Last Updated on July 12, 2025 by Tori Pines
If you’re dreaming of cobblestone streets, ancient ruins, and warm cappuccinos under flowering trees, spring is absolutely the time to visit Rome. As the Eternal City wakes up from winter, it transforms into a romantic, lively, and refreshingly uncrowded version of itself. Whether you’re planning a short escape or building Rome in spring into a longer Italy itinerary like we did, this spring guide will help you pack perfectly, plan smarter, and soak up all the magic Rome has to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Rome in spring, including what to wear, what to do, and of course—my favorite Tori Tips to make the most of your trip.
Why Visit Rome in Spring?
Rome is a year-round destination, but spring (March through May) is the chef’s kiss. You get all the beauty without the brutal heat of summer or the heavy tourist crowds. Like seriously, the crowd levels are WAY down compared to summer. So you might miss out on swimming in the Mediterranean, and the mornings might be chilly, but it is SO worth it!
Top reasons to visit in spring:
- Mild temperatures make it ideal for long days of walking and exploring.
- Fewer tourists mean shorter lines at popular attractions like the Vatican or Colosseum.
- Blooming gardens and outdoor dining return to life all across the city.
- Shoulder-season savings: hotels and flights are often more affordable than peak summer.
What’s the Weather Like?
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain |
| March | 60°F / 16°C | 42°F / 6°C | Occasional rain |
| April | 65°F / 18°C | 47°F / 8°C | Some showers |
| May | 73°F / 23°C | 53°F / 12°C | Mostly dry, sunny |
Tori Tip: Bring a lightweight travel umbrella or a cute raincoat just in case. If you spend two weeks in Italy (or more) like we did, you’re bound to happen upon at least a few rain showers!
What to Wear in Rome in Spring
Packing for Rome in spring is all about layers, comfort, and Italian-inspired style. You’ll be walking a lot, visiting religious sites, and popping into cafes, so looking put together and being practical is key. Stick to neutral tones and layers, Rome in spring can shift from cool mornings to warm afternoons quickly. Packing for Rome is pretty much the same as packing for anywhere in Italy, so be sure to use my Italy packing and what to wear in Italy guides to help you prepare for your trip to Rome in Spring!
Spring Essentials Packing List:
- Light jackets: A cute lightweight jacket like this one for early mornings and cool nights.
- Cardigans or long-sleeve layers: Wear over dresses or tees during cooler days. I like this one!
- Dresses and midi skirts: Choose breathable fabrics and lengths that cover knees for churches. I absolutely love this wrap dress, and this chic striped one is very European.
- Jeans or light trousers: Pair with sneakers or boots for a classic Euro vibe.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Stylish sneakers, boots or loafers are ideal. Avoid heels—Rome’s cobblestones are no joke! I love, love, love my Allbirds for traveling because they’re comfortable but still look so cute with dressier outfits!
- Scarf or shawl: Must-have for layering and visiting the Vatican or churches. Something simple like this will do the trick!
- Crossbody bag: Keep it zipped and secure, especially on public transport. I LOVE my Travelon crossbody because it has extra secure features to make it pick-pocket proof! It makes me feel so much more secure when walking around in busy cities like Rome in Spring!
Tori Tip: Leave the flip-flops at home. Not only are they uncomfortable on uneven streets, but Italians don’t wear them unless they’re at the beach, and they’ll absolutely know you’re a tourist.
Best Things to Do in Rome During Spring
With the perfect weather and a slower pace, spring is the best time to enjoy both the highlights and hidden gems of Rome. Here are some can’t-miss experiences:
1. See the Colosseum & Roman Forum in Bloom
Touring these ancient wonders is a must. Book your entry as early as possible in the morning to enjoy golden light and smaller crowds. Don’t miss Palatine Hill, springtime flowers often cover the ruins, and the views are stunning. I loved the wisteria hanging everywhere in the Roman Forum when we visited Rome in spring!
Tori Tip: Book the Colosseum Underground or Arena Floor tour. Seeing it from behind-the-scenes adds so much depth to the experience. And if you can afford to pay a bit more, please book a guided tour. You’ll appreciate everything you’re seeing SO much more with a bit of context and history added from your tour guide! Otherwise, book directly through the Colosseum’s website.
2. Wander Trastevere at Sunset
My favorite neighborhood in Rome, Trastevere, is full of charm and authenticity. In spring, the wisteria-covered buildings, outdoor cafes, and warm golden hour light make it feel like a movie set.
Book a Trastevere food tour in the evening for a taste of Rome’s best dishes. This was how we started off our 3 days in Rome, and it was the perfect way to get oriented in the city and learn about the best food!
3. Take the Vatican Tour Early
Whether or not you’re religious, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica is jaw-dropping, and a must-do when visiting Rome in Spring…or any time of year for that matter. Book your time slot as early as possible in the day, these sites get packed. Don’t forget the dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered, as with all other churches in Italy.
My husband and I are not exactly the biggest museum people, but we LOVED the vatican museum. It was our favorite museum of our time in Italy and I think it’s a must-do for everyone visiting Rome.
Tori Tip: Use the FREE Rick Steves Audio Guide if you’re not hiring a tour guide. It’s free, detailed, and perfect for navigating the Vatican on your own.
4. Catch the Trevi Fountain at Sunrise
You’ll thank yourself later for setting that 6:00am alarm. There’s something magical about having the Trevi Fountain nearly to yourself…and getting epic pictures like I did. Toss your coin (right hand over left shoulder!) and make your wish to return to Rome.
