{"id":26004,"date":"2026-09-01T15:35:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:35:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/?p=26004"},"modified":"2026-09-01T15:35:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T14:35:53","slug":"rome-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter","title":{"rendered":"Rome in Winter: What to Expect &#038; Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome in winter feels more like a city that people actually live in rather than a tourist destination. Piazzas that heave with tourists in the summer take on a more local feel, with Romans going about their daily life.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also the season for great flight deals, fewer crowds at major sites, and a more relaxed way of seeing the city.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trade-off is shorter daylight hours, cooler temperatures, and slightly unpredictable weather. But many travelers think the trade-off is worth it, and even part of the appeal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re visiting at Christmas, Carnevale, or somewhere in between, winter in Rome has a lot to offer. Here\u2019s what each month is like, and how to plan your perfect winter trip to Rome.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25161\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25161\" class=\"wp-image-25161 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0778.jpg\" alt=\"A woman pulling a suppli rice and cheese ball apart in a street in Rome, to show the cheese stretching\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0778.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0778-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_0778-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25161\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visiting Rome in winter is a great way to experience the city, culture and food with less crowds<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Whats_Rome_Like_in_Winter\" >What\u2019s Rome Like in Winter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Rome_in_Winter_%E2%80%93_By_Month\" >Rome in Winter &#8211; By Month<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#November\" >November<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#December\" >December<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#January\" >January<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#February\" >February<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#What_to_Do_in_Rome_in_Winter\" >What to Do in Rome in Winter<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#See_the_Colosseum_Almost_Empty\" >See the Colosseum (Almost) Empty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Visit_the_Vatican_Museum\" >Visit the Vatican Museum<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Discover_Underground_Rome\" >Discover Underground Rome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Taste_Typical_Roman_Cuisine\" >Taste Typical Roman Cuisine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#What_to_Pack_for_Rome_in_Winter\" >What to Pack for Rome in Winter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#FAQs_%E2%80%93_Rome_in_Winter\" >FAQs &#8211; Rome in Winter<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Is_it_worth_visiting_Rome_in_winter\" >Is it worth visiting Rome in winter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Is_Rome_cold_in_winter\" >Is Rome cold in winter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#What_to_do_in_Rome_for_3_days_in_winter\" >What to do in Rome for 3 days in winter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Can_we_still_visit_the_attractions_in_Rome_in_winter\" >Can we still visit the attractions in Rome in winter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/rome-in-winter\/#Whats_Rome_like_in_December\" >What\u2019s Rome like in December?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Rome_Like_in_Winter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s Rome Like in Winter?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t come to Rome in winter for long, balmy evenings drinking wine in the piazza (it\u2019s too cold for that). You come to meet a version of the city that\u2019s hard to access during peak tourist season.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winters in Rome are milder than in northern Europe, with temperatures ranging from around 3\u00b0C (37\u00b0F) to 17\u00b0C (63\u00b0F), rarely dropping below zero. November into December tends to be mild but rainy, with around 10 days of rain each, while January and February are colder but drier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although days are shorter than in summer, they still offer plenty of time to explore the city, with the sun rising at around 7.30 a.m. and setting around 4.40 p.m. on the shortest day of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And while you\u2019ll never be the only tourist in Rome, the summertime crowds make way for a quieter, more intimate experience of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The milder weather and fewer crowds make ideal conditions for exploring some of Rome\u2019s most famous sites, like the Colosseum and the Vatican, and even if the weather\u2019s bad, there\u2019s always something to do indoors (or underground).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25131\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25131\" class=\"wp-image-25131 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0578.jpg\" alt=\"A group of 4 female tourists look in awe at the walls of the underground catacombs in Rome\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0578.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0578-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0578-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25131\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There is so much to see and do in Rome in winter, both above and underground!<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rome_in_Winter_%E2%80%93_By_Month\"><\/span>Rome in Winter &#8211; By Month<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each month has a slightly different flavor, so let\u2019s take a look at them:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"November\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">November<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Average temperature<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 8\u00b0C (47\u00b0F)-17\u00b0C (63\u00b0F)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rainy days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 9<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">November in Rome is true shoulder season, after the summer and early autumn visitors have left. It\u2019s not the quietest month Rome gets (January and February hold that title), but it\u2019s when locals reclaim their city, giving it a more authentic vibe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pack your umbrella and sturdy boots, as it also tends to be the wettest month. Temperatures stay mild, though, and sunny days are still common: you\u2019ll probably get a mix of both during your visit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"December\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">December<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Average temperatures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 4\u00b0C (40\u00b0F)-13\u00b0C (55\u00b0F)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rainy days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 8<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An emptier city and unpredictable weather continue into the first half of December, when Rome suddenly transforms. Days turn crisp and chilly, while the city dresses in lights and decorations, with Christmas trees and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">presepi<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Nativity scenes) taking over the main piazzas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Vatican is at the heart of Rome\u2019s Christmas celebrations, with the Pope giving Mass and holding public audiences throughout the season, and pilgrims travel from all over the world to take part.