The city of Rome is enjoyable all year round from the weather perspective. The temperatures can range from 39°F (4°C) to 90°F (32°C) depending on the month, according to holiday-weather.com. August is typically the warmest month while February is the coldest month. However, even in winter, Rome’s coldest months aren’t as cold as many places in the United States, like Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, or San Francisco, and certainly much warmer than Canada.
You can expect to have generally mild winters if you’re living in Rome. Those who visit or call the city home benefit from over 100 sunny days per year. In terms of precipitation, Rome experiences moderate rain throughout much of the year, with October and November being the wettest months and July being the driest month.
Despite what some might say, the weather in Rome is wonderful most of the year, and there’s no bad time to be in this stunning city if you’re thinking about moving to Italy.
Here’s what it feels like in Rome every month of the year, so you’ll know what to expect and when and how to plan your next trip to the Italian capital:
January
- Average temperature: 46°F (8°C)
- Temperature range: 37°F (3°C) – 55°F (13°C)
- Sunshine: 4 hours
Rome is a bustling, vibrant city even in the winter months. And while it may be cold in other parts of Europe, the temperatures in Rome is rather comfortable in January, varying between 41°F (5°C) and 58°F (14°C). This makes it the perfect winter destination as it’s neither too hot, nor too cold.
Snow is not very common in Rome, but it does occur a few days per year in small quantities. Unlike in other European capitals like Berlin, Vienna or Paris, January temperatures in Rome don’t typically fall below freezing. Just bring a jacket and scarf and you’ll be good to go!
February
- Average temperature: 47°F (9°C)
- Temperature range: 37°F (3°C) – 57°F (14°C)
- Sunshine: 5 hours
If you’re planning to move to Rome, be prepared for cooler weather in February than what you may expect if you were living in South Italy. The average high temperature is only 57 degrees Fahrenheit (14°C), and the average low is a chilly 37 degrees (3°C). It is not unusual to see some light snow occasionally.
Even though it’s not warm weather, there’s still plenty to do in Rome during this month. To make the most of your trip and avoid being cold, we recommend packing layers that can easily be removed or added as needed. A light jacket or sweater will come in handy for evenings when the temperature drops after sunset.
March
- Average temperature: 53°F (12°C)
- Temperature range: 43°F (6°C) – 63°F (17°C)
- Sunshine: 7 hours
If you’re visiting or living in Rome in March, you can expect cool to mild weather. Average highs are in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (18°C), while average lows dip into the upper 40s (5°C). You will get many sunshine-filled days in March in Rome.
The green parks around the city are starting to come back to life, making for a pleasant time to walk outside. When packing for your trip, keep these temperature averages in mind and pack accordingly. A light jacket or sweater should suffice for most days, although you may even get away with wearing just a T-shirt some days.
Rome boasts many historical landmarks and great restaurants that are worth checking out regardless of the weather conditions. Make the most of your Rome trip with a private tour of its most popular sites, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
April
- Average temperature: 57°F (14°C)
- Temperature range: 46°F (3°C) – 68°F (14°C)
- Sunshine: 7 hours
The weather in Rome during April is relatively warm with temperatures ranging around 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (21°C). This makes it a great time to visit all the sights and attractions without having to deal with the oppressive heat that can sometimes make walking around difficult.
Of course, since this is still Italy, you will want to pack some warmer clothes for evenings when the temperature does drop a bit more. But overall, light layers are key for comfortable exploring Rome during this ideal weather period.
May
- Average temperature: 69°F (21°C)
- Temperature range: 55°F (13°C) – 75°F (24°C)
- Sunshine: 9 hours
May is a beautiful month to visit Rome, as the weather is lovely and the flowers are in bloom. The average temperature during May is 56°F (13°C) and 74°F (23°C), so it’s perfect for spending time outdoors without being too hot or humid.
This is a great time to explore Rome before it gets too hot outside. Locals are typically wearing their summer outfits by now, many people are sitting at outdoor cafes and enjoying the balmy sunshine this time of year.
June
- Average temperature: 73°F (23°C)
- Temperature range: 63°F (17°C) – 84°F (29°C)
- Sunshine: 9 hours
The weather in Rome during June is generally warm and sunny. During this time, average highs are in the low to mid-80s Fahrenheit (30°C), while lows tend to be in the upper 60s (20°C). However, it’s not unusual for temperatures to exceed 90 degrees (32°C) on some days. While enjoyable, the heat can become quite oppressive if you’re not used to it. As such, be sure to stay hydrated and prioritize Rome’s indoor attractions, such as the Borghese Gallery.
