The best months to visit Rome are April, May, June, September and October, when average highs land in the comfortable range and sunshine is plentiful — May reaches 23.4 °C and October 22.7 °C with 11 rain days, while June brings 29.7 °C with just 5 rain days and 13.3 hours of sun a day. July and August are peak season, hottest and busiest with school-holiday crowds and highs of 33.1 °C and 32.7 °C. Winter is the quiet low season, cool and grey with average highs around 12.5 °C in January and shorter, cloudier days.
Best months AprilMayJuneSeptemberOctober
Rome month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.5 °C | 4.1 °C | 10 | 6.9 h |
| February | 14.5 °C | 5.3 °C | 8 | 8.3 h |
| March | 16.5 °C | 6.7 °C | 11 | 9.3 h |
| April | 19.7 °C | 9.2 °C | 10 | 10.8 h |
| May | 23.4 °C | 13.2 °C | 12 | 11.8 h |
| June | 29.7 °C | 18.1 °C | 5 | 13.3 h |
| July | 33.1 °C | 21 °C | 4 | 13.8 h |
| August | 32.7 °C | 21.3 °C | 5 | 12.8 h |
| September | 27.3 °C | 17.2 °C | 9 | 10.9 h |
| October | 22.7 °C | 13.4 °C | 11 | 8.9 h |
| November | 17.2 °C | 9.4 °C | 13 | 7 h |
| December | 13.6 °C | 5.5 °C | 10 | 6.7 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
Ideal for sightseeing on foot — April and May are among the best months to go.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is excellent; July and August suit heat-tolerant travellers who plan around midday.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are top choices; November tips toward the wet, cloudy shoulder.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Worth it for budget-minded travellers who want the Colosseum without the crowds.
Notable events
- March or April
- Easter and Holy Week (Papal celebrations at the Vatican)
- April
- Natale di Roma (Rome's birthday, with parades and re-enactments)
- Summer (June–September)
- Estate Romana summer arts and outdoor cinema festival
- December
- Christmas markets and Nativity displays
Frequently asked
Is Rome too hot in August?
It can be demanding — August averages a high of 32.7 °C with 12.8 hours of sun a day. Sightseeing is best early or late, with a long midday break, and many locals leave the city.
What is the rainiest month in Rome?
November is the wettest with 13 rain days, followed by May and March with 12 and 11 rain days. Summer is driest, with July seeing just 4 rain days.
Is winter worth visiting Rome?
Yes, if you want fewer crowds. January and December stay mild at 12.5 °C and 13.6 °C but are cloudier, with sunshine down to 6.9 and 6.7 hours a day — pack layers and expect the odd rainy day.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Rome area guide →
Areas of Rome
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Rome — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.