Rome in June 2025: What to See, What to Do, and How to Prepare for the Start of Summer

June is the month when Rome truly comes alive – sunny streets buzz with energy, alfresco dining fills the evenings, and the cultural calendar overflows with festivals and events. If you’re planning a trip to the Eternal City in early summer, this practical guide covers everything you need to know: what weather to expect, how to dress for comfort, which attractions to prioritize, and insider tips for enjoying the city stress-free even during peak tourist season.

Whether you’re traveling with kids, seeking romantic ambiance, or ready to dive deep into ancient history, June offers the perfect balance of warm weather and vibrant city life for your Roman adventure.

Rome’s June Weather: How Hot Does It Really Get?

While summer officially begins in Italy on June 21st, you’ll feel those summer vibes kicking in much earlier. May in Rome already delivers sunny, pleasant days, and June continues this upward trend with even more consistent warmth.

The weather during this time is genuinely warm, with midday temperatures climbing quite high – expect to wear short sleeves most days, and you’ll likely stay comfortable in light clothing even for evening dinners al fresco.

However, June remains a “transitional” month where actual temperatures can vary dramatically from year to year, and even throughout the month itself – not always in a predictable pattern.

Early June typically brings very hot weather, mid-month often sees a slight temperature dip that provides relief, then late June usually heats up again significantly.

Rome’s average June temperature sits at 23°C (73°F), with daily ranges typically spanning from 17°C to 29°C (63°F to 84°F).

June typically brings only about 4 rainy days to Rome, meaning your chances of getting caught in a downpour during your stay are minimal – perfect for outdoor sightseeing and dining.

Critical planning tip: Rome in June is absolutely packed with tourists! The city reaches near-capacity, making it essential to book your hotel and purchase tickets for major attractions well in advance (ideally as soon as you confirm your Rome dates).

In this travel guide, I’ve included links to my favorite tour companies and ticket vendors for local attractions so you can instantly check availability and current prices.

What to Wear in Rome in June?

June is officially summer in Rome, as I mentioned earlier, but during this time of year you might still need long pants or skirts during the coolest parts of the day (early morning and late evening). However, you won’t need a jacket and typically nothing warmer than a light cardigan will suffice. That said, it’s crucial to pack more than just shorts and sandals for your Roman adventure.

This is important both because of potential temperature drops and strict dress code requirements for accessing certain tourist sites (like the Vatican, where shoulders and knees must be covered). You’ll want to ensure you have more conservative clothing options available at all times.

If you’re traveling to Rome in June, here are the packing essentials:

  • Comfortable walking shoes – quality sneakers or supportive sandals (you’ll be walking 15,000+ steps daily on cobblestones)
  • Long pants in breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, or lightweight denim work best in the heat)
  • Skirts/shorts – knee-length or longer skirts for visiting Rome’s churches (shorts are strictly prohibited at religious sites)
  • Short-sleeve tops that cover your shoulders (tank tops won’t get you into churches or the Vatican)
  • Light sweater or cardigan for air-conditioned museums and evening strolls
  • Swimwear for your hotel pool or day trips to the coastal areas like Ostia

>>> Find our complete Rome spring packing checklist and summer packing list here <<<

Important June Dates to Know

The most crucial dates to keep on your radar when visiting Rome in June are June 2nd (Republic Day or Festa della Repubblica) and June 29th (Saints Peter and Paul Day, when Rome celebrates its patron saints).

Both are official public holidays in Rome, meaning you can expect city-wide celebrations, particularly concentrated around Piazza Venezia, along with modified operating hours for attractions and potential crowds.

June 2nd in Rome (Republic Day)

Republic Day in Rome typically features morning ceremonies along Via dei Fori Imperiali – the grand boulevard connecting Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum.

The celebrations usually include a military parade, a presidential visit to the Vittoriano monument to honor the Unknown Soldier and the homeland, plus an absolutely spectacular air show that’s not to be missed!

By tradition, the Frecce Tricolore (Italy’s elite aerobatic squadron) performs breathtaking aerial displays painting the Italian flag colors across the sky above Piazza Venezia! Your best viewing spot is along Via del Corso, though expect massive crowds during the show – arrive early to secure a good position.

