August in Rome is a mix of scorching sun and magical summer evenings. This is the period of “Ferragosto,” when locals escape the city and Rome is left in the hands of tourists. If the heat doesn’t intimidate you, you’ll discover a new face of the Eternal City – with empty side streets in some areas and bustling attractions in others.
In this article you’ll discover practical tips for clothing, places to avoid during peak hours, plus cool spots to visit with kids or in the evening when Rome comes alive under the lights.
August in Rome is absolutely unique. This is the second hottest month of the year, and also the time when local residents head out for their annual vacation, the so-called “ferie d’Agosto” (August holidays).
If you can help it, I recommend avoiding Rome in August for your first visit to the city.
During August in Rome the weather is hot and humid, mosquitoes are merciless, and most locals have fled the city, leaving only tourists brave enough to navigate Rome’s blazing streets under the relentless summer sun.
However, if this is the only time you can visit Rome – don’t worry! You’ll see Rome without the usual crowds, and the summer evenings in the city are absolutely incredible!
If you do have flexibility in when to visit Italy’s capital, check out our month-by-month guide to Rome so you can choose the most suitable time for your trip.
Is Rome Busy in August?
How busy Rome is in August depends entirely on what you want to visit and where you plan to spend your time.
Away from the major tourist attractions, Rome actually feels quite relaxed and uncrowded, but things change dramatically the moment you decide to visit Rome’s main sights and monuments.
Since locals have departed for their summer vacations, the only people around are tourists, and naturally, they all congregate around Rome’s most famous tourist attractions!
So the city has a somewhat schizophrenic personality: in some areas it’s practically deserted, while in others there are way too many people concentrated in small spaces!
If you’re visiting Rome in August, I highly recommend buying tickets for attractions and booking your hotel in Italy’s capital well in advance.
Where to Stay in Rome During August
If your budget allows, absolutely choose accommodation with a swimming pool so you can escape from the intense heat when needed.
Great options with pools include:
- Hotel Villa Agrippina Gran Melia Rome (set in a beautiful park, best choice for luxury stays)
- Aldrovandi Palace
- Hotel Palazzo Naiadi
- Mercure Rome Centro
Weather in Rome During August
August in Rome is genuinely hot. The average temperature is 24°C (75°F) with minimum temperatures around 18°C (64°F) and maximum temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F), although in recent years temperatures have climbed much higher, often hitting 37-38°C (99-100°F).
During August 2021, a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) was recorded!
Typically August in Rome doesn’t see much rain, although when it does occur, it’s usually in the form of intense tropical-style storms that are brief but dramatic. Generally, August rain doesn’t create problems for sightseeing (unlike the sun!).
If you’re used to very hot weather, you might think these numbers don’t seem that extreme, and you’d be right in most places, but don’t underestimate the brutal reality of Roman heat!
Rome is incredibly humid, so while 32°C (90°F) might actually feel pleasant in dry climates (I know it does for me in other destinations), in Rome that same temperature becomes absolutely oppressive and energy-draining. When checking weather apps, always look at the “feels like” temperature, as it can differ significantly from the actual thermometer reading.
As a general survival rule, avoid being in direct sunlight during the central hours of the day, choose hotels with powerful air conditioning, and drink water constantly throughout the day.
>>> My best tips for surviving Rome during summer can be found here <<<
Important Dates for Visiting Rome in August
August 15th – August is the month when Romans and Italians in general take their summer vacation, but there’s one official holiday worth noting: August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption or “Ferragosto.”
This is a national holiday for Italians and affects the operating hours of government services, smaller shops, and tourist sites, especially family-run or less popular ones.
In central Rome, however, you’re unlikely to feel much impact from Ferragosto, but public transportation may be affected and run less frequently than usual.
Therefore, allow extra time to get anywhere on this day, and remember that local shops will likely be closed.
Interesting fact! The name “Ferragosto” comes from the Latin phrase “Feriae Augustae” – festivals established in 18 BC by Emperor Augustus to mark a pause from agricultural labor. During the 7th century, August 15th began transforming into a Christian holiday honoring the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven.
