The Colosseum is one of Rome’s top attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. This popularity means it often has long lines. To make the most of your visit, it's important to know the best time to visit the Colosseum for so many reasons, the main one being the crowds. There are certain seasons and days when the crowds are at their highest, and others when they are much lower. Here are some insightful tips to help you plan your visit to the Colosseum.
Best time to visit Colosseum - Our recommendation
Visiting the Colosseum in autumn is ideal because of Rome's mild temperatures and fewer tourists. As summer ends in August, the crowds start to thin out in September. This period before the Christmas rush is perfect for exploring Rome and its major attractions like the Colosseum. The comfortable weather and lower visitor numbers allow you to fully appreciate the Colosseum's beauty and make it easier to get tickets at your preferred time.
Recommended Colosseum tickets
Colosseum around the year
Weekday vs Weekend
Visiting the Colosseum on weekdays is generally less crowded than on weekends. This means shorter waiting times in queues. If you have skip-the-line tickets, weekdays provide an even more relaxed and thorough tour. Mondays to Thursdays typically see fewer visitors than weekends.
Peak Season vs Low Season
The summer months from June to August are the busiest, with large crowds and very hot weather. For a more comfortable experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of October to November and February to March. During these times, you can enjoy fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, making for a more pleasant visit.
Spring is a great time to visit the Colosseum, offering pleasant, breezy temperatures and plenty of sunshine. However, be aware that the Easter holidays can bring large crowds. Planning your visit outside of these peak holiday times can help you enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Rome, characterized by very hot and sunny weather. The Colosseum sees long lines and heavy crowds during these months. The high temperatures can also make touring the ancient arena quite uncomfortable. It's essential to stay hydrated and wear sun protection if you visit during this time.
Autumn is an ideal time to visit the Colosseum. The weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are much thinner compared to the summer months. This season offers a more enjoyable experience, allowing you to explore the Colosseum without the stress of long lines and large crowds.
Winter brings colder and wetter weather to Rome. During this season, the Colosseum may have reduced hours and possible earlier closures. However, the lower number of tourists means shorter lines and a quieter atmosphere. If you don’t mind the cold, winter can be a peaceful time to visit and take in the history of the Colosseum.
Colosseum opening hours
The Colosseum is open year-round, except on May 1, December 25, and January 1.
The Colosseum is open at varying hours depending on the season. From January 1 to February 15, it is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm. From February 16 to March 15, the hours extend to 5pm. Between March 16 and March 30, it is open until 5:30pm.
The longest hours are from March 31 to September 30, when it is open from 8:30am to 7:15pm, to welcome the summer crowds, and since Europe sees long daylight hours. From October 1 to October 26, it operates from 8:30am to 6:30pm, and from October 27 to December 31, it returns to 8:30am to 4:30pm.
