When does 'shoulder' season start in Rome

I would expect things to be most crowded all the way through the end of August, with crowds only starting to diminish (a little) in early September. I wouldn't expect crowds to really start to thin out until late September.

Nowadays, Italy seems to be more popular than anywhere else. If you just look at the volume of activity here in the Italy forum, it seems far busier than the France forum. That may not be a very reliable indicator, but I think it hints at the intense touristic interest in Italy.

Personally, aside from the summer crowds, I'd rather wait until later in September to be in Italy, if only to beat the heat. I'd skip it in August.

To David’s point, “they” (whoever measures these things) say Italy is the #1 destination in Europe for Americans.

Italians generally take off the entire month of August for summer vacation......just a consideration at any pace you may consider a vacation spot.

I don't know if there is a shoulder season. I've been in October, April and February before, all months one could consider a shoulder season, and it's always been busy.

I agree with JC that Rome doesn't appear to have a shoulder season. I visited in October and while the weather was very pleasant (sunny, but not too hot), there were crowds everywhere. I would not want to visit in any of the summer months, because then you are dealing with heat AND crowds. (For me, dealing with one of those is enough). I think what you call "late, late Summer" would still be very busy. Wait until Autumn and go as late as you can.

I've been in June, July (many times), March (a few times) and November. It felt more crowded in March than July. When I asked the hotel staff they said that's cause in July a lot of Romans are off on vacation themselves. In the "off season" you have all the tourists plus all the Romans. In November the only difference I saw was that the two hour line for the Vatican Museums was in the rain instead of the sun. For places that Europeans (Romans) go on vacation - like coastal areas - those are most crowded in August, and may slow down slightly in September but not for the cities. Tourists these days are from all over the world (not just the US and Europe) where seasons and school/work schedules are all different. Thus not a lot of 'off season' any more.

For what it's worth, we've been in Rome mid-October, which was plenty crowded. But two years ago, we were there right about now--late February--and just like Goldilocks says, it was 'just right'. Room to walk. Not too crowded buses. Able to get in virtually any restaurant. Even open washers at the lavanderia!

Thanks to all,
It sounds like there isn't too much of an off season in the early fall. It is good to know that the Italians tend to take their vacations in August. Oh well, it is, as they say, what it is. We haven't decided exactly when we can go yet but it will be fun - crowds or larger crowds.

We were staying in Florence in 2017 from the end of August through the first week of October. It was beastly hot although everybody said that the summer had been so much hotter that September felt cool in comparison.

I did not see much diminishment of the crowds in Florence until October. We've visited both Rome and Florence in November and December and it was lovely then. Cool and far smaller crowds. So try for as late in the fall as you can.

And stay somewhere with air conditioning --- you'll think you can open the windows at night, but very few places have screens on the windows and the streets can be noisy both very late and very early.

But, whatever, Rome and Florence will be incredible!

August is awful. Even the Italians head to the beaches. I've been to Italy in spring, summer and winter. I suggest winter, or at least after September. I go in November/December. Very few tourists. Hotels are 1/2 price from high season. You can stay in great hotels for little money.

I went to Rome in December (two years in a row, same time.)

The weather was very chilly the first year. Last year, it was very mild - up to 60 degrees mid day. At night, it went to normal temps.

December had a comfortable crowd; not as crazy as maybe May through August. September in most of Italy will still be very warm. Sometimes October too; depends on where you go.

Also, hotel rates are (usually) lower compared to peak season.

Thanks, that is all good information.

mid October in Rome is hella busy now...you need to get up early to beat the crowds

Having checked the average temperature in Rome by month, I am not too concerned about it being too hot in September. If the high is around 90, that is an unseasonably cool (and pleasant) summer day in Texas. :-)

Just bring your water bottle to fill up cool (even chilled) water at the Nasoni. There might be an app (if phone compatible) to download. I've read here and there on TripAd that some fountains were shut off or not working.

Anyway, bottled water, usually the popular San Benedetto, can be found in grocers like the Coop -- near Termini -- a lot of specialty and gift shops (about 1,50 - 2,00€). Coop and other grocers should be a little less.

edit: Although, a friend of mine owns a new "food and gift specialty store" near St. Peter's, and he sells the water for 1€ to customers (or he did last year, lol)