August is the classic month of summer holidays in Rome and it has a particularly relaxed atmosphere. Combine sightseeing and relaxation, dolce vita and a trip to the sea or the mountains. Rome has a lot to offer in August.
5 Reasons to Visit Rome in August
August is the slowest month in Rome. Most offices are closed during the two weeks around the 15th August, Ferragosto, and politicians are on vacation. There are no crowds on the streets or in the museums and you can enjoy the city in peace and quiet. The Roman Summer – the Estate Romana – is an open-air festival with music and dance, cultural events and free open-air cinema.
Rome’s gastronomy also prepares for the hot season, with tasty aperitif snacks and the many first-class ice cream parlors offering new combinations of flavors.
Hot days also invite you to explore the varied surroundings. The sea and the mountains are only an hour’s drive away. By the sea you can enjoy a good fish meal, while in the mountains you can enjoy delicious regional cuisine after a hike.
A must-see for first-time visitors: Welcome to Rome Multimedia Show Tickets
Show about the history of Rome and exhibition with interactive models
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 203 
Bus 46, 62, 64, 916 Bus stop C.so Vittorio Emanuele / Navona
Average temperature in Rome in August
In August, the maximum temperatures in Rome are practically always above 30° C / 86° F and the minimum temperatures never below 20° C / 68° F. You should choose your accommodation with air conditioning. There is a regular breeze through the city and the temperatures are not uncomfortable in the shade. In the middle of the month, the weather changes in some years and it can be stormy for a few days.
Climate data August
| Tmax Ø | 31°C/87.8°F |
| Tmin Ø | 20°C/68.0°F |
| Sunshine hours Ø | 10 |
| Days with rain Ø | 2 |
Source: www.wetter.com
For a good night’s sleep on tropical nights, choose an accommodation with air conditioning. Check out our information on Hotels in Rome. For more tips, see our guide to dealing with the heat in Rome.
What to wear in Rome in August
The summer heat in Rome can be quite intense, making lightweight and breathable fabrics essential. Remember that when visiting sacred sites like Basilicas, catacombs and the Vatican Museums, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, even on hot summer days. If you’re wearing something strapless, it’s advisable to bring along a shawl or pareo.
Sun protection is a must. Make sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, or even a parasol. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially since you’ll be doing a lot of sightseeing on cobblestone streets.
Opening hours
St. Peter’s Basilica
Basilica 7-19.10 – Dome 7.30-18 – Cathedral Treasury 7.30-18.30
St. Peter’s Basilica is closed during the Pope’s celebrations for which you need invitation cards.
Colosseum
8:30 am – 18:15 Closing 19:15
Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month
Vatican Museums
Monday – Thursday 8 – 17 Closing 19, Friday – Saturday and August 13 + 14 8 – 18 Closing 20 Closed on Sundays and August 15 + 16.
Free admission on Sunday 24, 9 – 12:30 closing 14:00.
Free entrance to National and Municipal Museums
Free entrance to all National and Municipal Museums in Rome on August 3. See our Museums in Rome page for a complete list of museums.
Events
Papal audiences in August
In August, audiences of the Holy Father will be held in the Audience Hall. For the schedule read our information about papal audiences.
There will be no public papal masses in August.
The Pope’s Angelus Prayer will be held in St. Peter’s Square every Sunday and at noon on August 15.
Open Air Cinema at Villa Borghese
The Casa del Cinema at Villa Borghese hosts free admission screenings during the summer. The events take place at different times. Some of the screenings are in original sound with Italian subtitles. The program can be found at www.casadelcinema.it. Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1
Summer on the terrace of the Gianicolo
Food, drinks, live music and disco on the terrace of the Gianicolo. Until October daily from 19:00
Piazzale Giuseppe GaribaldiSummer on the Tiber
A fair with shooting galleries and high striker. There is also food and drink.
Until August 24
Ponte Sisto – Tiber island
Concerts in Rome in August
Rome has a lively music scene. Many pubs and music venues offer live music, especially on weekends. Classical music can be found in many churches and palaces.
In the hot season, many concerts are performed outdoors, such as in the Baths of Caracalla or the Circus Maximus. The festival Rock in Roma takes place at the racecourse and the Roman theater in Ostia Antica.
Rome’s Music Park
A jewel is the Parco della Musica, built by the internationally known architect Renzo Piano, in northern Rome on Via Flaminia. See all events here. Events and tickets
There are several auditoriums and an open-air stage in the Parco della Musica. There are performances in all styles.
Summer Festival of Music in the Auditorium Tickets
Tram 2
Some events are also organized together with the Casa del Jazz. Events and Tickets Casa del Jazz
Bus 160, 671, 714, 792
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit Rome?
August is a good time for a relaxing and stress-free vacation in Rome. During the hot days you can go to the sea or to the mountains, and in the evenings you can spend time at the events of the “Estate Romana”, at a concert or in a good restaurant.
Isn’t it too hot in Rome in August?
To have a pleasant vacation in Rome in August, you have to adapt to the temperatures. We recommend air conditioned accommodations and sun protection for sightseeing. You should rest during the hot afternoon hours to be fit for the rich cultural and gastronomic offer after sunset. Visit sights such as the Campo de’ Fiori, the Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain in the evening when they are most beautifully lit.
What should I pack for a trip to Rome in August?
If you are visiting Rome in August, you should bring light, breathable clothing, a sun hat or parasol, sunglasses and comfortable walking shoes. If you’re planning a trip to the sea, don’t forget your swimwear. Bring a plastic bottle, as metal and glass bottles are not allowed at the attractions. Take a credit card and a small amount of cash, and wear a belt bag to protect yourself from pickpockets.
What can I do in Rome in August?
August in Rome exudes the magic of balmy summer evenings filled with art, culture and delicious food. Away from the midday heat of summer, the city’s monuments invite you to take in the sights. Thanks to the low traffic, it is also worth renting a car to explore the charming surroundings: Enjoy the beaches and good food by the sea, discover the Etruscan tombs in Cerveteri, swim in Lake Bracciano, visit the water games at Villa D’Este in Tivoli and the papal palace at Castel Gandolfo.