I tend to take my European vacation in mid-April of each year right before high season kicks in, but I'm not so sure if this strategy applies to Rome? I want to avoid Easter pilgrims, so early April is out of the question. Does anyone know if mid to late April is indeed off-season in Rome?
April is "shoulder season" in Rome, as it is is much of Europe... the weather is starting to warm up and the sites are beginning to get more crowded... but certainly it is FAR LESS crowded than May to late September. Off season here is probably November through early March...
Ciao,
Ron
The rule of Thumb: Before May 10 and after September 15.
I would agree that it would be wise to avoid Easter. We were is Rome for a week at the end of February, and was pleasantly surprised. The weather was cool but not cold (50s to 70s) only a bit of rain. There were enough people to make it feel somewhat festive, but not the oppressing crowds you get in the summer.