Rome, the ‘Eternal City’, dates back to 3000 years ago. If anything, there is no bad time to visit Rome and the throngs of people in front of the Colosseum, despite the sweltering summer heat, bear witness to this claim. The temperatures sizzles at 30-45°C and yet, travelers remain undeterred, if only to claim their share of gelato. Nights are perfect for a glass of house wine and authentic handmade pasta from one of the local eateries. Summer is a two-way street in Rome, when popular spots are crowded, it serves as an excuse to explore the lesser-known areas like Trastevere.
Rome in Summer: Weather
In August, temperatures soar to an infernal 45°C while the nights are pleasant at 17°C. Summer months, i.e. June to August, are crowded, yet lovely for their romantic summer nights.
5 Reasons to visit Rome in Summer
1. It's gelato day, every day! — Summer is an unbidden excuse to slurp on scoops of gelato. You can relish everything from tiramisu to raspberry sherbet at authentic gelaterias like Gelato San Lorenzo and I Caruso.
2. The city's in full bloom! — Look up at the balconies where bouquets of flowers in lavender, pristine white and fuchsia form an ornate symphony of colors against Rome’s rustic architecture that sits glistening under the cobalt sky.
3. Do it for the 'Gram! — The pictures are bound to be one in a million when the sky is an arresting blue and Rome’s cobbled streets are swathed in golden hues from the summer sun.
4. Prossecco galore! — Summer in Rome is an excuse to skip the lines and opt, instead, for a quaint café or restaurant such as Est Artigiani Del Gusto and sample wine paired with scrumptious pasta.
5. Color me Italian - pronto! — Don summer dresses, silk scarves and gladiator sandals for women and crisp shorts with linen shirts for men and you are well on your way to perfecting the quintessential Italian summer ensemble.
15 things to do in Rome during the Summer
Bar hop by the Tiber
During the summer months, Rome hosts ‘Lungo il Tevere’ by the river Tiber, a summertime festival inviting travelers to relish exquisite wines, shop and dine in the balmy night; charming white tents dot the embankment with quaint outdoor seating while the river shimmers from the iridescent lighting.
Catch a show at Terme di Caracalla
The ancient ruins of the Roman baths, Terme di Caracalla, are not to be missed as they are reawakened from the sounds of performances by Teatro dell’Opera in the summer. Visitors can purchase tickets to these open-air concerts that retain the magic of classic operas reworked by contemporary writers.
KNOW MOREEnjoy an outdoot cinema under the stars
There is not one but numerous venues where you can catch an outdoor cinema experience in Rome. San Cosimato, L’Isola del Cinema or Casa del Cinema are only a few of many cinemas screening classics to new releases. Hundreds gather to enjoy a night of revelry and a curated showcase.
KNOW MOREHit up Ostia Beach
Ostia Lido Beach is closest to Rome which makes for a nice way to skip the afternoon heat and cool off in the water that is ideal for swimming. The beach sports some areas with public access so you do not have to shell out for a private area.
Cool off at Villa Borghese
Escape the summer crowds by paying a visit to the 16th-century Villa Borghese, which is the largest public park in Rome. The park has several museums and theaters that you can visit on a Segway tour. Additionally, the kids will love the zoological garden with its 200 animal species.
KNOW MOREHead to Amalfi Coast
A scenic three-hour car ride from Rome or a two-hour train ride via Naples will take you directly to the picturesque Amalfi Coast. Its beaches are pristine with crystal-clear waters. In the town of Amalfi, you can visit the Duomo with its exceptional mosaics and 9th-century Roman architecture.
KNOW MORESign up for a cooking class
Gourmands will appreciate the art of Italian cooking with cooking lessons at select schools like Les Chefs Blancs and Coquis where you can learn to make pasta by hand, prepare fresh pizza dough and decadent tiramisu for dessert followed by a glass of Prosecco.
Hike up Mont Mario
A 20-minute hike up the undulating path of Monte Maria, the highest hill in Rome, is a rewarding experience that you can enjoy without losing breath. The summit offers a spell-binding view of the entire city and if you go during sunset hour, you can witness St. Peter’s dome shimmering in pink.
KNOW MOREEat gelatos, all day long
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, or so the saying goes. You cannot miss freshly-whipped gelato during the summer as nothing beats a refreshing scoop atop its waffle cone throne. There is no such thing as too much gelato considering the number of flavors that need your attention.
Visit the Trevi Fountain after dark
The famous Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi is an extraordinary sight at a whopping 26 meters in height. As tradition goes, travelers throw a coin over their shoulders to make a wish. The fountain lights up in true Baroque fashion after dark for a surreal experience.
KNOW MORE
Visit one of the 900 churches in the city
There are 900 churches in Rome including the most-visited St. Peter’s Basilica. Many visitors flock to these reverential establishments to witness the ethereal charm of ancient Rome. San Clemente is another church worth a visit that was destroyed and then rebuilt atop its ruins in the 12th century.
KNOW MORESkip the Vatican and visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo
The summer crowds in the Vatican can be daunting, so, for an equally beguiling experience head to the city of Castel Gandolfo and visit the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. It was recently opened to the public prior to which it served as the vacation home of the reigning pope.
