Planning a journey to a new place is exciting, but choosing the right time to go can be tricky. One of the most common questions we get is, “What will the weather be like?”
And in these times of climate change, it’s a tough question to answer!
Rome’s weather has become unpredictable in recent years. We’ve seen scorching summers with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) – unheard of! And, believe it or not, snow has fallen in winter – something that was unimaginable before.
When is the Best Time to Visit Rome?
You might be wondering, “When is the best time to be in Rome?”
The good news is that there’s no bad time to visit! We’ve been there in every season, and each has its own charm. The key is to consider what suits your family best.
If you enjoy hot weather, the sweltering summer months in Rome might be perfect for you. But if you’re not a fan of extremes, you might want to choose a different time of year. And do you prefer to see Rome under grey skies and rain, or would you rather pick a relatively dry season?
To help you decide, take a look at this chart, which gives a quick overview of the expected temperatures throughout the year. Remember, though, that weather is unpredictable, so don’t rely on it completely!
Rome’s Weather Throughout the Year
Generally speaking, winters in Rome are mild. However, there have been some surprises in recent years. For example, snow fell in Rome for the first time in over twenty years! Although it doesn’t usually accumulate much, even a light dusting can cause chaos.
Spring and fall in Rome are delightful. The warm weather lingers longer than in other parts of Italy. You can often enjoy pleasant temperatures from April until October. It might not be beach weather, but it’s perfect for sitting outside and enjoying a meal.
Summers in Rome can be scorching hot. Many locals take advantage of the break from the heat and leave the city in August, returning in September.
Rainy Days in Rome
Don’t be surprised if you encounter rain in the Eternal City! While Rome is generally warm, it can also be quite wet at times.
During the winter, rains tend to be heavy and long-lasting, while summers bring more sudden, stormy downpours. These squalls can be intense but usually don’t last long.
It’s always a good idea to pack a small umbrella – just in case.
Forecasting the Weather in Rome
Just like everywhere else, weather forecasts in Italy can be unreliable. Sometimes they’re accurate, but other times, they miss the mark.
We’ve found Meteo.it to be a reliable source for weather forecasts. So, if you’re heading to Rome in the near future, check out their website.
The video forecast is in Italian, but you can still understand it by looking at the icons on the map. And if you’re learning Italian, watching the forecast is great practice!
If you’re planning further ahead, click on “Prossimi giorni” (next days) to see the weather forecast for the next 14 days. It will open in a new tab. Keep in mind that this long-range forecast is less accurate than the 7-day forecast, but it can still give you an idea of the temperatures and whether you need to pack sunscreen, an umbrella, or a warm jacket.
Next Steps
If you’re still in the planning stages, explore the links below for more detailed information about each season in Rome. This will help you narrow down your possible travel dates.
If you’ve already booked your trip, these pages will provide information about the type of weather you can expect during your visit. This will help you decide what clothes to pack and plan activities accordingly.
Enjoy your trip to Rome!
