ROME IN SEPTEMBER???

Well, the weather will still be warm but do not expect THAT many less tourists. It is still Rome, and Rome is always crowded. Many places will have shorter hours in the shoulder seasons, too. Be prepared and check as many museum, etc., websites as possible for that info. The lowest hotels prices in Rome will be in August, but the fall and spring will generally be less than summer. Late September sounds great. No one will keel over from heatstroke. That is always a bonus...

September is the only month I travel nowadays. But, you can't totally avoid the tourists in places like Rome, they will always be there. And, hey, you can't be a tourist and then complain about the amount of tourists!! For me, it's more about avoiding students on holiday. Prices are generally the same, but it's a lot easier to find budget accommodations.

September/October is peak season (along with May/June)! Don't expect deals, anticipate many hotels already being booked.

Jerry, I've been in Rome in September and it can be "busy" but of course not as bad as in July and August. I'd recommend pre-booking accommodations, as I really struggled on at least one occasion to find a vacancy in the places I wanted to stay. I ALWAYS travel in either the Spring or Fall Shoulder seasons (May / June or September / October).

We were in Rome last September and very surprized at how busy it was. Also hotter then we expected. We are now looking at late October for our trip next year.

from Rick's book: Rome's best travel months (also busiest and most expensive) are May, June, September and October July and August are low season in Rome, when everyone is flocking to the beach to escape the heat. Expect high rates and crowds - but the weather is great and the kids are in school so GO!

We also were in Rome last September & it was hot & fairly crowded but since I haven't been there in June or July, I don't have a point of reference in terms of whether it's more crowded during those months or not. I didn't feel that it was too crowded but there were definitely people everywhere. I think September is good time to go since the kids are in school. I personally wouldn't go in October only because I'm really into photography & in October, one is more likely to encounter rain which pretty much ruins the prospect of good photos. The weather in Rome last September was definitely muggy and warm but I like the warm weather so I was fine with it. I imagine in late September or October, the weather would be milder. Have a great trip. Rome is wonderful.

Well stated everyone. Thanks. Yes, Rome is always crowded. For there is only one Rome, so I've been told.

Actually Jerry, there is also a Rome, NY and a Rome, GA, but I doubt people are flocking there. Not sure what the weather in like in September, but I'm pretty positive you won't have to worry about hoards of tourists hahahaha I'm going to Rome the entire month of September, and the potential heat/crowds/tourists with fanny packs combo doesn't deter me. I can't wait!! Because there REALLY is only ONE Rome :-)

From PA to Rome. Wow, that's a change of venue now isn't it? Good for you and as I told my nephew when he went off to college, have the time of your life. Thanks for your response.

I was in Rome two years ago in September and it was very crowded as well as being about 90 degrees during the day but the mornings and evenings were very comfortable.