Best Months to Visit Rome: What to Do and What to Eat

Our guide on the Best Months to Visit Rome and what to do and what to eat in the capital of Italy.

Rome, the eternal city, is a captivating blend of ancient history, world-renowned art, and vibrant modern life. Home to the Colosseum, Vatican City, and countless other iconic landmarks, Rome draws visitors year-round. However, depending on what you’re looking for—mild weather, fewer crowds, or exciting festivals—certain months are better than others for visiting.

Rome is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience—spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer brings vibrant festivals and winter offers festive holiday celebrations.

No matter when you visit, you’ll be captivated by Rome’s ancient history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re marveling at the Colosseum, exploring Vatican City, or indulging in pasta and gelato, Rome is a city that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Here’s a guide to the best months to visit Rome, along with what to do and what to eat during your stay.

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Top Things to Do in Rome Year-Round

No matter when you visit, there are certain must-see attractions and activities in Rome:

Visit the Colosseum: One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Colosseum is a must-visit landmark that takes you back to the days of gladiators and Roman emperors.

Tour the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica: Home to the Sistine Chapel and countless art treasures, the Vatican Museums are a highlight of any trip to Rome. Don’t miss climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for stunning views of the city.

Wander the Roman Forum: Explore the ancient ruins of Rome’s political and commercial heart, where you can imagine what life was like in the days of the Roman Empire.

Throw a Coin in the Trevi Fountain: A visit to Rome wouldn’t be complete without tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to the city.

Indulge in Roman Cuisine: From casual trattorias to upscale restaurants, enjoy Rome’s famous pastas (carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana), pizzas, and desserts like tiramisu.

What to Eat in Rome

Rome’s cuisine is all about simple, high-quality ingredients and rich flavors. Here are some must-try dishes:

Carbonara: A classic Roman pasta made with eggs, pecorino cheese, guanciale, and black pepper. Authentic Roman carbonara doesn’t contain cream.

Cacio e Pepe: A Roman staple, this dish consists of pasta (usually tonnarelli or spaghetti) tossed with pecorino cheese and black pepper.

Porchetta: Slow-roasted pork, flavored with garlic, rosemary, and fennel. It’s often served as a sandwich in Roman markets or local cafés.

Maritozzo: A sweet, cream-filled bun, often eaten for breakfast or as a dessert.

Roman Pizza: Thin and crispy, Roman-style pizza is different from its Neapolitan counterpart. Try it al taglio (by the slice) from a local pizzeria.

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Best Months to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome depends on whether you want warm weather, fewer tourists, or special cultural events. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in each season:

1. Spring (March to May)

Best For: Mild weather, fewer crowds, blooming gardens.

Temperature: 10°C to 21°C (50°F to 70°F).

Spring is one of the best times to visit Rome. The weather is pleasant, and the crowds aren’t as overwhelming as in the summer months. It’s a perfect time for outdoor sightseeing and enjoying Rome’s many parks and gardens in full bloom.

What to Do:

Visit the Colosseum: Spring offers great weather for exploring the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Get an early start to avoid crowds.

Stroll Through Villa Borghese Gardens: These expansive gardens are in full bloom during spring and are perfect for a peaceful walk or picnic.

Visit Vatican City: Tour the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without the summer rush. Early spring also coincides with the Easter celebrations, a great time to experience religious events like the Pope’s Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

Explore Trastevere: Wander through the charming, narrow streets of the Trastevere neighborhood, full of cafés, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

What to Eat:

Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichokes): Spring is artichoke season in Rome, and this classic dish features tender artichokes braised in olive oil, garlic, and mint.

Abbacchio al Forno (Roast Lamb): Traditionally served around Easter, this is a must-try Roman specialty during spring.
Gelato: As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to enjoy creamy, rich gelato. Visit spots like Gelateria del Teatro or Fatamorgana.

2. Summer (June to August)

Best For: Festivals, long daylight hours, and vibrant street life.

