Winter in Rome: Complete Guide

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Pantheon - 5 days in Rome

Planning a trip to Rome between November and February? This month-by-month guide to Rome in winter will tell you everything you need to know, do, and see. From the best activities to special events, this Rome winter guide will help you plan the perfect trip!

The Eternal City can offer its visitors endless entertainment and sightseeing possibilities 365 days a year, but the winter atmosphere is really special and definitely worth a trip.

Needless to say, Christmas time turns the city into pure magic, and its mild climate allows tourists and locals to spend several hours outdoors, even in the heart of winter.

And don’t discount January and February. Though the weather is chilly and sometimes rainy, it’s a great time to explore the popular sites as the crowds thin out. You may even score a good deal or two on flights and accommodation!

Let’s see how and when to plan your next winter trip to Rome!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Is It Worth Visiting Rome In Winter?

Absolutely. I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit Rome in general, but winter in Rome is actually quite nice. In fact, I’d say it’s much better than visiting Rome in July or August when it’s crowded and hot.

Winter in Rome is much cooler and less crowded, but nothing really shuts down in the winter either, unlike in some other cities. Whether you’ll be spending 2 days, 3 days, or 5 days in the Eternal City, you’ll be able to cross pretty much everything off your Rome bucket list and get into many of the major sites and attractions without the huge lines and crowds. (Though I still recommend getting skip-the-line tickets where appropriate!)

Is the Weather Cold in Rome in Winter?

Rome, like much of Italy, has pretty mild temperatures in the winter. It does get chilly, think about 7C, and occasionally nears freezing, but it’s never very icy or snowy. Winter in Rome can be a bit wet, with December being one of the rainiest months. Snow does happen occasionally but is most likely during February and March.

Why Visit Rome in the Winter

We’ve discussed whether or not it’s worth it (yes!!), but here are a few specific reasons to make it a priority to see Rome in the winter.

  • There are fewer tourists than usual (especially in January and February), and you’ll have the main monuments and museums (almost) all to yourself!
  • Flights and hotels are cheaper (especially in January and February) because it’s the low season.
  • Some rain and cool weather will make you linger in restaurants and cafés to try all the typical products and dishes. You might also want to take a food tour.
  • December is never boring: so many events, celebrations, and fun for the whole family!
  • January is the best month for shopping addicts thanks to the winter sales starting off Jan 7th
  • Roman weather is never too cold, so you’ll be able to stay outdoors every day and walk your way through the city center!
Saint Peter Basilica in Rome at Christmas - Italy in winter
Saint Peter Basilica in Rome at Christmas

Things to Do in Rome in Winter

Rome in November is a bit different than Rome in February, so as part of this Rome winter guide, I’m going to break down the best things to do in Rome in winter month-by-month – though keep in mind that some of these activities are great anytime. I include holidays and celebrations as well.

November in Rome

November isn’t quite winter yet, but I include it in this Rome winter guide as it’s when the temperatures start to chill and the crowds begin to thin.

Weather in Rome in November

The minimum temperature of November in Rome is around 12°C with a max temperature of 18°C. Light rain is quite common. You’ll still find some typical autumn vibes.

Events – celebrations – traditions in Rome in November:

  • Nov 1st -All Saints: the Pope celebrates a special mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and it’s a day off for students and workers. Museums might be closed, so double-check your itinerary!
  • Nov 25th – St. Catherine’s Day: in the past, pipers from Ciociaria came to Rome on this day and it was considered the beginning of the Christmas period. This tradition has almost completely disappeared, but you might still bump into a couple of old pipers if you’re lucky enough!
  • Roast chestnuts: they’re sold at every corner of the street and they really smell like early winter!

Things to do in Rome in November

  • Spend the whole day visiting a museum: on a rainy day, what’s best than staying indoors and enjoying some artistic masterpieces? Choose the Vatican Museums, where you can spend several hours without getting bored. Just keep in mind that you cannot visit them on Nov. 1st or on Sunday (except the last Sunday of every month when entrance is free). Click here to book a skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museum.
  • Take a stroll in Villa Borghese Park to see the last autumn colors. Why not pay a visit to the museum as well?