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll also find several Christmas markets around the city selling seasonal treats, traditional wooden toys, and even <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vin brul\u00e9<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Italy\u2019s answer to mulled wine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Insider tip: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/christmas-in-rome\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Christmas in Rome<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is magical, but from mid-December through early January, the city fills with holiday visitors, so book further ahead than you would for the rest of winter. Our<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-highlights-tour\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome Highlights tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a good way to visit the must-see sights with more breathing room, smaller groups, and shorter wait times than any other time of year.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"January\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">January<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Average temperatures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 3\u00b0C (37\u00b0F)-13\u00b0C (55\u00b0F)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rainy days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 7<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Romans keep the festivities going up until Epiphany (\u201cLa Befana\u201d) on January 6th. Then, Rome quiets down fast. Some restaurants, hotels, and museums close for their post-holiday break, so it\u2019s worth checking ahead if there\u2019s somewhere specific you want to go.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is usually the coldest month, though drier than late autumn, and it draws the fewest visitors. The hotels that stay open often slash their rates, meaning you can often find bargains on 3 or 4-star hotels in popular neighborhoods like Monti and Trastevere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fashion lovers shouldn\u2019t miss the January sales, which offer the opportunity to pick up Italian brands at discount prices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"February\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">February<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Average temperatures<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 4\u00b0C (40\u00b0F)-14\u00b0C (57\u00b0F)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rainy days<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: 7<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still one of the coldest months, but February brings its own kind of cheer: Carnevale and Valentine\u2019s Day, the latter with roots tracing back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Expect crisp days with scattered rain, but also the first hints that spring is on its way. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>The milder weather and slightly longer daylight actually make this a great month for outdoor sites like the Palatine Hill: it\u2019s much more comfortable for walking around than the sweltering summer months.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> Our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/roman-colosseum-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Colosseum, Roman Forum &amp; Palatine Hill tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an easy way to make sure you see all three before sunset.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_15021\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15021\" class=\"wp-image-15021 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/Roman-Forum-Hero.jpg\" alt=\"Roman Forum\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15021\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Roman Forum is one of the top attractions in Rome, a must-see at any time of year<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Do_in_Rome_in_Winter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Do in Rome in Winter<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring Rome in winter feels like being in on a secret. Yes, you have to prepare for the weather, and no, there won\u2019t be \u201cno line\u201d at the Colosseum, but with the shorter waits and quieter piazzas, you\u2019ll actually get to enjoy the sights instead of just surviving them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s what to do in Rome during the winter.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"See_the_Colosseum_Almost_Empty\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See the Colosseum (Almost) Empty<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hot take: popular sights like <a href=\"https:\/\/colosseo.it\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Colosseum<\/a> are better to visit in winter. Lines to get in are significantly shorter (although we still recommend <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a tour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to get in faster), fewer crowds inside mean better photos, and cooler temperatures make for more easier exploration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just be aware that less daylight means shorter visiting hours: The Colosseum closes at 4.30 p.m., with last entry at 3.30 p.m. Just in time to catch the golden hour light reflecting off the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">white stone<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_16550\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16550\" class=\"wp-image-16550 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Rome-60-1024x683-1.jpg\" alt=\"a couple standing in front of the Colosseum in Rome in winter\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-16550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wrap up and enjoy seeing the sights in the winter, when the golden hour lights up the stones beautifully<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_the_Vatican_Museum\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the Vatican Museum<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No Rome trip is complete without a visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Just don\u2019t expect them to be empty, especially when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/travel-tips\/what-to-do-in-rome-when-it-rains\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it\u2019s raining<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, because every other Rome visitor will have the same idea.