On June 2nd, Rome’s major attractions remain open, but operating hours may be modified, especially at the Colosseum and Roman Forum where ceremonies take place. Expect significantly larger crowds and longer queues throughout the city. Several attractions celebrate Republic Day with free admission events, which ironically makes visiting them less appealing due to overwhelming visitor numbers.

Make sure you book skip-the-line tickets well in advance for must-see sites during this period, and have backup plans ready to avoid the worst congestion areas.

Beyond the city center though, June 2nd isn’t a day when everything shuts down completely – daily life continues as normal for most locals. While it’s an important national holiday, it doesn’t carry the same family-centered traditions as July 4th in the US, so restaurants and shops in residential areas typically remain open.

However, on this summer June day, many people leave work early, so traffic in and out of Rome during rush hours can be particularly heavy – expect the same delays on trains as well.

June 29th in Rome (Saints Peter and Paul Day)

June 29th in Rome is an absolutely wonderful day to visit the city – the evening often features spectacular fireworks illuminating the sky, creating a magical atmosphere that’s definitely worth experiencing firsthand!

The Best Things to Do in Rome in June

The top activities in Rome during June offer a perfect mix of iconic sightseeing, shopping opportunities, and incredible culinary adventures that take advantage of the pleasant weather and extended daylight hours.

