Autumn in Rome is a good time and a great choice for a tourist vacation, including a beach holiday. Check out our guide what to see in Rome in the autumn and what weather may meet you in Rome.
If you are going to have time to soak up on the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is worth planning a trip for the first half of September, after that the daytime temperature begins to gradually decrease, the sea cools down. And even in that case Rome is a great for excursions and long walks around the city as it is primarily the capital of Italy.
Weather in Rome in the autumn
Rome in September – the summer goes on
In September, the Italian capital still does not let go of a summer. You can still swim, but it’s not a hot there already. The average temperature in the afternoon is at +27 … +30 °C in the first part of September, dropping to +22 … + 25 ° C in the second part.
Rome in October – velvet season
October in Rome is one of the most favourite seasons for tourists. This is the height of the velvet season, when the city is still steadily warm, but not hot anymore, and in the evenings and nights it is already cool. In the afternoon the air temperature keeps between +18 … +22 °C.
Rome in November – the cloudy capital
According to tourist reviews, November is not the best time to travel to this city. Days are getting shorter, the sky is being overcast by dense clouds, cloudy days and rains more and more. Daytime temperature is about +12 … + 18 °C.
Сollecting your suitcase for a trip, don’t forget about a warm sweater, raincoat or jacket, waterproof shoes and, of course, an umbrella.
Don’t know how to pack all your things? Check out our guide how to pack smart and save your costs.
What to see in Rome: 12 most interesting places
Santa Maria Maggiore
Most travelers begin their acquaintance with Rome from the forecourt: the Termini Station where the shuttles and electric trains arrive. It connects the city with Fiumicino Airport.
But not everyone notices that literally a few minutes walk from Termini, there is one of the main basilicas of the Eternal City – Santa Maria Maggiore.
Built in the 4th century, it is famous for the highest bell tower in the city: its height is 75 meters. And Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the 4 papal basilicas and one of the 7 pilgrimage churches of Rome officially approved by the Holy See.
- Opening hours: daily 7: 00-18: 30
- Free entrance
Coliseum
The main amphitheater of all times and peoples has been decorating the center of Rome for almost 2 thousand years and is considered one of the main symbols of the Eternal City.
The building was started by the emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and finished unusually fast by ancient standards. Already 8 years after the start of construction, there were the first gladiator fights.
Visiting Rome you should definitely visit the Colosseum.
The interesting fact is that at the beginning of the XXI century when 7 new wonders of the World were determined, the Colosseum was the only object from Europe that was included in the final list.
- Opening hours: daily from 08:30 to 16:00 – 19:00 (depending on the time of year)
- Tickets: 12 euros (also valid for visits to the Roman Forum and the Palatine)
Roman forum
The center of ancient monuments amazes with an abundance of columns, arches and dilapidated temples. Some were only a Foundation, others have been preserved to our days almost intact.
Since ancient times, the Roman Forum has served as the heart of the city, where the people of Rome gathered to discuss the most important issues or celebrate the triumphant victories of the Roman army.
Among the extant buildings of the Forum, the arches of Titus and Septimius Severus, the temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Basilica of Maxentius and the colonnade of the temple of Saturn, considered one of the oldest in Rome, are particularly noteworthy.
- Opening hours: daily from 08:30 to 16:00 – 19:00 (depending on the time of year)
- Tickets: 12 euros (also valid for the Colosseum and Palatine)
Capitol hill
The museums on Capitol hill keep one of the main relics of Rome is a bronze sculpture of a wolf feeding Romulus and Remus.
But this is not the only exhibit that deserves attention. The Capitoline museums are located in three buildings full of ancient artifacts. They are considered the oldest public Museum in the world and has their history from the XV century.
The museums are located around the perimeter of the Capitol square, designed by Michelangelo himself. In the center of the square you will see a copy of the statue of Marcus Aurelius – the only equestrian statue preserved from antiquity to the present day.
- Opening hours: daily 09:30 – 19:30
- Tickets: 15 euros
Piazza Venezia and Vittoriano
Piazza Venezia – the heart of Rome, where the main streets of the city and many of the sightseeing tours start. Here is a monument to the first king of the United Italy – Victor Emmanuel II.
Many travelers mistakenly believe that the monument is an equestrian statue of the king, but in fact the monument is all a huge snow – white building, and the sculpture of the monarch is only one of its elements.
While on the square, be sure to climb to the observation deck at the top of the complex. It is famous for one of the best views in Rome.
