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Rome in Summer: Weather, Things to Do, What to Wear & Tips

Is Rome worth visiting in summer?

Absolutely—but you need to plan around the heat and crowds.

June, July and August are hot, with July and August often reaching 35°C or higher.

The best strategy is to sightsee early in the morning, take a break during the hottest part of the afternoon, and explore again in the evening.

👉 See when is the best to take a Rome tour during hot summer days!

summer in romeSt. Peter’s Square comes alive in summer, with sunshine, stunning architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the magic of Rome

What’s Rome like in summer? Wonderful!

That's why every summer, we make the easy hop from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Rome—just over a 1-hour flight away.

We love Rome's Mediterranean summer vibe, with long sunny days, lively events, and warm evenings.

Yes, summer can be hot and humid, but we love slowing down in the evenings, enjoying dinner outdoors with an Aperol Spritz, and wandering through Rome's beautiful piazzas.

When we need a break from the heat and crowds, we escape to a nearby lake or beach or explore quieter places like Via Appia Antica.

Our guide covers everything you need for a summer trip to Rome:


Fontana della Barcaccia in Piazza di Spagna, Rome, with fresh water flowing from the historic fountainIt’s nice to refresh yourself with fresh water from the Fontana della Barcaccia during hot summer days in Rome

What's the weather like in Rome in summer

Italy’s summer runs from late June to mid-September, with each month bringing slightly different temperatures and weather conditions.

Summer in Rome is generally hot and humid.

July and August regularly reach 35°C or more, with heatwaves pushing temperatures up to 38°C several times each summer.

These intense heat periods usually last around 3–4 days.

Our favourite part of summer in Rome is second part of August, after Ferragosto (15th of August), when temperatures range around 30°C and are ideal for pleasant sightseeing.

👉 We've collected our top tips for staying cool in Rome during the summer!

What to pack/wear in Rome during summer

  • Bring suitable clothes for the Vatican and churches — Shoulders, knees, and midriffs should be covered. Long shorts, skirts, Capri pants, or a scarf 🧣 to cover your shoulders are good options.
  • Pack light, breathable clothes like cotton pants, dresses, skirts, shorts, T-shirts, and a light jacket for cooler evenings.
  • Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes 👟 so you can alternate between them during long days of sightseeing. El Naturalista sandals are our top pick—they're incredibly comfortable and lightweight.
  • Leave some extra space in your luggage for souvenirs and shopping.
  • Prepare for the sun and heat with a hat 🧢, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Reusable water bottle to refill during sightseeing (or buy the one from the store)
  • Bring insect repellent 🦟 — mosquitoes can be annoying in the evenings. Zanza Free is super effective and can be found in most Roman pharmacies.

How to beat summer heat in Rome

There is a certainly way of organising your summer day in rome and skip both crowds and heat.

Start your day early, meaning 7-8 am then explore sights until 11 then spend afternoon cooling down somewhere, whether it's your apartment, hotel's pool or somewhere in the countryside where it's cooler.

You'll still have long evening in front of you.

🏛️ The smart way to sightsee in Rome in summer

  • Go early: Book places like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums for the first entry time (usually around 8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and heat.
  • Try a night tour: In summer, some attractions offer extended hours, so visiting the Colosseum after sunset is a cooler and more enjoyable option.

Best things to do in Rome in summer: Our top picks

Don’t let the heat ruin your summer vacation in Rome. Discover our tips on what to do when the temperatures rise.

Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum early or late in the day

Beat the heat—and the crowds—by being among the first to step inside the Colosseum. In the cool morning air, you'll explore Rome's most iconic landmark with an expert guide before continuing to the nearby Roman Forum.

The tour wraps up around 11am, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy a well-earned early lunch.

Take a golf cart tour and explore without too much effort

A golf cart tour of Rome was one of our favorite experiences during our summer visit to the city. 🛺🇮🇹

It’s the perfect way to see more of Rome without spending hours walking in the summer heat. You can simply relax in a comfortable electric golf cart while your guide takes you through the city’s beautiful streets and shares fascinating stories along the way.

We took a golf cart tour with LIVTours and absolutely loved it. In just three hours, we visited some of Rome’s most iconic sights, including the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Circus Maximus, Giardino degli Aranci, and many more hidden gems.

The best part? We still had plenty of energy left to continue exploring Rome afterward.

👉 Read our full review of the tour ⟶

Discover Rome underground at San Clemente

Escape Rome’s summer heat with a visit to the Basilica of San Clemente, just a short walk from the Colosseum.

Step underground to explore layers of ancient Roman history, from an early Christian basilica to a Roman temple, while enjoying a cool break from the midday sun.

👉 Explore this iconic site with a guided tour!

St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square in Rome during summerAvoid visiting St. Peter’s Basilica at midday in summer—the heat and crowds can be intense. Go early in the morning!

Visiting St Peter's Square and Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica itself is not usually hot compared to being outside, but the overall experience can feel hot in summer because:

  • ☀️ The queue is outdoors — you may spend time waiting in direct sun before entering
  • 🚶 The Vatican area involves a lot of walking on stone streets and open squares with little shade
  • 👥 Crowds can make the area feel warmer, especially during peak summer months
  • 🏛️ The basilica is a huge historic building with limited modern climate control, so on very hot days it may not feel strongly air-conditioned
  • 👗 Dress requirements mean you may need to cover shoulders and knees, which can feel warmer in high temperatures

Book Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
– Hosted Entry Tickets

See the Opera at the Baths of Caracalla

Attending a live opera inside a 2nd-century imperial bath complex is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Rome this summer.

