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Rome in Winter | Weather, Things to do, Packing Checklist, Travel Tips & More

Rome, the Eternal City, is eternally beautiful, even in the winter. With the onset of winter in December, tourist crowds at Rome are significantly less allowing for a much more intimate experience of the city. Rome is one of the best choices to make when visiting during winter. Spend Valentine's Day with your significant other, celebrate the New Year, visit iconic attractions with much smaller crowds, or just drink hot chocolate. There’s a lot to do in Rome during winter. 

Quick glance at Rome’s weather in winter

December
January
February
  • Average High Temperature: 15°C (59°F)
  • Average Low Temperature: 7°C (45°F)
  • Average Rainfall: Approximately 111 mm (4.37 inches) over about 7 rainy days
  • Average Daily Wind Speed: Around 13 km/h (8 mph)
  • Average Water Temperature: Approximately 16°C (61°F)
  • Average Daytime Sunshine: About 3 to 5 hours per day
  • Average High Temperature: 12°C (54°F)
  • Average Low Temperature: 3°C (37°F)
  • Average Rainfall: Approximately 83 mm (3.27 inches) over about 7 to 10 rainy days
  • Average Daily Wind Speed: Around 13 km/h (8 mph)
  • Average Water Temperature: Approximately 14°C (57°F)
  • Average Daytime Sunshine: About 4 hours per day
  • Average High Temperature: 13°C
  • Average Low Temperature: 3°C
  • Average Rainfall: 60.96 mm
  • Average Daily Wind Speed: 8.1 mph 
  • Average Water Temperature: 14.°C
  • Average Daytime: 9.2 hours

Why visit Rome in winter?

  • Fewer crowds, more space: Enjoy iconic sights like the Colosseum and Vatican without the crowds or long lines, making your visit more relaxed.
  • Milder weather for sightseeing: With temperatures averaging 4°C to 12°C (39°F to 54°F), the cool weather is perfect for exploring outdoor sites comfortably.
  • Christmas vibes: Experience Rome's cozy charm with Christmas lights, holiday markets, and seasonal events like the Vatican's Christmas tree.
  • Affordable stays and deals: Winter brings off-season discounts on flights and hotels, so you can enjoy Rome at a lower cost.
  • Authentic Roman experience: Fewer tourists mean you can explore quieter neighborhoods, dine in local trattorias, and take part in seasonal events like local festivities and religious services in the city’s beautiful churches.
  • Perfect for art and culture lovers: Visit world-class museums and galleries with fewer visitors, enjoying winter exhibitions and serene art spaces.

Attractions to visit in Rome in Winters

The Colosseum

A trip to Rome is incomplete without visiting the imposing Colosseum. As you’ll be visiting in the off-season, you can avoid even the smaller crowds with a skip-the-line ticket and visit this wonder of the world to understand Christianity’s journey into how we know and see it today.

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St Peter’s Basilica

Visit Italy’s largest Basilica and admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces on one of the world’s largest domes. December is the perfect time to experience the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, an ancient ceremony presided over by the Pope from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

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Vatican Museum

Winter is an ideal time to visit the Vatican Museums, as lines are significantly shorter compared to peak tourist seasons. You can marvel at the stunning art collections and the Sistine Chapel in relative tranquility. The museum's festive decorations during December add an extra layer of charm to your visit, making it a memorable experience.

Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are perfect for a winter visit—warm, indoors, and crowd-free. Explore ancient Roman art and Renaissance masterpieces at a relaxed pace, with the added bonus of special exhibitions.

Roman Pantheon

The Pantheon feels even more magical in winter, with sunlight streaming through its oculus, illuminating the interior. Fewer visitors let you take in the grandeur without feeling rushed, though it’s closed on holidays like December 25 and January 1.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are peaceful in winter, with fewer crowds and festive holiday lights. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the area’s charm and cozy up in nearby cafes for a warm drink afterward.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Winter transforms Castel Sant'Angelo into a charming spot, often dusted with snow. With fewer tourists, you can explore its rich history at your own pace, enjoy the seasonal ice rink, and take in breathtaking views from the top.

