Rome — Climate Guide

Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Rome.

Rome climate at a glance

📅 Best Time to VisitApril–June & September–October
🌡️ Hottest MonthJuly (32°C avg high)
🧊 Coolest MonthJanuary (13°C avg high)
🌧️ Rain SeasonOctober–March
💧 Annual Rainfall800mm
💨 HumidityModerate (55–75%)
🕐 Time ZoneCET UTC+1 (CEST UTC+2 Mar–Oct)
MonthHighLowRainHumidity
Jan13°C4°C71mm74%
Feb14°C5°C62mm72%
Mar17°C7°C67mm69%
Apr19°C9°C72mm67%
May23°C13°C63mm64%
Jun28°C17°C37mm61%
Jul32°C20°C15mm55%
Aug31°C20°C21mm55%
Sep27°C17°C68mm62%
Oct22°C13°C99mm69%
Nov16°C9°C119mm77%
Dec13°C5°C93mm77%

Climate overview

Rome has a classic hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa): hot, dry and sunny summers and mild, wetter winters. It lies around 25 km inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, which brings refreshing afternoon sea breezes, called the ponentino, on many summer days.

Average highs range from 13°C in January to 32°C in July. Annual rainfall is about 800 mm, but it is concentrated in autumn and winter: November is the wettest month at around 119 mm, while July sees only about 15 mm. Autumn storms can be short but intense.

Köppen classification: Csa — hot-summer Mediterranean

Rome through the seasons

Winter

December – February

Winters are mild for the latitude, with highs of 13–14°C and lows around 4–5°C. Rainy days alternate with crisp, sunny ones. Frost is occasional and snow is rare — when it does fall, it is a talked-about event.

Spring

March – May

Spring is gentle and increasingly sunny, warming from 17°C in March to 23°C in May. Showers become less frequent through the season. This is one of the most pleasant times to explore the city's ruins and piazzas on foot.

Summer

June – August

Summer is hot, dry and bright, with highs of 28–32°C and occasional heatwaves above 35°C. July is the driest month. Many locals leave the city around Ferragosto in mid-August, and some businesses close.

Autumn

September – November

September remains warm at about 27°C. October and November bring the wettest weather of the year, often as heavy thunderstorms, while temperatures fall to around 16°C by November.

What makes Rome's weather distinctive

The ponentino, a westerly sea breeze, often arrives in the afternoon in summer and brings relief from the heat. Without it, the stone streets and buildings of the historic centre absorb and radiate heat well into the evening.

Autumn rain is the other feature worth knowing about. Storms from the Mediterranean can drop a large amount of rain in a few hours, especially in October and November, briefly flooding streets and underpasses.

Best time to visit Rome

The best times to visit Rome are April to June and September to October, when highs of 19–28°C make long days of sightseeing comfortable. July and August are hot and crowded with visitors; winter is quieter, mild and good for museums, though you should expect some rainy days.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothing for summer
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for churches, including St Peter's Basilica
  • Comfortable shoes for cobblestones and long walks
  • A compact umbrella from October to March
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — shade can be scarce at ancient sites

Frequently asked questions

What is the hottest month in Rome?

July is the hottest month, with average highs around 32°C. Heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C.

When does it rain most in Rome?

October to December are the wettest months, with November averaging about 119 mm. Summers are very dry.

Is winter a good time to visit Rome?

For many visitors, yes. Days are mild at 13–14°C, crowds are smaller, and indoor attractions such as the Vatican Museums are easier to enjoy.

Related reading

About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.

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