Rome
About Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, is a living museum where 2,000-year-old ruins coexist with a vibrant, modern Italian lifestyle. Unlike the industrial pulse of Milan or the romantic waterways of Venice, Rome offers an overwhelming density of history and world-class cuisine. The city features a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, occasionally damp winters. While many travelers flock to the city during the spring and fall for the best weather, the 2025 Jubilee Holy Year means crowds and prices will be higher than usual throughout the next two years. Generally, the peak season runs from April to June and September to October, while the winter months of January and February serve as the budget-friendly off-season.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Rome at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Rome, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Euro (€) daily budgets: €80–€100 / $85–$110 to €450+ / $490+
At a Glance: When to Visit Rome
Best Overall
April–May, September–October
Cheapest
January–February, November
Busiest
June–August, Easter Week
Best Weather
May and September (22°C–28°C / 72°F–82°F)
For Events
April (Natale di Roma) and October (Film Festival)
For Families
May and June (Villa Borghese gardens and outdoor activities)
For Couples
September and October (Golden light and romantic outdoor dining)
Budget Travel
Late January to early March
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Rome.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Rome — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Rome
January
3°C–12°C (37°F–54°F). Crisp air, frequent sunshine but occasional showers. Roughly 4 hours of sun daily.
“Best for budget travelers and museum lovers who want the Trevi Fountain almost to themselves.”
February
4°C–13°C (39°F–55°F). Slightly warmer but can be damp. Typical winter humidity.
“The absolute cheapest time to fly and stay in Rome before the spring surge.”
March
6°C–16°C (43°F–61°F). Transition month with variable 'pazzerello' (crazy) weather.
“Perfect for active travelers who want to explore ancient sites on foot comfortably.”
April
8°C–19°C (46°F–66°F). Pleasant spring temperatures. The city begins to hum with energy.
“Ideal for those seeking cultural festivals and the iconic 'dolce vita' atmosphere.”
May
12°C–24°C (54°F–75°F). Perfect weather. Long daylight hours and clear blue skies.
“Arguably the best month to visit Rome for the perfect balance of weather and greenery.”
June
16°C–28°C (61°F–82°F). Hot and sunny. The start of the 'estate romana' (Roman summer).
“Best for those who love vibrant nightlife and long, sun-drenched days.”
July
19°C–32°C (66°F–90°F). Intense heat and high humidity. Rare rain.
“Suited for night owls and music fans; prepare for large crowds and afternoon siestas.”
August
19°C–32°C (66°F–90°F). Hottest month. Many locals leave for the coast.
“Good for travelers who don't mind heat and want a slightly more 'local' (though quiet) city feel.”
September
16°C–27°C (61°F–81°F). The heat breaks. Perfect, golden autumn light.
“The most pleasant time for photography and long, leisurely sightseeing days.”
October
12°C–22°C (54°F–72°F). Mild and gorgeous 'Ottobrate Romane'. High chance of sunny days.
“Best for culture seekers and foodies who enjoy the harvest season.”
November
7°C–17°C (45°F–63°F). Wettest month of the year. Shorter days.
“Best for budget travelers who prefer indoor art and jazz over outdoor wandering.”
December
4°C–13°C (39°F–55°F). Festive and chilly. Christmas lights brighten the city.
“Magical for families and religious pilgrims, especially during the 2025 Jubilee.”
Festivals & Events in Rome
The 2025 Jubilee (Holy Year)
A major religious event occurring every 25 years. Millions of pilgrims visit the four major basilicas.
Extremely high impact; hotels and flights are much more expensive and sell out months in advance.Natale di Roma
Rome's birthday (April 21) featuring parades, gladiatorial displays, and fireworks.
Localized crowds around the Colosseum and Circus Maximus; very festive atmosphere.Easter / Settimana Santa
Holy Week ceremonies culminating in the Pope’s Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square.
Highest demand of the year; Vatican area becomes nearly impassable.Internazionali BNL d’Italia
One of the most prestigious clay-court tennis tournaments in the world.
Hotels in the Prati and Flaminio areas sell out early; tennis fans flood the city.Festa della Repubblica
Italy’s national day (June 2) featuring a massive military parade and flyovers.
Major street closures around the Imperial Forum; public transport detours.Festa de’ Noantri
A traditional religious and street festival held in the Trastevere neighborhood.