KNOW MOREEnter the Colosseum from the Gladiator Entrance
The center-stage of the Colosseum was reserved for gladiators and you can experience the same by entering the Colosseum through the gladiator entrance. Skip the long lines and enjoy an immersive guided tour of the magnificent amphitheater that dates back thousands of years.
KNOW MORETake a bike tour of Rome
Cycling around Rome is one of the best ways to acquaint yourselves with its cobbled streets and learn about its history. Each corner of the city is significant in some way and for an informative trip go for the Baroque Rome Tours, Segway tours, or an Appian Way tour.
KNOW MORESign up for an eerie tour of the Roman Catacombs
Rome’s ancient underground burial sites or the Roman Catacombs are not for the faint-hearted. The catacombs are ancient and spooky with human remains on display for the public. There are many catacombs in Rome such as Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Priscilla’s Catacombs that are open to visitors.
KNOW MORERome in summer: Events to look out for
Italy celebrates Ferragosto or the Festival of Emperor Augustus annually on 15th August. The festival has its roots in various interpretations of Roman Catholic history while today it signifies a national holiday and a day of rest. Locals are on vacation and many of the museums and destinations will be closed for ferie.
The Festival of Noantri is held in the district of Trastevere in July to celebrate Madonna of Mount Carmel. A procession travels through the district of Trastevere carrying a well-adorned statue of the Virgin Mary. The festival brings with it exciting open-air concerts and street art that liven up Trastevere.
Italian summer nights are breezy and warm which is an idyllic setup for an outdoor concert at the Baths of Caracalla. Classical ballet performances and opera by Teatro dell’Opera electrify the nights with masterpieces such as Romeo & Juliet showcased against the majestic backdrop of the ancient ruins.
Under the moon-lit sky, Villa Ada hosts the annual Roma Incontro il Mondo, a night of lively Italian and international music in the woods. The lineup is unmissable with Jazz artists to Bohemian Symphony – the Queen Orchestra. Other events include wine tastings, readings and art exhibits for a complete experience.
Roma Fest 2023 promises to be an exciting event celebrating Roma culture and heritage. The festival will showcase traditional music, dance, and art, providing a platform for the Roma community to express themselves. Attendees can look forward to vibrant performances by talented musicians, energetic dance troupes, and a variety of art exhibitions.
Rome in Summer: Getting around
The most efficient way around Rome is taking public transport or walking your way to accessible spots in the city. Traversing through Rome can be tedious as it tends to get crowded in the summer.
Check the local news if there is an upcoming transport strike which are mostly on Fridays.
The best part is that for only €1.50 you can take any number of bus rides, one train ride and a metro ride for 100 minutes from its first use. Bus rides are longer due to multiple stops so the tram is a better alternative.
First-time travelers can go for the Hop-on-Hop-off bus tours to get a feel of the city as they take you along the Tiber River and make stops at the Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel and other landmarks on a double-decker bus.
The trains are the fastest mode of transportation that can get you to places such as Trastevere and Monte Maria in no time.
Read our detailed blog on Public Transportation in Rome and travel like a local!
What to pack while visiting Rome in summer?
Light clothes
Lightweight and breezy summer clothes are essential and also help you to blend in with the locals to avoid pickpocketing.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the most important thing to brave the hot sun if you do not want to be burnt to a crisp.
Clothing for religious sites
Appropriate clothing for Roman Churches that cover up the shoulders and legs so as to not disrespect any religious sentiments.
Water bottle
A refillable water bottle that you can fill with safe drinking water from the fountains to eliminate plastic waste.
Crossbody bags
Beware of pickpockets and opt for crossbody bags instead of backpacks and clothes with hidden zippers to keep money.
Rome in summer: Seasonal delicacies
Try a Caprese salad at Est Artigiani with fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella and basil with a dash of balsamic and olive oil. Visit Est Artigiani.
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From the popular chocolate-coated gelato at Frigidarium to a local gelateria serving swirls of icy flavours, every cone is a lip-smacking delight. Head to Frigidarium.
Pizza has no season and summer evenings are perfect for a slice with some wine. Try family-owned restaurants like Sforno for fresh flavours. Grab a pizza at Sforno .
Caffe’freddo for breakfast, a few rounds of Aperol Spritz on the beach and some house wine complete your day in Rome.
Grattachecca or shaved ice is a favourite summer treat served with fresh fruit toppings to escape the heat. Visit Alla Fonte D'Oro .
Summer in Rome: Insider visiting tips
- Book early morning tickets for each of the major attractions, as early as 7:30AM, to circumvent the lines.
- Campo de’Fiori is a good way to navigate Rome’s nightlife with many bars in the same radius.
- The Roman Ghetto has its history rooted in the Jewish faith which now has a thriving restaurant street.
- Trastevere is the quintessential Roman neighbourhood with a laidback vibe during the afternoon and the best nightlife once the sun sets.
- Late nights in Rome are paired with an aperitivo at local wine bars such as Ai Tre Scalini.
- Head out at night when the breeze is cool and the sights are magical as they light up for the evening.
- The days are long in the summer for more incentive to explore the city before it gets dark.
Explore Rome through the year
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