I got there around 6:45am and had plenty of space for photos without others in the background. And while you’re at it, walk just a few short blocks over to the Pantheon (my absolute FAVORITE spot in the city) for photos alone there too!
5. Relax in the City’s Parks
Head to Villa Borghese or Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) for a picnic or peaceful stroll. Spring flowers, fountains, and wide-open lawns make these parks a favorite for both tourists and locals.
Bring a bottle of wine, a baguette, and some prosciutto from a nearby market and enjoy a proper Roman picnic! It’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Rome in spring!
Love to travel? Join my Facebook group to be a part of a small community of fellow travel lovers! Get inspiration for your next trip, ask and answer questions and make new friends who also love exploring the world!
6. Eat Tons of Gelato
There’s nothing better in this world than incredible gelato and this city is full of it! A few of the best spots in the city include Otaleg, Gelateria La Romana, Fatamorgana and Gelateria del Teatro. But whatever you do, don’t waste your time, calories or money on bad gelato! It absolutely does exist.
If you want to try out some other spots in town, look for good gelato using these very important tips. First, wander away from the main tourist areas. The worst gelato is usually in the center of the action. Second, avoid any gelato shops where the gelato is piled high in tall mounds, you want to find a place where it is flatter, or even covered with a lid is best!! And third, avoid places that have brightly colored gelato. If the pistachio is bright green and not a more natural brown-ish green then run away! It won’t be good, I promise!
7. Eat Carciofi alla Romana (Roman artichokes)
Artichokes are only in season during spring and are one of the top things to try when in Rome. They’re a specialty here and if visiting during spring, a must!! But I also recommend making it a point to try Carciofi alla giudia (Roman Jewish-Style Artichokes) in the Jewish Ghetto!
8. Explore Rome at Night!
Rome at night is another world. Spend some time in the evenings wandering the streets with gelato in hand. Pass by some of the top sights, it’s worth seeing the colosseum and Trevi Fountain twice in order to see them lit up in the evenings too!
A night tour of Rome on a golf cart would also be a really fun way to see the city as well. Golf cart tours are a huge hit and everyone I know who has done one in Rome raves about it. I really wish we had, but we definitely will next time!
9. Eat Dinner Outside
Wherever you go for dinner, try to get a table outside along the street or alleyways. Not only will the weather be gorgeous in Rome in spring, but you can admire the bustling city all around you. Looking for some great places to eat? We love Rosciolis, Da Enzo al 29 and Pane e Salame. No matter where you decide to dine, be sure to always have a reservation!
Tips for dining:
- Eat dinner later like the locals—most restaurants don’t even open until 7:00pm. Use aperitivo (like at The Court with Colosseum views) to tide you over!
- Avoid the tourist traps: Skip restaurants with photos on the menu. Walk just a few blocks away from main squares for authentic finds. Oh, and if they’re standing outside encouraging you to come in and eat, that’s a definite no!
- Carry small cash: Many bars (cafes) have minimums for card use, especially for espresso or gelato.
- Make a reservation for every night of your trip. Some people think I’m crazy for that, and that it’s “overplanning” but I find that having something ready every night makes me feel so much more relaxed on vacation. I don’t have to think about it, or do tons of research on the spot, it’s already done and ready for me. And if we get a hankering for something different, or happen upon another spot that’s calling our name, then cancel the reservation and pivot! But at least you have something setup as backup.
10. Enjoy the Spring Events in Rome
Rome in spring also comes alive with festivals and celebrations:
- Settimana Santa (Holy Week) – Leading up to Easter, Vatican City hosts special masses, papal blessings, and processions. Expect more crowds but also more spectacle.
- Natale di Roma (April 21) – Rome’s official birthday! Expect fireworks, gladiator reenactments, and cultural events all across the city.
- Spring Flower Festivals – Especially around Spanish Steps, Piazza Venezia, and Rome’s many villas. I was SO excited when I arrived at the Spanish Steps to find it covered in beautiful flowers. I had forgotten that we would be lucky enough to see it at this time of year and it was such a lovely surprise.
Tori Tip: If you’re in Rome around Easter, book everything in advance: hotels, Vatican tickets, and even restaurants. It’s one of the busiest weeks of the year.
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome has a neighborhood for every vibe. In spring, I recommend being centrally located so you can walk everywhere without needing to rely too much on transit.
Favorite Rome Hotels:
- Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel – Steps from the Pantheon, rooftop views, and dreamy rooms. This is my #1 pick, we LOVED staying here and it’s relatively inexpensive in comparison.
- The St. Regis Rome – Luxurious and close to Roma Termini, perfect for your arrival or departure days. We stayed here for a few nights as well. And don’t get me wrong, it’s incredible, so fancy and beautiful. I felt SO lucky to have stayed here. But it costs a pretty penny. If you can afford it, then this hotel is a must.
- Vacation Re ntals in Trastevere – A cozy option if you want to feel like a local and have quieter evenings. Definitely the cheapest option, and really great if you have a larger family or group and want more space. Also awesome if you want to stay longer and would like to be able to prepare some of your own meals!
Tori Tip: Choose a hotel with a rooftop bar or terrace, spring sunsets in Rome are something else.
Rome is the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best way. There’s something about the spring sunshine filtering through centuries-old ruins, the buzz of espresso bars, the smell of blooming orange trees, and the rhythm of Roman life that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
So pack your shawl, charge your phone, and wear comfy shoes… because spring in Rome is calling, and it’s going to be unforgettable.
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