I had a magical and memorable time visiting Rome in the winter, and I want to help you do the same!
I loved the Christmas markets, the January sales, and how open and spacious everything was without the usual tourism crowds.
Now, I know the weather during winter in Rome can be a bit cold [Rome has an average temperature of 45°F in January and 47°F in February], but I found this a much more pleasant winter destination than truly snowy places like New York or Germany.
Rome is one of the best places to visit in Italy and I find it even more spectacular during the winter when it is cheaper and less crowded.
Winter in Rome is generally defined as December to February, but months such as November and March can experience winter weather in Rome as well. In my experience, winter in Rome means Christmas decorations and Valentine’s Day treats.
It also comes with a small chance of snow and fewer crowds to fight through to see Rome’s amazing attractions. With this handy guide by your side, you will have a head start to planning your epic trip to the Eternal City during the winter months.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Paris In Winter
Average Rome Winter Weather
The average winter weather in Rome in winter is a bit rainy and chilly. It is very rare to see snow in Rome in Winter. Years ago it was virtually unheard of, but now it is becoming slightly more common. If it does snow, it most likely won’t be until February or March. December weather in Rome [and in Italy in general] is more on the rainy and warmer [for winter] side.
You can expect the wettest months in Rome in winter to be November and December, but be aware that there will probably be rain into March. Remember that the average Rome winter weather isn’t all that bad. Comfortable travel in the city is entirely doable with the proper packing and planning!
Whether you are planning 4 days in Rome, 2 days in Rome, or stopping in Rome on your Italian road trip, you can have a great time using these itineraries even during the winter months!
Average Winter Temperatures In Rome
While the weather in Rome in winter is cold, especially compared to the typical temperatures in Rome, it is not freezing. The average temperature of Rome in December is 47°F, the average temperature of Rome in January is 45°F, and the average temperature of Rome in February is 47°F.
As you can see, these temperatures are not entirely freezing and are more enjoyable than other popular cities such as New York City, which averages in the mid-to-low 30’s during January. Rome in winter is usually just rainy and chilly.
Check out these average Rome winter weather highs and lows to get an idea:
November Temperatures For Rome: 62°F high and 45°F low
December Temperatures For Rome: 55°F high and 40°F low
January Temperatures For Rome: 54°F high and 37°F low
February Temperatures For Rome: 57°F high and 38°F low
March Temperatures For Rome: 62°F high and 43°F low
Top Things To Do In Rome During The Winter
Throw A Coin In The Fontana di Trevi
Rome’s Trevi Fountain is one of her most famous landmarks. During your trip to Rome in winter, make sure to stop here and throw a coin into the fountain. This means that one day you will return to Rome! Since you will be in Rome in winter, there will be fewer tourists at the fountain. Still, if you are looking to visit the Fontana di Trevi without other tourists, consider going early in the morning or late at night. Looking for what to do in Rome in February? Making a wish at the fountain has got to be on your list.
Explore The Coliseum
Rome’s Coliseum will be one of the most interesting things to see during your trip during winter in Rome. This is a place you have heard about in history books, and now it is your turn to explore it all on your own. The Coliseum opens at 8:30 in the morning (except on Christmas and New Years) and closes at sunset. Keep in mind that the sun sets early in the winter. In December the average sunset time is 4:40 pm.
This means that while you are in Rome in winter, you need to plan your time at the Coliseum earlier in the day before it closes. Winter is one of the best times to explore the Coliseum, because there are fewer tourists than the rest of the year, especially if you go during the week instead of the weekend. Even in Winter, there are still tourists, though. So if you would like it to be even less crowded, try going when it first opens or a couple of hours before it closes.
This is truly one of the best things to do in Rome in December!
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is worth seeing during your trip to Rome in winter. It is just steps away from the Coliseum and is a beautiful place to walk around. You can just imagine the Romans here many years ago!
The Roman Forum opens at 8:30 in the morning. From the last Sunday of October to February 15th, the last entrance is at 3:30 and closing time is 4:30. Then from February 16th to March 15th, the last entrance is at 4:00 and closing time is 5:00. From March 16th to the last Saturday of March, the last entrance is at 4:30 and closing time is 5:30. The same basic rules for the Coliseum apply for visiting the Roman Forum. If you are hoping for the fewest crowds try going during the week when it first opens or a couple of hours before it closes. This would make an excellent addition to any Christmas in Rome itinerary.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most famous public squares. It was built in the 15th century and is now filled with cafes and shops. Make sure to try some of the roasted chestnuts that can be found at Piazza Navona. This is also the location of one of the most well-known Christmas markets in Rome. There is entertainment, shops, and amusement rides there to satisfy any traveler! It takes place from December 8th to early January, and you must see this Christmas market if you are looking for things to do in Rome during Christmas. Rome during Christmas is truly magical and a once in a lifetime experience.
