Rome Weather: When to Go and What to Pack Each Month

The weather in Rome, the Eternal City, is Mediterranean. That means you can visit the ancient monuments, squares and museums in every one of its neighborhoods at any time of year and still enjoy the city to the fullest.

Here's what Rome is like in each season.

Rome in summer

In summer, temperatures in Rome can climb a long way, sometimes beyond what's comfortable if you're not used to it. 

There's very little rain during this season, though humidity is often high. Average temperatures sit between 25º and 35º C. Pack light clothes, cool and comfortable shoes, and sun protection.

Despite the heat and the bigger crowds, summer is a good time to visit Rome. The days are longer, so you can stretch your sightseeing as far as you like.

One good way to beat the heat is to pick one of the hotels with a pool in central Rome. Imagine swimming with a view of the Colosseum!

There's no shortage of terraces where you can sit down and eat outdoors, try a cold gelato and cool off with an Italian birra.

Rome in spring and fall

The spring and fall months are the wettest, but they usually bring perfect temperatures for sightseeing around the city. Bring a raincoat or umbrella at these times of year, since sudden downpours do happen.

Fall is the ideal season to stroll through Rome's parks and enjoy its green spaces, since the heat isn't as stifling as in summer. It's the perfect moment to visit the gardens of Villa Borghese and discover their fountains, statues and hidden corners.

In spring and fall the temperature can also drop quite a bit in the late afternoon and at night, so bringing an extra layer is a smart move.

Rome in winter

In winter, the city rarely drops below 5º C. Rome sees fewer tourists in this season, so hotel prices at hotels and guided activities come down, and so do the crowds. If you want to explore Rome at a relaxed pace, even if you need a coat and the days are shorter, visiting in winter is well worth it.

The city's monuments look their best in the lovely winter light.

Another advantage of visiting Rome in winter is getting to enjoy Christmas and New Year, plus all the events the city puts on around then. Take a look at these tips for spending Christmas in Rome.