In modern Italian, this day is called “Ferragosto” or also “L’Assunzione.” When the 15th falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, we often speak of “Ponte di Ferragosto” (Ferragosto Bridge), when people take an additional day off to create a longer holiday weekend.
What to Wear in Rome During August
August in Rome demands a carefully curated summer wardrobe that balances staying cool with respecting Italian dress codes.
Summer dresses, short-sleeved tops, comfortable sandals, and sun hats should form the backbone of your wardrobe, while you can choose lightweight linen pants and flowing skirts for times when you need more coverage (like when visiting churches or the Vatican: read about Vatican dress code here).
Rome in August absolutely requires comfortable walking sandals for both adults and children – your feet will swell in the heat!
Here’s what’s essential to pack:
- Comfortable walking sandals with good arch support (you can find excellent options here)
- Lightweight linen pants for church visits and sun protection
- Knee-length skirts/shorts – essential for entering religious sites
- Breathable short-sleeved tops in light colors
- Swimwear for hotel pools or coastal day trips
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed sun hat – absolutely non-negotiable
- Reusable water bottle to refill at Rome’s many public fountains
>>> Find our complete packing list here <<<
Important to know: Air conditioning in Rome and Italy generally runs much weaker than what you might expect from places like the United States. While most establishments in Rome will have AC, it’s still not arctic-cold indoors, so you won’t need sweaters or scarves.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Rome in August?
The best activities in Rome during August are a carefully curated mix of strategic sightseeing opportunities and smart heat-avoidance tactics.
Here are my recommendations for what to see in Rome during August:
1. Take a tour of the Colosseum’s underground chambers. The Colosseum is an absolute must-see attraction in Rome, but during August it becomes a genuine furnace, so you need to plan your visit strategically. Visit either early morning or as late as possible in the evening, and definitely book a “full experience” ticket.
“Full experience” means you’ll have access to the arena floor itself, plus the underground level and the second floor, which features interesting exhibitions and some blessed shaded areas.
The best tickets for visiting the Colosseum are here.
2. Take a nighttime Colosseum tour. On selected dates, the Colosseum opens its doors after dark. This is a fantastic opportunity for a visit, since not only the Colosseum but the entire surrounding area is absolutely stunning when illuminated! Information and tickets can be found here.
3. Visit the Imperial Roman Forum at night. The Roman Forum is magnificent, but it’s challenging to visit during August. The sun there is too intense for comfortable exploration, and as much as I love the Forum and Palatine Hill, it’s difficult for me to recommend visiting during summer unless you go in the final hour of the day, after 5:00 PM (plan your timing carefully: they officially close at 7:30 PM, but in reality they ask you to leave by 7:00 PM).
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t experience ancient Rome!
If you don’t want to battle the heat, you can choose the nighttime show at the Imperial Forum, where ancient Rome comes alive through multimedia light shows and videos projected onto the backdrop of ancient Roman ruins.
Access to the Imperial Forum is located across the street from the main Roman Forum area and offers fantastic views of Trajan’s Column as well.
Information about the show can be found here.
4. See the Roman Forum at night. Another option for the hot season and one of my favorite ways to see the Forum is to admire it from above. Climb to the back of Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) and look down – the view of the illuminated Roman Forum at night is absolutely breathtaking (both during the day and at night!).
5. Visit Rome’s catacombs. Rome’s catacombs are ancient Christian burial sites consisting of an extensive network of underground tunnels stretching beneath modern Rome.
The catacombs are fascinating any time of year, but visiting them during summer has one major additional advantage: the catacombs maintain a constant temperature of around 15°C (59°F), which feels like paradise during this season!
I highly recommend visiting those at San Callisto. They’re the largest in Rome and offer fantastic guided tours at reasonable prices.
>>> You can find tickets here or read our complete review here <<<
Another fantastic way to visit the catacombs and Via Appia is to join this tour: in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle, it will take you to Via Appia, show you some of its most scenic parts (difficult to reach on foot in the sun), and the San Sebastiano catacombs, which are smaller than San Callisto but very beautiful and interesting.
6. Visit Nero’s Domus Aurea. The Domus Aurea is the residence that Emperor Nero built as his main palace during the 1st century AD.
It’s claimed that this house was the largest and most luxurious ever built in Rome, but now it’s entirely underground!
