Strolling through the streets of Rome, you'll constantly encounter breathtaking monuments, iconic landmarks, and venues brimming with priceless artistic treasures at nearly every turn. The ancient ruins and splendid churches echo tales of times long past, while modern Rome charges forward into the new millennium with an electrifying pace and unyielding zeal that will leave you in awe. Delve into the rich offerings of museums, marvel at monumental structures, immerse yourself in artistic masterpieces, indulge in delectable cuisine, and trace the path along the Tiber River. Even after exploring it all, bidding farewell to Rome is a challenge, as its allure is irresistibly enduring. August marks a vibrant time to experience Rome, as it pulsates with activity during the peak of tourist season. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you craft your unforgettable journey through Rome in August.
What makes Rome in August special?
Sightseeing & Photographic weather– Rain can put a damper on sightseeing and photography outings. However, the clear cobalt skies of Rome in August provide an ideal backdrop for capturing the city's ruins and architecture. Additionally, the absence of rainfall means avoiding traffic congestion and the need for extra protective clothing.
Cultural events – August in Rome boasts numerous traditional summer events such as Festa Della Madonna Della Neve and Ferragosto. In addition to these, the tourism department and various private organizations host events tailored for tourists, showcasing the city's rich culture and history.
Sizzling and Buzzing – August sees Rome bustling with tourists, marking the peak season with increased airfares and accommodation costs. Nevertheless, this period offers an exciting opportunity for cultural immersion. You'll encounter travelers from around the globe, contributing to a lively and enjoyable atmosphere as both locals and tourists embrace the vacation vibe.
Rome weather in August
August sizzles in Rome, marking one of its steamiest stretches. Daytime averages soar to a sweltering 31°C/88°F, before cooling off to 19°C/66°F at night. Yet, as the month progresses, temperatures begin their descent, signaling the transition from summer to fall. Rain remains a rarity, making August among the driest periods annually.
Rome in August: Things to do
1
Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
Vatican City is more than a centre of religious importance; it holds an invaluable wealth of treasure in the form of art and architecture. Take a guided tour of its iconic landmarks, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica and admire them in person.
August Timings
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel:
Monday – Thursday: 8am - 7pm
Friday – Saturday: 8am - 8pm
Closed on all Sundays except last Sunday
Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
2
Roman Catacombs
Take a walk under the ancient ruins of Rome and find yourself amidst the remains of thousands of Jews and Christians from the 2nd Century in the catacombs! The catacombs are an offbeat choice but hundreds visit them each day, go on a skip the line tour to save time.
August Timings
All the Roman Catacombs are open from 9am - 12pm and 2pm - 5pm
They are closed on the following days:
- Catacombs of San Sebastiano – Sunday
- Catacombs of San Callisto – Wednesday
- Catacombs of Priscilla – Monday
- Catacombs of Domitilla – Tuesday
Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
3
Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum
Regale yourself with ancient Roman history as you walk through the ruins of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum. All these monuments are contiguous to each other and a guided tour is the best way to learn more about them and their role in history.
August Timings
Colosseum: 8:30am - 6:15pm
Palatine Hill: 9am - 7:15pm
Roman Forum: 9am - 7:15pm
Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›
4
Borghese Gallery and Borghese Gardens
Rome is abounding with museums but if you just have to visit a handful then make sure you visit the Borghese Gallery. It has one of the best art collections in the world and includes the works of Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini. The leafy gardens are a relief in the heat of Rome in August.
August Timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Closed on Mondays
Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›
5
Trastevere Neighbourhood Walk
Take a walk with an expert local guide in one of the oldest and bohemian neighbourhoods in Rome, Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto. Explore the cobblestone streets with flower-laden balconies and sample local food like gelato and cheese. Meet the locals and explore how the Romans live, eat and enjoy!
August Timings
Tour starts daily at 10:30am
Trastevere,Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
6
Rome Bike Tour
Forget figuring out the bus numbers or spending on expensive taxis, just sign up for a bike tour and explore Rome from a unique perspective. Ride around the areas of Trajan Forum, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Jewish Ghetto and Campo di Fiori. Stop and smell the roses and ride along when you are done!