The Baths of Caracalla are an impressive historic site on their own, but in summer they become an extraordinary open-air stage. This season, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma brings the ancient ruins to life with a programme of opera, concerts, and musical performances set against this remarkable backdrop.

Treat yourself to gelato on every corner

When Rome’s summer heat hits, cool down with authentic Italian gelato.

From classic pistachio and hazelnut to refreshing fruit sorbets, there’s something for everyone—and a generous cup often costs just €2–3.

Try Gelateria del Teatro near Piazza Navona, Hedera Gelateria near St. Peter’s Square, or Venchi on Via della Croce near the Spanish Steps. 🍦

Venchi gelateria in Rome offering Italian gelato during summer🍦 We absolutely adore Venchi gelato in summer—it’s the perfect way to cool down while exploring Rome

Midday shopping at La Rinascente on Via del Tritone

Escape the midday heat in Rome by heading to large department stores.

La Rinascente Roma Tritone, near Piazza di Spagna, is fully air-conditioned, making it a perfect place to cool off while you shop.

We always stock up here on foodie gifts at the top floor, where you’ll also find rooftop cafés and restaurants with great views over the city.


Events in Rome in summer

In summer, Rome offers plenty of ways to enjoy the city beyond traditional sightseeing:

  • Roma Estate Lungotevere – A summer riverside event along the banks of the Tiber, with food, bars, and entertainment. It usually runs in the evenings from June to early September.
  • Outdoor concerts – Summer brings many open-air performances, from opera and jazz to rock and classical music.
  • Baths of Caracalla – One of Rome’s most popular summer experiences is attending an opera performance at the ancient Baths of Caracalla in July.
  • Night visits – Many attractions, including the Colosseum, offer evening openings in summer. It’s a cooler and often less crowded way to experience Rome’s landmarks.

Public holidays in Rome during summer

Summer in Rome also includes some important Italian holidays and celebrations.

The biggest one is Ferragosto on August 15, a national holiday when many locals take time off and head to the coast or countryside.

In Rome, you may notice some smaller shops and family-run businesses closing, while popular tourist attractions and restaurants usually remain open.

Another important celebration is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29, the patron saints of Rome.

The highlight of the festivities is the Girandola, a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the sky above Castel Sant’Angelo in the evening.

For the best views, head to spots along Lungotevere Tor di Nona or nearby bridges such as Ponte Sant’Angelo and Ponte Umberto I.


Rome is bursting with events and festivals during the summer. If your main goal to visit the colosseum or vatican museums, then you may consider coming in May or October.

☀️ Avoid these summer mistakes in Rome

Rome in summer can be incredible, but a few common mistakes can make sightseeing much harder. Keep these tips in mind to stay comfortable and enjoy your trip:

❌ Visiting the Colosseum at noon

When we visited the Colosseum, we found the midday heat quite intense, especially with very little shade around the ancient ruins.

Going early in the morning or later in the afternoon made exploring this iconic site much more comfortable.

❌ Carrying too little water

Walking around Rome means spending hours outdoors, especially when visiting landmarks. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it at the city's free nasoni drinking fountains.

❌ Wearing uncomfortable shoes

Rome is best explored on foot, but cobblestone streets and long walks can quickly hurt your feet. Choose lightweight, comfortable shoes with good support.

❌ Planning too many outdoor attractions in one afternoon

Trying to fit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain into the hottest hours of the day can leave you exhausted. Mix outdoor sightseeing with museums, churches, cafés, or a relaxing lunch break.


Where to stay in Rome in summer

If you want to be close to the main sights, choose your stay central, but be sure to pick the ones with aircondioning.

We have an apartment in prati and stay from June-August. Its location dependent. North east of the Tiber is nicer, less tourists. Trastevere around the old city is always going to be busy. Feel free to ask questions for general or more specific advice.

Rome in summer FAQ

Is Rome too hot in summer?

Rome can be very hot in summer, especially in July and August, when temperatures can reach the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F). Start sightseeing early, take a break in the afternoon, and enjoy outdoor activities in the evening.

Which month is best for Rome: June, July or August?

June is generally the best summer month for visiting Rome. It's warm and sunny but usually more comfortable than July and August, which can be extremely hot.

Is August a good time to visit Rome?

Yes, but be prepared for high temperatures. Visit attractions early in the morning, take a break during the hottest hours, and enjoy Rome in the evening.

Does Rome shut down in August?

No, Rome doesn't completely shut down. Major attractions, hotels and restaurants remain open, although some smaller businesses may close around the Ferragosto holiday on August 15.

What should I wear in Rome in summer?

Choose lightweight, breathable clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and remember that churches require more modest clothing.

What time should I visit the Colosseum in summer?

Early morning is best because temperatures are cooler and the crowds are often smaller. Late afternoon can also be a good option.

Is Rome crowded in July and August?

Yes. July and August are busy months, especially at major attractions. Book popular sights in advance and start your sightseeing early to avoid the biggest crowds.

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