Visiting Rome in February offers the advantage of visiting during a low tourist season, which means cheaper hotel and airline accommodations. The weather is also on the milder side, hence February is a great month to explore the eternal City.
In February, the weather in Rome is very cold with some of the coldest temperatures of the year. With highs of 14°C, the average temperature is 9°C. At least eight hours of sunlight are expected each day, giving you plenty of time to sightsee and shop. While not the best time to tan, it's a great time to explore the city and see the sights without feeling too hot due to the humidity and heat.
Located in the center of the city, the largest ancient amphitheater ever built still holds true to its title. It's no surprise that the Colosseum continues to be a tourist attraction, even without gladiator fights. The old arena is mostly in the spotlight, and millions of tourists come from around the world to see it. In January, you can observe the marvel closely and afford to enjoy its aura all to yourself since it is a less crowded month.
Timings: 8:30 am – 7:15 pm
from €21When in Rome, make sure you visit this eye-catching architectural masterpiece that stands 136 meters high. Michaelangelo's La Pietra is one of his most remarkable works. Climbing the Dome of St Peter is another exciting and engaging activity that is popular with tourists, which offers a breathtaking view of Rome.
Timings: 8 am - 5:30 pm
from €27In the Vatican museum, you can take an amazing journey back in time. The Vatican Museums, in addition, to housing important art collections, archeology, and ethnology of the Apostolic Palaces, contain some of the most engaging and historically and artistically important sites as well. If you visit the museum during February, you may see fewer crowds, which will allow you to enjoy the museum in a calmer environment.
Timings: Fri - Sat: 8:30 am–10:30 pm | Mon - Thu 8:30 am–6:30 pm | Closed: Sunday
from €27.50We are all fortunate that Rome, Vatican City, and the world have access to the Sistine Chapel. The temple, which is known for its decoration as well as its role in choosing popes, is the place where popes are chosen and crowned. Despite the lack of architectural highlights, tourists are drawn to the Sistine Chapel by the frescoes that cover the walls and ceiling.
Timings: 9 - 4 PM
from €27.50With its striking design, artwork, and cultural influence, the Palazzo Barberini stands out among Roman Baroque palaces. Among the palace's famous fountains are the Piazza Triton and the Fontana Delle API. A collection of old paintings is housed inside the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, one of Rome's finest museums. Palazzo Barberini is located in the heart of Rome and has a prime location that is hard to ignore.
February Timing: Tuesdays to Sundays: 10 am to 6 pm
Know MoreThe Catacombs are the perfect place to discover the darker side of the eternal city. In Rome, only a few catacombs are open to the public. It is possible to explore them in the dark underbelly of the city, following in the footsteps of a society that was forced to bury its friends and neighbors. In each of the tunnels, there is a honeycomb-shaped burial niche along with ancient artwork that has survived.
Timings: 9 am - 12:pm | 4 pm - 6 pm
from €48Located on the banks of the Tiber River, Castel Sant'Angelo is one of Rome's most recognizable monuments. The alluring and strategically designed fortress has stood majestically and endured the toughest tests of time. The building was once a mausoleum but has since been used for a variety of purposes. Currently, the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo resides in this important building in Rome.
Timings: 9 am - 7:30 pm
from €25Rome's most complete ancient structure has survived for two millennia because of its architecture. Because the Pantheon is so simple and well designed, it is still largely intact. Because of its age, condition, and beauty, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome and is included in tours of the city's ancient sites. As a temple dedicated to the most ancient planetary gods, it was the work of Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of Emperor Augustus.
Timings: 9 am – 7 pm
from €5Trastevere is often referred to as a 'true Roman neighborhood', as it is one of Rome's most vibrant, lively, and fun neighborhoods. Visiting this place during February in the cool, pleasant weather, strolling around this area with its artisan shops, trattorias, cafes, and brewpubs makes for a pleasant evening stroll. It is highly recommended to go on a food trial here.
Know moreEven if you're only in Rome for one day, you might consider taking a day trip and heading out of the city if you're there for more than a few days. Pompeii is an excellent option and is actually one of the most popular day tours from Rome. This ancient Roman city was buried under lava and ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are ruins and remains to see when you are here.
Know MoreIn Rome, the Galleria Borghese is a must-see for anyone who considers themselves an aesthete. The gallery houses one of the world's finest private art collections, including works by Bernini, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Canova! It is located in the Villa Borghese, the third-largest public park in Rome and a landscape garden. The Villa also has a gift for nature lovers, you can have a chance to row a boat and enjoy Rome's natural beauty.