Via di Santa Eufemia 15, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›
7
Day Trip to Naples and Pompeii
Go on a day trip to the Mediterranean coastal city of Naples. Take in views of the crystal clear waters of the Naples Bay and head to the ancient city of Herculaneum before stopping in Pompeii. Guided tours will you with transport and planning of a convenient itinerary!
August Timings
Daily from 7:30am to 8pm
80045 Metropolitan City of Naples,
Italy
Getting There ›
8
Rome Food & Drinks Tour
Italy is synonymous with sumptuous food and when in Rome you can spend the day exploring its culinary heritage. Take a pasta-making class or head to a pizzeria to learn how to make a pizza. Go on a wine tasting tour, or go grocery shopping in the vibrant farmer’s markets!
August Timings
Depends on the tour
Trastevere,Rome
Italy
Getting There ›
9
Day Trip to Tuscany
Nothing screams an Italian holiday like enjoying a cheese platter with a glass of wine, with a view of rolling hills and quaint villages. This is what you can enjoy on a guided day trip to Tuscany! Explore the towns of Montepulciano, Pienza and visit vineyards on this day trip out of Rome.
August Timings
Tour starts at 7:15am
Piazza del Popolo 00187 Roma RM Italy, Roma
Italy
Getting There ›
Rome in August: Events to look out for
Festa della Madonna Della Neve
August 5, 2024
La Madonna della Neve or Our Lady of the Snows is celebrated on August 5th. The festival is celebrated at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore on Esquiline Hill to honor the patron saint. There is a ‘snowfall’ of confetti and fresh white petals on the day!
Ferragosto
August 15, 2024
The festival celebrates the Roman practice of Festival of Emperor Augustus and the Roman Catholic tradition of the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This is the day which heralds the start of summer holidays in Rome and while most of Rome is closed, you can find concerts & events along the Tiber.
Feast of San Lorenzo
August 10, 2024
The Feast of San Lorenzo, or St. Lawrence's Day, is celebrated on August 10th each year in honor of one of Rome's most popular and revered saints. The holiday commemorates the day when St. Lawrence was martyred by being burned alive on a gridiron.
Rome in August: 5-day itinerary
Need help planning your Rome vacation? Check out our detailed Rome itineraries here.
5 Days In Rome Itinerary
1
Colosseum
€24.9
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
€24.9
Trevi Fountain
Free Entry
2
St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Necropolis
€19.5
Vatican Museums
Sistine Chapel
€5
3
Borghese Gallery
€47
Roman Catacombs
€49
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
€10
4
Rome to Naples
€129.75
Rome to Pompeii
€112
Rome to Amalfi Coast
€179
5
Trastevere
Roman Ghetto
€82
Appian Way
€70
Rome in August: Seasonal delicacies
Carciofi or artichokes are a favorite of Romans in the summer. The ‘alla romana’ style involves stuffing the cleaned artichoke with garlic, parsley, salt and pepper and braising them in water and white wine. The delicious dish is served as appetizers and eaten warm.
Where to eat : Giggetto, Via del Portico d'Ottavia
The heat in Rome in August can get to you, leaving you craving for something simple and wholesome. There is where Cacio e pepe comes in! The ultimate Roman comfort food, this dish includes just three ingredients – pasta, black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Where to eat : Antica Pesa, Via Garibaldi
One does not immediately connect seafood with Rome, but these fried fillets made with seafood are finger lickin’ good! Fresh catch of sardines, anchovies or cod is fried in batter and eaten as antipasti. Order a plate, sip on wine and people watch in the piazza.
Where to eat : Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara, Campo dei Fiori
Tomatoes and eggplants are abundant in Italy during summer and it is the time to indulge in them. The Caponata is the ideal dish to savor the flavours of these vegetables. It is a stew that can be eaten cold or warm and is made of eggplant, tomatoes, celery, capers and more.
Where to eat : Osteria dell'Ingegno
TSummer in Rome equals to multiple cones of gelato throughout the day! The creamy and flavourful dessert is best had in its original flavours – chocolate, pistachio, coffee - of course you can also go wild with flavours like chilli, but steer clear of bright colored gelatos and you are good to go!
