Rome Weather

January

Although most people imagine ancient Romans in togas and sandals, the Eternal City does get chilly enough for a scarf and jacket in the winter months. Temperatures can drop below 7° Celsius, but it often seems colder than it actually is because of the rain. December and January are traditionally the wettest months in the Italian capital. January kicks off with quite an impressive sight: the New Year's Day procession along the catacombs, lit up by a sea of candles. And candlelight isn't the only thing brightening up the month – despite the cool and at times damp weather, Roman winters are blessed with plenty of sunshine. 

February

February is a month when low temperatures and holiday fatigue keep most visitors away. The city takes on a very authentic and local feel, but you should be aware that some hotels close for a month or two between November and February (excluding the Christmas season) and historic attractions are sometimes closed for renovations during this time. Before booking that low-fare ticket, check out what's going on in the city to avoid any nasty surprises upon arrival!

March

In March temperatures hover around 10° Celsius and spring dresses Rome's many beautiful parks in lush green and bright flora. This is a great month to visit the city since the weather is cool enough to make even the most physically demanding archaeological treks enjoyable and sweat-free. The days tend to be sunny, but scattered spring showers are not unusual. The weeks prior to the Easter holiday onslaught also come with the added benefit of fewer crowds and less time spent in endless queues. Rome celebrates the advent of spring with an annual bash that covers the Spanish Steps in pink azaleas. Anyone still caught up in their winter slumber will definitely awaken at the sight of this glorious floral extravaganza.

April

Spring is a wonderful time in the Eternal City as the local population reawakens to its world-famous street life and everything takes on the electrifying buzz of the season to come. April 21st also happens to be Rome's birthday, which is celebrated with concerts, cultural activities and lots of fireworks. Easter traditionally falls on either a March or April date, attracting Catholics and non-religious visitors alike who want to experience the world's grandest Easter celebration, complete with processions and the by now classic papal blessing on Easter Sunday. With so many celebrations going on, the weather usually chooses to play along, contributing longer days, less rain and rising temperatures.

May

As the days get longer and the spring season gathers steam, the number of fun things to do in Rome increases exponentially. The weather is pleasant, warm and dry – perfect for long walks through the old city centre or riding a classic motorino through the cobblestone streets. The city plans festival after festival, taking full advantage of the season and great weather. The temperatures are still measured enough to explore the archaeological treasures of the ancient empire without any danger of heatstroke. And although you might want to keep a light sweater handy in the evenings, there is something in the air that already augurs the advent of summer. 

June

June is wonderfully warm with temperatures at an average of 21° Celsius. During the warmest part of the day, you can relax in a park and enjoy a picnic in the shade. This is a month when life is truly lived outdoors. During the day the warm, golden summer light gives the ruins an exceptional presence. The balmy nights are an open invitation to linger on terraces, sipping cappuccinos on Piazza Navona or drinking Italian wine in a quaint, cobblestone square in Trastevere. In fact, the atmosphere is so relaxed that many forego the terraces all together and simply opt for the square, giving the neighbourhood the feel of one big, high-spirited party.

July

Summer reaches its peak between July and August, the temperatures climb and the daytime hours are best spent next to a lake in one of Rome's many parks. Make sure to pack a hat and a pair of sunglasses, because the days are just as bright as they are hot. Summer evenings and nights are warm and probably the most pleasant time of day to explore the city, although the coolness of Saint Peter's Basilica does offer a welcome relief from the daytime heat. The city organises a wide variety of cultural activities throughout the summer, including outdoor movies and operas staged at the Termes di Caracalla. Unfortunately the baths were drained a long time ago so you'll have to make do with a fan and a deliciously cold gelato in battling the heat.

August

In most European countries, August is when people traditionally go on holiday. In the Mediterranean this means heading out to the beach. And that's what most Romans do too, leaving their usually lively city something close to a ghost town. In some neighbourhoods almost every business has its shutters drawn, a handwritten sign announcing that the owners and staff are on holiday somewhere else, preferably cooler. This means that the city is largely left to the tourists and loses much of its local flavour. Despite the fact that much of the Roman police force might be on holiday, resist the temptation of cooling off with a bath in one of the many historic fountains. A classic summer downpour is not unusual and offers welcome relief from the heat.

September

Temperatures sink to a more pleasant level, the local population returns from their summer holidays and life once again picks up in the streets. This is a lovely month to visit the city; in terms of temperature it is similar to June, but there is a higher chance of rain. The milder weather is ideal for sight-seeing, shopping and hanging out on café terraces. The daytime hours can once again be spent out and about rather than seeking refuge from the mind-numbing heat. Many of the summer festivals that begin in June and July continue throughout September, giving you the chance to enjoy both the weather and the many cultural events Rome has to offer.

October

This month ushers in the fall, and temperatures drop to an average of 16° Celsius. Autumn is a wonderful time in Rome as the crowds thin out, the leaves turn in the parks and the summer haze lifts. Physical activities like walking around the city or visiting the many sites once again becomes enjoyable. This is also the ideal month to hang out in Trastevere, site of the Ottobratta Romana, which fills the neighbourhood with lots of interesting cultural events and activities. There is a good chance of rain during this month, so make sure to pack an umbrella.

November

The pace of the city begins to slow down in November. Life moves indoors, some hotels close for a month or two and certain attractions undergo renovations. The weather tends to get wetter during the winter, especially during October, November and December, but as the saying goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad attire. Remember your umbrella and raincoat, and you should be ready for any Roman rainstorm that might come your way.

December

Rome might never get properly wintry – in fact, temperatures usually hover around 9° Celsius – but that doesn't mean that the city doesn't get into the Christmas spirit. Given its Catholic background and being home to the tiny Vatican state, Rome has plenty of religious festivities during this time of the year. Traditional markets selling seasonal goods pop up throughout the city, which sports a fancy and appropriately festive look. Early December is when the Settimani dei Beni Culturali is held – something worth jotting down, since during this week admission to all state-run museums and archaeological sites is free. It is the perfect little gift from the Eternal City to its many fans. The rains might make the city seem colder than it actually is, but compared to winters elsewhere, Rome is a good place to escape the endless grey skies and snowdrifts of its northern neighbours.