Weather in Rome in October – 2024 Travel guide

Fancy a trip to Rome? So do we! The city is a fantasy land for anyone interested in history, culture, food, wine, shopping… you name it, Rome has it! In this guide we will help you decide WHEN to visit Rome, focussing on one of our favourite months for Rome sightseeing – October!

Is October a good time to visit Rome?

October is an excellent time to visit Rome. Weather in Rome in October is perfect. We are convinced that visiting Rome in October will give you the best of both worlds.

Here’s why we, in our humble opinion, prefer this Autumn month for visiting the Italian capital:

• The heat in the summer time can make sightseeing somewhat exhausting. With little shade, you tire easier and need to rest more often.
• The queues at some of the top attractions can be looooooong. But in the summer, they seem to wind on forever. In October, they’re still there, but noticeably shorter.
• We also prefer Rome in October to Rome in the winter. In the cooler months you may be able to sit outside but you’ll really not get to enjoy the cafe culture as much.

In short – October offers the best of both worlds! The temperatures are still pleasant enough for you to dine out late into the evening or enjoy a cafe on a terrace. But things like walking round historical sights and wandering the streets are so much nicer when the July and August heat subsides a little. 

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Weather in Rome in October 2024

October weather in Rome is simply glorious. Here’s why:

• The temperatures still reach the early twenties at the beginning of the month. This is a good time for those who still might want to do a bit of sunbathing.
•  As you head towards November, expect temperatures to head towards 16 degrees. Great for those who want to walk around but not get burnt!
• You can still expect up to 8 hours of sunshine per day. Perfect for exploring!
• Check out the historical October Rome weather data. In 2017, 2018 and 2019 the weather has been perfect in Rome with little rain and only a few thunderstorms or cloudy days.

What to wear in Rome in October

• For the first 2 weeks of the month it is likely to still be shorts and t-shirt weather. Just bring a shawl or jumper with you for the evenings
• Heading to the middle of the month, long trousers/skirts are probably a better idea, and a light jumper
• Those wearing lighter clothing need to be aware that you need to cover up if visiting the Vatican, so be prepared for that
• Comfortable shoes – no need for winter boots. You can bring flip flops too and see how the weather is. If there is a chance of showers, don’t wear them!
• Layer! It can be cool in the morning, 22 degrees by lunch and 12 degrees at dinner. If you don’t plan to go back home to change then practise layering to make sure you are a comfortable temperature at all times!
• Suncream : Yes, it can still get warm, and even if the temperatures are lower you need to protect your skin
• An umbrella and light rain jacket- October is not without its rain showers. Be prepared so you don’t miss out on any sights due to rain
• A shawl, jumper, light coat. In the evenings you will still want to enjoy the cafe culture, but bring something warm as temperatures can dip to about 13 degrees.

High Season in Rome

Traditional high season in Rome extends from mid-June to the end of August. It’s during this time that many international travellers visit Rome. And as it’s the school holidays across the globe, many families make their way here too.

October is generally known to fall into what is known as the “shoulder season”. This is a stretch of time before and after peak season – usually including April, May, September, and October.

It’s during this time that crowds are generally lighter and hotels are less expensive.

Book attractions ahead in October

Don’t be fooled however. Visiting Rome in October is still incredibly desirable. So you do need to book ahead and plan your trip properly. This will ensure you get the best deals, and also don’t get disappointed if a tour or hotel is sold out on arrival. Make sure you’ve checked our article on the best things to do in Rome that are worth booking ahead.

Get Prepared to visit Rome in October

The Colosseum, Vatican and Galleria Borghese and the Roman  Forum all feature above in our article about booking ahead. Whilst the crowds in Rome in October aren’t as dense as in the summer, the city still is busy. Avoid disappointment and time-wasting by booking ahead. Even better, skip the line tickets will help you bunk right to the front at popular sites such as the Vatican and the Colosseum. 

Things to do in Rome in October – weather dependant

Rome’s pleasant October weather means that all of the major sights are still accessible. Here’s some examples of what to do in Rome, depending on the weather

• Wander the Vatican museums on a rainy or cloudy day and forget about the weather outside.
• If the weather continues to be bad, keep going with the museums in Rome. The Capitoline, Borghese Gallery, National Museum… the list goes on
• Visit the Colosseum on a sunny day and not get exhausted by the heat.
• October is still busy enough that you can enjoy all of the top attractions without shutdowns or reduced hours.

October free things to do and see

Sunrise

Sunrise in October is later than in the summer months. That means, you don’t have to get up super early to capture its beauty (before the clocks change, it is generally between 7am and 7.30am)

• Check out the best places in Rome to take a photo

Piazza People

This is our favourite free thing to do in Rome. The weather will usually be good enough to sit around in one of the city squares and people watch!
Take a look at our top 10 best piazzas in Rome.

Villa Borghese gardens

On a sunny day, a free stroll around the Villa Borghese gardens is an absolute must.

• Take Metro Line A to Spagna
• Open all hours (although poorly lit after dark so visit during the day)
• Tickets – not necessary

Throw some coins into the Trevi fountain for good luck!

• 10 minute walk from the Spanish Steps. Closest metro is Barberini
• Open all hours
• Tickets – not necessary but bring some loose change

Visit the Vatican for free!

• Last Sunday in October
• 9.30am to 12.30pm for absolutely free!
• Tickets – not necessary, but be prepared to queue
• Metro Line A Ottaviano-S. Pietro.

Domenica al museo

This is an initiative that opens museums, galleries and other places of interest on the first Sunday of every month, including October.