Trastevere becomes incredibly crowded in the evenings; great local vibe.Ferragosto
The peak of the Italian summer holiday (August 15). Locals head to the coast.
Many small, family-run restaurants and shops close for 1–2 weeks.Rome Film Fest
International film festival attracting Hollywood stars to the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
Higher demand for hotels near the Parioli district; lively red-carpet events.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Rome?
Euro (€)
Daily Budget
Peak
€200–€350 per night (Mid-range)
Off-Peak
€100–€160 per night (Mid-range)
During the 2025 Jubilee Year, expect a baseline price increase of 20-30% across all accommodations. Booking 4-6 months in advance is essential for the best rates.
Where to Stay in Rome by Season
Centro Storico (Pantheon/Piazza Navona)
Premium ($$$)Year-Round
The heart of ancient Rome. Best for first-timers who want to walk everywhere.
Trastevere
Moderate to High ($$–$$$)Summer & Late Spring
Ivy-covered streets and the best nightlife. Perfect for warm evenings outdoors.
Monti
Moderate ($$)Autumn
Hip, bohemian neighborhood near the Colosseum with great boutiques and wine bars.
Prati (Near Vatican)
Moderate ($$)Winter
Elegant boulevards and great shopping. Quieter than the center and very safe.
Testaccio
Budget to Moderate ($–$$)Spring
The foodie heart of Rome. Close to the local markets and authentic trattorias.
What to Pack for Rome
Spring
Pro tip: Layers are vital as mornings are cool but afternoons can feel like summer.
Summer
Pro tip: Avoid flip-flops for long walks; the cobblestones (sampietrini) will ruin your feet.
Autumn
Pro tip: October is still warm, so bring at least one 'summer' outfit just in case.
Winter
Pro tip: Interiors in Rome are often kept very warm, so wear layers you can easily remove.
FAQs: Visiting Rome
What is the best month to visit Rome?
May and September are widely considered the best months. You'll enjoy temperatures between 22°C and 26°C, long days, and the city’s outdoor culture is in full swing.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Rome?
The lowest airfares are typically found in late January and February. November is also a great month for flight deals before the Christmas rush.
How does the 2025 Jubilee affect my travel plans?
The Jubilee (Holy Year) will significantly increase crowd levels and accommodation prices throughout 2025. Book everything (hotels, tours, trains) as far in advance as possible.
Is Rome worth visiting in the winter?
Yes! Winter (Jan-Feb) offers the rare chance to see the Vatican and Colosseum without the crushing crowds. It is also the best time for budget-conscious travelers.
What is the weather like in Rome in July?
It is hot and humid, with highs reaching 32°C (90°F) or more. Sightseeing is best done early in the morning or late at night.
When is the best time for foodies to visit?
Autumn (October-November) is fantastic for truffles, chestnuts, and fresh olive oil. Spring (March-April) is the peak season for Rome's famous carciofi (artichokes).
How many days do I need in Rome?
To see the major highlights (Colosseum, Vatican, Historic Center) without rushing, four full days is the recommended minimum.
Is it better to visit Rome or Florence in the summer?
Both are very hot, but Rome has more evening events (Opera, Tiber Festival) that make the heat manageable. Florence is smaller and more walkable, which can feel more claustrophobic in high crowds.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Italy
Milan
Milan offers a faster, more modern pace and cooler winters than Rome, making it better for fashion and business-focused trips.
Venice
Venice is uniquely romantic with its canals; however, it experiences much higher humidity and occasional flooding (Acqua Alta) in late autumn compared to Rome.
Naples
Naples provides a grittier, more intense Mediterranean experience and slightly warmer winters, serving as the gateway to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
Florence
Florence is the art-lover's alternative to Rome, offering a more compact, walkable historic center that feels like a quiet village next to Rome's sprawl.
Turin
Turin features elegant Baroque architecture and alpine views, offering a much colder, more 'European' winter experience than the Mediterranean Rome.
Bologna
Known as Italy's culinary capital, Bologna offers a more authentic, less-crowded food scene with cooler autumns than the capital.
United Travels
Want to visit Rome,
but still have questions?
Leave a request and our team will help you plan the perfect trip from Halifax, Atlantic Canada, or anywhere across Canada to Rome.
UNITED TRAVELS