Anyone considering a trip to Rome will probably think of wandering the picturesque streets, having a coffee in a street-side venue, visiting the Colosseum and other ancient ruins, and indulging in Italian cuisine and wine. Well then: although all this can be done at any time of the year, the best are spring and autumn.
In April it is sunny, there are the fervent celebrations of Holy Week, there are azaleas on the Spanish Steps and the "birthday" of Rome is celebrated. In autumn it is also warm, there is a lot of cultural activity with the Romaeuropa festival and, now that the summer holidays are over, there are fewer tourists.
The only downside to traveling in these months is that there is a lot of fuss... and high season rates. This covers, in effect, from Easter to September (plus Christmas, New Year, and important religious holidays)
Traveling around Easter entails witnessing a multitude of festivities. On Good Friday there is a candlelit procession around the Colosseum, and there are other smaller celebrations in other parts of the city. On Easter Sunday at noon, the pope blesses the crowd in Saint Peter's Square.
From early April to mid-May, the Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti) are adorned with hundreds of brightly colored azalea flowerbeds. It has been a magnet for visitors since the s. XVIII, and is the ideal vantage point to see and be seen. The 135 gleaming steps climb from the Spanish Steps to the Church of Trinità dei Monti, famous for its magnificent views of Rome from its atrium, and for its impressive frescoes by Daniele da Volterra. Below, in the square, is the Barcaccia (Fountain of the Barge). Be careful, yes, with the new rules that prohibit people from "camping" or "settling" on the steps.
Summer
The best time for festivals
Summer starts with a lot of festivals and is considered one of the times with the most tourists. Estate Romana begins in June. This huge summer festival, which runs from June to September, includes everything from concerts and dance performances to book fairs, puppet shows, and museum nights.
Also starting in June is Lungo il Tevere, a festival that lasts all summer with live music, cinema, exhibitions, craft stalls, and bars, all on the banks of the Tiber between Ponte Sublicio and Ponte Sisto.
Autumn
The best time for theater
Life returns to the city after the lethargy of August. The children go back to school and the Romans go back to work, but there is still a relaxed summer atmosphere and the weather is ideal. Let's not forget, yes, that the prices are still high season.
One of the main events in September is Romaeuropa, Rome's autumn festival of theatre, opera, and dance. Showcased throughout the city from mid-September to mid-November, the shows range from avant-garde dance to installations, multimedia shows, recitals, and readings.
And at the end of October, the Festa del Cinema di Roma rolls out the red carpet for stars of Hollywood and Italian cinema. It is held at the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Winter
The best time to go shopping
With the exception of Christmas and New Year's, November to March is when prices are lowest. January is good for shopping, with sales for fashion. In February there is, for rugby fans, the Six Nations tournament.
The best things to do in Rome, month by month
Here we offer a guide to what to expect each month in Rome. All events are subject to change.
January
When the New Year celebrations dissipate, the cold rages. It is a quiet time, but the sales have their entertainment.
February
Rome's winter stillness is punctuated by motley carnival festivities and weekend invasions by jovial rugby fans for the annual Six Nations tournament.
March
The onset of spring brings flowers, rising temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall. Unless Easter falls at the end of March, the city is still off and with low season prices.
April
In April, in Rome, the sun is very pleasant. Add the celebrations of Holy Week and the azaleas in the Plaza de España. The prices are already high in season...
May
It is a busy month and high season, due to the warmer temperatures.
June
Summer has arrived and, with it, the heat and the Italian school holidays. The Roman festival season is in full swing, with plenty of outdoor events.
July
With the summer heat, sightseeing is a challenge; but, in the cool of the night, the streets come alive and the Romans come out to the festivals.
August
Rome melts with heat and the Romans flee on vacation. Many businesses close around the 15th, but hotels offer discounts and there are thousands of summer events to enjoy.
September
Roman children go back to school, and adults to work, but good weather continues... and high season prices.
October
Autumn is a good time to visit Rome: the weather is still good, Romaeuropa guarantees the cultural offer and, with the return to school, there are fewer tourists.
November
Although it's the wettest month , it also has its advantages: low-season prices , market stalls loaded with gorgeous fall produce, and hardly any lines at the big attractions. Of events, it is a rather quiet month.
December
Advent is a festive time , with Christmas lights, renewed urgency for shopping, and presepi (cribs) all over the city. The most spectacular is the one in the Plaza de San Pedro.