  1. Visit the Colosseum during the day – The Colosseum is absolutely magnificent in June. The weather is typically warm and pleasant, while the view toward the Roman Forum under Rome’s brilliant azure sky is simply breathtaking. However, this is peak tourist season, so advance booking (ideally months, but at minimum weeks ahead) is absolutely essential. The best tickets for Colosseum visits are available here. If official tickets are sold out, check alternative options here. June is also the perfect time to explore the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. During this period, Palatine Hill bursts into a spectacular display of sunshine and blooming flowers, while the panoramic view of Rome from its terrace is truly stunning. Visiting the Colosseum and Forum complex during this time is enjoyable for all ages and ranks among my favorite family-friendly activities in Rome with children. >>> Find my complete guide to visiting the Colosseum with kids here <<<
  2. Experience the Colosseum at night – On select dates throughout June, the Colosseum opens its doors after dark for exclusive evening tours. This is an absolutely incredible opportunity, as not only the Colosseum itself but the entire ancient area becomes utterly mesmerizing when dramatically illuminated against the night sky! The atmosphere is intimate, crowds are smaller, and the experience feels truly magical. Find complete information and tickets here.
  3. Experience the Viaggio Nei Fori light show – Journey Through the Forums. Throughout June, the Forum of Augustus and Forum of Caesar host spectacular evening events that history buffs will absolutely love, plus there are captivating light shows that kids find mesmerizing! The light displays are accompanied by expertly narrated storytelling that brings to life the events connected to where you’re standing and the fascinating lives of Caesar and Augustus respectively. It’s an incredible way to visualize how these now-ruined sites originally appeared during their golden age of construction. The events work well for all ages, but you’ll get the most out of them if you can follow the historical narrative, so I’d recommend visiting only if your children are at least 6 years old and up. Find tickets and detailed information here.
  4. Visit the Vatican Museums and Vatican City. June can be an absolutely wonderful time to explore the Vatican and the world-famous Sistine Chapel, but be prepared for significant tourist crowds during peak season. Make absolutely sure you secure tickets well in advance and read through all our insider tips for visiting the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica to sidestep the worst congestion. Pro tip! An excellent strategy to avoid Vatican crowds is investing in early morning access tours (starting at 7:30 AM) or special evening tours when the museums stay open late. Find complete details on the official museum website.
  5. Explore the Vatican Gardens. June is also a magnificent time to visit the Vatican Gardens, when everything is in full bloom and the weather is perfect for strolling. Try to purchase tickets well in advance as they sell out incredibly quickly due to limited daily capacity. >>> See what they look like and what the tour includes in our complete Vatican Gardens guide <<< On June 29th, the Vatican hosts a special papal mass: tickets are mandatory but completely free (find them here). If you can’t secure tickets for inside access, you can still follow the mass from St. Peter’s Square outside the basilica on large screens set up specifically for the occasion.
  6. Discover the Baths of Caracalla. The Baths of Caracalla rank among Rome’s most stunning archaeological sites and are absolutely incredible to visit in June – right before the summer heat makes exploring this expansive complex more challenging. These ancient baths are still very much in use today, though not for bathing! They now serve as a breathtaking outdoor theater venue, hosting magnificent evening musical performances and opera from June through August. This is an unmissable experience that I’d rank equal to Palatine Hill in terms of sheer beauty and visual impact, both during daytime visits and when dramatically illuminated for evening performances.
  7. Explore the Domus Aurea (Emperor Nero’s Golden House). The Domus Aurea was Emperor Nero’s palace and stands as one of Rome’s most fascinating archaeological sites. This imperial palace dates back to the 1st century AD, with historians describing it as the largest and most opulent building ever constructed in ancient times. The Domus is absolutely stunning, but don’t expect a traditional castle or luxurious palace above ground! Immediately after Nero’s death, his palace was deliberately destroyed and buried, so today’s archaeological excavations take place entirely underground! When you enter now, you’ll find yourself navigating a series of tunnels and chambers that were once filled with natural light but still preserve the grandeur of their creator’s vision along with some of the original decorative frescoes. This makes for a fantastic attraction to visit during a cool afternoon when you want to escape the heat. >>> Find my complete visit description and planning tips for your visit here <<<
  8. Discover Rome’s iconic piazzas and squares. June is absolutely perfect for exploring Rome’s world-famous squares. I always tell visitors that the most beautiful thing you can possibly do in Rome is allow yourself to get wonderfully lost in the historic city center. This is especially true in June when the warm sunshine kisses your skin and the extended daylight hours give you more time to wander. However, if aimless wandering isn’t your style, there are specific piazzas I highly recommend prioritizing for their architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. >>> Find my curated list of Rome’s most stunning squares here. <<<
  9. Venture into underground Rome. Many of Rome’s most intriguing attractions lie beneath the modern city surface. These underground sites range from intimate spaces you can explore in just a few minutes (like the Barberini Mithraeum) to extensive complexes where you can spend hours discovering ancient mysteries. All of them are particularly appealing for history enthusiasts and lovers of ancient art, offering a cool respite from June’s warmth while revealing Rome’s hidden layers of civilization. >>> Check out our comprehensive list of the best underground sites in Rome here. <<<
  10. Relax in Rome’s beautiful parks. Rome boasts gorgeous parks and gardens, and there’s no better time than late spring and early summer to fully enjoy them. Don’t miss Villa Borghese (home to the renowned Borghese Gallery, plus the charming Roman zoo, rowing lake, and multiple playgrounds perfect for families). For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, explore Rome’s Botanical Garden in Trastevere, which is absolutely breathtaking during this season with exotic plants in full bloom. In June, the magnificent municipal rose garden on Aventine Hill is typically open to the public and offers a perfect strolling spot with stunning panoramic views overlooking the ancient imperial palaces.
  11. Catch an opera or concert. Rome boasts an impressive opera and ballet program with performances at several venues throughout the city, including the spectacular outdoor setting of Circo Massimo right in the heart of Rome. Music lovers should definitely check out what’s happening at the Auditorium Parco della Musica – this architectural gem in the Eternal City is absolutely worth the trip, even though it’s a bit off the beaten tourist path. The Auditorium itself is a destination worth visiting for its striking modern design by Renzo Piano, featuring three distinctive pod-shaped concert halls. Beyond world-class performances, you’ll find a lovely café and shop on-site, making it perfect for spending an entire evening. In short, the Auditorium offers you a chance to experience a fascinating, less touristy side of Rome that most visitors never discover – plus some of Europe’s best acoustics!
  12. Join a food tour with tastings. A well-curated food tour can be an incredible way to discover Rome’s hidden culinary gems while exploring neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, all while tasting carefully selected dishes from local favorites. Here are the food tours that are absolutely worth your time and money:

    When you’re in Rome during June, make sure to try these seasonal Roman specialties that are at their absolute best:

    • Abbacchio scottadito – tender grilled lamb chops, a true Roman classic
    • Straccetti with fresh arugula and sweet pachino tomato salad – light and perfect for summer
    • Seasonal vegetables like perfectly tender asparagus
    • Supplì – crispy fried rice balls with that amazing molten mozzarella center that stretches when you bite into them
    • All the incredible seasonal fruits, especially the incredibly sweet and juicy melons
    • Gelato at every opportunity – it’s practically mandatory in this heat!

    This is also the perfect time of year for outdoor aperitivo! If hopping from place to place isn’t your style but you still want to experience incredible local cuisine, I highly recommend heading to Testaccio or the Roman Jewish Quarter (around Portico d’Ottavia) – these are absolutely phenomenal foodie neighborhoods where locals actually eat. The Jewish-Roman cuisine is particularly spectacular and offers flavors you won’t find anywhere else – definitely worth trying the carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes) and other traditional specialties!

  13. Check out an exhibition – Rome hosts fascinating exhibitions year-round, and June’s pleasant weather makes it ideal for combining indoor cultural experiences with outdoor exploration. >>> Here you can find the current calendar of events happening in Rome during June <<<
  14. Enjoy Rome from a stunning rooftop terrace – June offers perfect weather for experiencing the city from Rome’s breathtaking rooftop venues, where you can sip cocktails or dine while taking in panoramic views of ancient monuments and terracotta rooftops. Whether you’re into craft cocktails, gourmet dining, or just a refreshing iced tea with a view, Rome delivers it all. Some of my absolute favorite rooftop spots include the terrace atop Rinascente department store (with incredible 360-degree city views), Divinity at the iconic Hotel Pantheon (literally overlooking the Pantheon itself), and the charming café near the romantic little lake in Villa Borghese park. >>> Here you can find my complete list of favorite bars in Rome <<<
  15. Bike ride along Via Appia – June’s mild temperatures make it perfect for outdoor adventures in Rome, and one of the most scenic and historically rich experiences is cycling along the ancient Via Appia and through Parco degli Acquedotti (Aqueduct Park). This expansive archaeological area on Rome’s outskirts features incredible Roman aqueducts stretching across open countryside – it’s absolutely breathtaking and offers a completely different perspective on ancient Rome than the crowded city center monuments. This is fantastic for good weather days, but be smart about the Italian sun: bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water since there’s limited shade along the route.
  16. Take a day trip – June’s beautiful weather makes it ideal for exploring the Lazio region around Rome, with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Some of my favorite June destinations include the stunning crater lakes of Bracciano and Martignano (great for swimming and lakeside dining), or the natural thermal springs of Saturnia in southern Tuscany (absolutely magical for a relaxing soak). If the heat gets intense, consider heading to the coast – Sperlonga and Gaeta, south of Rome, offer beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and charming seaside towns perfect for a refreshing day by the Mediterranean.
  17. Attend Estate Romana events – “Estate Romana” (literally “Roman Summer”) is the city’s official summer cultural program featuring everything from outdoor concerts and open-air cinema screenings to food festivals and literary talks in some of Rome’s most beautiful venues. While exact dates for 2023 aren’t finalized yet, these events always offer incredible opportunities to experience the city during both day and evening hours – there’s something magical about watching a film under the stars with ancient Roman ruins as your backdrop. >>> Here you can follow the official event website for real-time updates and schedules <<<
  18. Experience Rome’s vibrant summer nightlife. Rome absolutely comes alive after dark during summer months, transforming into a completely different city filled with energy and possibilities. This season brings incredible live music festivals, charming book and food markets that stay open late, and countless concerts that fill Rome’s beautiful parks and piazzas. You can also simply enjoy the balmy evenings by strolling through the cobblestone streets of Trastevere or the lively atmosphere around Campo de’ Fiori, where the ancient market square transforms into a buzzing social hub. June is still very much a working month in Rome, so the streets are filled with locals unwinding after long workdays, giving you an authentic taste of Roman life rather than just tourist experiences. >>> You can find our favorite nighttime activities in Rome here <<<
  19. Catch an outdoor cinema screening. During summer, many of Rome’s cinemas transform into magical open-air venues, offering the perfect opportunity for romantic evenings or unique cultural experiences right in the heart of the city. These outdoor screenings often take place in stunning historical settings, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to your movie night. Showtimes and listings are typically available on local event websites like wantedinrome.com, which also provides English-language information for international visitors.
  20. Listen to jazz at Villa Celimontana. Jazz lovers are in for a real treat – Rome becomes a fantastic destination for this genre during summer months, with multiple venues hosting world-class performances. One particularly enchanting spot is Villa Celimontana, a gorgeous park setting that hosts the annual Roman summer jazz festival. Picture this: sipping wine under the stars while listening to incredible musicians perform in one of Rome’s most beautiful green spaces, with ancient ruins visible in the distance.

