Thinking of planning a trip to Rome in February? After spending the entire month of February 2026 exploring the Eternal City, I discovered that late winter is actually one of the best times to visit! Especially if you plan to stay a week or longer.
Because February is the low season, you can expect significantly lower airfare, affordable accommodations, and much shorter lines at the major sites in Rome.
However, a winter trip isn’t for everyone. If you prefer hot weather and long sunny days, Rome’s crisp February climate might not be for you. In this article I dive into the pros, cons, and weather expectations so you can decide if a winter getaway is right for you.
Explore This Guide:
Is February a Good Time to Visit Rome? (Pros and Cons)
Of course there are always pros and cons to everything, so here are some points to consider before booking a trip to Rome in February.
Pros of February in Rome
- Lower accommodation costs: Hotels slash their prices during winter low season.
- Fewer tourist crowds: You will experience shorter lines at attractions, especially during early mornings hours.
- Easier reservations: You can obtain the hard-to-get tickets to popular events and get a table at the best restaurants.
- Cheaper airfare: Airlines generally offer some of their lowest flight prices in February.
- Comfortable sightseeing: You will enjoy zero risk of heat exhaustion, no sizzling hot weather, and much lower chance of sunburn.
In fact, the warmest day on record for February in Rome is 22 C (71 Fahrenheit) on February 27, 2019.
Cons of February in Rome
- Cooler weather: Unpredictable weather with a chance of rain
- Shorter daylight hours: With sunrise around 7 am and sunset around 5:30 pm, you have less daylight for sightseeing.
- Reduced hours at attraction: Some sites have shorter winter hours.
- More stuff to pack: You will need to pack extra clothing, including a winter jacket and scarf.
- Less vibrant scenery: Because lots of trees will lack foliage, the parks and outdoor ruins can look less picturesque than in spring, summer, and autumn.
For me the positives definitely outweigh the negatives for visiting Rome in February since I prefer cooler weather, fewer crowds, and my budget loves the cheaper accommodations and lower airfare prices.
If you hate cold weather, then a February trip to Rome is not an ideal option; instead, I recommend booking something around late April or early May. But remember that prices go up with the temperatures, and you can expect to pay at least double (or triple) for accommodation in summer months compared to February. For instance, when I visited in May 2023 I paid around 235 euros per night for my hotel room with a single bed.
Learn more about the best time to visit Italy depending on your interests and weather preferences.
Rome Weather in February: Temperatures, Rain & Snow
- Average daytime highs: 14 C (57 Fahrenheit)
- Average overnight lows: 6 C (43 Fahrenheit)
- Average number of days with some rain: 13
Does it snow in Rome? The last snowfall in Rome was February 26, 2018. It rarely snows in Rome.
In February Rome weather can be unpredictable, so it’s beneficial if you can travel last minute when the forecast shows sunny days ahead.
Or if you’re in Rome for a week or more and have more flexibility with your schedule, you can do indoor stuff on colder days and spend sunny days outdoors.
Rome is near the coast; therefore, the weather is more difficult to predict. In February you can expect some windy and rainy days and variable weather throughout the day.
I spent the month of February 2026 in Rome, and there were lots of beautiful sunny days, especially during the last two weeks of the month. The first two weeks there were a couple of days with mostly rain but lots of days with a mix of sun, wind, and some rain. The sun made an appearance almost every day of the month.
I recommend bringing layers to wear on the colder days and bringing a small backpack or a bag to stash your jacket or vest if you don’t need it later in the day.
Although February is late winter in Rome, it feels much more like spring. The daffodils, daisies, and cherry plum trees are blooming, the grass is green, and it feels good to be outdoors.
Best Things to Do in Rome in Winter (Indoor & Outdoor)
All the top attractions like the Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon are still busy in February, although less busy on rainy days, and you’ll see far fewer crowds than in high season.
I think it’s always a good idea to keep a list of both indoor and outdoor things to do so that you can survey your options depending on the weather and your mood.
