The Best Time to Visit Rome
Deciding whether to vacation in Rome is not a difficult decision to make but deciding when to visit may take a minute. No matter what season you choose you will never be disappointed. Each season comes with its pros and cons and everyone wants a different experience, so we’ve given a few reasons why to visit Rome during each season!
Altar della Patria
Altar della Patria
Altar della Patria is a monument dedicated to Emmanuel Victor the first king of unified Italy. Entrance is free and there’s a beautiful view of the city of Rome, this a great place to visit during any season!
I. The High Season
Photo Credit: Instagram User Liliya_m_20.09
The summer season is when the streets of Rome are filled with visitors. Starting in May and continuing until August is the time of year many people plan their vacations around. This time of year in Italy is hot with temperatures that range from 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s hard to find a day where the sun is not shining. You may find yourself waiting in long lines in this intense heat to see Rome’s most impressive sights, so be sure to stay hydrated!
Although the city can be packed at this time, the high season presents endless opportunities for those wanting to truly experience Rome. Those who do not want wait in the endless lines of tourists can purchase a Roma Pass, this will allow you to skip the queue. Since it rarely rains in this season you will be able to accomplish all you want to get done without having to worry about the weather. If the sun gets to be too much, take a day trip to Rome’s coast and spend a day or a couple of hours in one of the city’s museums. The possibilities are endless in the summer.
Trevi Fountain
One of Rome’s top sights is the Trevi Fountain. It can be crowded during this season but don’t worry, if you wait a few minutes you can make your way through the crowd to get an amazing picture!
As the days come to an end, enjoy Rome’s nightlife. The summer brings upon the opening of many rooftop restaurants and bars with beautiful views. Although the days are scorching the nights offer a comfortable temperature to explore Rome’s nightlife. Take the night to see some of the public monuments like the Trevi Fountain or explore the neighborhoods of Rome. Trastevere has amazing nightlife, where you can grab a drink at one of the many bars and experience the Italian culture!
Note: August 15th marks the start of an Italian holiday, Ferragosto. This is the time of year where many Italians hang up their working boots and go off on their own vacations. You may find shops having altered hours, making it difficult for you to accomplish all your Roman adventures. If you plan on spending a lot of time at the beach, then Rome in mid-August may be the time for you. With these wonky shop hours, you may be able to score a good price on a hotel!
II. The Shoulder Season
Photo Credit: Instagram User Dontyna
As the seasons change from winter to spring or summer to fall you can find a happy medium. From mid-March to early May experience spring come alive while things are blooming, or from September to October experience Rome in the fall with all the changing colors. These months can be a good time to travel for those on a budget without sacrificing comfort and convenience! You will find that the lines will be shorter to all the main attractions, making viewing theses sights less chaotic. The weather in the shoulder season can be unpredictable with comfortable sunny days mixed in with some rainy ones, but don’t let that stop you. In Rome the activities are endless and no matter the weather you should be able to find something to do!
Note: Easter is a big holiday within Rome, with a lot of people from all over the world flocking towards the Vatican. The week of Easter hotel prices may be at a high, along with guided tours and big attractions. The lines for the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are going to be long, and many people may be trying to catch a service given by the Pope himself. If this is a time that interests it’s important to keep in mind that booking your trip a little farther in advance can help avoid price surges!
III. The Low Season
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The winter time brings a sense a calmness. November to mid-December and mid-January to March is a great time to get cheap airfare. Although it may be cold in Rome it rarely dips below freezing the only thing you may need to worry about is the rain. As long as you are okay with the rain and you layer up you should the low season may be a great time for you to visit. What you save in expenses may be compromising in convenience because, although tour companies and major attraction offer lower rates they may have limited hours. This time is a great time to visit Rome and check off some of their spectacular museums you’ve been dying to see.
Photo Credit: Instagram User Francie_Bee
Note: Christmas time and New Years can be a busy time in Rome, there is an obvious spike in tourism. Like Easter, you can see a lot of religious people trying to visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica, along with that many visitors are trying to catch a viewing of the Pope. If you’re hoping to visit at these times expect longer lines but do not let that deter you. You may not find the discounts that would be available during the low season but the hours will be more regular, and being in Rome during the Christmas holiday is magical.
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Vatican Early Access Before the Crowds Tour
Enter 1HR Before the General PublicSee the Sistine Chapel before its doors open to the general public with the best of the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Skip-the-line Vatican Small Group Tour
with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter'sExplore the highlights of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica in a small group of no more than 12 people.
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Gladiator’s Gate Colosseum Tour
with Forum and Palatine HillStep onto center stage at the world’s most notorious amphitheater followed by a full tour of the Forum & Palatine Hill.
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Authentic Tastes of Rome Food Tour
Street Food, Wine & Pasta DinnerEnjoy scrumptious samples of typical Roman food served with a side of cultural insights by a local insider on this all-inclusive tour.