Why visit Rome in November

  • Pros: mild temperatures and lovely autumn vibes
  • Cons: light rain is common
Christmas Tree in Colosseum square, Rome Italy
Christmas Tree in Colosseum square, Rome Italy

December in Rome

December is a bit of a magical time in Rome! The festive holiday cheer can be seen throughout the city, from beautifully decorated Roman streets to incredible Christmas markets. Note that the Christmas week does tend to be quite busy and you won’t necessarily find any good deals on accommodation.

Weather in Rome in December

The minimum temperature of December in Rome is around 8°C with a max temp of 13°C. December is a bit rainy but not so cold, and you’ll surely enjoy many bright sunny days.

Events – celebrations – traditions in Rome in December

  • Dec. 8th – Feast of the Immaculate Conception: another day off and religious solemnity. On this day, the majority of museums are closed, so you’d better double-check your travel plan.
  • Dec. 25th – Christmas: going to a Midnight Mass can be an emotional way of celebrating with locals. In Italy, the traditional festive meal is served either on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day and it’s usually a great occasion to meet family and friends and spend long hours around a table.
  • Dec 31st–New Year’s Eve: enjoy the Italian “cenone” (literally “huge dinner”) at a restaurant and taste all the main local dishes! You can then party all night in a club or in the streets to see the midnight fireworks.
  • Christmas lights: Roman streets are decorated with bright and scenic lights and the most beautiful ones are in via Condotti, via del Corso, and Via Veneto
  • Christmas trees: there are several Christmas trees scattered throughout the city, but the best ones are to be found in Piazza Venezia and in Piazza San Pietro
  • Christmas markets: the most famous one is located in Piazza Navona
  • Nativity scene: in Italy, families love to decorate their homes with lights, a Christmas tree, and the unmissable nativity scene. You’ll find one in every church, too, so you can wander around to admire it in different styles, materials, and shapes. There’s even a themed exhibition in Vatican City named “100 presepi” (more info at 100 Presepi in Vaticano – Home)
  • Gospel Festival: an annual music festival taking place at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica with shows and concerts featuring the best American spiritual and gospel choirs. More info at Roma Gospel Festival 2019

Things to do in Rome in December

  • Enjoy the view from the Vittoriano: after watching the Christmas tree in Piazza Venezia, take a tour of this iconic monument and climb to its top to see Rome at your feet. At sunset, it’ll be even better! More info at Complesso del Vittoriano Roma (ilvittoriano.com)
  • Spend a few hours at a typical restaurant: pasta with clams, fried veggies, fried lamb, Stracciatella soup, and pangiallo (“yellow bread”) are the main Roman Christmas dishes.
  • Skate on ice: there are a few ice skating rinks in Rome, and the best ones are at Christmas Wonderland in Viale Angelico 52 Home – Christmas Wonderland (christmaswonderlandroma.it)), Auditorium Parco della Musica in Viale Pietro de Coubertin 30 (PISTA DI GHIACCIO – Auditorium Parco della Musica ) and at Luneur Park in via delle Tre Fontane (Home – Luneur Park)

Why visit Rome in December

  • Pros: many events and celebrations, a magic atmosphere, lights and decorations everywhere
  • Cons: many tourists and pilgrims choose to celebrate Christmas in Rome
St Peter’s Vatican

January in Rome

January is one of the coldest months in Rome, though temperatures do tend to stay above freezing. It’s also one of the slower months, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to see the sites without the crowds.

Weather in Rome in January

The minimum temperature in January in Rome is 7°C with a max temperature of 12°C. The heart of winter is never too cold in Rome, but it’s a bit rainy and the sun is not so common. Anyway, you’ll be able to spend a few hours outdoors each day wearing a coat or a warm waterproof jacket.