Things to do in Rome in winter

Go on a food tour

The saying goes, “Eat like a Roman” for a reason. Try out a food tour and visit iconic eat streets like Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto. Don't miss Rome’s famous dishes like Pizza, Pasta Carbonara, Suppli, and many more, where winter’s thinner crowds make for a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Spend Valentines Day

Spend a magical Valentine’s Day in Rome, with its history adding to the romance. Savor the Romeo and Juliet coffee at Sant’Eustachio il Caffè, or enjoy a luxurious winter escape with a massage at QC Terme spa.

Drink Hot Chocolate

Experience Rome’s winter charm with a rich, smooth hot chocolate from Venchi. With a legacy dating back to 1878, Venchi crafts decadent chocolate creations rooted in Italian tradition—an indulgent treat you can’t miss.

Visit the Hard Rock Cafe

Hard Rock Cafe, a global favorite, offers travelers delicious food, great drinks, and an upbeat rock music vibe. It’s the perfect winter stop in Rome for a warm meal, lively ambiance, and spirited atmosphere.

Ice Skating at Castel Sant Angelo

Rome’s winter charm includes festive ice rinks open from December through February. For an unforgettable experience, skate beside Castel Sant'Angelo—adding a magical touch with views of this historic site.

Celebrate Christmas

Christmas in Rome is like a fairy tale! Celebrate Hanukkah at Piazza Barberini starting December 21, 2024, and explore the Christmas Market at Piazza Navona with nativity scenes and street food from December 8, 2024, to January 6, 2025. Visit Christmas World at Villa Borghese, a captivating holiday event, running from December 1, 2024, to January 7, 2025. End your festivities with a memorable Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for an unforgettable holiday experience in Rome.

Events & Festivals in Rome in Winter

Regardless of the season, something is going on in Rome all the time, maybe that’s why they call it the Eternal City. Here are several events and festivals that truly personify why Rome is the original melting pot of cultures.

Carnevale

Rome's Carnevale, an 8-day pre-Lenten extravaganza, fills the city with lively celebrations, parades, and masquerade balls. Culminating in a grand procession along Via del Corso, the Carnevale is a joyful escape before the solemnity of Lent begins.

Dates: February 18 to February 25, 2025

New Year’s Day

New Year's Day is a national holiday celebrated in Rome. The Angelus with the Pope in Peter's Square is a significant event, where the Pope addresses the crowd, symbolizing the beginning of a new year for the Romans.

Date: December 31, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Festa di San Valentino

Valentine's Day in Rome is a magical affair. Couples can wander through the lively streets of Trastevere, dine at a Roman trattoria under the stars, and enjoy romantic candlelit dinners. Restaurants and cafes offer special deals during this romantic time.

Date: February 14, 2025

The Epiphany

Join Rome’s lively Epiphany celebration at Piazza Navona on January 6th. This 19th-century tradition features lively parades and the arrival of "La Befana," an old woman on a broom who brings gifts to good children and charcoal to the naughty. Amidst the bustling crowds, the event’s joyful atmosphere and cultural charm make it an unforgettable experience, with treats and traditions for everyone.

Date: January 6 

Nativity Display

This iconic nativity scene is set up in front of St. Peter's Basilica, next to a grand Christmas tree. The display features life-sized figures and is unveiled on Christmas Eve, with the infant Jesus placed in the manger during the midnight mass. The scene remains open to the public until Epiphany, allowing visitors to experience this beautiful representation of the Nativity.

Date: December 24, 2024 - January 6, 2025

More details on vatican nativity

Know before you visit Rome in Winter

Essential Infromation
How to get around?
Where to stay?
What to eat?
What to wear?
What to pack?

Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) is used in Rome which is 2 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+02:00).

