Is end of June / early July too hot or too crowded to visit Rome?

I become a seriously less than lovely human being in hot humid weather despite my best efforts to be otherwise (it's those gritted teeth that tip everyone off). You'd have to put a gun to my head to get me to go to Rome in July. I wouldn't go if the tickets and hotel were free. My husband and sons are like you and would go in a heartbeat. So there you are. (Rome is fantastic by the way.) Sweden, Norway, Estonia etc. are fantastic in July.

We were in Rome at the end of our RS tour in early July 06. We were all glistening as we toured Rome. The temp was low 90's and humid, much like what we are accustomed to here in SE Texas that time of year, so it didn't really bother us. We were happy to have air conditioned rooms. :-)

If you can possibly choose another time of year to visit Rome, I would definitely consider it. We were there in July 2007. It was hot, humid, energy draining, and we were moving very slowly. I think our time wasn't used very efficiently because of the heat. If it's the only time that you can go, I agree with the suggestion of air-conditioned rooms!

Thank you all for the info!

The time of year that I visited Rome was Sept. I found that mornings were pleasant, and that the days heat started to build late in the afternoon, and continued into the early hours of the morning each day.

This caused the mornings to be very nice, but could be uncomfortable at night especially if you had no A/C to sleep in.

You must have take your ability to laugh with you. I had booked a European type hotel with A/C and when I reported that it was not working in my room, I was told that the A/C had not worked for a very long time. When I pointed out that they advertised the hotel had air conditioning they told me very seriously, that they did have it, it just didn't work.

Mary, I was uncomfortably hot in May in Rome and like you, I live in a hot, humid climate. It will also be crowded at that time. If you can put your trip off until later in the year I think you would enjoy it more. Linda

I was in Rome in late June last year. It was about 95 in the shade. I was out early in the morning seeing sights and back to the hotel from 1-5 for a nap, cooling off in the A/C etc, and then out 6-whenever. Rome is a great place at night. You get to see culture just not sights.

If they are going to be miserable I would consider somewhere else. If it is your only chance go just be aware you are going to spend afternoons indoors not sightseeing.

This past summer we were in Rome on a RS tour in late July.
My daughter and I, melted and died. They had to scrape us off the sidewalks,, ok, I exagerate a tad,, LOL

There was a family from Georgia,, they wore jeans( the heat was making me wilt in the lightest cotton capris and skirts), and claimed the weather was just fine to them... LOL

If someone is not used to 90 degree and over heat, then don't go in July or August.. this was my second time to Rome, and the first time was just as hot. Air conditioning is not in many sites,, in fact, places like the Forum and Coliseum you are in hot sun alot,, and even indoor sites can be hot and nasty!

Haven't been to Rome yet (probably next year), but since Paris is comparably large, we try to visit in April -- even May can become too warm and is beginning to get more crowded at that time. I am miserable in hot weather and so refuse to travel during the summer. Besides, air fare and sometimes hotel rates are cheaper during the "shoulder" season.

We have been to Rome in July the past two years. The first year we missed the major heat wave (end of July)where it caused wild fires in southern Italy. You also need to remember,that you will only be there for a few days and moving on. Most places do have air conditioning as well. We live in Florida and I have to say that Florida in the summer is far worse than Rome in the summer if that comparison helps.

Mary,

In addition to being hot and humid in July, you'll also have to contend with crowded conditions. You may end up standing in queues for long periods of time in the blazing sun. While you may be able to tolerate that, I'm not sure that will make for a "memorable (yet comfortable) trip" for your relatives!

As the others have suggested, either change the dates and visit Rome in shoulder season, or switch destinations and visit Switzerland or other "cooler" place.

Cheers!

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback!! I've yet to speak to my brother and his wife but I've already begun planning the trip for mid-September!

I can agree with those who say July is too hot to be in Rome. We were there in Oct one year and it was TOO hot for me.

I agree with Ken about the crowds. Rome doesn't handle them well at any time.

WOW - I read all these responses and wonder why Rome is so crowded in July and August!

Living here we get used to the heat. In fact, like many Romans we do not have AC in our apartment. That's very common here... so you just adapt. You wear light clothing, start later in the day, take breaks in the afternoon, and stay out late at night. We often do not eat till after 9 PM during the summer!

So it comes down to your level of tolerance, preparation, and adaptability. For us, late August and early September are much hotter... and we head for the lake or beach when we can (The beach is certainly a unique experience!). We just got back from a week of 8-10 degree temperatures in Garmisch, where it snowed everyday, but we dressed accordingly and had a GREAT time!!!

So if you up for it, summers in Rome are beautiful. It doesn't get dark till after 10 PM. The cafes are all open and crowded... and there's a sense of excitement among the locals. There are also BIG sales in July! Yes, it is more crowded as schools are out here - but if you're knowledgable you can avoid the long queues (for example: Colosseo and Vatican Museum).

So if you can adapt, it's a great time. But if you need AC everywhere or are not used to 90+ degree weather... then probably not the best place to come...

Ciao,
Ron

It is great if you have an alternative time to go besides summer for travel in almost all of Europe. But if you are restricted, as we were, to July & August for many years, don't be totally put off by all the comments. Not to say they aren't accurate - yes, it is hot during summer in many parts of Europe, and certainly in Rome. That being said we have twice been in June/July and once in September. It was only a bit cooler in Sept than in July but it WAS less crowded which made it a little easier to deal with things like standing in line for the Vatican.

But you CAN survive the heat and crowds - just takes some adjusting to your daily schedule. Get up EARLY and do the most likely to be crowded thing (i.e. St. Peter's/Vatican) as soon as possible. We actually walked from Trevi Fountain area to St. Peter's and it was cool and quiet. After lunch, head back to your air-conditioned hotel room (spend xtra if necessary). REST for 2-3 hours in the heat of the day. Head back out late afternoon for another "major site". Have dinner as late as possible, preferably outside. Enjoy the walk back. The thing I like best about Rome is the city itself, the layout of the streets, the ancient ruins that you pass by, the glorious facades of the churches, the fountains - you almost need never step foot inside to enjoy this wonderful city!