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, there\u2019s still a line to get into the Vatican Museums during winter, so booking ahead is essential. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/vatican-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tours of the Vatican<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> solve the logistics problem for you: your guide handles tickets, ensures quicker access (so you\u2019re not standing around in the cold), and helps you make the most of your time inside.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_11934\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11934\" class=\"wp-image-11934 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Visiting-the-Vatican-e1733992627141.jpg\" alt=\"Visiting the Vatican Museums\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-11934\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Visit the Vatican museums to see a host of paintings, frescoes, statues and more adorning the walls and ceilings<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Discover_Underground_Rome\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Discover Underground Rome<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome doesn\u2019t stop at street level, and winter is the perfect season to discover what lies beneath your feet. Escape the cold and rain, and head <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/attractions\/underground-rome\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">underground<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you\u2019ll find a whole second city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Top of the list: the catacombs, where early Christians, persecuted for their faith and unwilling to be buried in pagan cemeteries, laid their dead in miles of tunnels beneath the city. You can explore them on our<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-catacombs-tour\/\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catacombs tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just as compelling is the Colosseum\u2019s underground level, the Hypogeum, where you can visit the tunnels, chambers, and lift shafts once used to send gladiators and wild animals up into the arena above.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_25127\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-25127\" class=\"wp-image-25127 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369.jpg\" alt=\"A women in one of the underground passageways of the catacombs in Rome\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Walks_Rome_Alone-in-the-Catacombs_0369-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-25127\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The underground catacombs give an amazing insight into the rich history of Rome, and help you stay dry in the winter!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Taste_Typical_Roman_Cuisine\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taste Typical Roman Cuisine<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Classic Roman dishes like <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carbonara<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">amatriciana<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> make the perfect comfort food when it\u2019s cold outside, while the modern <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">trapizzino<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (invented in the Roman neighborhood of Testaccio in 2008) is the ideal pick-me-up when you\u2019re out exploring the streets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Of course you can\u2019t miss Rome&#8217;s signature winter dish, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">carciofi alla romana<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: deep fried artichokes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Winter markets across Rome are stocked with seasonal produce, from Italian staples like chestnuts and puntarelle (chicory shoots) to less expected finds like mangos.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Insider tip:<\/strong> A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/trastevere-food-tour\/\">walking food tour<\/a> is a great way to discover the places locals eat. Or, if you want to cook and eat like a Roman, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/testaccio-market-food-tour\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testaccio market tour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> takes you through the stalls before finishing with a plate of pasta at a local restaurant.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"attachment_22535\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22535\" class=\"wp-image-22535 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Rome_Testaccio_May-24_1887.jpg\" alt=\"Various people at a table smiling as they toast with wine glasses in a restaurant.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Rome_Testaccio_May-24_1887.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Devour_Rome_Testaccio_May-24_1887-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22535\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rome is a great place to try fabulous seasonal food and wonderful local wine<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_Pack_for_Rome_in_Winter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Pack for Rome in Winter<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rome in winter isn\u2019t as cold as northern Europe, but the humidity can often make it feel colder than it really is. Drafty stone buildings, slippery streets, and being on your feet all day call for strategic packing. Here are the absolute must-haves:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Layers.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Nights are cold, mornings and evenings bring a chill, while afternoons can feel almost mild, especially in November and February. Thermal t-shirts, cashmere sweaters, and a coat will give you the flexibility to adapt.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Waterproof, sturdy shoes.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cobblestones get slick when wet, and at least a few rainy days are almost inevitable during your visit. Swap the stilettos for a pair of thick-soled leather boots.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>A warm coat.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The cold in Rome can chill you to the bone if you\u2019re not prepared, especially when it\u2019s damp. Bring a coat that\u2019s warm enough for temperatures hovering around freezing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Scarf and gloves.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You\u2019ll see Romans all wrapped up in winter, and it\u2019s wise to follow their lead. A scarf and gloves can make all the difference on a chilly day, and they\u2019re easy to stuff in a daypack when you don\u2019t need them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Umbrella or rain jacket.