Spring: busy and beautiful
From March to May, Rome comes into bloom. Wisteria tumbles over walls, the azaleas decorate the Spanish Steps around April, and the city's gardens, such as the Villa Borghese and the Aventine's orange garden, are at their best. Temperatures are pleasant for walking, though early spring can bring showers.
It is also one of the busiest periods. Easter in particular draws large numbers of pilgrims to the Vatican, so book accommodation and tickets well in advance if your trip falls around it.
Summer: long evenings, intense days
June to August are hot, with strong sun and warm nights. Sightseeing is best done early and late, with long lunches and an afternoon rest. On the plus side, evenings are long, and outdoor events such as open-air cinema and concerts often take place in the city's parks and courtyards. The riverbanks of the Tiber sometimes host summer stalls and bars.
Around Ferragosto, the mid-August holiday, many Romans leave town, and some shops and restaurants close. The city feels quieter, but you may find some favourite places shut.
Autumn: golden light
September and October are many seasoned travellers' favourite months. The heat eases, the light turns warm and golden, and the sea is still pleasant for a day trip to the coast. It is harvest season in the countryside around Rome, and menus feature mushrooms, chestnuts and new olive oil.
Autumn is also a good time for longer walks that would be exhausting in summer, such as following the ancient Appian Way south of the city, where tombs, catacombs and umbrella pines line the old Roman road. Renting a bicycle for part of the route makes a memorable half-day, and the countryside is green again after the summer.
November is quieter and can be rainy, but crowds are thinner and prices are often lower.
Winter: quiet and festive
Winters in Rome are generally mild, with crisp, sunny days interspersed with rain. Without the crowds, the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are easier to enjoy, and hearty Roman dishes like oxtail stew and lentils come into their own.
In December, nativity scenes appear in churches and in squares, and Piazza Navona traditionally hosts a Christmas market. The festive season runs through to Epiphany on 6 January, when children receive sweets from the Befana, a kindly witch of Italian folklore.
Whenever you choose to go, AeroVista's flights to ROM Rome Fiumicino make it easy to plan a short break or a longer stay.
Good to know
- In spring and autumn, book popular sights several weeks in advance.
- In summer, carry a refillable bottle and use the city's public drinking fountains.
- Winter visitors should pack a waterproof jacket and shoes with grip for wet cobbles.