Worst Time to Visit Rome, Italy – Avoid These Months!

The eternal city of Rome is visited by millions of tourists every year. It is no wonder that many people want to visit Rome due to the city’s impressive history, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering food. You should think about the best time to visit the city before you buy plane tickets and start packing. While Rome is lovely at any time of year, certain months are better than others due to the heat and people.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned tourist, you will have a better experience in Rome if you know how to avoid the city’s busiest and most miserable months, and this guide does exactly that and has got you covered to avoid the worst months and the worst time to visit Rome!

Also, check out Our 7 Recommendations of the Top Cities to Live in Italy

The Worst Time to Visit Rome, Italy

As temperatures rise and the number of visitors increases, June through August is often regarded as the worst time to visit Rome, Italy. During those months, temperatures often exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, making it unpleasant for tourists to stroll around the streets of Rome. Additionally, it is practically difficult to visit locations in the summer because of the large lineups that grow fast.

In the summer months, Rome reaches scorching highs of over 84.7 °F (29.3°C) to 86°F (30°C) on average. It may be even more unpleasant because of the city’s excessive humidity and the widespread lack of shade. Many inhabitants leave the city in search of cooler weather during the warmest months, making the streets and sights even more packed with visitors.

Buses and trains are especially susceptible to delays caused by the enormous volume of passengers and the scorching temperatures during peak season.

How Does the Weather Affect Rome’s Sightseeing and Events?

Visitors should take the weather into account while making plans for their time in Rome since it may have a significant influence on the city’s attractions and activities. Rome is always beautiful but different seasons and climates lend themselves to different experiences. This section will discuss how the climate might affect your visit to Rome. Some of Rome’s sights and activities can be canceled due to bad weather if:

Summer’s scorching temperatures may make any outdoor activity or sightseeing unpleasant or even deadly. Outdoor activities should be scheduled for the early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is often cooler, or interior activities should be prioritized during the warmest sections of the day.
Sometimes Rome’s rain level becomes problematic. In the event of rain, tourists are advised to plan inside excursions or activities. The average annual rainfall in Rome is around 800 millimeters (31 inches).

Even while Rome has moderate winters, can be frigid at times. Travelers should bundle up during the day’s chilliest hours and consider staying inside.
If it snows, guests should bundle up since the ground will be slick.
Rome’s weather has a major influence on the city’s natural scenery, which includes things like when the flowers bloom and the leaves change color.

The city’s natural beauty is best appreciated during certain seasons like Spring, so anyone planning a trip there should keep that in mind.

The weather may have a significant influence on a tourist’s time in Rome, particularly when planning outdoor excursions. Visitors may take in everything that this ancient and thriving city has to offer by keeping the weather in mind and preparing properly.

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Most Expensive Time to Visit Rome

The high season in Italy occurs throughout the summer months (June–August). Italy’s towns and popular tourist destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre tend to be quite crowded and pricey during the summer months of July and August (and even into the first two weeks of September).

During the summer, when travelers from all over the globe flock to Rome, the city’s already exorbitant prices go through the roof. Traveling during this season will cost you more than usual, from airfare and accommodations to meals and admission fees to tourist hotspots, so it is best to prepare ahead of time if at all feasible or stick to a tight budget.

Average cost of overnight accommodation in Rome, Italy — The average cost of overnight accommodation in Rome, Italy

The average cost of a week-long trip to Rome is $1,184 per traveler. Thus, a weeklong vacation to Rome for two individuals costs around $2,367. The total cost of a two-week vacation in Rome for two individuals is $4,734.

Since child fares and hotel accommodations are often less expensive for larger groups, families may sometimes save money by taking a trip together. Spending less each day is inevitable if you travel more slowly yet for a longer duration. Two individuals can spend a month in Rome on the equivalent of one person’s weekly budget if they decide to travel together.

Most Crowded Months to Visit Rome

June through August is Rome’s busiest tourist month because of the European summer break. Tourists from around the globe flood the city during this season, causing lines to form at popular sites and driving up costs.

It is difficult to appreciate the magnificence of many of Rome’s most renowned tourist attractions, such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain when they are overrun with visitors.

Rome Crowded, worst time to visit rome — Rome Crowded

Tours and lodgings are harder to come by at peak times. It is recommended to book in advance for popular excursions and activities to ensure your participation.

