Best time to visit Rome

You want to go to Rome but can't decide when to book? Check out our handy guide to the best time to visit Rome to make sure you have the perfect time!

When is the best time to visit Rome?

This totally depends on what sort of trip you have in mind but spring and summer fit the bill in most instances.

Best time to book hotels for a trip to Rome

It’s advisable to book in advance (at least 3 months before) as hotels get booked up early for high season. You can check out the best hotels in Rome and Best family hotels in Rome to save on time finding the perfect place to stay. Key is to find a location that works for you and is connected to the main tourist attractions.

Best time for sightseeing in Rome

The best time to visit Rome and see the sights is in spring, particularly halfway through March and the month of April. Avoid busy Easter, though. In the between-seasons, spring and fall, the weather is great and, as it’s just before peak season, people haven’t arrived in droves. Don’t visit Rome in August if you can help it – the weather is sizzling and you can’t avoid the crowds, no matter how hard you try. Rain or shine, the best days of the week to see the sights is from Tuesday to Friday. Weekends are always busy and the museums are closed on Mondays. Whenever you plan on seeing the sights there is a huge amount on offer for you to experience. The top things to do in Rome include iconic landmarks and some local gems that are totally unique.

Best time to visit the Vatican

The Vatican is busy year-round, but less crowded in winter. Don’t visit on Sundays, though, as the museums are closed, with the exception of the last Sunday of each month, when they are extremely busy as entrance is free. Interestingly enough, when the Pope has an audience on Wednesdays it’s usually less crowded than usual.

Best Time for Shopping

There are plenty of bargains to be had in Rome, especially during sale time. Winter sales start around Valentine’s Day and offer bargains until all the stock is depleted. On Mondays, many shops are closed, and during August, when the locals go on holiday many of the shops close, too. You’ll find a smattering of stores open, but you won’t get great retail therapy at this time. Markets are always great places to find treasures, especially on Sundays.

Best Time for Smaller Crowds

During the winter months, particularly after the Festive Season in January and February, there are fewer tourists. But remember – holidays like Carnival, Valentine’s Day and Easter draw the crowds. No matter the time of year, the best time to visit sights is from Tuesday to Friday – avoid weekends wherever possible.

High Season (Summer: May till mid-September)

This is peak season, so you can expect to stand in long queues and wait forever to see the sights. Come prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen – and spoil yourself with a refreshing gelato or 2. Crowds peak at other times of the year, too, especially during religious holidays like Easter and Christmas, so keep this in mind when booking a vacation.

Shoulder Season (Spring: mid-March till early May & Fall: mid-October till November)

These seasons are the in-between seasons, when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are less. But, let’s be honest, Rome is busy year-round. And when the weather is still pleasant, hotel rates aren’t that cheap.

Low Season (Winter: late November till mid-December & mid-January till early March)

The only time it’s busy at this time of year is during the Festive Season. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t great – rainy and cold – most of the time, but some days the sun does peek out.