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Rain in Rome can be a quick shower or an hours-long downpour. Romans nearly always carry an umbrella with them, but a rain jacket works just as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sunglasses and sunscreen.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Winter sun in Rome is deceptively strong on clear days, especially with all that pale stone reflecting light back at you.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lip balm and moisturizer.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The mix of cold air outside and heating indoors dries skin out fast.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_20825\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20825\" class=\"wp-image-20825 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Devour_RomeIMG_9548.jpg\" alt=\"People laughing and smiling while walking down the street on a fall day.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Devour_RomeIMG_9548.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Devour_RomeIMG_9548-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20825\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A mix of layers, a good coat and comfortable shoes are on the packing list for Rome in winter<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_%E2%80%93_Rome_in_Winter\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs &#8211; Rome in Winter<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_worth_visiting_Rome_in_winter\"><\/span>Is it worth visiting Rome in winter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Many visitors find that fewer crowds, lower prices, and a city showing its more authentic side are worth the trade-off with the weather and shorter daylight hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Rome_cold_in_winter\"><\/span>Is Rome cold in winter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cold by Roman standards, mild by northern European ones. Expect daytime temperatures around 8-14\u00b0C (46-57\u00b0F), chilly mornings and evenings, and the occasional cold snap in January and February.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_in_Rome_for_3_days_in_winter\"><\/span>What to do in Rome for 3 days in winter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day one: the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day two: the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. <\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Day three: go underground to the catacombs, then warm up with a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">food tour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/rome-cooking-class\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cooking class<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_we_still_visit_the_attractions_in_Rome_in_winter\"><\/span>Can we still visit the attractions in Rome in winter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All the main attractions are open throughout winter, although some museums close for specific holidays, or have shorter opening hours. However, the attractions are not the only thing to put on your to do list. It\u2019s a great time to explore local markets, snag a few bargains in the January sales, and of course sample Rome\u2019s legendary cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_Rome_like_in_December\"><\/span>What\u2019s Rome like in December?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first half of December is quiet, but it gets busier from mid-December until January 6th as the city fills with Christmas pilgrims and travelers. Book ahead if you\u2019re coming for the second half of the month.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each month of winter in Rome offers something different, from sitting in a <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caff\u00e8<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> watching the rain fall in November to snapping up a bargain on a hotel in February, but the thread running through all of them is the same: a quieter, more intimate Rome that summer visitors miss.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23962\" style=\"width: 1930px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23962\" class=\"wp-image-23962 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1140-2.jpg\" alt=\"A group and tour guide standing in a piazza in rome, ready to embark on a walking tour of the city\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1140-2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1140-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Devour_Rome_Trastevere_1140-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23962\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A guided tour is a great way to explore without the stress of the logistics, focus on what you see, not how to get there!<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Tempted by the idea of a winter break in Rome?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With more space to experience Rome\u2019s magic, a guided tour lets you spend less time working out logistics in the cold and more time taking it all in. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/rome-tours\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Our Rome tours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help you make the most of the shorter days and discover the city through the eyes of someone who knows it inside out.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rome in winter feels more like a city that people actually live in rather than a tourist destination. Piazzas that heave with tourists in the summer take on a more local feel, with Romans going about their daily life.\u00a0It\u2019s also the season for great flight deals, fewer crowds at major sites, and a more relaxed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":106,"featured_media":12130,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[20,320,21,82],"ppma_author":[340],"class_list":["post-26004","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-attractions","tag-food-and-drink","tag-shopping","tag-winter"],"authors":[{"term_id":340,"user_id":106,"is_guest":0,"slug":"victoriapy","display_name":"Victoria Peel-Yates","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/victoria-peel-yates-e1784717734670.jpeg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/victoria-peel-yates-e1784717734670.jpeg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Peel-Yates","first_name":"Victoria","job_title":"Travel Writer","description":"Victoria is a freelance writer and SEO strategist who\u2019s lived in some of Europe\u2019s most iconic cities, including Barcelona, Rome, and Brussels. When she\u2019s not chasing stories for her destination website, Secret Piemonte, you\u2019ll find her looking for the best fish and chips back home in south-west England."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26004"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/106"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26004"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26004\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26006,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26004\/revisions\/26006"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26004"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=26004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}