Hotels and Airbnb, in particular, might charge exorbitant rates during the high season for visitors. If you want to avoid the crowds in Rome, try these strategies:

Planning by purchasing tickets and excursions will allow you to avoid long queues and maximize your time at several of Rome’s top sites. The Coliseum is a major tourist destination, so this is extremely helpful to know.

Explore Rome’s lesser-known sights; the city is full of hidden jewels that visitors typically miss. By visiting these lesser-known sights, you may escape the throng and get a feel for the real city.
The Colosseum and Vatican City, two of Rome’s most visited landmarks, may become quite congested at certain times of the day. If you want to escape the crowds, it is best to visit these places first thing in the morning or late in the day.
If you want to escape the crowds and have a more relaxing time in Rome, consider going there in the spring or autumn, when fewer tourists are in town. Additionally, lodging and transportation costs tend to be lower in this period.

If you want to see the city’s highlights while avoiding the crowds, a guided tour is the way to go. You may save time and avoid the inconvenience of waiting in line by taking advantage of the services offered by several tour companies.

You should try to avoid visiting Rome during June through August (these months are considered the worst time to go to Rome) since this is the city’s busiest tourist season and also the most expensive.

You may avoid the crowds and save money by planning your vacation during the shoulder seasons, outside of the peak summer and winter seasons.

When is the Worst Time to Visit Rome: According to Hopdes Team

Sara Anwar, the board member of Hopdes, said that “During the summer months, Rome becomes very busy and pricey. A lasagna that was marked as made from frozen cost you 14 euros. A cup of coffee costs 5 euros. Bathroom use costs you 1 euro. The gridlock was unbearable. Park restrooms were closed. I will never visit Rome in summer again”.

Umar Ali visited Rome several times. He shared his experience by saying that “Although Rome is lovely at any time of year, I always prefer to visit Rome during spring or winter seasons. There are several advantages to traveling in the winter, including cheaper pricing and fewer tourists”.

Best Time to Visit Rome: Month-by-Month Analysis

If you are planning a trip to Rome anytime soon, use this month-by-month analysis to plan out your trip!

January

Temperatures: Average high of 12°C (54°F) and average low of 3°C (37°F).
Weather: Cool and occasionally rainy, with some sunny days.

Activities: Visit indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and historical sites. Enjoy winter sales and shopping in the city.
Special Events: New Year’s Day celebrations, Epiphany processions, and Rome Jazz Festival.
Crowd Level: Relatively low, except for the New Year period.

February

Temperatures: Average high of 14°C (57°F) and average low of 4°C (39°F).
Weather: Cool with occasional rain, but increasingly milder towards the end of the month.
Activities: Explore ancient Roman ruins, visit Vatican City, and enjoy traditional Italian cuisine.

Special Events: Carnival festivities, including parades and masked balls.
Crowd Level: Moderate, but tends to be quieter compared to peak tourist seasons.

March

Temperatures: Average high of 16°C (61°F) and average low of 6°C (43°F).

Weather: Transitioning into spring, with mild temperatures and occasional showers.
Activities: Sightseeing at popular landmarks, and wandering through beautiful parks and gardens.
Special Events: Rome Marathon, International Women’s Day celebrations.

Crowd Level: Increasingly busier as spring arrives, but still less crowded than in summer months.

April

Temperatures: Average high of 19°C (66°F) and average low of 8°C (46°F).
Weather: Pleasant spring weather with mild temperatures and occasional rain.

Activities: Visit Vatican museums, explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and enjoy outdoor dining.
Special Events: Easter celebrations, including the Pope’s Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square.
Crowd Level: Moderate to high, especially during Easter week.

May

Temperatures: Average high of 23°C (73°F) and average low of 12°C (54°F).
Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional showers.
Activities: Explore the historical center, visit art galleries, and enjoy alfresco dining.

Special Events: International Workers’ Day celebrations, Open House Rome (architectural event).
Crowd Level: Moderate to high, especially during the second half of the month.

June

Temperatures: Average high of 27°C (81°F) and average low of 16°C (61°F).

Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional heatwaves, and some rain showers.
Activities: Visit the Vatican Museums, enjoy gelato in Trastevere, and explore Villa Borghese.
Special Events: Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Festa della Repubblica (Italian National Day).

Crowd Level: High, as summer tourism picks up.

