Summer Months Are Extremely Crowded
The summer months of June, July and August are the worst times for visiting Rome in terms of crowds. As school is out and the weather is ideal during these months, Rome gets flooded by tourists. The lines to enter famous sights like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, etc. can last hours during peak summer. Walking through popular areas like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Pantheon can be extremely cramped and frustrating. The peak tourist season also drives prices up for accommodation and food. Unless you book well in advance, summer rates for hotels and Airbnbs are very inflated.
Late Spring and Early Fall Have Unpredictable Weather
While late spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) see fewer tourists than summer, the tradeoff is unpredictable weather. As these are the shoulder seasons, temperatures can fluctuate greatly and rainstorms are common. While an occasional rain shower can be enjoyed, multiple days of rain or cold weather will diminish your experience. Packing layers and umbrella is wise, but you may still find yourself unable to comfortably walk around sights all day.
Risk of Transportation Strikes and Crowds Around Easter
Easter, being a major Catholic holiday, draws huge crowds of tourists and pilgrims to the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica for Easter Mass and the Pope’s blessing. This influx of travelers strains Rome’s public transportation system and lodging availability around this holiday week (Palm Sunday to Easter Monday). There is also an increased risk of public transportation strikes around Easter which can hamper your ability to navigate the city.
Winter Months Can Be Uncomfortably Cold and Rainy
For a Mediterranean climate, Rome’s winter months of November, December, January and February have surprisingly cold temperatures, high chance of rain and limited sunshine. Temperatures routinely dip into the low 40s Fahrenheit and sometimes 30s, requiring heavy coats, scarves and gloves to comfortably explore the city. Some shops, restaurants and attractions also have reduced hours or temporarily close during the off season winter months. With much of sightseeing centering around walking outdoors, winter makes that much more miserable with the cold rainy weather.
Risk of Overcrowding Around Major Holidays
Aside from Easter, other major holidays like Christmas, New Year’s and Italian national holidays can draw very large crowds of tourists to Rome and Italy in general. Trying to travel in Rome around Christmas or New Year’s will be extremely expensive due to inflated airfare and hotel rates. Restaurants will require reservations weeks in advance and popular attractions operate on limited schedules. Italian national holidays like Labor Day, Republic Day, Immaculate Conception Day and Liberation Day can also lead to unexpected closures, transportation disruptions or crowds.
In summary, to avoid the worst times visit Rome, try to travel in May, October or mid-September. These shoulder season months provide the best combination of comfortable weather, fewer tourists than summer and availability of attractions and transportation. Wherever you visit, checking opening hours beforehand, reserving tickets to major sites and packing layers is advised. With some preparation, you can have a great trip to Rome even during low season or busier holiday periods.