Rome is truly one of the must-see cities in the world. The Eternal City is unmatched in its history, beauty, and culture. You can spend all day exploring the many tourist sites around Rome from the Colosseum to the Pantheon to St. Peter’s Basilica. At the end of the day, you will find cafes and restaurants serving up the best Italian food and drink you have ever had.
Yes, Rome is an incredible city and you shouldn’t miss your chance to visit it. Be sure to book multiple days in the Italian capital as it could take you a lifetime to actually see all of the breathtaking buildings, historic monuments, amazing artworks, and to sample all of the cuisine.
Best time to visit Rome in 2021 for the weather
You will want to book your Roman holiday for May or September. Rome’s summer temperatures can be oppressive and it isn’t fun to walk around the Eternal City sweating profusely. In May, the average high temperature is 73°F (22°C). It is a very comfortable time of the year and you can explore the city in a sweatshirt, light jacket, or hoodie.
In September, the average high temperature is 79°F (26°C). The crowds leave Rome in late August and early September, and the lush warm weather allows you to sit outside outdoor cafes and enjoy the evenings without being overcrowded. On your trip to Italy, you will find that the southern cities of Rome, Naples, and locations further into the toe and heel of the boot, stay warmer for longer. This makes Rome an ideal place to spend time in the early part of the autumn.
Of course, if you want to explore Rome when it is sweltering hot; you can book a trip from June to August. August is the hottest month of the year in Rome with high temperatures reaching 87°F (31°C). The capital can be brutally hot at this time of the year.
Conversely, winter can be chilly with high temperatures of 53°F (12°C) in January – the city’s coldest month. Compared to major Italian cities in the north, or the north of Europe, Roman winters are mild and comfortable. However, you will see locals walking around in parkas and hats as they are used to the gloriously warm weather that encapsulates the city. Winters are also rainy, but you shouldn’t see snow.
Best time to visit Rome in 2021 for price
It should come as no surprise that summer is the high season and this is when you will pay the most for accommodation, travel, and dining in Rome. Not only are temperatures at their highest in the summertime, but the crowds are too. You can expect to stand in long queues waiting to see major Rome tourist destinations in the unforgiving sun. You won’t find a lot of shade around the city and will be exposed to the sun for much of the daytime.
The number of Italy tours and groups visiting Rome are high during the summer months. You will come in contact with people from all over the globe. Knowing this, Roman hotels, apartments, and Airbnbs will raise their prices.
If you want a great deal on a trip to Rome, then book your holiday in the winter. Sure, the weather can be wet, but you should spend far less on flights, accommodation, and activities than you would in June, July, or August.
The low season begins in late November and goes through February. There are a few spikes during this time, but nothing too large. You will find far fewer crowds, so if you want to avoid other tourists, book your trip in wintertime. The price for accommodation and airfare is much kinder to your wallet at this time as well. Of course, during the peak travel season, you may find attractive deals courtesy of a budget airline or travel agent, so do your holiday research. If you have qualms about visiting Rome in winter, just remember that the temperatures rarely drop below freezing.
Spring and autumn are a little less busy than summertime. You will still fight the occasional tourist crowd, however. Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. In 2018, 15.2 million tourists visited Rome, making it Italy’s most-visited city.
Best time to visit Rome in 2021: What should you see?
It could take a lifetime to visit all of Rome’s amazing historical sites, museums, and galleries. Therefore, you need a serious plan of action when traveling to the Eternal City. One of the great things about Rome is that it is connected to other great cities and towns thanks to the Italian rail network. If you want to get outside the city and explore other places such as Sperlonga for the beach or Florence for its museums or Naples for its culture, then you can book a journey courtesy of Rail Ninja for quick, affordable train tickets.
The Colosseum has to be seen to be believed. It is the blueprint for all major sports stadiums today and was the site of some of the most incredible moments in Ancient Roman culture. One of the best tips you will receive ahead of a trip to the capital is to buy a Rome Pass. The pass allows you to enter tourist destinations by skipping queues and it saves you money. If you are going with your family or during the height of tourist season, then get yourself a Rome Pass.
While Vatican City is its own sovereign entity, it is smack in the middle of Rome. It is another can’t miss place to visit. Even if you don’t tour the religious buildings or museums, it is well worth standing around the square. You should also get yourself some cool, Pope-inspired merchandise from the souvenir shops around Vatican City.
The Pantheon is another of the sites you have to see to believe. The building is still intact after more than 2,000 years of existence. It is a behemoth of a building on the outside, but the true wonders can be found inside. The artworks are incredible and it will take you some time to walk around to visit everything.
Best time to visit Rome in 2021: Conclusion
If you want to visit Rome and avoid crowds, then be sure to book your holiday from November through February. While the temperatures may be cool, the crowds will be thin. If you prefer to spend time around other tourists and want hot Italian weather, then by all means book your trip from June through August. Of course, you will pay more for flights, accommodation, and food.
Rome is one of the elite cities of the world that must be visited at least once. There are few cities that qualify for the category of “must visit at least once”. So, be sure to tick Rome off of your list as soon as possible.