July (The worst time to go to Rome)

Temperatures: Average high of 30°C (86°F) and average low of 19°C (66°F).
Weather: Hot and sunny, occasional heatwaves, with low chances of rain.

Activities: Visit the Sistine Chapel, explore the Catacombs of Rome, and enjoy outdoor concerts.
Special Events: Estate Romana (summer events across the city).
Crowd Level: Very high, as tourists flock to Rome for summer vacations.

August

Temperatures: Average high of 30°C (86°F) and average low of 20°C (68°F).
Weather: Hot and sunny, occasional heatwaves, with low chances of rain.
Activities: Explore the Roman Forum, visit the Pantheon, and enjoy gelato in Piazza Navona.

Special Events: Ferragosto (Assumption of Mary), Summer Sales in shops.
Crowd Level: High, with many locals on vacation, but slightly lower than in July due to the Italian holidays.

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September

Temperatures: Average high of 26°C (79°F) and average low of 16°C (61°F).
Weather: Warm and pleasant, with fewer crowds and occasional rain showers.
Activities: Visit the Trevi Fountain, explore the Borghese Gallery, and take food tours.

Special Events: Rome Film Festival, Sagra dell’Uva (grape festival) in Frascati (near Rome).
Crowd Level: Moderate, with a decrease in tourist numbers compared to the summer months.

October

Temperatures: Average high of 21°C (70°F) and average low of 11°C (52°F).

Weather: Mild and comfortable, with occasional rain showers.
Activities: Explore the Vatican Gardens, visit the Capitoline Museums, and enjoy autumnal foliage.
Special Events: Rome Marathon, Rome Jazz Festival.

Crowd Level: Moderate, with fewer tourists compared to the summer season.

November

Temperatures: Average high of 16°C (61°F) and average low of 7°C (45°F).
Weather: Cool and occasionally rainy, with fewer hours of daylight.

Activities: Visit the National Museum of Rome, explore Trastevere’s narrow streets, and try seasonal Italian cuisine.
Special Events: All Saints’ Day celebrations, Rome International Film Festival.
Crowd Level: Moderate to low, with fewer tourists compared to peak months.

December

Temperatures: Average high of 13°C (55°F) and average low of 4°C (39°F).
Weather: Cool and occasionally rainy, with festive decorations and Christmas markets.
Activities: Explore the Christmas markets, visit the Vatican’s Christmas display, and enjoy traditional Italian holiday treats.

Special Events: Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations, Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Crowd Level: Moderate, with increased tourists during the Christmas season.

Check out the “When to Visit” guides for other destinations!

Conclusion

Rome is a fantastic place to visit for many reasons. However, avoid going during the hot summer months as it is considered the worst time to visit Rome plus it also might seem like an overcrowded nightmare due to the oppressive heat and humidity and the swarms of travelers competing for a few tourist attractions.

Avoiding these months is a must to have a relaxing and enjoyable time in Rome.

Worst Time to Visit Rome - FAQs

What is the worst time of year to visit Rome?

The worst time to visit Rome is typically during the summer months of July and August. These months are characterized by scorching heat, high humidity levels, and large crowds of tourists. The city can feel overcrowded, making it challenging to enjoy popular attractions and experience the true essence of Rome.

Are there any specific events or holidays that should be avoided?

It’s advisable to avoid visiting Rome during Easter week, as it is an extremely busy period for tourism and local celebrations. Additionally, major Italian holidays like Ferragosto (August 15th) can result in many locals leaving the city, closing some businesses and attractions, or operating with limited services.

Is there a particular time of day to avoid visiting popular landmarks?

During the peak tourist season, it’s best to avoid visiting popular landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain, during midday hours. The heat is most intense at this time, and the crowds can be overwhelming. It’s advisable to visit these attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid long queues and enjoy a more pleasant experience.

What are the drawbacks of visiting Rome during the worst time?

Visiting Rome during the worst time, such as summer, can be uncomfortable due to the high temperatures, which often exceed 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The city can be overcrowded, resulting in long queues, difficulty finding accommodation, and higher prices for flights and hotels. Additionally, many locals take their annual vacations during this time, leading to some shops and restaurants being closed.

Are there any alternative times to visit Rome?

If you wish to avoid the worst time to visit Rome, consider planning your trip during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). These periods offer milder weather, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to explore the city without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, visiting Rome during the winter months can be a more peaceful experience, although some attractions may have shorter opening hours.