Best time to visit Rome

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Rome

Best time of year to visit Rome

Warm and not too crowded periods from April to June and from late September to October are the best time to visit Rome. Foodies will be in a total delight, as spring offers unbelievable Fiori di Zucca and autumn—famous Castagnaccio. Summer is not summer without tasty gelato, as June to August time shows torturous heat and humidity with a lot of shops and hotels closed in the last summer weeks. Christian holidays of Christmas and Easter are usually busy with people keen to visit Vatican and St. Peter's Cathedral. During winter, most Roman attractions go on short hours, and many beach destinations turn into ghost towns. Even though it gets much colder, you can always observe incredible winter sunsets and take advantage of shorter queues to Rome's major attractions.

17 THINGS TO DO IN ROME (JUNE 02 - JUNE 11)

Flea Markets

Flea Markets

all year round • activity

Get ready to hunt and maybe you'll be lucky to find something precious

Gelaterias

Gelaterias

April–September • food

Don't jump to say you dislike ice-cream until you've been to Roman gelateria—these recipes have lived through centuries

Roman Pasta

Roman Pasta

all year round • food

Don't hesitate to try Rome's world-famous pasta. Bucatini all’amatriciana, spaghetti alla carbonara, tagliatelle cacio e pepe—these are a must!

Secret Keyhole in Aventino

Secret Keyhole in Aventino

June–September • activity

Did you know that ancient Rome was built on seven hills? One of them has a secret to be discovered

Bougainvillea Bloom

Bougainvillea Bloom

June–September • nature

Rome's streets become even more romantic when houses are covered by vibrant bougainvillea in bloom

Fiori di Zucca

Fiori di Zucca

May–August • food

Have you ever tried zucchini flowers? Romans first stuff them with cheese and anchovies​ and then fry them!

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean Cruises

April–October • activity

Enjoy an award-winning vacation, highlighting picture-perfect coasts, ancient history, and fine cuisine

Vespa Scooter Tours

Vespa Scooter Tours

June–August • activity

Ever dream of riding like the wind with an Italian beau or belle? The teenage dream can come true!

Strawberry Season

Strawberry Season

May–June • activity

Don't miss the chance to try the best Italian wild strawberries

Beach Season

Beach Season

May–September • activity

When in Rome no need to fret that the Mediterranean is too far as there are still a few decent seaside resorts nearby

Poppies at the Roman Forum

Poppies at the Roman Forum

May–June • nature

The funeral altar of Julius Caesar, the Arc of Titus, and other ancient temple ruins—all grand monuments, surrounded by bright red flowers

Roses at Roseto Comunale

Roses at Roseto Comunale

May–mid-June • nature

Fond of roses? Check out endless rows of these flowery shrubs along the Roseto Comunale park

Caffè Freddo or Iced Coffee

Caffè Freddo or Iced Coffee

June–August • food

If you don't like coffee and a croissant for breakfast you might starve in Rome

Colosseum

Colosseum

November–February (all year round) • activity

Outsmart the crowds, while visiting top attraction of the city

Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)

Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)

late November–February (all year round) • activity

Over the centuries, Popes have gathered the world's most outstanding collection of art treasures

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica

all year round • activity

The largest church in the world is a masterpiece of Renaissance art

Roma Tomatoes

Roma Tomatoes

June–September • food

Romans cook these sweet, acidic, and pectin-rich tomatoes rather than eat them raw, but you are welcome to do as yo​u please!

22 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Natale di Roma or Rome's Birthday

Natale di Roma or Rome's Birthday

out of rangeApril 21 • event

This spectacle of parades, fireworks, open museums, and exclusive natural illumination happens just once a year during Rome birthday party

Carnevale di Roma

Carnevale di Roma

out of rangeFebruary 8–13, 2024 • event

Rome's famous piazzas turn into open-air theatres, that amuse visitors with masks, costumes, and comedy

Winter Sunsets

Winter Sunsets

out of rangeDecember–February • activity

Heard a lot about Rome's beautiful architecture? This city's Baroque masterpieces look especially charming during winter sunsets

Roman Artichokes

Roman Artichokes

out of rangelate February–May • food

A great complement to​ Italian pizza, pasta, and Easter food. Try artichokes prepared in both Jewish and authentic Roman styles

Starling Murmuration

Starling Murmuration

out of rangeNovember–February • nature

A few millions of birds over the city—a fanciful natural phenomenon to observe, and also a poopocalypse for the city's utility services

Roman Catacombs Offseason

Roman Catacombs Offseason

out of rangeNovember–April • activity

A part of Rome's dark history lies deep underground in its catacombs and crypts

Settimana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

Settimana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

out of rangeMarch 24–31, 2024 • event

When the question is where to travel for Easter, the cradle of Christianity is certainly a top destination!

Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)

Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon)

out of rangeMarch 17, 2024 • event

Rome hosts one of world's most scenic marathons

Castagnaccio

Castagnaccio

out of rangeSeptember–November • food

When on the lookout for something sweet, help yourself to a slice of chestnut cake

Rome Christmas Markets

Rome Christmas Markets

out of rangeearly December–early January  • event

You can't miss this holiday fair in the beautiful Piazza Navona

Wisteria in Bloom

Wisteria in Bloom

out of rangeApril • nature

Rome looks especially stunning during the wisteria blooming season

Christmas Season

Christmas Season

out of rangeearly Decembe–early January  • event

With festive decorations and dozens of nativity scenes, Rome has plenty to offer during the holidays

New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

New Year's Eve & New Year's Day

out of rangeDecember 31–January 1 • event

Ring in the unforgettable Capodanno in the capital of Italy!

Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)

Marino Wine Festival (Sagra dell’Uva di Marino)

out of rangeOctober 2, 2022 • event

An exceptional festival with local wine flowing from a fountain!

Frascati

Frascati

out of rangeAugust–October • food

A glass of white Frascati wine will turn you back two thousand years

Rome Film Fest

Rome Film Fest

out of rangeOctober 18–29, 2023 • event

One of the most prestigeous film festivals in the world

La Befana (Epiphany)

La Befana (Epiphany)

out of rangeJanuary 5–January 6 • event

Have you ever received a present from La Befana? Keep an eye out for the Italian female equivalent of Santa Claus!

Easter Food

Easter Food

out of rangeMarch 31, 2024 • food

You make know Easter bread and Italian panettone but how about trying dove cake or a rustic pizza?

Puntarelle alla Romana

Puntarelle alla Romana

out of rangeMarch–May • food

This salad is a truly Roman dish and can be found only in a few settlements in southern Italy

Risotto ai Funghi Porcini

Risotto ai Funghi Porcini

out of rangeSeptember–November • food

Mushrooms make for a unique taste and perfectly complement the rice in this dish

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)

Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione)

out of rangeApril 25 • event

The holiday marked with anti-fascist rallies and speeches

Ice Skating

Ice Skating

out of rangemid-December–February • activity

The best winter ice rinks around Rome

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