Things to do in Rome

Visiting Rome In August – The Definitive Guide

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Walk around Rome and find yourself bumping into a monument, landmark or a venue that holds invaluable artistic wealth around every other corner. Its ancient ruins and ornate churches tell tales of the men bygone, while modern Rome is moving into the millennium with speed and desire that will leave you breathless. Explore the museums, discover the monuments, admire the art, savour the cuisine, and walk the length of the Tiber, at the end of it you will still feel unsatisfied and never want to say goodbye to Rome. July is an exciting time to explore Rome and is at the peak of its tourist season, and here is a guide to help you plan your trip to Rome in July.

What Makes Rome in August Special?


Rome in August

Sightseeing & Photographic weather– Rain can be a dampener for sightseeing and those who wish to indulge in photography. But, the bright cobalt skies of Rome in August make the perfect backdrop for the ruins and architecture of Rome. Plus, no rainfall means you won’t get stuck in traffic or wear extra clothing to keep you safe from the elements!
Cultural events – Rome in August has several local traditional summer events like Festa Della Madonna Della Neve and Ferragosto. Beyond these, the department of tourism and several private organizations create events for tourists, which highlight the culture and history of the city.
Sizzling and Buzzing – Rome in August is bursting at the seams with tourists, and it is high season, which translates to higher airfares and accommodation prices. However, it is also a boon to travelers who enjoy the cultural interaction. You will enjoy the company of travelers from across the world, and the atmosphere is fun and vibrant because its vacation mode for both locals and tourists!

Rome Weather in August


August is one of the hottest months in Rome, the average day time temperatures reach upto 31°C/88°F while the temperature drops to 19°C/66°F at night. However, the average temperatures start to slide in the second half of the month as summer changes to fall. There is little chance of rainfall and it is one of the driest months of the year.

Rome in august: Things to Do


1

Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome in August


Vatican City is more than a centre of religious importance; it holds an invaluable wealth of treasure in the form of art and architecture. Take a guided tour of its iconic landmarks, Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica and admire them in person.

August Timings
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel:
Monday – Saturday: 9 am-6 pm
Closed on all Sundays except last Sunday

St. Peter’s Basilica:
Daily: 7 am-6:30 pm

Location

Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›

2

Roman Catacombs

Rome in August- Roman Catacombs


Take a walk under the ancient ruins of Rome and find yourself amidst the remains of thousands of Jews and Christians from the 2nd Century in the catacombs! The catacombs are an offbeat choice but hundreds visit them each day, go on a skip the line tour to save time.

August Timings
All the Roman Catacombs are open from 9 am-12 pm and 2 pm-5 pm
They are closed on the following days:

  • Catacombs of San Sebastiano – Sunday
  • Catacombs of San Callisto – Wednesday
  • Catacombs of Priscilla – Monday
  • Catacombs of Domitilla – Tuesday
Location

Via Salaria, 430, 00199 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›

3

Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

Rome in August


Regale yourself with ancient Roman history as you walk through the ruins of the Colosseum, Palatine Hill & Roman Forum. All these monuments are contiguous to each other and a guided tour is the best way to learn more about them and their role in history.

August Timings
Colosseum: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Palatine Hill: 8:30 am-7 pm
Roman Forum: 9 am-7 pm

Location

Piazza del Colosseo, 00184, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›

4

Borghese Gallery and Borghese Gardens

Rome in August - Borghese Gallery


Rome is abounding with museums but if you just have to visit a handful then make sure you visit the Borghese Gallery. It has one of the best art collections in the world and includes the works of Caravaggio, Titian, and Bernini. The leafy gardens are a relief in the heat of Rome in August.

August Timings
Tuesday – Sunday: 9 am-7 pm (Five slots of two-hours with last entry at 5 pm)
Closed on Mondays

Location

Viale del Museo Borghese, 00197 Roma RM,
Italy
Getting There ›

5

Trastevere Neighbourhood Walk

Rome in August - Trastavere


Take a walk with an expert local guide in one of the oldest and bohemian neighbourhoods in Rome, Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto. Explore the cobblestone streets with flower-laden balconies and sample local food like gelato and cheese. Meet the locals and explore how the Romans live, eat and enjoy!

August Timings
Tour starts at 10:30 am

6

Rome Bike Tour

Rome in august


Forget figuring out the bus numbers or spending on expensive taxis, just sign up for a bike tour and explore Rome from a unique perspective. Ride around the areas of Trajan Forum, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Jewish Ghetto and Campo di Fiori. Stop and smell the roses and ride along when you are done!

August Timings
Tour starts at 10 am

Location

Via di Santa Eufemia 15, Rome,
Italy
Getting There ›

7

Day Trip to Naples and Pompeii

Rome in August - Day Trip to Pompeii


Go on a day trip to the Mediterranean coastal city of Naples. Take in views of the crystal clear waters of the Naples Bay and head to the ancient city of Herculaneum before stopping in Pompeii. Guided tours will you with transport and planning of a convenient itinerary!

