Rome in the spring time

You'll encounter crowds whenever you go to Rome - no avoiding them, unfortunately.

Sorry but you will not escape crowds in April. The seasons will be well underway plus lots of school groups out and about. Think January or early Feb....not what you had in mind but visiting Europe has changed.

Big time big cities the world over remain crowded in certain areas at certain times every day of the year. On my 4th visit to the Eternal City I arrived in winter, late February. While still plenty busy with lots of us tourists, locals, residents and everyone in between, I did feel it was not quite the mad crush as in late spring and early summer as on previous visits. Experienced very little rain, enjoyed mild temps and had a number of 'blue bird sky' days over my week+ stay. Weather gods were with me that time. Equally important, strategies of being up early, having reservations where needed, choosing sites for proximity and the best time to go were all part of my touring plans. I am a huge proponent of arranging for a private professional guide, as well as taking small group tours from companies like Walks of Italy and The Tour Guy. Excellent way to achieve greater understanding, gain cultural insights and take away vivid memories of what you've traveled so far to see with your very own eyes.

Visited Rome mid March 2023 and it was packed, cheek by jowl in the Sistine Chapel. Am going again in mid March 2027 as weather was perfect and will leave Rome the week before Easter. Other people say Rome less crowded in Jan and Feb - hotel prices cheaper then as well

Use this website for daily weather conditions for any month for the last 10 years or more. I've been to Rome 3 times in February and weather was mostly pleasant, a fleece jacket, good gloves and a warm scarf were enough on the few colder days.

There will be crowds most of the year in Rome at some places, the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's, sometimes the Colosseum. There are workarounds and plenty of sights that aren't usually crowded except in high season.

And as Susie pointed out, prices for rooms will be significantly lower in Jan-Feb, probably early March too.

The second week of April may be a better choice. The first week is still close to Easter, so crowds could be heavier. Both should have pleasant weather, but booking major attractions in advance and visiting early will help.

We were in Rome from April 14-20, 2026 after a week in the Val d’Orcia. I am not sure where you are from weather-wise, but the 5/6 days we were in Rome were not what I consider cool. It was warmer and more humid for me than I like…highs @80 degrees Fahrenheit…but the nights cooled down nicely.

Of course that is not bad compared to the summer weather there.

We were there post-Easter (Easter was April 5) and I did not find that crowds were too bad, although after numerous stays in Rome, we seldom re-visit the really popular sights when it is just my husband and me.

Our week in Tuscany (April 7-14) was perfect weather for me…highs in the mid-upper 60’s…lows in the 50’s with just a bit of rain on our last 2 days.

If I were you, I would choose the first week of April, but the second week would probably be equally nice.

Next year, we are spending March 15-25 in Sicily and March 25-29 in Rome. We are hoping for cool, fairly dry weather, but are prepared for overcast, rainy days, too. We realize that the Easter crowds will affect our stay in Rome, but we again plan to stay away from the crowded popular sights.