Rome in May: best tips to plan your trip

Visiting Rome in May

May is a superb time to visit Rome, with warm, sunny weather creating the perfect conditions for exploring the city’s many attractions. Visitors can take leisurely strolls in the city’s parks and gardens or admire the beautiful views of the city from one of the many vantage points at sunset as well as sunrise. May is also an ideal time to explore Rome’s famous historical monuments, with fewer crowds than during the peak summer season. In addition, the month of May in Rome hosts several cultural celebrations, such as Labour Day on May 1, which includes a big concert. Whether you are interested in history, culture or simply enjoying the Mediterranean sun, May in Rome is the perfect time to experience this beautiful city.

Is May a good time to visit Rome?

Picking a destination like Rome has a huge benefit: it’s always a great time to visit Rome, no matter the month. But there are certain times of the year that are more interesting in terms of events and the weather. And surely, May is one of the best times to visit Rome: spring is in full swing, the calendar is packed with events and the weather is just perfect. If you’re traveling to Rome in May, keep reading!

The weather in Rome in May

Spring in Rome is fabulous, especially in May. While the end of March and April are known for their rainfalls, May is usually sunny with a few showers here and there. During the day average temperatures hit 20°C to 23°C while in the evening they cool down to below 20°C. So if you’re looking for great weather, sunny and long days, May is a great time of the year to visit Rome.

What to wear in May in Rome?

Temperatures in May are fairly warm during the day but cooler at night. Which means you need to remember to pack for the various temperatures.

You’ll definitely want to pack a pair of comfortable shoes (remember, Rome is filled with cobblestones).
While many foreigners tend to wear shorts in May, please bear in mind that if you’re planning on visiting religious sites, you won’t be allowed access with shorts.
T-shirts are a must to pack, they are both light and cover your shoulders at the same time, allowing you to access any site.
May is usually characterized by bright and sunny days, so don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!
A light cardigan is going to be your best friend, especially if temperatures vary
Long pants or skirts for the evening in case in gets chilly
Blazers or light jackets for the evening

How crowded is Rome in May?

Rome is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, and May is no exception. However, compared to the peak summer months, May is generally less crowded, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s many attractions without the overwhelming crowds. Although some attractions are still crowded, such as Vatican City or the Colosseum, visitors can generally expect shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere at this time of year.

What’s on in Rome in May?

May in Rome is an exciting time, with a number of events taking place throughout the month. The month begins with Labour Day, May 1, a national holiday in Italy (bear in mind, being a national holiday, all museums and sightseeing areas will be closed!) where visitors can enjoy a huge concert in Piazza San giovanni featuring a range of Italian artists.

May also usually sees the highly anticipated Internazionali BNL tennis tournament, which draws some of the biggest names in sports for this prestigious and fascinating competition. Always for sports fans there is the Piazza di Siena International Horse Show where you can watch some of the world’s greatest equestrians take part in competitions of show jumping, traditional riding, and polo matches.

Don’t miss Open House: a nine-day event that offers access to some of the capital’s most beautiful private and public architectural and design wonders, as well as La Notte dei Musei, the annual event during which Rome’s major museums open their doors for a special visit during evening hours.

Music lovers can enjoy another series of live concerts throughout the month, beyond the one on May 1, while art enthusiasts can explore some of the season’s best exhibitions in Rome.

With so many events, May in Rome is sure to be an exciting time for visitors.

Check out our guide to Rome’s best events in May for more detailed info on all the of the city happenings!

The best things to do in Rome in May

In addition to going on guided tours of the Vatican Museums and the Colosseum and throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Rome in May: