Planning a winter trip to Rome? Whether you'll be there in January, February, or March, choosing the right clothing is key to a comfortable and stylish experience in the Italian capital.
In this practical guide you'll discover the exact list of clothes and accessories to bring with you, so you'll be prepared for the weather, avoid unnecessary purchases, and blend in with the urban elegance of Romans.
Some of the most common questions I get about traveling to Rome in winter are:
- What should I pack?
- How cold is Rome in winter?
- Do I need a heavy coat or can a light jacket be enough?
Today I'll try to answer all these questions and share my packing list for visiting Rome.
When Is Winter in Rome?
Technically, winter in Rome starts on December 21st and ends on March 20th. During these 3 months, the weather is generally cold, but there's a big difference between, say, January and March in Rome.
While the former is still a winter month, from mid-February Rome starts seeing milder temperatures and you can slowly shed your warmest clothes.
What to expect from the weather in Rome in January, February, and March in terms of weather and events, you can see in the following guides:
Important to know! If you'll be in Rome for Christmas, I recommend also checking out our packing list for Rome in December: it has all the necessary packing items, plus style tips for the holidays in Rome.
What's the Weather Like in Rome in Winter?
Winter in Rome is usually quite mild, with temperatures above freezing and usually no snow. The coldest month is typically January, when the average temperature in Rome is around 8°C (46°F).
At this time you need a good winter coat or jacket, scarf, possibly a hat, but you don't usually need thermal layers, but rather clothes that are water-resistant! Rome can get rain in winter, so it's important to bring waterproof clothes with you. If that's not possible, just bring more clothes so you can change if you get wet.
Does It Snow in Rome in Winter?
Snow is rare in Rome, so we can say that Rome usually doesn't get snow. However, this doesn't mean it never snows in Rome, and many of the pictures you may have seen of the Colosseum under a blanket of snow are real.
This means snow is a rare occurrence in Rome, so rare that when it happens, it becomes international news!
If you're coming to Rome in winter, you don't need to worry about snow: chances are you won't see any, and if you do, it may be sleet that causes more mud puddles than anything else.
As with all weather forecasts (and especially these days when the weather really has gone crazy), check online right before your Rome trip, but don't prepare for snow unless an unusually cold front is expected.
>>> Everything you need to know about snow in Rome can be found here. <
Rome Winter Packing List: Essential Items to Bring
You don't need to pack a lot for Rome, but you need to make sure you have all the essentials, so if you need to shop, it's for pleasure, not necessity!
My essentials for traveling to Rome in winter are:
- Travel documents, including passport, travel insurance, vaccination card, etc.
- Comfortable walking shoes, rain-resistant
- One pair of nicer flat shoes for dinner/going out
- Flip-flops for the hotel/pool
- Pajamas/nightgown
- Tights, socks, and underwear
- Long pants or jeans
- Below-knee skirt if visiting the Vatican (this also applies if you're wearing tights)
- Long-sleeved tops
- Wool vest/wool sweater
- Winter coat (ideally water-resistant)
- Small travel umbrella
- Crossbody bag
- Italian phrasebook and dictionary
- Extra battery for phone/camera, etc.
- Travel adapter
- Printout of all your reservations
- Credit card/bank card
- Cash
- Reusable water bottle
- Scarf (see below for tips for each month)
- Sunglasses
- Necklaces, jewelry
- Toiletries
- Tech and electronics
What Clothes to Wear in Rome in January
January is the coldest month in Rome and you need to be ready for it with warm clothes and have a plan for rainy days.
Restaurants, museums, and Rome hotels are heated, but not as much as you might expect to feel truly comfortable when you're in them. Usually indoor spaces in Rome aren't warm enough for short sleeves even with the heat on, so it's important to be well-dressed when leaving the hotel.
When packing for Rome in January, I recommend having the essentials (above) and specifically:
- Comfortable walking shoes or choose unlined boots
- Socks and warm tights (Italian women love colorful tights, especially black or brown)
- Long pants or jeans
- Below-knee skirt
- Long-sleeved tops/shirts
- Wool vest/sweater
- Proper winter jacket, waterproof
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Warm nightgown/pajamas
What to Wear in Rome in February
In February, temperatures are similar to January, but as you approach the end of the month you may feel the first hints of spring in the air.
For Rome in February, prepare:
- Comfortable walking shoes or unlined boots
- Socks and warm tights (Italian women love colorful tights, especially black or brown)
- Long pants or jeans
- Below-knee skirt
- Long-sleeved tops/shirts
- Wool vest/sweater
- Proper winter jacket, waterproof
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Warm nightgown/pajamas
What Clothes to Pack for Rome in March
March is the beginning of spring in Rome, but there can still be very cold days!
My packing list for Rome in March includes:
- Comfortable walking shoes or unlined boots
- Socks and tights
- Long pants and below-knee skirt for churches
- Long-sleeved tops
- Short-sleeved clothes
- Sweaters (wool and lighter ones)
- Winter coat if you're used to a warm climate (Italians tend to wear coats at this time), waterproof mid-season jacket if you're used to cold weather
I hope these clothing lists for visiting Rome in January, February, or March have been helpful.