August Timings
Daily at 7:30 am-8 pm

Location

80045 Metropolitan City of Naples,
Italy
Getting There ›

8

Rome Food & Drinks Tour

Rome in August - Food Tour


Italy is synonymous with sumptuous food and when in Rome you can spend the day exploring its culinary heritage. Take a pasta-making class or head to a pizzeria to learn how to make a pizza. Go on a wine tasting tour, or go grocery shopping in the vibrant farmer’s markets!

August Timings
Depends on the chosen tour

9

Walk On Walk Off Rome

Rome in August - Rome at Night


Walking is the mantra to exploring any city properly and nowhere has it stood truer than Rome! Enjoy walking in Rome on any of the ten tours of Rome Tour Pass and get local insights into the history and culture of the city. Pick morning or evening tours to avoid the afternoon heat.

August Timings
Depends on the chosen tour

Location

Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome
Italy
Getting There ›

10

Day Trip to Tuscany

Rome in August


Nothing screams an Italian holiday like enjoying a cheese platter with a glass of wine, with a view of rolling hills and quaint villages. This is what you can enjoy on a guided day trip to Tuscany! Explore the towns of Montepulciano, Pienza and visit vineyards on this day trip out of Rome.

August Timings
Tour starts at 7:15 am

Location

Piazza del Popolo 00187 Roma RM Italy, Roma
Italy
Getting There ›

Rome in august : Events to Look Out For


Rome in July events

Festa della Madonna Della Neve

August 5
La Madonna della Neve or Our Lady of the Snows is celebrated on August 5th. The festival is celebrated at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore on Esquiline Hill to honor the patron saint. There is a ‘snowfall’ of confetti and fresh white petals on the day!

Rome in August events

Ferragosto

August 15
The festival celebrates the Roman practice of Festival of Emperor Augustus and the Roman Catholic tradition of the day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This is the day which heralds the start of summer holidays in Rome and while most of Rome is closed, you can find concerts & events along the Tiber.

Rome in August events

Feast of San Lorenzo

August 10
The Feast of San Lorenzo, or St. Lawrence's Day, is celebrated on August 10th each year in honor of one of Rome's most popular and revered saints. The holiday commemorates the day when St. Lawrence was martyred by being burned alive on a gridiron.

Rome in August events

Ben Harper live in concert

August 4
Benjamin Harper is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist best known as the lead vocalist of The Lumineers. Harper is recognized for his guitar playing abilities, vocals, live shows, and activism in the field of human rights.

Rome in August : 5-day Itinerary


Need help planning your Rome vacation? Check out our detailed Rome itineraries here.

5 Days In Rome Itinerary

Day
1
Morning
Roman Colosseum Tour
Colosseum

€21

Afternoon
Roman Forum Palatine Hill
Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

€21

Late Evening
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain

Free Entry

Day
2
Morning
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Necropolis

€19.5

Noon
Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums

Afternoon
Sistine Chapel
Sistine Chapel

€5

Day
3
Morning
Borghese Gallery
Borghese Gallery

€54

Afternoon
Roman Catacombs
Roman Catacombs

€69

Late Evening
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano

€10

Day
4
Day Trip Option #1
Rome to Naples
Rome to Naples

€131

Day Trip Option #2
Rome to Pompeii
Rome to Pompeii

€129

Day Trip Option #3
Rome to Amalfi Coast
Rome to Amalfi Coast

€179

Day
5
Morning
Trastevere
Trastevere

Afternoon
Roman Ghetto
Roman Ghetto

€82

Evening
Appian Way
Appian Way

€70

Rome in August : Seasonal Delicacies


Rome in Augsut
Carciofi Alla Romana

Carciofi or artichokes are a favorite of Romans in the summer. The ‘alla romana’ style involves stuffing the cleaned artichoke with garlic, parsley, salt and pepper and braising them in water and white wine. The delicious dish is served as appetizers and eaten warm.
Where to eat : Giggetto, Via del Portico d'Ottavia

Rome in August
Cacio e pepe

The heat in Rome in August can get to you, leaving you craving for something simple and wholesome. There is where Cacio e pepe comes in! The ultimate Roman comfort food, this dish includes just three ingredients – pasta, black pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Where to eat : Antica Pesa, Via Garibaldi

Rome in August
Baccalà Fritto Alla Romana

One does not immediately connect seafood with Rome, but these fried fillets made with seafood are finger lickin’ good! Fresh catch of sardines, anchovies or cod is fried in batter and eaten as antipasti. Order a plate, sip on wine and people watch in the piazza.
Where to eat : Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara, Campo dei Fiori

Rome in August
Caponata

Tomatoes and eggplants are abundant in Italy during summer and it is the time to indulge in them. The Caponata is the ideal dish to savor the flavours of these vegetables. It is a stew that can be eaten cold or warm and is made of eggplant, tomatoes, celery, capers and more.
Where to eat : Osteria dell'Ingegno

