Today's weather for Rome, Italy7th Aug 2008 19:15

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Weather Overview for Rome

Rome enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate of mild winters and long hot summers.

In recent years Rome has been sweltering through long, scorching summers. While other Italian coastal destinations receive relief from the heat via the ocean winds, Rome doesn’t have such pleasures. While there are areas which register higher on the barometer, the lack of wind in Rome make the days seem hotter than they are.

Wandering the streets of central Rome and taking in the breathtaking ruins and archaeological history can be somewhat of a challenge when trying to keep cool in 30+ degree heat so if visiting in summer it is best to take part in tourist activities in the early morning or evenings.

Despite the occasional scorcher of a day, Rome really is a city that can be enjoyed all year round. The balmy nights create for a very pleasant atmosphere to sit on the terraces enjoying traditional Italian food and wine. Winter dishes out its fair share of crisp winters days which can be enjoyed by wandering the streets of Rome without battling the throngs of summer tourists and harsh sun.

SUMMER

The average maximum temperature in Rome throughout July and August is 30 degrees, and they are also Rome’s driest months receiving 36mm precipitation across the two months. It is not uncommon for Rome to have a summer where temperatures don’t fall below 30 degrees. The high humidity in the city and lack of coastal wind makes for higher discomfort than if the same temperatures were to be measured in a coastal town. Humidity has the affect of confusing you’re body’s cooling system, affecting perspiration, so you are therefore left feeling much hotter than you would do in dry weather.

In the past many business’s would close throughout August in Rome whilst locals fled to holidays locations and enjoyed a seaside break, this however is a trend that is weaning and Rome is now increasingly functioning year round. It should be kept in mind that there are still numerous business’s that close their doors for summer break, which results in the city being largely full of tourists and strangely devoid of locals.

June and September see Rome averaging maximum highs of 26 and 28 degrees Celsius (respectively) and an average minimum of 17 degrees. Toward the end of June is when the heat wave begins to set in and temperatures rise.

WINTER

From October through to December it rains. When it rains, it pours. The city can be hit with pouring and persistent downpours. November averages 11 wet days with 129 mm of precipitation. Continuing into December sees Rome with 93mm of rain and 10 wet days.

However, miserable weather in Rome in the winter is not what the city is known for. While there are certainly periods of heavy rain and overcast conditions, on the whole the city enjoys fairly mild winters, with maximum temperatures of up to 13 degrees. Rome does have long periods of crisp sunny winters days are only occasionally broken up by period of light rain. Hours of sunshine averages 4 hours per day even during winter. (Hours of sunshine measured by hours of clear sun, ie. Taking into account overcast conditions)

AUTUMN/SPRING

Spring and early autumn would be the best time to visit Rome- there is plenty of sunshine and enjoyable conditions without it being too hot or too cold.

March has an average temperature of 10 degrees, moving up to 17 degrees by May. September is still relatively warm, with an average temperature of 21 degrees, before falling to 17 degrees in October.

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