consider sightseeing at night when the weather is warm and balmy sans the sun’s heat.
- If you want to bypass the sweltering humidity and enjoy the warm, bright summer weather, consider traveling to Rome during the pre-summer phase, i.e., the last weeks of May. Even around the middle of September weather isn’t that sultry? So, you’ll enjoy traveling.
- Book hotels well in advance; this is the peak season, and you may not get rooms.
Winters in Rome
Winters start around the last week of November and end around the first week of March. The winters are rainy and chilly, but no snowing occurs. Those who have no issue tolerating the weather can visit Rome during winter. The coldest period extends from the middle of December to the middle of February. The average temperature may be around 13 °C. As the tourist footfall during this season is significantly low, you may have to explore the city alone. If you are comfortable with chilly winds, isolated corners, and deserted streets, holidaying in Rome in the winter could be a good idea.
Who Can Travel?
- People who love the cold weather but do not enjoy snowfall
- People who are looking for a budget-travel experience
- People who hate crowds
- People who love to shop festive items (just before Christmas) at half rates and during the sale season after January.
- People who wish to indulge in the Carnival spirit and enjoy the Carnival rituals in February
Travel Tips for Winter Traveling
- Carry enough woolens as the wintry nights could be pretty cold
- Daytimes are shorter in winter. So, if you plan sightseeing at archaeological sites and open-air ruins, opt for the morning tours.
- Carry waterproof boots and jackets for a hassle-free travel experience.
Shoulder Season in Rome: The Ideal Travel Season
The first half of the shoulder season in Rome starts Mid-March and spans early May. Then again, the shoulder season’s second half begins around mid-October and closes towards the end of November. Rome witnesses two significant seasons marked with matchless natural beauty during this period. The weather is pleasant and soothing, and the tourist traffic is slightly lesser. The average temperatures during these months range from 15°C to 27°C. All these factors contribute to a better travel experience during this time.
In other words, Rome’s shoulder season comprises the spring and autumn (fall) seasons.
Nature adorns itself with the vibrant colors of spring during the first half of the Shoulder season. The blooming flowers of spring, especially the pink-hued Azaleus carpeted over the robust Spanish steps, look enchanting. Furthermore, the mellow sunlight of the spring that lightens up the various landmarks of the city and the bit of snip in the surrounding air make leisure-time activities like bike rides or walking tours thoroughly enjoyable. During this time of the year, the city of Rome also celebrates two festive occasions; one is Easter, and the other one is Rome’s birthday. Both locals and tourists throng the city to indulge in the festive spirit.
The second half of the Shoulder season marks the fall or autumn. As the rising summer temperatures gradually give way to comparatively cooler temperatures, Rome greets the autumn with several cultural events showcasing the country’s art, theatre, food, and music, like The International Film Festival of Rome and the Romaeuropa Festival. The pleasant autumnal temperature and the changing hues of Nature make the season simply ideal for pleasing strolls.
Tourists eager for an unforgettable holidaying experience in Rome should plan their visit during these times of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Time To Visit Rome
Q1. How Many Days Do I Need To Explore Rome?
Ans. If you plan to visit Rome for vacation, book at least five days to explore Rome. Within five days, you’ll be able to explore the entire city.
Q2. Which Are The Five Best Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss During Your Rome Visit?
Ans. The five best attractions you shouldn’t miss during your Rome tour are:
- Colosseum: Colosseum is the classic amphitheater erected by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD. It can hold over 50,000 spectators and has over 80 gateways. It is unquestionably one of the most-visited places in Rome.
- Trevi Fountain: This famed Baroque fountain is a fantastic work of art presenting a magnificent sculptural configuration of the Sea God Neptune surrounded by two Tritons.
- The Pantheon: Pantheon is an abode of Roman Gods, constructed in 126 AD. The Pantheon has a portico with several Corinthian columns made of granite or a concrete dome with a central opening.
- Vatican City: This land-locked, ecclesiastical state is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the famous Vatican Museum. This independent city is located on Tiber’s west bank and can be reached by metro line.
- Sant Angelo Castle: This historical Castle comes with a unique rounded structure. This Castle was built to serve as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum. However, later it was used as a fortress. An entrance ticket to this Castle costs 15¢ per head.
Q3. Which Are The Five Best Things To Shop In Rome?
Ans. The five best things to shop in Rome are:
- Artisan Chocolate
- Wine
- Ceramics
- Rosary beads
- Artwork
Q4. Which Foods Are A Must-Try During Your Rome Visit?
Ans. When you are in Rome, you shouldn’t miss the following food items:
- Pizza Al Taglio
- Pasta All’ Amatriciana
- Trapizzino
- Cacio e Pepe
- Trippa Alla Romana
Q5. Which Are The Best Events In Rome You Shouldn’t Miss?
Ans. The best events in Rome you shouldn’t miss are:
- Natale Di Roma
- Ides of March
- Festival Del Verde e Del Paesaggio
- Festa Del Cinema di Roma
- Taste of Roma
Conclusion
One great thing about Rome is that the city is open for business all year round. So, any time of the year is suitable for a Rome visit. The ‘Eternal City’ is full of activity and warmth throughout the year. However, it is best to opt for the shoulder season if you have issues with too much heat, cold, or crowds. Shoulder season is appropriate, with the pleasant weather and the sightseeing tours free of never-ending queues, frustrations, and chaos.
