Rome is an excellent choice for a spring city break, with hundreds of direct flights from the United Kingdom reaching the Italian capital in under three hours.
Whilst public transport is easy to navigate in the Eternal City, it is actually a very walkable capital, with most of its top attractions close together in car-free zones. One of the best ways to explore the city is with Rome’s free walking tour with GuruWalk.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know if you plan to travel to Rome this spring.
What Is The Weather Like In Spring?
Spring in Rome and the rest of Italy runs from March to May. The weather can vary a lot during spring, with chilly mornings and evenings but sunny afternoons. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- March. The average temperature ranges from 6 to 17°c, and you will still experience the occasional rainfall. However, this is the cheapest and quietest spring month to visit Rome.
- April. The average temperature ranges from 9 to 19°c, and the afternoons become much sunnier. In addition, April is the peak blossom season, so prepare to see colourful cherry blossom trees around the Italian capital.
- May. The average temperature ranges from 14 to 24°c, and the longer daylight hours make it perfect for sightseeing. However, May is the most expensive and busiest spring month to visit the Eternal City.
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Spring Holidays and Events
During the spring months, you might want to be aware of some of the holidays and events that draw larger crowds and result in many restaurants and shops closing, including:
- Easter. Rome is one of the most popular places in the world to celebrate Easter, especially at St. Peter’s Basilica. However, expect large crowds at the Vatican, especially for the Papal Mass on Easter Sunday, and the closure of many restaurants and shops on Easter Sunday and Monday.
- Natale di Roma (Rome’s Birthday). On April the 21st each year, Rome celebrates its birthday with gladiator parades, fireworks over the Tiber, and free museum entries. It is a truly great time to witness some local culture, but streets will be busy and hotel prices will shoot up.
- Festa dei Lavoratori (Labour Day). May the 1st is a national holiday in Italy, meaning many businesses and museums are closed, and there are disruptions to public transport. However, if you do visit at this time, there is a huge free concert in Piazza San Giovanni.
Six Things To Do In Rome This Spring
Explore the Vatican City
The Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent nation-state, it is 44 hectares in size and has a population of 1,000 people. The unique country is right in the middle of Rome, making it possible to tick off two countries in one city break.
Most people only visit the Vatican Museums, but the Vatican Gardens are gorgeous in spring, with blooming flowers, fountains, and citrus trees. So, book a tour in advance that includes the Vatican Gardens.
In addition, it is recommended that you visit Vatican City first thing in the morning to avoid the worst crowds.
Take a tour of the Colosseum
The Colosseum still stands proudly in Rome after 2,000 years, and as one of the seven wonders of the world, it is definitely worth a visit. There are hundreds of tours taking place in and around the Colosseum each day, with expert guides helping to bring the ancient structure to life. If you want to explore without the crowds and have a unique experience, consider taking a night tour of the Colosseum.
Get a photo at the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a great photo opportunity all year round, but they are covered in bright pink azalea flowers from April to May, making spring a stunning time to visit. Try to get there early in the morning for the best and least crowded photos.
Visit the Roseto Comunale
Roseto Comunale, Rome’s Rose Garden, is a hidden gem near the Circus Maximus that only opens in spring, from April to June. The garden is home to over 1,000 varieties of roses, and it has a fantastic view of Palatine Hill. The best part is that it is free to visit!
Stroll through the streets of Trastevere
Trastevere is a charming neighbourhood of cobblestone streets and one of the best spots for an afternoon stroll. In spring, you will see ivy-covered buildings, colourful flowers, lively piazzas, and people sitting outdoors at cute cafes and incredible restaurants, such as Ristorante Sete Oche.
Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain
No trip to Rome would be complete without visiting the Trevi Fountain. According to popular belief, throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain ensures your return to Rome.
Like many of the Eternal City’s most popular attractions, it is recommended to visit in the early hours of the morning (around 6am) to beat the crowds.
Excited To Visit Rome This Spring?
Rome is a popular European city break, with an estimated 35 million tourists visiting in 2023. Brits can fly or drive to the Italian capital all year round, but the spring is an excellent time to visit. The weather isn’t too hot to explore the Eternal City on foot, and as long as you don’t visit over Easter, you can avoid the school holiday crowds.
