Today's weather for Rome, Italy25th Nov 2009 12:15

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Weather Overview for Rome

Rome receives a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Sitting a little back from Italy’s west coast around the centre of the country, it is cooler than Italy’s southerly resorts in the winter but its summers are hotter. Summer, as in most Mediterranean regions, is the most popular time to visit. However, the main reason to go to Rome is its numerous cultural attractions so whatever the season you are sure to be fascinated by the city.

Summer, from June till September, is characterised by stifling heat and endless sunshine. The average high temperature sits at 27°C in June and September and climbs to a peak of 30°C for July and August. It frequently stays in the mid 30s in the peak months. The absence of a sea breeze can really be felt as the heat takes hold of the city. In June and September the average low temperature gets down to a pleasant 15°C but in July and August the average low is around 18°C and it regularly stays above 20°C. The summer can become so hot that it makes sightseeing an arduous and uncomfortable chore. It is best to avoid the peak in August unless you really think you can handle the heat. Traditionally, locals would close businesses and retreat to Italy’s cooler seaside towns in August, but the recent acceleration in demand has steadily eaten away at this practice as the rewards of supplying accommodation, food and entertainment year round have been seized.

The sun stays out for ten or eleven hours per day between June and August, dropping to eight hours per day in September. Rainfall is low throughout the summer though the odd heavy shower may occur and a few thunderstorms are likely in September.

Autumn, in October and November, is the wettest time of year. In October the average high temperature is still gorgeous at 22°C, only getting below 20°C towards the end of the month. November is much cooler but still mild with an average high of 16°C. Night time temperatures are very cool from the beginning of the season and actually cold in November. Rainfall increases quickly; November is the wettest month in the year, seeing rain on about half its days. It is often overcast; October still sees six hours of sunshine per day; November trails with four. Early October is a great time to visit as it is still warm, sunny and relatively dry, but it is not too hot and the crowds are thinner.

Winter, from December till February, is cool and rainy. The average high temperature drops to around 13°C and the average low falls to around 4°C, but it is around 1°C cooler in January. While this is warmer than the UK, it is still quite cold. It rarely falls below freezing but frosts are not uncommon and snow has been known to fall. Sunshine levels remain reasonable at around four hours per day. It is often overcast and the rain is quite persistent, but there are still a fair amount of clear, crisp days.

Spring, between March and May, becomes warm rapidly. The average high temperature reaches, 15°C in March, 18°C in April and 23°C in May. From the beginning of April sunny days can see temperatures reaching 20°C. Whatever the daytime temperature you’ll still need a jacket as night time temperatures remain cold. Rainfall decreases but light showers are still quite common. Sunshine levels increase and from April onwards it is reliably sunny for most of the day. May sees nine hours of sunshine per day on average.

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