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Visiting Rome in Summer 2026

We love Rome in summer—it has that special Mediterranean vibe you also find in other coastal cities, with long sunny days, plenty of events, and festivals happening all over the city and nearby areas.

What’s Rome like in summer?

But we have to admit—summers in Rome are hot and humid.

The good news is that evenings bring a welcome break in temperature, perfect for unwinding at a bar or restaurant overlooking a piazza, sipping an Aperol Spritz, and enjoying dinner al fresco.

A summer trip to Rome also feels a little different in the best way. You can still tick off the classic sights, but also slow things down—escaping the busy centre for a beach day nearby or exploring quieter historic corners like the Via Appia Antica.

We've published this guide to help you get the most from your trip to Rome this summer. Here you'll find:


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

When does summer in Rome start?

Italy’s summer runs from June to August, with each month bringing slightly different weather and temperatures.

Summer in Rome—and across much of Central and Southern Europe—is hot, sunny, and busy. While the crowds can be overwhelming at times, they shouldn’t put you off.

Visiting Rome in summer offers the best of both worlds: you can explore its famous landmarks, then escape the city centre to relax on nearby beaches or discover quieter spots like the Via Appia Antica, where you’ll experience a more peaceful side of the Eternal City.

What's the weather like in Rome in summer

Summer in Rome is generally hot and humid.

In June, temperatures are often around 30°C, while July and August can reach 35°C or more, with heatwaves sometimes pushing temperatures up to 38°C. These intense heat periods usually last around 3–4 days.

Our favourite part of summer in Rome is second part of August, when temperatures are around 30 C and are pleasant for everything.

Read our guide on how to stay cool in Rome in summer.

What to wear in Rome during summer

When visiting Rome in summer, keep these simple tips in mind:

  • 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 switch between them during long days of walking.
  • Leave some extra space in your luggage for souvenirs and shopping.
  • Prepare for the sun and heat with a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

How to beat summer heat in Rome

It's no secret that Rome is crowded in the summer, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy yourself while getting away from the crowds.

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.

The best things to do in Rome in summer

Visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum before the crowds

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.

See Rome the Fun Way—By Golf Cart

Hop into a comfy electric golf cart and zip through the streets of Rome while your guide shares stories along the way—an ideal way to explore the city in summer.

We took a golf cart tour with LivTours and absolutely loved it. You’ll save your feet from all the walking, and after three hours of exploring, we still had plenty of energy left to enjoy the rest of the day! 👉 Here’s how our tour went.

Discover Rome Underground at San Clemente

Escape the summer heat with a visit to the Basilica of San Clemente. While the streets above can be sweltering, this peaceful church offers a welcome break in the cool shade. Venture below ground to discover layers of Rome's history, from an early Christian basilica to an ancient Roman temple, all while enjoying a refreshing escape from the midday sun.

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.

Eat tons of creamy gelato

When the summer sun heats up Rome, there's no better way to cool off than with authentic Italian gelato.

You'll find everything from classic flavours like pistachio, hazelnut, and stracciatella to creative options like tiramisu and fresh fruit sorbets. For some of the city's best, visit Gelateria del Teatro near Piazza Navona, or stop by Hedera Gelateria, just a short stroll from St Peter's Square, for delicious handmade gelato after exploring the Vatican.

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/holidays in Rome in summer

Santi Pietro e Paolo on 29 June

Every year on 29 June, Rome celebrates Santi Pietro e Paolo, a holiday dedicated to the city’s patron saints, Peter and Paul.

The highlight of the celebrations is the Girandola, a spectacular fireworks show 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 one of the nearby bridges, including 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.

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.
  • Day trip to Florence – If you want a break from Rome, Florence makes an easy escape by high-speed train. With air-conditioned trains and pre-booked tickets for places like the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia Gallery, you can avoid long waits in the summer heat.

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.

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