The visit is incredibly interesting – with a guide you walk through the rooms and corridors of this ancient imperial home.
During summer the tour is exceptionally pleasant since the temperature in the Domus is comfortable – around 10°C (50°F) (bring an outer layer regardless of how hot it is outside).
>>> You can read our complete review of our visit to Domus Aurea and how to visit it here <<<
7. See outdoor opera. Rome offers a rich opera program for summer. During July and August, performances move outdoors to two exceptional venues: the Baths of Caracalla and Circus Maximus.
The Baths of Caracalla are among the most beautiful and impressive archaeological sites in Rome. The opera provides a wonderful opportunity to see them illuminated – a truly magical sight!
You can find the summer program here.
8. Visit Castel Sant’Angelo at sunset. Perhaps my absolute favorite thing to do in Rome during summer is to visit Castel Sant’Angelo in the evening hours.
Often overlooked by tourists, Castel Sant’Angelo is absolutely stunning, and during summer it becomes a true gem: the castle itself is beautiful when fully illuminated, and the view from its rooftop is extraordinary.
Try to enter just before sunset so you can see Rome bathed in the golden light of the setting sun from the castle’s top terrace. This is one of the most romantic spots in all of Rome.
9. Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican is magnificent during all seasons and August is no exception.
During summer I recommend planning an entire day here and not rushing, since the heat and the sheer size of the place cannot be underestimated.
I highly recommend visiting the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and also the Vatican Gardens, which are located adjacent to each other.
>>> My tips for planning a day at the Vatican can be found here <<<
Summer evenings are also a beautiful time for a stroll in St. Peter’s Square.
All necessary information and tickets can be found on the Vatican Museums website.
10. Visit the Vatican Gardens. August is a fantastic time to visit the gardens, which are lush and beautifully maintained during this season.
Try to buy tickets in advance!
>>> You can see what they look like and what the tour includes in our guide to the Vatican Gardens <<<
11. Visit local churches. Rome has absolutely stunning churches, and during summer they’re not only a feast for the eyes but also wonderful places to find refuge from the heat!
Among the most beautiful are Santa Prassede, San Luigi dei Francesi, and Santa Maria della Vittoria (featuring Bernini’s “Ecstasy of Saint Teresa”). Don’t overlook Rome’s major basilicas: St. Peter’s, but also San Giovanni and Santa Maria Maggiore are breathtaking.
>>> My selection of the most beautiful churches in Rome can be found here <<<
12. Explore Rome’s most famous piazzas and “hidden treasures”. August is a perfect time to visit Rome’s famous squares, and the best way to do it is with gelato (find our favorite gelato spots here) or granita (a type of refreshing dessert) in hand.
Head to Piazza Navona, Piazza del Pantheon, Piazza del Popolo, Campo de’ Fiori, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, but also explore some hidden gems and parks: the Protestant Cemetery in Rome is a special place during this time and offers beautiful shaded corners for rest.
Some of my favorite neighborhoods to explore during summer are the shaded Garbatella, the Coppedè quarter, and Monti, with the latter being right in the city center.
13. Spend time in parks. Rome has beautiful parks and during summer they’re wonderful places to escape the heat and rest from Rome’s relentless sun.
For something grand and beautiful, choose Villa Borghese (home to the famous Borghese Gallery, but also the small Roman zoo, a lake, and playgrounds). Also explore Rome’s botanical gardens in Trastevere, which are stunning during this time of year.
During August, the beautiful municipal rose garden on Aventine Hill is usually open and makes for a wonderful stroll – it also offers beautiful views of the imperial palaces.
I recommend visiting the following parks with shaded areas:
1. Villa Borghese (also home to the zoo, suitable for small children)
2. Villa Torlonia
3. Villa Ada
4. Villa Doria Pamphili
14. Visit the Borghese Gallery. The Borghese Gallery is one of the most beautiful art museums in the world, featuring priceless paintings and sculptures by masters like Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini, and Canova.
>>> See my guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery here <<<
15. Tour Bernini’s masterpieces in Rome. Bernini is one of the greatest figures who left his mark on Rome’s appearance. His hand is behind many Roman churches and squares, and his works can be seen for free in several parts of the city.
