Rome in Winter: An Essential Guide

Since ancient times, Rome is one of most important cities in Europe. Once a capital of the Roman Empire, today it is home to over 2 million people and a plethora of famous churches, museums and ancient ruins. The Italian capital is famous around the world for its buzzing atmosphere that pulses year-round on its winding cobbled streets and quaint piazzas; you can rest easy knowing that whenever you decide to travel to Rome, you will be bound to have an adventure.

Roman winters are characterized by mild weather that lasts throughout the season. In early winter (late November and December, up to Christmas), temperatures rarely drop to lower single digits, although it is not unusual to have rainy days in this period. January is the coldest month, with temperatures on average falling between 3 and 11 degrees. February is typically warmer and you may even experience bonafide springtime weather during this month. Overall, you can expect to have plenty of sunshine and all-around favourable weather, which is good news if you plan on getting around and exploring the city on foot.

Since winters in Rome can be somewhat unpredictable, it is recommended that you pack clothing you can layer (shirts, sweaters, coats), so you can remain prepared for all occasions. Also, it is advisable to always carry an umbrella, as this season does tend to get rainy on occasion.

The saying “all roads lead to Rome” exists for a reason. As one of the busiest transport hubs in Europe, Rome is serviced by daily flights from cities across the globe, including London, New York, Tokyo, etc. There are two airports in the city: Fiumicino International Airport, which has excellent public transport connections to the city center, and Ciampino International Airport, which is located in the southeast part of Rome and services mostly low-cost flights.

Rome can also be reached from various Italian and European towns via buses and trains. The main railway station is called Roma Termini and it’s located in the central part of the city.

Like any other major European city, Rome has an abundance of accommodation options, ranging from hip, wallet-friendly hostels to luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses. Here are some of most convenient areas to stay while in Rome if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing:

• Centro Storico: This medieval part of Rome is home to many historical landmarks, such as Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon and Column of Marcus Aurelius. This area is known for more upmarket accommodation and is perfect for people who want to fully experience the enchanting Renaissance-era atmosphere.
• Monti: A charming labyrinth of cobbled streets packed with unique shops, wine bars and intimate piazzas, Monti has a wide range of budget and mid-range lodgings. It is a perfect place if you want to keep close to all the tourists spots while remaining in a cozy, vibrant ambience.
• Trastevere: The area west of the Tiber is known for its rough-around-the-edges character that doesn’t diminish its tourist appeal. It truly comes alive at night, when locals and visitors flock to its many hip eateries, theaters and bars.

Rome has no shortage of monumental historical sites that you can explore on your own or with an organized tour. Most of them are packed in the city center, which means it’s easy to get from one to another in case the weather turns sour. Some of the must-visit sites include:

• Colosseum: Probably the most famous Roman landmark, the Colosseum used to be an arena for gladiator contests and other public performances in the ancient times.
• Trevi Fountain: This opulent work of art is arguably one of the most beautiful fountains in the world. They say if you wish to return to Rome, you should toss a coin in its basin.
• Vatican City: A separate country within the city of Rome, Vatican is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also home to some of the most famous historical sights in Rome, such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Pantheon: Ancient Roman temple built almost 2,000 years ago.
• Roman Forum: Plaza that used to be the heart of the Roman Empire, where people engaged in political, commercial and legal activities.
• Spanish Steps: The spectacular set of stairs that leads from Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinita dei Monti.

Summer is the season that draws all the crowds to Rome, but winter is when you can experience the city as if you were a local. Here are some of the most popular things to do in Rome during wintertime:

• Visit Piazza Navona Christmas Market: The biggest traditional Christmas market in town where you can buy souvenirs for people back home and feast on delicious street food.
• Try Roman winter comfort food: In winter, Italians love to keep their bellies warm with roast chestnuts, minestrone soup and pasta carbonara.
• Ice skate at Castel Sant’Angelo: One of the most visited public ice rinks, skating at Castel Sant’Angelo is a magical way to spend a winter evening.
• Celebrate Epiphany: A major holiday that falls on January 6th when, according to tradition, a witch called La Bafana visits all the children in Italy and stuffs their socks with candy and presents.
• Seize the sales: Rome is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and there is no better time to experience its vast shopping offer than during winter, when holiday sales are in full gear.

As you can see, Rome in winter can be as equally majestic and enticing as any other European capital. Moreover, if you don’t enjoy 30°C + temperatures and hordes of tourists at every step, chances are you’ll find Rome even more charming outside of peak season.

Feeling inspired? Rome can be a part of your itinerary as a part of your customized tour to Italy with the help of our local travel experts.

For a seasonal overview, read our travel article on the best time to visit Italy and for more detailed information on the perfect duration on selecting your itinerary, read our travel article on the how many days to spend in Italy.