Currency: Euros - EUR - € 

Country Code: +39

Emergency Numbers: Integrated Emergency System - 112, Ambulance - 118, Fire brigade - 115, Police - 113

  • Metro - There are two metro lines, A and B, that visitors can use to visit popular attractions in the city.
  • Bus - If you are looking for a cheap and convenient way to reach different parts of Rome, then the bus is a good option. With 338 bus lines and 22-night buses, you can easily reach over 8,000 bus stops in the city.
  • Urban Railway - To connect the suburbs, there is a railway system also with three lines connecting Giardinetti, Lido, and Viterbo.
  • Taxi - For more convenience, you can also get a taxi from the designated taxi stands or a taxi-hailing app. However, do remember that the cabs charge extra on Sundays and public holidays and can be overall expensive.
  • Spaghetti Alla Carbonara- One of the best dishes to eat in Rome in winter is Spaghetti Alla Carbonara. It is a heavy pasta dish made up of eggs and cheese and is available at every restaurant in the city.
  • Gnocchi - A popular comfort food for winters in Rome is gnocchi. It is made up of marbles of potatoes covered in a Tuscan meat sauce with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on the top.
  • Suppli - Another must-try dish in Rome is Suppli which is a risotto ball with tomato ragu filling. It is available throughout the city and one can even choose to enjoy cheese suppli for a better pairing with wine. 
  • Ribolita - Made from seasonal vegetables, cannellini beans, and bread, Ribolita is a popular soup dish to try in Rome. It is popular comfort food for winter and it is recommended to be eaten with stale bread.
  • Warm Coat: Bring a sturdy, insulated coat to protect against the cool temperatures. 
  • Waterproof Footwear: Opt for comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for walking. Rome's streets can be wet, and durable footwear ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
  • Scarf and Gloves: Pack a warm scarf and gloves to shield yourself from the cold wind. These small accessories make a significant difference in maintaining comfort during chilly days and evenings.
  • Thermal Layers: Consider thermal layers for added warmth without bulk. Thermal tops and bottoms are discreet yet effective in preserving body heat, especially on colder days.
  • Do carry an umbrella, a poncho or a raincoat, as Rome is slightly rainy in December.
  • Spending the day visiting attractions or partying through the night, its best to make sure your phone has some juice. Don’t forget to carry a power bank. It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it especially while travelling. 
  • While December does feel quite damps, do carry some body lotion to prevent getting dry skin in this cold.
  • Rooms in Rome come with C, L, and F-type sockets which require round tip 2-pin plugs. So do pack a 3-pin to 2-pin adaptor when you travel, if required.
  • Do not forget a camera as well. Breathtaking sunsets and the twinkly Christmas decorations you’ll see in Rome will truly be postcard-worthy. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Rome in Winter

Is winter a good time to visit Rome?

Rome is a year-round destination as there is some activity or attraction for visitors to explore throughout the year. Winter is the perfect time to visit Rome to enjoy Christmas and the cold, milder weather in the city. There are fewer tourists in the city and you get amazing deals and discounts on flights and accommodations.

How cold is Rome in winter?

Rome in winter can be a little cold and wet with average temperatures around 10°C. However, if you are layered up and want to enjoy a slow trip, then it is a great time to visit. Be prepared to spend your days in the cafes around here as it rains a lot in the winter season.

Is it sunny in Rome during winter?

Rome experiences sunny and clear days for most of the year, but the winters tend to be quite cloudy. While the afternoons can be quite clear, make sure you pack a jacket and a scarf if you are travelling to Rome in winter.

Is Rome cheaper in winter?

While Rome is extremely tourist-centric, , it becomes a more economical in the winter due to the low season. You can get good discounts and deals on your flight tickets and hotel stays during this time.

How safe is Rome?

Rome is a relatively safe city to visit but visitors should always be vigilant and be aware of the tourist scams. Avoid buying tickets outside the ticket counter and don’t leave your bag unattended when exploring the city.

What free things can you do in Rome in winter?

There are many free things to do in Rome in winter such as a walk beside River Tiber, making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, walking through the streets of Travestere, and so on.