Keep in mind that some of the attractions need to be booked several days or weeks in advance (for instance, the Borghese Gallery) and you won’t necessarily know what the weather will be like.
However, in mid-February I was able to book a ticket for the Colosseum (full experience Arena + first and second floors, Forum, Palatine) only 3 days in advance. That’s not possible during high season in Rome.
Outdoor Things to Do in Rome
- Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill
- Trevi Fountain
- Spanish Steps
- Piazza Navona
- Pantheon (best on sunny days)
- Victor Emmanuel II Monument
- Villa Borghese
- Piazza del Popolo
- Villa Celimontana and Celio Archeological Park
- Aqueducts
- Appia Antica (The Appian Way)
Indoor Things to Do in Rome
Along with museums, one of my favorite indoor things to do in Rome is visit churches, many of them with magnificent art and architecture, making it one of the best free things to do in Rome as well.
- Capitoline Museums
- Borghese Gallery (reserve tickets several weeks in advance)
- Take a Cooking Class
- Museum of Rome in Trastevere
- Leonardo Da Vinchi Museum
- National Museum
- Case Romane del Celio (dress warm; it’s underground)
- Churches (there are over 900 in Rome)
- Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica
- Catacombs Tour
What to Wear in Rome in February: Winter Packing List
Rather than packing a lot of bulky cold-weather clothing, I recommend packing a variety of clothing that you can layer in order to keep warm.
I found that on cooler days I was comfortable wearing a long-sleeve top, lightweight down vest, waterproof/windproof jacket, scarf, and my toque (knit cap).
On the warmest days I was wearing short-sleeve tops and jeans in the sun but also brought my leather jacket to wear in the shade, where it felt quite a bit cooler.
Here is my list of clothing essentials that I packed for my trip to Rome in February and would bring again next time.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Wool socks
- Windbreaker/Waterproof jacket
- Scarf or buff
- Hat for colder days
- Small umbrella (some lodgings provide umbrellas, so check with yours)
- Long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops
- Long pants, jeans, or dress slacks
- Winter jacket
- Down vest or polar fleece vest
- Merino wool top and leggings for cold days outdoors
For footwear, bring your most comfortable shoes that won’t get ruined in wet weather. You’ll want something with a good grip on the sole; running shoes are a good option. I wore my trail running shoes because they’re lightweight and have Vibram grip soles.
Things I Packed But Didn’t Wear in Rome
My merino wool leggings and long-sleeve top didn’t get worn, but I would probably pack them again just in case of colder weather.
I brought my ultralight packable down jacket but never wore it. Instead, on sunny days I wore my leather jacket; on colder days I wore my waterproof rain jacket over my lightweight down vest and a long-sleeve top. Still, I would pack the ultralight down jacket again since it fits easily into the outside pocket of my carry-on roller bag.
Gloves are nice to have, and I packed a pair but didn’t wear them at all during February in Rome.
Rome in February FAQ
Here are the most frequently asked questions about visiting Rome in February.
Is Rome expensive in February?
No, February is low season in Rome. You can easily find cheaper flights and get accommodations at around half the price you would pay during the peak summer months. And Rome is a whole lot less crowded in February than the busy season.
Does it rain a lot in February?
While Rome averages around 13 days with some rainfall in February, it rarely pours all day long. In my experience, during the whole month of February, there were only a couple of days that were mostly rainy. On the other days when it rained, it was limited to intermittent showers. Historically, November, December, and October (in that order) are the rainiest months in Rome.
Are Rome attractions open in February?
Yes, all the major sites, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums, are open in February. However, I noticed that many sites had reduced winter hours, mostly due to shorter daylight hours. Always check the hours before you plan your visit.
Is Rome in February Worth It?
Absolutely! Now you have an excellent idea of what to expect when visiting Rome in late winter. If you are a budget-conscious traveler who wants to avoid the hot weather and crowds of the peak summer months, February is the perfect choice. Remember to pack a few warm layers, a compact umbrella, and get ready to explore the Eternal City with confidence. If you have any comments or questions please leave them below. Happy travels!
Save this to Pinterest for later!
