WHICH SEASON IS IDEAL FOR A TRIP TO ROME?
Western Europe is typically at the forefront of American minds when planning a trip to Europe. We’ve discovered that trips to Eastern Europe often surpass the rewards of their Western counterparts.
Countries like Poland are ideal, as they attract fewer tourists but still impress with their grand past and architecture. Poland was the destination of our first international vacation as a father and boy.
When my son, then a teenager, and I were deciding where to go on a father-son trip, Poland came up a lot because it was once believed to be one of the wealthiest and mightiest countries in the world. And the nation’s capital is a fine spot to begin.
ALL ABOUT ROME
Fountains, ancient architecture, world-class institutions, and stunning public spaces abound in Rome. It enjoys the moderate winters and hot summers typical of the Mediterranean region.
In the summer, the weather is typically dry and bright, with highs in the 30s. Most of the year’s rainy days occur in the autumn. You can visit the city at any time of the year, as the weather rarely drops below freezing even in the winter.
The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, a former Roman temple renowned for its perfect proportion, are all must-sees on any journey of ancient Rome.
Visit the Porta Portese street market every Sunday morning and spend some time in the historic district of Trastevere. You can get a fantastic overview of Rome from the summit of St. Peter’s Basilica or Gianicolo Hill, or you can wander around the Piazza Navona, a 15th-century square filled with shops, restaurants, and monuments.
Besides sitting on the Spanish Steps and tossing a coin into the world-famous Trevi Fountain, you can explore the area’s many gelaterias, pizzerias, and cafés.
Day trips from Rome will take you to the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, the historic town of Pompeii, and the cities of Naples and Florence.
If you read this Rome travel guide, you’ll know exactly when to visit so that you can escape the crowds at the city’s most popular attractions and make the most of your time there.
SPRING IN ROME
If you’re planning a trip to Rome, you might want to consider going in April. During Easter and Holy Week, the city is bustling with visitors. However, hotel rates will be greater during that time. Temperatures in the 15 to 20 degree Celsius range are normal.
The Rome Marathon is another major event that attracts visitors from all over the globe to the Italian capital. Typically, it takes place at the close of March or the beginning of April. Rome’s birthdate is celebrated on April 21 every year. Over the Tiber River, you can watch gladiator battles, street parades, and pyrotechnics.
Since many people have the first week of May off for International Worker’s Day, it is a popular time for vacationers to explore Rome. The pleasant average temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius makes exploring the city’s many parks and museums a pleasure. May is a beautiful month in Rome because of all the blooming flowers and lush foliage in the city’s parks and gardens.
Open House Roma is a yearly event that showcases architectural and design achievements, and you can attend it. The Eternal City hosts a plethora of musical and artistic performances thanks to the Roma Outdoor Festival.
The Night of the Museums is another exciting festival that honors the past. There will be free shows all night long at the museums, which will be open until 2 a.m.
An important tennis event, the Italian Open, is held in Rome every May.
SUMMER IN ITALY
The temperatures start to rise in June. The average weather is about 25 °C. Because of the Republic Day Festival and the Festa di San Giovanni, the city is seeing a rise in visitors.
Since the summer is Rome’s busiest tourism season, lodging costs are rising. Booking ahead of time can save you money if you want to explore Rome during the busy tourist season.
The warmest months in Rome are July and August, when highs regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius. When the weather is warm, nothing beats a bowl of sorbet. It’s the perfect time to have supper in the garden of a fine restaurant while sipping a bottle of fine Italian wine because the nights are warm.
On August 15, Romans celebrate Ferragosto, a national holiday.
The month of September hosts a number of interesting events, including the Sagra dell’Uva, a celebration of the grape crop.
The distance between Rome and the ocean is only 30 kilometers. Day trips to the neighboring Fregene, Ostia, Sabaudia, or Torvajanica beach are possible. In addition to the usual amenities found at beaches, these also feature sun loungers, showers, and restaurants.
During the summer, you can expect an average of 10-11 hours of daylight. Keep your body well hydrated, pack some shades, and use plenty of sunscreen. In the summer, Rome’s throngs and heat make it difficult to move around.
AUTUMN IN ROME
Many art institutions launch new shows after summer ends. Many people who appreciate the arts and culture travel to Rome specifically because of this.
Even in October, the days are mild. Because of the pleasant weather, sightseeing at the city’s famous sites like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum is a pleasure.
The month of October in Rome is packed with major events like the International Film Festival and the music-filled Roma Europa Festival.
November weather is notoriously difficult to forecast. There will be more cloudy, cooler days, and the number of daylight hours will decrease. There is still time to see Rome before the winter months arrive.
The Roma Jazz Festival is a live music event that takes place in early November. The likes of B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and Miles Davis all graced the stages of Europe’s most important jazz event.
In October, temps will hover around 20 degrees Celsius, while in November, they will hover around 15 degrees Celsius. Bring an umbrella and a light windbreaker just in case.
WINTER IN ITALY
Every year in December, Rome becomes a magical winter paradise. There are beautiful decorations everywhere, and the holiday joy is palpable.
The Christmas Market is in Piazza Navona, and the New Year’s Eve celebrations are in Piazza del Popolo, complete with live music and pyrotechnics. There are also many vendors selling Italian wines and street cuisine.
Nativity displays and Christmas cribs can also be found in Rome. Every year, in St. Peter’s Square, Rome’s most well-known cradle is constructed.
The typical daily weather is less than 10 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to explore the Galleria Borghese, Capitoline Museums, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel during the winter months.
The Epiphany Feast is celebrated in January, the coldest month in Rome, with many parades and other events, and winter sales with reductions of up to 60-70%. Therefore, January is the best month to explore Rome if you enjoy going shopping.
You can see all of Rome’s famous sights in February if you don’t mind the weather and crowds. It’s not uncommon for the first part of March to be dreary and wintry. However, by the month’s close, warmer spring days should arrive. Still considered off-season, March may see an influx of visitors if Easter is celebrated that month.