Rome in August
Gelatoo

TSummer in Rome equals to multiple cones of gelato throughout the day! The creamy and flavourful dessert is best had in its original flavours – chocolate, pistachio, coffee - of course you can also go wild with flavours like chilli, but steer clear of bright colored gelatos and you are good to go!
Where to eat : Gelataria dei Gracchi, Via dei Gracchi

Rome August Essentials


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LanguageItalian

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Time zoneGMT+2

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Country Code+39

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Socket Type C, L, F

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CurrencyEuros €

Rome Weather in August

Rome in August is going through a transition from peak summer to the start of fall. The average temperatures hover around 31°C/88°F and the weather is hot and dry. The day length decreases over the month from 14 hours to 13 hours, the sun rises around 6:15 AM and sets around 8:00 PM.

Where to Stay in Rome during August

Accommodation in Rome in August is going to stretch your budget quite a bit. You can choose to stay in AirBnBs, guest houses and hostels for cheaper rates. You can easily find stay options suitable to your budget in any area in Rome.
Here are our top hotels to stay while in Rome :

What to Pack for Visiting Rome in August

The weather in Rome in August will be hot and dry, which is why it’s best to carry light and breathable clothes in natural fabrics like cotton. Full length shirts and pants is a good way to avoid sunburn and also be appropriate for visiting churches. If you feel comfortable only in shorts or tops without sleeves, you can carry a scarf or stole that you can wrap around while entering churches. Take good walking shoes and carry an empty water bottle that you can refill from the water fountains all over the city.

Getting Around Rome in August

Rome is fairly expansive and its tourist attractions are spread across the city ensuring that you will need to use some form of transport. Taxis are the quickest way to get around but can be expensive. The Metro is good for long distances however it does not reach central Rome where a majority of landmarks are located. Bus is the best way to get around cheaply and conveniently, but the names can be confusing, hence you should plan ahead and use the bus numbers to get around. The best ways to get around the city is use a Roma Pass or get a Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket. Here is a guide on using public transportation in Rome.

Tips for Visiting Rome in August


  • Rome is packed with tourists in August which means restaurants are going to be busy. You should book reservations at the restaurants you wish to dine in and remember that most of them open for dinner service only by 8 PM.
  • A great way to enjoy sightseeing in Rome is to get out late in the evenings after an afternoon siesta. Begin with a Segway tour that is becoming quite popular in the city, or head on the Big Bus Night Tour that will take you through the illuminated landmarks with cooler temperatures.
  • On 10th August you can experience an incredible astronomical event, the Night of San Lorenzo. The locals assemble in parks and open spaces across the city to view the annual Perseid meteor shower. They are locally known as ‘tears of Saint Lawrence’ to commemorate the saint’s martyrdom. You can also head to the Planetario e Museo Astronomico for a closer look through a telescope.
  • Nights in Rome in August are pleasant and offer a respite from the heat of the day. The hills are a great way to escape the heat and some of the top spots to head for a stroll are the Janiculum Hill, Villa Borghese, Villa Celimontana and Monte Mario.
  • Summer sales or Saldi continue in the month of August in Rome. You can enjoy massive discounts on designer clothing and even on the locally-made exquisite clothing. Some of the souvenirs you can pick up in Rome are handmade leather goods, hand painted porcelain, marble statue reproductions, and artisanal foods.

Explore Rome by Months


Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Rome in Oct
Oct
Nov
Dec

Ready to Visit Rome in August?


Here are some quick links to articles that will make your Roma vacation all the more special !

FAQs


What's the weather like in Rome in August?

The weather in Rome in August is typically hot and humid. The average high temperature is around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), while the average low temperature is around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). There is also often a fair amount of rain in August, so be sure to pack your raincoat!

What should I pack for a trip to Rome in August?

When packing for a trip to Rome in August, be sure to pack items that will keep you cool and comfortable. The weather in Rome during August is typically hot and humid, so it's important to pack light, breathable clothing. shorts, tank tops, and sundresses are all great choices. You'll also want to pack comfortable shoes that can be easily removed, like sandals or flip-flops. And don't forget to pack your sunscreen!

What is there to do in Rome in August?

There are plenty of things to do in Rome during August! One popular activity is to take a tour of the ancient ruins, such as the Colosseum or the Roman Forum. You can also visit Vatican City and explore St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. If you're looking for something more active, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails in and around Rome. And, of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without sampling the delicious food!

How busy is Rome in August?

Rome is a popular tourist destination year-round, but it can be especially busy in the summer months. August is one of the busiest times to visit, so be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.

 

Are there any special events or celebrations in Rome in August?

August is a busy month for festivals and events in Rome. Some of the most popular include the Ferragosto holiday on August 15th and the Feast of the Assumption on August 25th.