Rome’s Mediterranean climate delivers long, hot summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. The city’s ancient stones absorb heat during the day and radiate it back at night, making summer evenings in the centro storico a warm embrace. This month-by-month guide breaks down Rome’s weather in detail so you can plan your visit around the conditions that suit you best.
Rome Climate Overview
Rome has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa). Average annual temperature is 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit). July and August are the hottest months, both averaging highs of 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit). January is the coolest at 12 Celsius (54 Fahrenheit) for highs.
Annual rainfall totals about 800 millimetres (31 inches), with autumn and winter being the wettest seasons. Summer is dry, often going weeks without significant rain. The city’s location inland from the coast means it does not benefit from sea breezes like Naples or Barcelona, so summer heat can feel intense. Humidity is moderate year-round.
Rome Weather in January
January is Rome’s coldest month with average highs of 12 Celsius (54 Fahrenheit) and lows around 3 Celsius (37 Fahrenheit). Rain falls on about 8 days, totalling roughly 70 millimetres. The low season means empty museums and short queues at the Vatican and Colosseum. Post-Christmas sales (saldi) run through January. Pack a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof footwear. The city feels refreshingly local after the Christmas crowds depart. Daylight is limited, with sunset around 5 PM.
Rome Weather in February
February remains cool with highs of 13 Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) and lows of 4 Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Rainfall is similar to January. The month feels like late winter, though almond trees begin to blossom by mid-month. Carnevale celebrations can bring parades and festivities. Tourism is still light, making this a good month for museum visits. Pack similar layers to January.
Rome Weather in March
March is transitional: highs reach 16 Celsius (61 Fahrenheit) with lows of 7 Celsius (45 Fahrenheit). Rainfall averages about 65 millimetres. The city begins to green, and terrace cafes start reopening. Easter often falls in March or April, bringing a surge of pilgrims and tourists that spikes hotel prices significantly. If Easter falls in March, book well ahead. Pack layers and a rain jacket.
Rome Weather in April
April is one of Rome’s finest months. Highs reach 18 Celsius (64 Fahrenheit) with lows of 10 Celsius (50 Fahrenheit). Rainfall is around 60 millimetres. The city’s parks and the Roman Forum bloom with wildflowers. Rome’s birthday (Natale di Roma) on April 21st brings parades and fireworks. Easter crowds can dominate the first half of the month. Pack light layers and a waterproof jacket.
Rome Weather in May
May delivers near-perfect conditions: highs of 23 Celsius (73 Fahrenheit), lows of 13 Celsius (55 Fahrenheit), and rainfall dropping to about 40 millimetres. The city is lush and the light is golden for photography. Tourism increases but has not yet reached summer intensity. This is one of the best months for walking tours and outdoor dining. Pack summer clothing with a light jacket for evenings.
Rome Weather in June
Summer arrives. Highs reach 28 Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) with lows of 17 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit). Rainfall is minimal at about 25 millimetres. The city fills with tourists, and queues at major attractions lengthen considerably. The Festa della Repubblica on June 2nd features a military parade. Evenings are glorious for dining al fresco. Book major attractions well ahead. Pack summer clothes and sun protection.
Rome Weather in July
July is hot. Highs average 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) but regularly exceed 35 Celsius (95 Fahrenheit) during heatwaves. Humidity is moderate but the lack of coastal breeze makes the heat feel relentless. Rainfall is near zero: July is the driest month with about 15 millimetres. The city is at peak tourism. Sightseeing is best done early morning and late afternoon. Carry water constantly and seek shade. Pack the lightest possible clothing, but cover shoulders and knees for church entry.
Rome Weather in August
August rivals July for heat with similar temperatures. The major difference: many Romans leave the city for their summer holidays. Some local restaurants and shops close for the entire month, particularly around Ferragosto (August 15th). The tourist crowds remain intense. If August is your only option, focus on early-morning sightseeing and air-conditioned museums. Book hotels with reliable air conditioning. Pack the lightest clothing possible.
Rome Weather in September
September is a sweet spot: summer warmth without July and August’s peak intensity. Highs reach 26 Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) with lows of 17 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit). Rainfall increases to about 60 millimetres. The city’s cultural season restarts, and Romans return from holiday. Tourism eases slightly after the first week. This is an excellent month for a balanced Rome experience. Pack summer clothes with a rain jacket.
Rome Weather in October
October is autumn at its best. Highs of 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit), lows of 12 Celsius (54 Fahrenheit). Rainfall increases to about 90 millimetres, with October being the second-wettest month after November. The light turns golden, and the city’s parks show autumn colour. Tourism eases significantly. This is a wonderful month for walking, photography, and enjoying Rome at a more relaxed pace. Pack layers and rain protection.
Rome Weather in November
November is the rainiest month with about 110 millimetres. Highs drop to 17 Celsius (63 Fahrenheit), lows to 8 Celsius (46 Fahrenheit). The city empties of tourists, and hotel prices hit their annual low. Sunny days still occur and feel like a gift. Museums and galleries are wonderfully uncrowded. November suits budget travellers and museum enthusiasts who do not mind grey skies. Pack a waterproof coat and layers.
Rome Weather in December
December is cool with highs of 13 Celsius (55 Fahrenheit) and lows of 4 Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Rainfall is around 80 millimetres. The first half of December is quiet and affordable. The city transforms for Christmas with festive markets, nativity scenes (presepi) in churches, and atmospheric lighting. Hotel prices spike from December 24th through New Year. The Pope’s Christmas Eve mass at St. Peter’s is a major event. Pack warm layers and a coat.
