The climate of Rome
Rome, much like the rest of
Italy, is the epitome of the Mediterranean climate, falling under the Köppen climate classification of Csa. The city sits on the western side of central Italy, confined by the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Mediterranean climate gives Rome hot summers and mild winters, with noticeable variations in temperature and rainfall throughout the year.
A distinct characteristic of Rome's climate is the oscillation between monthly temperatures. Based on available data, temperatures can fluctuate from a brisk 3.1°C (37.6°F) in
January to a blistering 30.6°C (87.1°F) in
August. Rainfall also follows a pattern throughout the year, peaking at 115mm (4.53") in
November and shrinking to as low as 19mm (0.75") in
July. Observing the daylight hours, Rome enjoys a maximum of 15.2 hours in
June and a minimum of 9.2 hours in
December.
One unique aspect about Rome's weather conditions is the frequency of sunshine hours in the summer. Extended periods of sunlight reaching up to 10.7 hours are recorded in July. Concurrently, there is a surge in the UV index in July, reaching 9. Rainfall days exhibit a different trend - mostly concentrated in the late autumn and early winter months, specifically November (9.7 days) and December (8 days).
The best time to visit Rome
Determining the "best" time to experience
Rome largely depends on an individual's preferences. However, considering factors like temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours, it would appear that autumn makes for a pleasant time to visit. Particularly,
October offers a balanced blend of moderate temperatures ranging from 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 21.4°C (70.5°F), reduced rainfall of 113mm (4.45"), and ample daylight of about 11.1 hours. Therefore, the period from late
September through to October is highly recommended.
The worst time to visit Rome
On the contrary, the least favorable time to explore the city is during the high summer heat in
July. Despite the numerous sunshine hours and minimal rain days, the intense heat with temperatures soaring up to 30.3°C (86.5°F) and high UV index of 9 could pose a challenge for outdoor activities. Additionally, the crowded tourist spots make sightseeing slightly taxing during this time of year.
Spring weather in Rome
Spring welcomes mild weather in
Rome with warming temperatures from as low as 5.2°C (41.4°F) in
March to as high as 22.8°C (73°F) in
May. Rainfall during these months maintains a declining trend, dropping to 53mm (2.09") in May from 58mm (2.28") in March. Though spring starts with 12 daylight hours in March, May extends the daylight to about 14.6 hours, along with an increase in the sunshine hours from 5.4 to 8.5.
Summer weather in Rome
Summers are generally hot and dry in
Rome. Temperatures during the summer months range from 15.3°C (59.5°F) in
June to 30.6°C (87.1°F) in
August. The rain is at its lowest in
July at 19mm (0.75"). Not surprisingly, daylight hours peak in June at 15.2, while sunshine hours maximize in July at 10.7.
Autumn weather in Rome
Autumn in
Rome generates a sense of calm with gradual cooling temperatures. These vary from 15.2°C (59.4°F) in
September to 4.2°C (39.6°F) in
December. Despite the descending temperature pattern, autumn hosts the peak rainfall months of
November and December, with levels reaching 115mm (4.53") and 81mm (3.19") respectively.
Winter weather in Rome
During winter,
Rome experiences typically mild weather compared to other major European cities. Temperatures fluctuate between 3.1°C (37.6°F) in
January and 12.6°C (54.7°F) in
December. Notably, rainfall during these months registers fairly significant values with 67mm (2.64") in January. Even with shorter daylight hours of about 9.2 in December, Rome provides around 4.3 hours of sunshine in January, providing enough warmth and light for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
January weather in
Rome,
Italy, introduces the new year with relatively lower temperatures, chillier nights, and moderate rainfall. Receiving 67mm (2.64") of precipitation over 7 days, the city experiences wet conditions. Compared to the preceding month of
December, less sunlight is received with daylight hours inching towards 9.5 hours.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February holds onto the subtle winter chill that
January presents, with an added increase in rainfall.
Rome receives the second-highest recorded rainfall in the year, 73mm (2.87") spread over 7.6 days. However, daylight hours also grow longer, making way for more sunshine hours.
Weather in February » Weather in March
By
March,
Rome starts to shake off the remaining winter coolness and transitions into a pleasant spring-like weather. Rainfall begins to abate, settling at 58mm (2.28"), marking a decrease from the heavy showers of
February. Longer daylight hours bring more sunshine, transforming the cityscape with a warmer, more welcoming allure.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a significant leap in temperature, steering
Rome into a clear spring season with warmer days and rainfall reminiscent of drizzly showers. Surprisingly, the city sees a rise in precipitation, up to 81mm (3.19"), contrary to the usual expectation of drier spring weather.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Rome clearly steps into the realm of summer-like weather. Rainfall drastically reduces, giving way to scorching sunny days, with temperatures stretching from 11.6°C (52.9°F) to a high of 22.8°C (73°F). Rome looks its most vibrant best during May, with moderately warm weather conditions and extended daylight hours.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June ushers in the peak of summer, marking one of the warmest months in
Rome. Throughout the month, the city revels in longer daylight hours and basks in a generous amount of sunshine. Rainfall reduces to a minor 34mm (1.34"), painting clear, sunny skies most days.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Rome is at its hottest, with temperatures reaching a massive annual peak of 30.3°C (86.5°F). This month is characteristic of its notoriously hot and dry sensation, with a mere 19mm (0.75") rainfall spread over just 2.1 days.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
Rome,
August follows the lead of
July closely, retaining much of the intense summer heat. The mercury still hits a high of 30.6°C (87.1°F), just marginally higher than July. Amid August's unrelenting sunshine, the city welcomes an increase in rain, snapping the summer dry-spell.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Rome introduces an onset of cooler autumn weather while holding onto the remnants of summer heat. Rainfall begins a noticeable increase, signaling the end of the drier summer period. Daylight hours and sunshine begin to dwindle, metaphorically painting a more autumn-like picture.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October presents an unmistakable autumn ambience, with lower temperatures and a visible increase in rainfall.
Rome becomes drenched in the highest yearly rainfall, receiving 113mm (4.45") spread over roughly 8 days. Daylight hours considerably decrease, and the winds begin to carry a colder hum.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Rome, is also a moderate month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 6.9°C (44.4°F) and 15.9°C (60.6°F). A moderate decline in the average high-temperature is seen during November, decreasing from an agreeable 21.4°C (70.5°F) in
October to a moderate 15.9°C (60.6°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
In
December,
Rome welcomes the winter season, with temperatures dipping and more cloudy days. Comparatively colder nights with 4.2°C (39.6°F) and reduced daylight hours of 9.2, mark a definitive shift into winter. Typical of the season, rainfall remains high, summing up to 81mm (3.19") over roughly 8 days.
Weather in December »