As for what to wear during your stay, light and airy clothing is a must. Short sleeves or tank tops will help keep you cool throughout the day, while long pants or skirts will protect you from both the sun and any evening mosquitoes that may be out looking for a meal! If possible, avoid heavy fabric clothing as it will only make you hotter.
July
- Average temperature: 78°F (14°C)
- Temperature range: 66°F (19°C) – 90°F (32°C)
- Sunshine: 11 hours
July in Rome can get very hot. The temperature during the day ranges from 68-88 degrees Fahrenheit (20-30°C). You should wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated with plenty of water. During the peak hours of heat, it’s best to seek shade or air conditioning and take a break from activity.
Locals usually retreat indoors during the noon and early afternoon hours, and most businesses close and reopen in late afternoon because of the heat. However, during the cooler morning hours, it’s a great time to shop at one of the many local outdoor markets, because the produce is plentiful and flavorful this time of year.
August
- Average temperature: 75°F (24°C)
- Temperature range: 64°F (18°C) – 86°F (30°C)
- Sunshine: 10 hours
Rome is one of the warmest cities in Europe, and August is its hottest month. The average high temperature in August is 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30°C), while the average low temperature is a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20°C). However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38°C) during this month.
Despite the heat, there’s still plenty to do in Rome during August. Many of the city’s attractions are outdoors, so you can take advantage of cooler morning hours or cooler evening hours when visiting them.
If you plan on being out and about all day long, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather by wearing light-colored clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. And don’t forget summer essentials like sunscreen and sunglasses. Choose museums and indoor sights when you need a break from the sun.
September
- Average temperature: 71°F (22°C)
- Temperature range: 61°F (16°C) – 81°F (27°C)
- Sunshine: 8 hours
Rome during September has an average temperature of 65-85 Fahrenheit (18-30°C). You can expect some pleasant days with low humidity. However, there may be a few days when the mercury rises above 90 degrees so you’ll want to have air conditioning in your apartment. The evenings are lovely for strolling around Rome’s famous squares and exploring its many fountains and historical buildings at night.
If you plan on doing any outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking, layer clothing so that you can remove items if necessary since temperatures vary throughout the day. In general, lightweight fabrics like cotton are ideal for comfortable sightseeing in Rome during September’s typically mild weather conditions.
October
- Average temperature: 64°F (18°C)
- Temperature range: 54°F (12°C) – 73°F (23°C)
- Sunshine: 6 hours
Rome in October is great because the weather is warm but not too hot. You can enjoy all of the city’s attractions without having to deal with sweltering temperatures. The average high temperature during the day is 72F degrees (22°C), while the average low at night is 56F degrees (13°C). Of course, these temperatures can vary depending on the day and you should always check the forecast before heading out.
But generally speaking, you can expect pleasant sunny weather during your stay in Rome in October. When it comes to what to wear, layering is always a good idea since there can be a big difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures. A light jacket or sweater will suffice for most days, but you may need something heavier if you’re planning on being out after sunset.
November
- Average temperature: 55°F (13°C)
- Temperature range: 46°F (8°C) – 64°F (18°C)
- Sunshine: 4 hours
If you’re planning a trip to Rome in November, pack your sweaters! The average temperature during the month is 48-62 degrees Fahrenheit (9-17°C). While it’s not freezing, you’ll want to be prepared for cooler weather and some possible rain. As far as clothing goes, layers are always your friend in temperate climates like Rome. A good base layer would be a long sleeve shirt or light sweater, topped off with a jacket or coat.
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to fully enjoy Rome this time of year because of the weather, you should consider activities that are mostly done indoors. For example, touring the sights of Vatican City is just perfect for a month like November, as you can have a car pick you up from the hotel and you’ll be spending most of your day inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, three of the most popular destinations to visit while in Rome.
December
- Average temperature: 49°F (10°C)
- Temperature range: 39°F (4°C) – 59°F (15°C)
- Sunshine: 3 hours
The weather in Rome during the month of December is chilly, with temperatures averaging between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (7-15°C). However, the climate is mild, it is fairly comfortable walking outdoors for your daily activities or exploring Rome’s most popular Christmas markets without worrying about freezing.
You’ll need to dress warmly, in layers that you can easily remove if the sun comes out or you find yourself indoors. A light waterproof jacket, scarf, and hat should suffice for most days.
Weather data source: Holiday-weather.com
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