Hotel prices vary wildly throughout the year in Rome – depending on whether it’s high, low or shoulder season. But, beware – Rome is a year-round tourist hub, and it’s always fairly bustling. Things can get particularly busy during religious holidays and it can be virtually impossible to find accommodation in the city before special religious events when people from around the world flock to Vatican City.
So when's the best time to visit Rome? Is there a time you should stay away? Read on...
June through August is the traditional "high season" in Italy. In Rome, weather is warm to hot, the chance of rain ruining a holiday is low and the city glows under the summer sun. It’s also the time of the year that Romans flee the city for coastal areas.
Ironically, Rome also experiences a summer "low" season for hotel pricing in late July and all of August, making it much easier to snag budget accommodation in July and August than in the traditionally cheaper "shoulder" seasons–although it can be rough to see the city as it bakes under the summer sun.
Prices also spike around Easter.
The low season starts in November and continues until the end of February. Travelers to Rome during this period should expect fairly wintery weather. November is typically the rainiest month of the year and February can be chilly and windy.
However there are some clear benefits to visiting Rome when others dare not: Queues are short(er), museums are near empty, hot chestnuts and mulled wine are sold on street corners and hotel rates are at their lowest.
Prices may spike briefly around Christmas and New Year.
The shoulder season is traditionally the "Goldilocks" period to visit Rome – not too hot, not too cold and not too expensive!
This season happens twice a year between the high and low seasons: April to June and September to October. Weather-wise, this is a perfect time to enjoy the Eternal City, as the days are warm and nights are cool.
But truth be told – the "shoulder season" doesn’t really exist anymore in Rome. So many tourists come in this period that it can actually be more difficult to find accommodation during this time than during the traditional high season. May and September can be particularly expensive, and it’s worth booking in advance for these months.
Read more articles from EuroCheapo about planning the perfect trip to Rome... for every budget!
• Rome hotel overview: What to expect in your room.
• Types of hotels: 1-star to 4-star (and B&Bs and guesthouses) explained.
• When to visit Rome: High season, low season and shoulder season.
• Rome budget tips: Free sights, discounts and tourist passes... revealed!
While our mission is focused on finding you the best budget hotels in Rome, we know that sometimes, you need to stretch your euros even further. Maybe that means crashing at a hostel where you can meet new friends, or pe ... read
Don’t want to get trampled by meal costs when in Rome? Read on for tried, true, and tasted (or rather, tested) tips for budget dining in Rome. Rome is a culinary paradise, but dining out can quickly drain your trav ... read
Planning a trip to Europe this year and deep in the list-making process? Now’s a great time to quickly review your itinerary and “trip strategy” to make sure that you’re not about to make any comm ... read
Rome, the Eternal City, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and world-class attractions. While it can be an expensive destination, there are plenty of ways to explore Rome on a budget. This guide highli ... read
Italian coffee culture is strong, just like the espresso, and cafes are always full no matter the time of day. In Rome, cappuccinos are fantastically frothy, and the espresso is always made with quality coffee beans and ... read
Since 2001, our mission has been to make your time in Europe affordable and memorable. The world is out there, and it’s less expensive than you think.
© 2024 by Over There Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy
,