Where to eat : Gelataria dei Gracchi, Via dei Gracchi
Rome in August essentials
LanguageItalian
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+39
Socket Type C, L, F
CurrencyEuros €
Rome Weather in August
Rome in August is going through a transition from peak summer to the start of fall. The average temperatures hover around 31°C/88°F and the weather is hot and dry. The day length decreases over the month from 14 hours to 13 hours, the sun rises around 6:15am and sets around 8pm.
Where to Stay in Rome during August
Accommodation in Rome in August is going to stretch your budget quite a bit. You can choose to stay in AirBnBs, guest houses and hostels for cheaper rates. You can easily find stay options suitable to your budget in any area in Rome.
Here are our top hotels to stay while in Rome :
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Artemidee, Portrait Roma,, Albergo Del Senato
- Mid-Range: iQ Hotel Romal, Palm Gallery Hotel, Hotel Lancelot
- Budget: Villa Pirandello, Hotel Oceania, Alessandro Palace Hotel & Bar
What to Pack for Visiting Rome in August
Expect scorching and arid conditions in Rome come August, making it imperative to don lightweight, breathable attire crafted from natural materials such as cotton. Opting for full-length shirts and pants not only shields you from sunburn but also ensures appropriateness for church visits. If you prefer shorts or sleeveless tops, have a scarf or stole handy to cover up when entering churches. Don't forget to pack sturdy walking shoes and bring along an empty water bottle to refill at the numerous city water fountains.
Getting Around Rome in August
Rome boasts considerable size, with its tourist sites scattered throughout the city, necessitating the use of transportation. Taxis offer swift travel but can be costly. While the Metro serves well for longer distances, it doesn't extend to central Rome, where many landmarks reside. Buses provide an economical and convenient option, though their naming system may cause confusion, necessitating advance planning and reliance on bus numbers for navigation. Optimal methods for city exploration include acquiring a Roma Pass or obtaining a Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket. Here is a guide on using public transportation in Rome.
Tips for visiting Rome in August
- Rome is packed with tourists in August which means restaurants are going to be busy. You should book reservations at the restaurants you wish to dine in and remember that most of them open for dinner service only by 8pm.
- A great way to enjoy sightseeing in Rome is to get out late in the evenings after an afternoon siesta. Begin with a Segway tour that is becoming quite popular in the city, or head on the Big Bus Night Tour that will take you through the illuminated landmarks with cooler temperatures.
- Nights in Rome in August are pleasant and offer a respite from the heat of the day. The hills are a great way to escape the heat and some of the top spots to head for a stroll are the Janiculum Hill, Villa Borghese, Villa Celimontana and Monte Mario.
- Summer sales or Saldi continue in the month of August in Rome. You can enjoy massive discounts on designer clothing and even on the locally-made exquisite clothing. Some of the souvenirs you can pick up in Rome are handmade leather goods, hand painted porcelain, marble statue reproductions, and artisanal foods.
Explore Rome by months
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Ready to visit Rome in August?
Here are some quick links to articles that will make your Roma vacation all the more special!
FAQs
The weather in Rome in August is typically hot and humid. The average high temperature is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), while the average low temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). There is also often a fair amount of rain in August, so be sure to pack your raincoat!
When packing for a trip to Rome in August, be sure to pack items that will keep you cool and comfortable. The weather in Rome during August is typically hot and humid, so it's important to pack light, breathable clothing. shorts, tank tops, and sundresses are all great choices. You'll also want to pack comfortable shoes that can be easily removed, like sandals or flip-flops. And don't forget to pack your sunscreen!
There are plenty of things to do in Rome during August! One popular activity is to take a tour of the ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum or the Roman Forum. You can also visit Vatican City and explore St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. If you're looking for something more active, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in and around Rome. And, of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without sampling the delicious food!
Rome is a popular tourist destination year-round, but it can be especially busy in the summer months. August is one of the busiest times to visit, so be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
August is a busy month for festivals and events in Rome. Some of the most popular include the Ferragosto holiday on August 15th and the Feast of the Assumption on August 25th.