What to Do in Rome with Kids in June

>>> Here you can find my comprehensive list of over 70 things to do in Rome with children <<<
My absolute favorite family activities in Rome during June are:
1. Visiting the Colosseum with kids. The Colosseum consistently ranks as the #1 must-see attraction for children visiting Rome, and it truly delivers on the excitement factor – there’s something magical about standing where gladiators once fought that captures kids’ imaginations instantly. There are several ways to experience it depending on your budget and your children’s ages and attention spans. If your budget allows, I highly recommend booking a guided tour with LivTours – they’re exceptional with children and their tours include access to the underground chambers and arena floor, which most kids find absolutely fascinating. You can find information and tickets here. If that’s not within your budget, there are plenty of other excellent options that still provide an incredible experience. >>> Here you can find my complete review of Colosseum ticket options for families <<<

2. Visit Explora. Explora is Rome’s dedicated children’s museum and it’s an absolute hit with kids of all ages – think hands-on science experiments, interactive exhibits, and learning disguised as pure fun. During June, you can explore the main exhibition spaces (which are beautifully air-conditioned), but also enjoy outdoor adventures in the museum’s courtyard, which features climbing structures and water play areas perfect for hot days.
The museum café stays open and serves kid-friendly meals plus refreshing drinks and gelato – absolutely essential during June when the sun beats down on parts of the courtyard and temperatures can really soar, making those cold treats a lifesaver.
3. Spend time in the parks. Rome in June is absolutely perfect for outdoor time, and the city’s numerous parks offer vast green spaces ideal for kids to run, play, and burn off energy while parents can actually relax. Among my children’s absolute favorites are Villa Borghese (with its lake, bike rentals, and puppet shows), Villa Torlonia (featuring underground bunkers and beautiful lawns), and Villa Doria Pamphili (Rome’s largest park with endless space to roam), but don’t overlook smaller, neighborhood parks if there are any near your accommodation.
Often in Rome, it’s these smaller, local parks where you’ll most easily meet Roman children and families, giving your kids a chance to play with locals and experience authentic Roman family life.
>>> Check out my list of wonderful parks and gardens in Rome here <<<
4. Explore Rome’s botanical gardens. Rome boasts several stunning and family-friendly botanical gardens that are perfect for peaceful afternoon exploration, offering both educational value and natural beauty away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
My absolute favorites are those in Trastevere – they’re gorgeously landscaped, completely safe for children to wander, and make for a perfect pre-dinner stop before enjoying an authentic meal in this charming neighborhood! >>> You can find my complete guide to Rome’s botanical gardens with children here <<<
5. Sign up for a kids’ art class. My daughter absolutely loves art lessons, and one class she’s particularly passionate about is the mosaic-making workshop organized by Arte al Sole. It’s fantastic for children who enjoy crafts and hands-on creativity, and it’s located right next to the city’s botanical gardens, which are absolutely gorgeous during this time of year (plus young children enter the gardens for free).
If you go in June, I highly recommend starting with a visit to the gardens first – they’re beautiful, shaded, and completely car-free, making them a wonderful place for kids to release energy before settling down for the creative workshop. You’ll see the large gates at the end of the street, less than a two-minute walk from the workshop entrance!