The Spanish Steps
You have probably seen the Spanish Steps in a movie or two! They make a beautiful backdrop in the famous film Roman Holiday. Have your Audrey Hepburn moment at the Spanish Steps when they are less crowded in this winter. Winter is the perfect time to go because the usual crowds won’t be as overwhelming. There are 135 steps, so be sure to pack your walking shoes for Rome’s winter activities. Make sure to try this out as it is one of the best things to do in Rome in January.
Shop The Sales
What to do in Rome in January? Well, shop of course! January is when Italy has its winter sales. Sales in Italy are highly regulated and only happen twice a year. So if you love shopping, you should definitely plan a trip to Rome in the winter. This gives you the opportunity to get great deals on some of the Italian fashion staples. Even the luxury brands such as Prada, Armani, Gucci, and Fendi had amazing sales in January. You’ll be able to find some amazing pieces to remind you of your winter in Rome.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that is now a church. It is a famous historical building and another beautiful piece of history to admire! You can reserve a super affordable Pantheon audio guide here! The Pantheon usually is open from 8:30 a.m.- 7:30 p.m. (last admission 7:15 pm). On Sunday the Pantheon is open from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last admission 5:45 pm). For public holidays the Pantheon is open from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (last admission 12:45 pm). During winter in Rome, the Pantheon is closed on December 25th and January 1st. Also, when mass is taking place, visitors are not allowed to enter the Pantheon. Mass takes place during holidays at 10.30 am and on Saturdays at 5.00 pm. Add this to your list of winter activities in Rome!
The Vatican
Wondering What to do in Rome in the Winter? Why not visit the Vatican? One of the best times to visit the Vatican is during the winter. Usually to see the Vatican without hoards of crowds you have to get there very early. During the winter there are significantly fewer crowds though. In the winter you be able to to explore the famous statues, frescoes, and paintings without a wall of bodies and cameras blocking your view. There are two main things to do in the Vatican. Those are seeing Saint Peter’s Basilica and tour the Vatican Museums.
The Vatican Museums are where you will find lots of art and history as well as the famous Sistine Chapel. You can still buy tickets in advance for the Vatican Museum. However, in the winter skip-the-line tickets should not be necessary. The Vatican Museums take about 3 hours to tour and Saint Peter’s Basilica takes most people between 1 and 3 hours to tour. If you’re looking for the best places to visit Rome in December, you’ve got to have the Vatican on your list.
How To Get Around Rome In The Winter
The most popular way to get around Rome in winter is by using public transportation. When in Rome you can get a public transport ticket, which covers most of the public transportation in Rome. What’s not included is The Leonardo Express Train running non-stop between Fiumicino Airport and Rome’s Termini Station, any airport bus or train to either of Rome’s two airports, Fiumicino or Ciampino, the trains to and from Rome’s cruise port, Civitavecchia, and Rome’s hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses. Knowing how to get around is one of the most important Rome travel tips you can learn!
City buses and trams, the metro, and some rail services are all included though, making public transportation a great way to get around Rome in winter. When getting a public transportation ticket, you can get single tickets (which last for 100 minutes) or 24, 48 or 72-hour passes or a 7 calendar day travel pass. Once you buy your pass, make sure you stamp it at the machines provided. Traveling with an unstamped ticket is like traveling with no ticket.
Driving in Rome is not suggested. If you think it’s necessary, then take a taxi or an Uber, but driving in Rome can be more trouble than it’s worth. Rome was not made for cars; the roads are 2,000 years old and cannot handle the number of vehicles in Rome. This is even worse when it rains (a common occurrence in Rome in winter). There is also very limited parking in Rome. You could find yourself searching for an hour before finding a place to park your car.
What To Pack For Rome In Winter
Visiting Rome in winter is quite enjoyable and magical, but you need to stay warm and dry. Dressing in layers is key! If you get too warm or too cold, simply add or take away a layer until you feel better.
- Fleece lined leggings to keep you warm under slacks, jeans, or dresses!
- Thin Long Sleeve Thermal Tops These tops are affordable and pack up very small all while keeping you extra warm!
- Comfy Knit Hat Simple knit hats or beanies are a staple to add to your Rome packing list. They will help keep you warm and protect your ears from the wind.
- A Solid Pair Of Waterproof Boots/Shoes Bring these Hunter Boots on your trip to Rome in the winter to keep your feet dry!
- A Winter Jacket. Do not think that you can visit Rome in the winter and NOT bring a winter jacket. Bonus points if that winter jacket is waterproof!
- Warm Gloves. Don’t forget to add warm gloves. Since you will be sightseeing, you will be on your smartphone a lot, and your fingers will get super cold if you don’t protect them!
Rome in winter is truly magical! There is so much that you can do during winter in Rome: you can explore the Vatican, walk the streets, eat all of the Italian food, and shop the rare sales – all with fewer crowds than the rest of the year! Seeing Rome in winter is such a unique experience (especially if there happens to be snow) and it is something that you will never forget If you have any questions about visiting Rome in winter, just let us know! We hope you have learned some excellent tip from this article of things to do in Rome in the winter.
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