Events – celebrations – traditions in Rome in January

  • Jan 1st –you can go to St. Peter’s Square to receive the Pope’s blessing
  • Jan 6th – Epiphany: this feast celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem, but it is also associated to an Italian folk character named “Befana” (an old lady flying on a broomstick and bringing candies to the good kids and coal to the naughty ones). If you’re traveling with children, bring them to meet her at the Christmas market of Piazza Navona. You can also watch the traditional costumed parade featuring more than 1400 characters, horses, and marching bands and going from via della Conciliazione to St Peter’s Square to offer some symbolic gifts to the Pope.

Things to do in Rome in January

  • Spend a winter night in Trastevere: typical restaurants, cozy cafés, and trendy cocktail bars are all that you need for a winter night out!
  • Visit the Jewish Ghetto: other than being a hidden gem still unspoiled by mass tourism, this neighborhood is perfect to taste Jewish-Roman recipes. In winter, every Roman eats carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) at least once!
  • Take advantage of the winter sales: enjoy some shopping in via del Corso and via Condotti without breaking the bank!

Why visit Rome in January

  • Pros: you’ll find lower rates (it’s low season) and you’ll be able to visit all the monuments and museums without the usual long lines and crowds (after Jan 6th!)
  • Cons: it rains a lot

February in Rome

Rome in February is pretty similar to Rome in January, though maybe with a bit more sunshine. The crowds are still minimal and it’s a great chance to explore.

Weather in Rome in February

The min. temperature is around 7°C – max. temp. 13°C. Still a bit rainy, but there are also several sunny and decidedly warm days when you can already smell some spring air.

Events – celebrations – traditions in Rome in February

  • Feb. 14th – St. Valentine’s Day: Rome is a very romantic city, perfect for a weekend for two!
  • Carnival: parties, parades, and the traditional sweet treats named frappe and castagnole for 2 weeks of pure fun!

Things to do in Rome in February

  • Take advantage of a warm and sunny day to take a full tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
  • Enjoy a romantic sunset from the panoramic Gianicolo Terrace
  • Take your time to closely watch all the main monuments, like the iconic Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps, without the usual crowds of tourists.

Why visit Rome in February

  • Pros: few people visit Rome in February, and it’s still low season
  • Cons: light rain is common

What to Pack for Winter in Rome

Stylish, warm layers are key for packing for Rome in the winter. Remember that you’re in Italy, so while you want to be warm, you should be stylish too. Europeans tend to dress a bit more formally than Americans and Canadians, even in the winter. Proof that it’s possible to look cute and stay warm!

Here are a few suggestions of things to pack:

  • Wool sweaters
  • Scarf
  • Gloves and hat (for the evening)
  • Coat or a warm waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable and waterproof shoes or boots
  • Jeans/long trousers
  • Umbrella
  • Long sleeves t-shirts or shirts
  • Backpack (and a small bag for the night)

Remember to dress in layers you can take off in heated indoor spaces!

Where to eat and drink in Rome in winter

These restaurants, cafes, and bars are wonderful year-round but especially great on chilly days or for a nice Valentine’s Day dinner.

Restaurants

Cafes and Bars

Is The Roma Pass Worth It In The Winter?

The Roma Pass is the Rome city pass that offers free, skip-the-line entry into one or two attractions, discounted entry to other attractions, and free use of public transport. They have two options, 48 hours and 72 hours, depending on the length of your trip.

It’s a great way to save some money and some time. I do think it’s worth it during the winter, especially the public transportation part. While most of the time, I would recommend walking between attractions, if the weather is too cold or rainy, having the Roma Pass would allow you to jump on some public transportation easily (and for free).

Plan your trip to Rome with my guides:

How to spend a weekend in Rome

How to spend 3 days in Rome

How to spend 5 days in Rome

Where to stay in Rome

A complete guide to Rome

Things to do in Vatican City

Things to do in Rome at night

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