6. Take a pizza-making class. To truly immerse yourselves in authentic Roman culture, I highly recommend joining a family pizza-making workshop – it’s one of those experiences that combines learning, fun, and delicious food all in one memorable morning. We participated in one with our kids and it was absolutely fantastic – the children get to make their own dough from scratch (with gentle guidance from the instructors), experience the thrill of creating their personal pizza masterpiece, and then watch in amazement as their creation goes into a genuine wood-fired oven (again with adult supervision for safety). The best part? Everyone gets to enjoy eating their own handmade pizza while it’s still warm and bubbling! It’s truly a magical morning that gives kids a real taste of Italian culinary tradition.
>>> You can find many more of our recommendations for wonderful family tours in Rome here <<<
7. Organize a treasure hunt in central Rome. One absolutely fantastic way to explore Rome’s historic center with children is to engage them in a professionally organized treasure hunt experience, which is run by the Leonardo da Vinci Museum (Mostra di Leonardo).
This interactive adventure is perfectly designed for both elementary school-aged children and older kids, lasts about 3 hours, and transforms sightseeing into an exciting game where kids actively search for clues while learning about Rome’s incredible history and landmarks.

Where to Stay in Rome

Rome offers accommodations for every type of traveler and budget, from luxury palaces to charming family-run guesthouses. Below you’ll find links to hotels strategically located near Rome’s most famous attractions and must-see sites. Why these specific hotels? Because your time in Rome is precious and limited – you don’t want to waste it on long commutes or complicated public transport journeys just because you’re staying far from the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, or other iconic landmarks you came to see.

  • Hotels with Michelin-Starred Restaurants – for serious food lovers who want world-class dining without leaving their hotel
  • Boutique Hotels – intimate, stylish properties with unique character and personalized service
  • Hotels in the Historic Center – prime locations where you can walk to major attractions within minutes
  • Small Luxury Hotels – intimate high-end properties offering personalized service and elegant accommodations without the overwhelming size of major chains
  • Hotels Near Termini Station – perfect for travelers arriving by train or needing excellent public transport connections throughout the city
  • Hotels Near Aventine Hill – a more peaceful, residential area with stunning city views and easy access to major attractions
  • Hotels Near Via del Corso – right in the heart of Rome’s main shopping street, with major sights and restaurants all within walking distance
  • Hotels Near the Pantheon – stay within steps of one of Rome’s most perfectly preserved ancient monuments and countless charming cafés
  • Hotels Near the Colosseum – wake up to views of ancient Rome’s most iconic amphitheater and be first in line for morning visits
  • Hotels Near Via Veneto – the glamorous street made famous by Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” perfect for those seeking classic Roman elegance
  • Private Villas in Rome – exclusive properties offering ultimate privacy, space, and luxury for special occasions or extended stays
  • Hotels Near Fiumicino Airport – convenient options for early flights, late arrivals, or quick Rome stopovers
  • Hotels with Swimming Pools – essential for June’s warm weather, offering a refreshing escape after long days of sightseeing
  • Hotels Near the Spanish Steps – stay in Rome’s most fashionable district, surrounded by luxury shopping and elegant architecture
  • Hotels Near the Vatican – ideal for visiting the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica without the crowds and long commutes
  • Hotels in Trastevere – stay in Rome’s most charming bohemian neighborhood, famous for its cobblestone streets, authentic trattorias, and vibrant nightlife
  • Hotels Near Campo de’ Fiori – wake up steps from Rome’s most atmospheric morning market and lively evening social scene
  • Hotels Near Piazza Navona – stay in one of Rome’s most beautiful baroque squares, surrounded by stunning fountains, street artists, and outdoor cafés
  • Hotels Near the Trevi Fountain – be within walking distance of Rome’s most famous fountain, perfect for those magical early morning or late evening coin tosses

I hope this article has inspired you and helped you plan an incredible trip to Rome in June. The combination of perfect weather, amazing seasonal food, and endless cultural experiences makes it truly one of the best times to experience the Eternal City. Safe travels and enjoy every magical moment in Rome!