>>> You can learn where to see Bernini in Rome here <<<
16. See Caravaggio’s masterpieces in Rome. Caravaggio left many masterpieces in Rome, several of which can now be seen in museums or churches.
>>> If you’re an art lover, you can find my guide to where to see Caravaggio’s masterpieces in Rome here <<<
17. Take evening strolls in Trastevere. I love exploring Rome at night and one of the most pleasant neighborhoods for walking is Trastevere. Blessed with beautiful cobblestone streets, stunning churches, and numerous restaurants and bars, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
>>> Here you can find my guide to the best things to do in Trastevere <<<
18. Join a Rome food tour with tastings. A Rome food tour with tastings can be a wonderful way to combine sightseeing with discovering new foods.
Here are the food tours worth considering:
- Rome Street Food Tour with Local Guide and Local Food Tastings
- Evening Trastevere Tour with Local Food Tastings
- Rome Espresso, Gelato and Tiramisu Tasting Tour – ideal for this hot season!
During August, the Roman foods I recommend trying are:
- Insalatone (large salad bowls) – very popular with locals and perfect for this season
- Straccetti (beef) with arugula salad and pachino tomatoes
- Seasonal vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, chicory
- Seasonal fruits, especially melon and coconut
- Supplì – fried rice balls with molten mozzarella center
- Gelato – find my favorite spots here
- Cold coffee (granita) – find my best place for it here
- This is also a wonderful time of year for outdoor aperitivo!
19. Enjoy Rome from above. August is the ideal time to enjoy Rome from local rooftop terraces.
Whether you’re into cocktails, dining, or iced tea, Rome offers it all.
Some of my favorite spots are the one atop Rinascente (department store) and the Divinity terrace at the iconic Hotel Pantheon, the terrace at Eitch Borromini, and the one at Hotel Otium. Advance reservations are recommended for all of them.
>>> You can find my list of bars with wonderful views of Rome, plus how to reserve spots at them here <<<
20. Enjoy MAXXI museum and its beautiful terrace. A place I love to visit in Rome during August is MAXXI – Rome’s Museum of 21st Century Arts.
The museum is stunning, and during summer it also features a fantastic outdoor café/restaurant, perfect for a light dinner after visiting the beautiful exhibitions in the museum.
21. Take a day trip outside Rome. August is excellent weather for a day trip around Lazio, Rome’s region.
Some of my favorites during this time of year are to Lakes Bracciano and Martignano or to coastal towns immediately north and south of Rome like Santa Severa, Gaeta, and Sperlonga, all blessed with beautiful sandy beaches.
>>> Here you’ll find my list of the best beaches near Rome and tips on how to reach them <<<
22. Visit outdoor cinema. During summer many cinemas become open-air and offer wonderful opportunities for evenings outdoors in the heart of the city.
One of the most typical places for this is La Casa del Cinema in Villa Borghese, but there are also local cinemas that open their outdoor spaces for summer, so you don’t need to go to the city center for such an experience.
23. Listen to jazz at Villa Celimontana. If you love jazz, you’ll be delighted to hear that Rome during summer is a suitable place for lovers of this type of music.
A very pleasant place during summer is Villa Celimontana – a beautiful outdoor space that hosts a summer jazz festival in Rome.
24. Embrace Rome’s dynamic summer nightlife. Rome during summer comes alive in the evening. The area around the center, for example around Piazza della Madonna ai Monti, is usually lively, but many of the local squares also come alive, especially with young people who make the most of their summer vacation.
25. Go to a swimming pool. I know, I know, you’re not in Rome to go to a pool, but trust me: during August you’ll want to be near one!
>>> Here you can find my selection of the best pools in Rome <<<
August in Rome with Kids
August is a challenging month for visiting Rome with children. The heat is unpleasant for them and can even be dangerous, so I usually focus on activities that keep them indoors, in shade, or near water.
If you can, I recommend changing your schedule while in Rome during summer and doing what locals do: rest in the afternoon and stay up late to explore the city in the late evening – you’ll discover that many locals do this and it’s a surprisingly pleasant way to enjoy Rome with children.
>>> Here you can find my list of over 70 things to do in Rome with kids. Below is my curated selection of favorite children’s attractions in Rome during August.