Trevi Fountain
Built into the facade of the Palazzo Poli, the Trevi fountain is considered not only one of the main attractions of the center of Rome, but also one of the most famous fountains in the world.
The Trevi fountain attracts crowds of tourists regardless of the season. You could even see it in the film “Sweet life” made by Fellini.
There is a tradition to throw coins into the fountain to return to the Eternal city. This custom is so popular that every year the municipal authorities extract from the fountain up to 1.5 million euros.
Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)
Piazza di Spagna got its name from the Spanish Embassy located on it. The Spanish steps has 138 steps, so often featured in film and literature.
Nowadays, the staircase serves as a natural platform for numerous concerts and fashion shows, and on the square itself you can see one of Bernini’s masterpieces – the Barcaccia fountain, which has a shape similar to a half-submerged boat. From Piazza di Spagna starts the Condotti street, known as one of the main centers of Roman luxury shopping.
Pantheon
Pantheon – one of the oldest buildings in Rome, perfectly preserved to this day. The modern structure dates back to 126 AD and was built on the place of an older structure created by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa under Emperor Augustus.
The temple of all Gods has no windows, and the light enters through a single hole in the dome, which is a masterpiece of engineering. For more than 1000 years, the Pantheon dome was the largest in the world and still amazes travelers.
The Pantheon contains the ashes of kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, the grave of the great Raphael, as well as other prominent figures of Italy.
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00-18:30, Sat: 10:00-16: 00, Sun: 12:00-17:30
- Free entrance
Navona square and the fountain of Four Rivers
Navona square is known for its unusual shape, inherited from the ancient Stadium of Domitian located here before. There are numerous palazzos and one of the most famous Roman basilicas – St. Agnes.
The main decoration of the square is the fountain of Four Rivers created by Bernini. It is a composition where the figures of river Gods symbolize the Nile, Ganges, Danube and La Plata – the main rivers of 4 parts of the world. They surround an obelisk made in Egypt by request
of the Roman Emperor Domitian.
Also here at Piazza Navona you will find 2 other fountains of the XVI century – the Moor and Neptune.
The Trastevere District
The Trastevere district is located near Piazza Navona on the opposite Bank of Rome. There are also many interesting historical sites, but travelers are more attracted to the atmosphere of this place.
It is famous for a huge number of colorful institutions, pizzerias and cafes, where it is so nice to sit after a busy day.
Particularly good to arrive in Trastevere in the evening, when the hours of aperitifs begin in Rome and besides the ordered drinks you may get a free meal.
Castel Sant’angelo
If you cross the Tiber on the Front bridge behind the Navona square, you can get to the real castle. Today it is a military history Museum, but originally the Castle of St. Angelo was intended for the burial of emperors. The castle was founded under the Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD. But in the middle ages, the sturdy walls of the building were used by the popes to protect against barbarian raids and other conquerors.
Even if you are not interested in the battles of the past, look at the fortress of the II century is certainly worth it – it is considered one of the main attractions in the historical center of Rome.
- Opening hours: daily 9:00 – 19:30
- Tickets: 14 euros
Vatican city and St. Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican is located a little away from the other most interesting places in the center of Rome, but it is impossible to ignore it. In addition to the main center of Christianity, the Vatican is known for its luxurious museums, considered one of the richest collections of masterpieces in the world.
On the territory of the dwarf state you should also visit St. Peter’s Cathedral – the largest Christian Church in the world and the Sistine chapel – the former house Church, where one of the most famous masterpieces in the history of mankind – the Last judgment fresco by Michelangelo.
While in the Vatican, don’t forget to climb to the observation deck on the Dome of the Cathedral, as well as send a card to loved ones through the mailbox on the roof of the temple. I’ve already received the one from myself! =)
Cultural program
Besides visiting museums, the autumn in Rome is full of cultural events.
The festival of avant-garde art begins in September and continues in October – the concerts of different musicians, vocalists and dance groups, theatrical performances and film gather a lot of visitors.
The international festival of sacred music is another world-wide event that takes place annually in Rome in October. The first festival was organized in 2002, but every year it grows.
Trip to the Florence
Traditionally, one-and two-day trips from Rome to Florence are very popular. Such a round trip is quite possible to make in one day. There you can visit the Uffizi Galleries and Academies, Pitti Palace and Palazzo Vecchio.
Tickets for the Rome-Florence-Rome train you can purchase online to avoid the queues at the station. Read the schedule, pick up a ticket and book it online here.