Temperature: 18°C to 31°C (64°F to 88°F).

Summer is the high season in Rome, attracting large numbers of tourists. While the city can get crowded and hot, the long days provide plenty of time to explore, and outdoor festivals and events bring the city to life.

What to Do:

Attend Outdoor Concerts and Festivals: Summer in Rome is packed with cultural events like Estate Romana, featuring outdoor concerts, theater performances, and film screenings around the city.

Cool Off in the Vatican Museums: Escape the midday heat by visiting the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and spend time inside Rome’s other incredible museums and galleries.

Explore Rome’s Piazzas at Night: When the sun goes down, the heat becomes more bearable. Wander around Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, and Campo de’ Fiori to experience the lively summer nightlife.

Take Day Trips: Consider day trips to nearby destinations like Tivoli (for Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este) or Ostia Antica (an ancient Roman port city) to escape the crowds.

What to Eat:

Spaghetti alla Carbonara: Rome’s classic pasta dish made with egg, pecorino cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. It’s a must-try any time of year.

Cacio e Pepe: Another famous Roman pasta dish made with just three ingredients: pecorino cheese, black pepper, and pasta. Simple yet delicious.

Grattachecca: A Roman summer treat made from shaved ice topped with fruit syrups and fresh fruit, perfect for cooling down in the heat.

3. Fall (September to November)

Best For: Fewer tourists, mild weather, and food festivals.

Temperature: 13°C to 24°C (55°F to 75°F).

Fall is another ideal time to visit Rome, especially for food lovers. The weather is still warm and pleasant, but the summer crowds have begun to thin. It’s also the season for wine, truffles, and other Italian delicacies.

What to Do:

Tour the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: The cooler temperatures in fall make it easier to explore these ancient ruins and the surrounding areas.

Visit the Pantheon: Take a moment to marvel at the architectural genius of the Pantheon and its massive dome, and enjoy the quieter streets around the monument in the fall.

Experience Food and Wine Festivals: Rome hosts several food festivals in the fall, celebrating seasonal ingredients like truffles, chestnuts, and mushrooms. Attend a Sagra (local food festival) in or near the city to taste the best of Roman cuisine.

Attend Opera and Theater Performances: The fall season brings opera and theater performances to the city’s historic venues, including the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.

What to Eat:

Porcini Mushrooms: Fall is porcini mushroom season in Italy. Look for dishes featuring this prized ingredient, such as porcini risotto or pasta with porcini.

Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal medallions wrapped in prosciutto and sage, sautéed in white wine. It’s a quintessential Roman dish.

Supplì: These fried rice balls filled with mozzarella are a delicious Roman street food snack, perfect for an afternoon bite.

4. Winter (December to February)

Best For: Christmas markets, fewer tourists, and festive events.

Temperature: 3°C to 13°C (37°F to 55°F).

Winter in Rome is cool, but far from harsh, and it’s an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid large crowds. The city is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and you can enjoy Christmas markets, festive lights, and quiet streets.

What to Do:

Visit Christmas Markets: Explore the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, where you’ll find holiday treats, handcrafted gifts, and festive decorations.

Celebrate the Holidays at the Vatican: Attend Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica or visit Vatican City during the holiday season to see the nativity scene and giant Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square.

Explore Rome’s Museums: Winter is perfect for indoor activities, so visit Rome’s museums and galleries, like the Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, and the National Roman Museum.

Experience New Year’s Eve in Rome: Rome comes alive on New Year’s Eve with fireworks, concerts, and celebrations in its many piazzas.

What to Eat:

Cotechino con Lenticchie: A traditional winter dish of rich, spiced pork sausage served with lentils. It’s typically eaten on New Year’s Eve to bring good luck in the coming year.

Puntarelle: A seasonal winter salad made from a type of chicory, often served with an anchovy dressing.

Panettone: A traditional Italian Christmas cake filled with candied fruit and raisins. You’ll find this sweet treat everywhere in Rome during the holiday season.