How to Stay Cool in Rome in Summer: 10 Ways to Beat the Heat

Planning a summer trip to Rome?

While the city is at its busiest, it's also at its hottest.

From finding shady parks and cool churches to timing your sightseeing and staying hydrated, these simple tips will help you enjoy Rome comfortably—even on the warmest days.

For more seasonal planning, see our complete Rome in summer guide.

One of our favourite summer stops in Rome: a refreshing break at Fontana della Barcaccia in Piazza di Spagna

Why Rome gets so hot in summer

We love Rome's Mediterranean summers for their long sunny days, dry weather, and warm evenings that are perfect for exploring outdoors.

From end of June until the end of August, temperatures usually reach 30–35°C (86–95°F) during the day, while occasional heatwaves can push the thermometer above 38–40°C (100–104°F).

The heat can feel even stronger in the historic center.

Rome’s stone buildings, cobblestone streets, and ancient monuments soak up the sun throughout the day and slowly release the heat at night, creating an urban heat island effect.

This means the city often stays warmer than the surrounding countryside, especially during the hottest summer months.

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Rome summer heat surviving tips

1) Start sightseeing early 

When visiting Rome in summer, we usually get up as early as possible to take advantage of the still pleasant morning temperatures (from 7 to 11 AM).

Temperatures are lower, and the sun isn't as intense yet, so you'll enjoy exploring the city more. Plus, photos taken in the early morning look better thanks to the softer light.

The Colosseum is best explored as early as possible (it opens at 8:30 AM) because there is little shade. This way, you'll have time to explore the Roman Forum before the midday heat sets in.

Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain are also places you should visit early in the morning.

Morning city tours are a great choice for sightseeing when Rome gets too hot in summer.

Best Rome city tours for hot summer days

👉 Rome at Dawn Private Tour
See the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, and the Pantheon before the crowds fill the city streets. Plus, enjoy a cornetto and an espresso.

👉 LivTours Golf Cart Tour of Rome
Whizz around Rome in the comfort of an eco-friendly golf cart with a friendly guide (starts at 9:30 AM and finishes at 12:30 PM).

Rome by golf cart was the perfect summer choice — comfortable seats, refreshing breeze, and no exhausting walks

2) Take a long lunch or visit museum or church during the hottest hours

Planning to be indoors during the hottest time of day, between 11-12 AM and 4-5 PM.

Having lunch, visiting museums or taking a break at your hotel or apartment. Avoid wandering around at this time, as you'll be sweating and may feel exhausted by the end of the day.

One of our favorite ways to escape the summer heat is by stepping inside one of Rome's beautiful churches.

After walking around in the sun, the cool air feels incredibly refreshing. We especially love Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Piazza della Repubblica. Built inside the ancient Baths of Diocletian, it's surprisingly cool even on the hottest days. We usually spend a few quiet minutes admiring the architecture before heading back outside feeling refreshed.

3) Stay hydrated throughout the day

Rome's scorching summer days call for plenty of water. 💧

Thanks to Rome's public drinking fountains, known as nasoni, fresh, ice-cold water is always close at hand. We always carry a small reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day while exploring the city.

The water comes from Rome's historic aqueduct system and is perfectly safe to drink. It's also much colder than you'd expect, making it especially refreshing on a hot summer afternoon.

Buying bottled water from cafés can quickly become expensive, with a small bottle often costing around €1.50. Refilling your bottle at a nasone is an easy way to save money and reduce plastic waste.

4) Wear lightweight, breathable clothing 

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light-colored clothes reflect sunlight and help keep you cooler while exploring Rome's streets.

For footwear, wear sturdy walking sandals or lightweight sneakers with good support, as you'll likely spend hours walking on Rome's uneven cobblestone streets. If you need a comfortable pair of walking shoes, you can find options at the Pikolinos store on Via del Corso.

Complete your outfit with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for extra protection from the strong summer sun.

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5) Plan indoor attractions for the afternoon 

Hot summer roman afternoons are ideal for museum or church visit. You'll be inside, staying cool and spend a couple of great hours exploring art and history.

Capitoline museum is ideal for this, as well as leonardo da vinci museum - great for kids (tickets for this can be bought on site, this is not so popular museum).

Churches are also great for escaping the heat in rome.

6) Visit shaded parks and gardens 

7) Enjoy gelato and cold drinks

Enjoying gelato throughout the day is one of the best ways to cool down in Rome during summer.

Affordable, delicious, and refreshing, it's a simple pleasure we never skip.

Not all gelaterias are created equal. Skip places with huge piles of brightly colored gelato, as they often signal artificial ingredients.

The best spots are usually small, hidden gems serving authentic gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

One of our favourites is Hedera Gelateria, a small artisan gelateria with two convenient locations: Borgo Pio 179, just steps from the Vatican, and Via dei Coronari 141, a charming street in Rome's historic center.

Both are perfect stops for a refreshing gelato while exploring the city.

Tourist tip: avoid gelato piled high in bright colours like this — the best gelaterias focus on quality ingredients, not flashy displays

8) Book evening walking tours 

9) Choose accommodation with air conditioning 

10) Escape to citiy and villages around Rome

When the summer heat becomes too much, consider escaping to the Roman countryside.

Just outside the city, you'll find cooler hill towns, vineyards, lakes, and ancient landscapes.

Frascati is only 30 minute train ride away (ideal for wine tasting or pasta making). To cool off go swimming in Lake Bracciano, exploring the gardens of Tivoli, or cycling along the ancient Appian Way.

These easy day trips offer a refreshing break from Rome’s busy streets while showing you a quieter side of Lazio.

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