Timings: 9 am to 7 pm
from €21Rome's Piazza Navona is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the city. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the city, as it has three lavish fountains, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the Fontana del Moro, and the Fontana di Nettuno; as well as churches and palaces of Roman architecture. Artists, painters, and musicians of the area add a lively atmosphere to the square, making it more attractive to tourists.
Venue: City-wide
Dates: Early February
The biggest gala in Rome is Carnevale, which occurs in February, lasts for about 10 days, and starts 40 days before Easter. Roman Catholics use this celebration to unwind before entering a more serious period of fasting and prayer called Lent. As Ash Wednesday (the official start of Lent) approaches, large parties, parades, and masquerades take place on the weekend before Martedi Grasso or Fat Tuesday.
Know moreVenue: Throughout Rome
Dates: February 14
It is believed that Valentine's Day originated in Italy, where this romantic day is celebrated as a feast day for St. Valentine (San Valentino), a third-century priest. The emperor did not approve of the early Christian saint's practice of marrying couples in secret, so he was martyred on February 14, 269, as a result. As in the United States today, Romans also celebrate their love by giving their loved ones flowers, chocolates, and cards.
Date: February 15
Saint Faustino’s day, also known as single's day in Rome, is a holiday in the city that falls on February 15th each year. The day is celebrated by young singles who take to the streets to enjoy a day of fun and revelry.
Dates: Jan - March
Throughout the warm and cold seasons, the Italian government regulates Saldi (sale day) twice a year. During the winter, sales begin in January and continue through early March until all winter merchandise is sold out. If you are visiting Rome in February then it's the perfect time for tourists to get in on the action and pick up great bargains, particularly on fashion and accessories.
Dates: Jan/Feb
Every year, the Chinese New Year festival attracts many visitors. Rome's colorfully decorated streets and its dragon parade are popular attractions among tourists and Romans alike. Because the Chinese New Year festival takes place in the city center of Rome, the streets can get crowded. Traditionally, visitors associate the festivities with the main event held in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. You can observe a majestic parade during this event as well.
Since the accommodation is quite cheap during February you can get great hotels at affordable prices. Here are some hotels that will make you feel at home during your stay:
Budget Hotels: Hotel Paba, Hotel Bed Roma, Residenza Vatican Suite
Mid Range Hotels: Aenea Superior Inn, Relais Giulia, Residenza Cellini
Luxury Hotels: Lifestyle Suites, Villa Spalletti Trivelli Dimora d'Epoca, J.K. Place Roma
With roots as an agricultural society, Italy has a thousand traditional recipes and dishes that each have their history and region associated with them. If you visit Rome in February the city will have some of the most mouth-watering delights to offer you during your trip:
With low accommodation charges, pleasant weather, and fewer people around, February is a great time to visit Rome.
Rome experiences a lot of transition in February. It is mostly a cold and rainy month with a few milder days.
With the highest temperature being 54°F to 57°F, Rome is rather chilly during February.
The sea temperature is quite low and not suitable for a swim. However, indoor pools with warmer water are a good option if you want to go swimming.
Despite being a cold month, you can experience at least eight hours of sunshine in Rome during February.
If you are visiting Rome during February make sure to dress warm and comfortable. Long sleeve tops, warm sweaters, waterproof jackets, warm socks and gloves, and comfortable shoes are the best choices.
There are high chances of rain during February, the average rainfall during this month is 2.4 inches.
Being one of the most expensive tourist cities in Europe, Rome won’t be easy on your pockets. For a solo traveler, the expenses may be around 1184 Euros and for a couple, it may be approximately 2500 Euros. However, if you are visiting the ancient realm with your family of four your expenses may happen to be around 3200 Euros.
Despite being a big city, locals deem Rome as very safe to visit. You can take a night stroll without any worries.
During February, the highest temperatures are 54°F to 57°F and the lowest is 37°F to 39°F.
Visiting the city’s historical attractions, taking a walking tour, having a food tour, attending an opera, enjoying Valentine’s with your other half are some of the most enjoyable activities to do in Rome during February.
If you have kids with you then attending a sports event, watching the carnival, going for food tours, and taking a bike tour are some of the most entertaining activities to do in Rome during February.
The Valentines and Carnevale are the most awaited festivals in February.
The Carnival, the holy week, and the Saldi sales are some of the most eye-catching events in Rome during February.