Some of the participating attractions are listed below

Colosseum

• Take line B to Colosseum
• Open daily from 8.30am, closes at different times according to the year. It will close at 6.30pm in October
• No tickets necessary
• Be prepared for queues

Galleria Borghese

• Take Metro Line A to Spagna
• Open 9am to 7pm
• No ticket is necessary, although due to limited capacity you must reserve online for 2€

Modern National Art Gallery

• Take Metro line  A to Flaminio
• Open 8.30am to 7.30pm
• TIckets not necessary

Discovering Rome in October by night

Rome in October is still pleasant. It does get dark at about 6.30pm, but the squares and restaurants, bars and cafes will still be pretty lively. Soak up the atmosphere amongst locals in the Latin Quarter or Trastevere.

There are also many Rome by Night tours on offer, either as walking tours or hop on hop buses.

If you want, there are also sights such as the Colosseum that offer nighttime openings. It’s a unique way to get a different take on this popular attraction.

Tours and Walks in Rome in October

A walking tour in Rome in October is a great way to explore the city. The temperatures are so much more pleasant than during the summer months. You will definitely have much more stamina and interest than if you were traipsing around in 30 degree heat! There are many types of tours available including

• Free walking tours of Rome (book here)
• Bike tours of Rome
  • 3-hour bike tour to discover Rome's Ancient monuments and piazzas (check price here)
  • 3-hour e-bike tour on the beautiful Via Appia (check price here)
• Rome by night walking tours (the one we recommend)
• Food tours of Rome (the Trastevere food tour is really worth it)
• Wine tours of Rome, why not on a boat cruise?
• Self Guided tours Rome

To help you select the tour you are interested in, check our best Rome tours guide.

Best events in October 2024 in Rome

Rome in October is a cultural feast! Here’s a quick roundup of the city’s buzzing events:

Festa del Cinema di Roma (Oct 18-29):

• Location: Auditorium Parco della Musica
• A star-studded red carpet, screenings, and more.
• Details: https://www.romacinemafest.it/en/

Romaeuropa Festival (Until Nov 19):

• 90 shows, 500 artists, 34 countries.
• Music, theatre, dance, and digital arts fusion.
• Locations across Rome.
• Details : https://romaeuropa.net/

Roma Film Music Festival (Sep 22 – Oct 7):

• Soundtracks from blockbuster hits.
• Feature: John Williams compositions.
• Details : https://www.romafmf.com/

Romics (Oct 5-8):

• Comic books, animation, and gaming confluence.
• Details: https://romics.it/en

EurHop Roma Beer Festival (Oct 6-8):

• 800+ beers, 100 breweries, in the EUR district.
• Details : https://eurhop.com/

Ottobrata Monticiana (Oct 6-8):

• Reviving Roman tradition with events, shows, and concerts in Monti neighborhood.
• Details : https://www.ottobratamonticiana.com/

Rose Garden Autumn Opening (Oct 7-22):

• 1,200 rose varieties bloom on the Aventine hill.

National Wine Clash (Oct 15):

• Italian wineries face-off with reggae beats at Città dell’Altra Economia.
• Details : https://www.cittadellaltraeconomia.org/

Musika Expo (Oct 15):

• Music brand exhibitions and live performances.
• Location: Palazzo dei Congressi.
• Details : https://www.musikaexpo.it/

Maker Faire Rome (Oct 20-22):

• Innovations in AI, open-source, and healthcare.
• Interactive workshops at the Ed Tech Area.
• Details : https://makerfairerome.eu/it/

Rome Art Week (Oct 23-29):

• 100s of exhibitions across the city.
• Free guided tours on offer.
• Details : https://romeartweek.com/en/calendar/

Your October in Rome is set to be legendary! Don't miss out!

Annual Events in Rome

Rome Film Festival – Annually, usually the second week of the month. You might get to spot some  celebrities

Festival of Francis of Assisi – On the 4th October every year, locals parade to the San Giovanni Basilica to lay a wreath in honour of the Saint

Roma Europa – A popular performing arts festival that stretches through the autumn into winter

What to do in Rome in October with kids

October is the perfect time to check out the sights with all the family – less heat and shorter queues mean the little ones will be more comfortable, and you will be less stressed!

Check out the Explora Kids museum near Flaminio Metro Station, let them explore the Borghese Gardens and St Peter’s Square. Of course, little kids will also be in love with Rome’s culinary delights – pizza and gelato coming top of many kids lists of things to eat in Rome!

Enjoy Halloween the Rome way

Many families visit Rome during the Halloween holidays.

It’s a really great time to visit with the kids!

Halloween isn’t massively celebrated in Italy still, but more and more museums, animal parks and theme parks are embracing the idea!

Tips :

• enjoy a lively evening at an Irish pub, especially during this Irish-origin celebration,
• participate in a planned event, explore one of Rome's most enigmatic sites.
• join a ghost tour in the city

Hotels in Rome in October

Hotels in Rome begin to get a little cheaper, but as it is still quite a nice time to visit you can expect to pay a lot for a really good hotel.

• 5* hotel for 2 adults start at €180 up to a whopping €850 for the likes of the fabulous Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie
• Mid range hotels can be found for around €80
• Budget options include hostels and apartments, starting at around €40  per night

We have selected the best places where to stay in Rome according to your budget and wishes. Check it out to see night prices.

Rome Weather in October – Food season

A number of delicacies  must be tried in the Autumn season in October

• White truffles. Expensive – a dish with this raw treat can cost up to €40, but so delicious!
• Persimmons
• Apples, pears and other harvest products in the markets of Rome
• Pumpkins!

Rome in October FAQ

Conclusion

We love Rome in October. If you don’t care about swimming and getting a proper tan, we recommend you stay away from July and August and visit Rome in the shoulder season instead. Rome in October certainly gets my vote!