Should you visit Rome in winter?
I say, absolutely! Rome is a fantastic city year round, but it’s during the winter months that you really have a chance to see the real Rome – a city that very much belongs to locals. So, if your work schedule only allows you to travel during the winter months, go for it – I promise you won’t regret it.
Rome in winter has a special aura. It’s still mostly sunny, but the occasional rain gives it that perfect touch of romance – the kind that will make you want to sit at a café to sip a hot chocolate; or enjoy a good class of wine.
While winter in Rome is not nearly as harsh as it may be in other European capitals, the city definitely gets cold (in fact, we Italians say it’s the humidity that will kill your bones!) between November and March. All it takes to fully enjoy the Italian capital during the winter months is going in knowing what to expect and being properly geared.
The Weather In Rome In winter
When you’re in Rome in summer, it’s difficult to ever imagine this place being cold. It’s boiling hot and humid throughout the summer months, but come winter, the city does actually get surprisingly chilly. In December, the average temperatures in Rome fall between highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F).
You can expect similar weather in January and February, with January seeing temperatures fall as low – and lower than – 3°C (37°F). Rainy days are not unheard of in winter – though keep in mind that rain in Rome comes in quick, thunderous sprouts that don’t last very long. Snow or even just freezing temperatures, on the other hand, aren’t that common.
Reasons To Visit Rome In Winter
Everything is still open
Although popular tourist resorts in Italy and other parts of Europe often close for the summer, that’s not the case for Rome. The capital city is very much in operation 24/7 throughout the year. Of course, over the Christmas period there will be some closures, but in general winter is business as usual and everything – including the top sights – will be open.
The crowds are thinner
Gone are the hot days and hefty crowds of Rome in the height of summer: Rome in winter means actually having space to breathe. You’ll be able to see some of the city’s most famous sites without battling through hordes of tourists or queuing for hours to visit the top museums (though it’s still better to bag yourself skip-the-line tickets, just in case). The best time to visit Rome in winter if you don’t want the prospect of many other visitors at all is to book your trip for January or February.
It’s the perfect time to visit top sights
Since it’s not so hot, the winter months offer up the chance to explore Rome without the sweltering stickiness of summer sapping your strength. Instead, you can wander the streets at your own pace, wrapped up warm in your jacket, and step inside cozy wine bars, cafes, and museums where you can warm up from the cold – and enjoy the culture, of course.
The light is beautiful
Those of you who are photographers, or like taking pictures for Instagram at least, will love seeing the city this time of year. As the haze of summer fades, and the city moves past fall into winter, a warm light begins to illuminate the monuments, the skies are crisp and clear, and the shadows are gorgeously long. Not only that, but as the days are shorter, you’ll be able to see some spectacular sunsets, too.
The city is decorated for Christmas
Come Christmas, Rome is fully decked out with the most beautiful festive decorations. Throughout the city you can expect to see streets strung with lights – the big shopping streets like Via Condotti, Via del Corso and Via Veneto are particularly beautiful. Elsewhere, Christmas trees steal the show – these are often magnificent at Piazza Venezia and Piazza San Pietro.
There are also the traditional nativity scenes that you can find in many, if not all, of Rome’s churches – it can be pretty fun to go around local churches nestled in various piazzas and see the different styles of nativity scenes they have going on.
