Rome - April vs. May, Temps & Crowds

I have been there in May (first two weeks) and had anything from warm days wearing a short sleeve shirt, to a torrential downpour and glad to have both a sweater and light rainjacket. I was also in Italy this July as had several days of rain. In fact, our RS guide with 8 years experience needed to buy a long sleeve shirt for warmth because she was unprepared for the cool weather. Take at least one long sleeve shirt, some things for layering, and a light rainproof jacket and be prepared to buy something if you really need more.

If you've already checked out one of a myriad of possilities for weather websites and know what the temp averages are for each month, that is as much as you can do for now. In April, I'd take more long pants (jeans, khakis/chinos) long sleeve shirts (after all, you can roll up the sleeves) and a weather-proof jacket along with a scarf (lightweight SHOULD be fine, as long as you have the scarf for a bit of extra warmth when needed). For may, split the difference between the long pants and capris, go with short-sleeved shirts, but keep the weather proof light weight jacket with a scarf. Best thing, though is just wait as patiently as you can until about 10-15 days prior to your trip and then get the extended forecast to ultimately decide on your packing choices. I always have several outfits in mind before I actually pack, then check the forecast when the moment of truth finally arrives. Regarding crowds, just know that Rome is always pretty busy. But obviously, it gets progressively busier and more crowded as low season turns into shoulder season (April) and as shoulder season turns into high season (mid-May). We were there in mid-March this year and even one of sour taxi driver commented on how busy it was already...and March is still low season. The weather in mid-March was a bit cooler than I expected (hoped), and I never got to wear the skirt I brought nor the capris. Mid-upper 50's, close to 60 every day. Chilly in the mornings and evenings after dark (scarf worked wonders), but was never uncomfortable. It was sunny every day. Midday and afternoons were OK in lightweight long sleeves without our jackets as long as we stayed in the sunshine.

I have been there in March, April, May, June, and August, and late April-early May is my favorite time. Be prepared for rain - however, we have had fantastic weather the different years we have visited. It was 60-70 in the daytime and 50 to 60 at night.

Check the FAQ on this site if you want actual weather data that's averaged over the last ten years, rather than individuals' experiences. Remember, the plural of anecdote is not data. :-) Happy travels.

Even quicker than that: weatherbase.com