1. Golf cart tour with LivTour. A very pleasant and extremely kid-friendly way to see Rome’s main attractions during August is to join a golf cart tour.
Unlike standard car or bus tours, golf cart tours can take you down smaller roads and squares closed to larger vehicles, and allow you to enjoy Rome’s beautiful weather while moving in a fun and safe vehicle.
The tours are guided and are a fantastic way to see much of Rome without children getting tired.
You can find my favorite golf cart tour for families in Rome here >>> LivTour Golf Cart Tour for Families <<<
2. Visit the Explora children’s museum
Explora is Rome’s children’s museum and is a wonderful place to explore with kids. During August you can escape the heat in the main exhibition space, but also enjoy a zipline in the museum’s courtyard. Advance reservations are required. Please note that Explora usually closes for several days around Ferragosto.
Visiting Kid-Friendly Roman Ruins
Being a tourist in Rome during August is hard work, and even harder with children, for whom the heat can prove overwhelming.
Still, there are some attractions that are suitable for family sightseeing during summer. Our favorites are:
- The Catacombs (see above) – suitable for school-age children, these are ancient Christian burial sites, an extensive network of underground tunnels beneath the modern city. They’re ideal for exciting young explorers (you enter more than 10 meters underground, where there are over 500,000 ancient tombs!), a fantastic educational place in Rome, and much cooler than outside. The temperature inside is around 15°C (59°F).
- Domus Aurea (see above) – suitable for children of all ages but most interesting for kids with some understanding of Roman history, this is Emperor Nero’s house which is now entirely underground! Like the catacombs, the Domus is cool and a wonderful place for combining education and fun.
- Circus Maximus – Circus Maximus was the venue for chariot races in Ancient Rome and can be fun to visit with school-age children thanks to a recent initiative that uses virtual reality to bring the arena back to life! With VR goggles you can see the stadium as it once was: the event takes place only in late afternoon, which is ideal for avoiding the hottest hours of the day.
- Go to parks. Rome in August is very dry and this means many of its parks aren’t pleasant green oases but dusty areas that have nothing to offer for relief from the sun, unless you know where to go! Among my children’s favorites are Villa Borghese, which has many things for children’s entertainment under shady trees, such as playgrounds, carousels, pedal go-karts and electric quads, Villa Doria Pamphili, which also has the possibility to have lunch at Vivi Bistrot (picnic baskets are available), or Villa Ada, which is quite poorly maintained but has some nice wooded areas with plenty of shade.
- Go to a swimming pool. You can’t go wrong with a day at the pool! Two that my children absolutely love are Lanciani Tennis Club (Via di Pietra Alata) and Circolo di Tor Carbone, near Via Appia (far from the center, but you feel like you’re in the countryside, it’s so peaceful and relaxing!)
- Visit the Botanical Gardens. A charming and safe green area for children with plenty of shade! See our guide to Rome’s botanical gardens here
- Sign up for an art class. We love art lessons, and one of them is the mosaic-making class organized by Arte al Sole. It’s wonderful for children who enjoy art, and it takes place right next to the city’s botanical gardens, which are beautiful at this time (small children enter for free).
Where to Stay in Rome
Rome offers hotels for every tourist, regardless of budget. Below you’ll find links to hotels near the most famous attractions in Italy’s capital. Why these specific hotels? Because your time in Rome is limited and you don’t want to spend it traveling just because you’re staying far from the Pantheon or Spanish Steps.
- Hotels with Michelin-Starred Restaurants
- Boutique Hotels
- Hotels in the Historic Center
- Small Luxury Hotels
- Hotels Near Termini Station
- Hotels Near Aventine Hill
- Hotels Near Via del Corso
- Hotels Near the Pantheon
- Hotels Near the Colosseum
- Hotels Near Via Veneto
- Private Villas in Rome
- Hotels Near Fiumicino Airport
- Hotels with Swimming Pools
- Hotels Near the Spanish Steps
- Hotels Near the Vatican
- Hotels in Trastevere
- Hotels Near Campo de’ Fiori
- Hotels Near Piazza Navona
- Hotels Near the Trevi Fountain
I hope this article has been helpful and has assisted you in planning your trip to Rome during August.