Rome summer · The best travel time
Rome summer. Many say that summer in Rome is too hot. May be. But it is worth to visit Rome in the summer. Already with the beginning of the school holidays in the middle of June the traffic decreases noticeably and many Romans leave the city.
Weather · Enjoying Rome · Papal Audience · Museum hours · On the Tiber banks · Eating · Events
In August, the city will be even quieter, because many companies and offices are closed for at least two weeks. During this time there is little traffic and the attractions are more accessible. In August, for example, you do not need a pre-order for the pope audiences.
Rome summer · The weather
In summer, the maximum temperatures in Rome are regularly above 86° F and the minimum temperatures rarely below 36° F. Grasses and meadows turn brown. When choosing the accommodation air conditioned rooms are recommended. In the city is a constant airflow and the temperatures are not unpleasant in the shade. Nevertheless, you should have a sun hat or umbrella for protection.
Please be aware that shoulder and knees must be covered when visiting the sacred sites, also the catacombs and the Papal audiences, even if it’s hot.
Rome summer · Enjoying Rome really well
In the early morning the city is quiet and empty. The sunrise offers wonderful pictures and you may even meet a wedding couple at the photo shoot. The early morning is also the best time for jogging. When planning your day, remember to avoid walking in the heat of the afternoon. Plan rest periods or the visit of a park, a swimming pool or a drive to the sea. On two wheels, the best way to get around is by e-bike or Vespa, on four-wheeled by golf carts, hop on hop off buses and public transport, or you can take a tour by an air-conditioned luxury sedan.
After sunset, a lively and colorful nightlife develops. Traditional festivals and events along the banks of the Tiber provide variety.
Rome summer · Pope audiences
No general audiences are held in the July 2018. In August, the general audiences take place with the exception of Wednesday 15th and 22nd August. The audiences are held every Wednesday in the September 2018. The audiences take place in August usually in the air-conditioned Audience Hall and you don’t need any reserved tickets. You can find more information about the Pope’s audiences in my post about the papal audiences.
The Angelus Prayer with Pope Francis takes place in St. Peter’s Square in July and August every Sunday at 12 noon as well as on the 15th August. On Sunday 26th August the Angelus prayer does not take place. In September, it takes place every Sunday with the exception of the 23rd September. The admission is free.
Rome summer · Museum hours
The Vatican Museums are closed on 14th and 15th August. Normal opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9 am-6 pm with last admission at 4 pm. On the last Sunday of the month, the Vatican Museums are open from 9am to 2pm and admission is free – last admission is at 12:30.
For the Vatican Museums I recommend the special early entry so that you can be among the first who visit the Sistine Chapel.
Special early entrance with breakfast buffet is at 7 o’clock.
Special early entrance without breakfast is at 8 o’clock.
Until October each Friday in the Vatican Museums additional opening from 6 pm to 11 pm, last admission 9:30. Availabilities for this exclusive event you can book here also at short notice, the booking period is usually 60 days:
The national museums and museums of the municipality of Rome are also open on the 15th August.
The moon above the Colosseum: In the summer, the Coliseum is also open from 8 pm to midnight.
Rome summer · On the banks of the Tiber
A summer evening on the banks of the Tiber lets you experience Rome from another side.
From June until the first decade of September stalls and tents are built on the banks of the Tiber. Associations inform about their work, you can buy clothes and objects and there are bars, restaurants and pizzerias.
One area is located below the Castel Sant’Angelo, a second larger area goes from the Sixtus Bridge and across the Tiber Island to Porta Portese.
In addition to the mostly culinary offer you’ll find entertainment games, events and an open-air cinema.
The best time for your visit on the banks of the Tiber River is between 8 pm and midnight.
India estate
Another festival takes place further south orographically on the right side of the Tiber, between the iron bridge and the Marconi Bridge. There is the theater Teatro India, which offers on a former industrial site events on every evening from 15 June to 5 August 2018 from 7 pm. There are music, concerts, street food and specialty beers.
Teatro India is opposite the Ponte della Scienza pedestrian bridge. From the Tiber Island, it’s 1.7 miles along the banks of the Tiber, from the metro station Piramide it is through the lively area along Via Ostiense and Via del Porto Fluviale, then via Riva Ostiense and over the bridge 1.1 miles. Next bus stop Marconi/p.za della Radio lines 170, 766, N16.
More information on the Teatro India Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/indiaestate/
Cinema Festival on the square S. Cosimato in Trastevere
From 2 July to 1 August film screenings will take place on S. Cosimato square in Trastevere. The films will be screened in original language with Italian subtitles. Admission is free. The show begins at 9:15 pm.
The program of the performances can be found on the website https://ilcinemainpiazza.it/ under “Liceo J. F. Kennedy”.
Rome summer · Eating out
On hot summer days, you might not want to have a hearty lunch. Often a nice salad plate, a sandwich, fresh fruit or a sundae is enough. Many bars offer small meals for lunch. Roman office workers go to lunch around 1pm. Follow them and you will find good places for a light lunch. For a good ice cream, read my report on ice cream parlors in Rome.
For dinner, the Romans take more time. It can take several hours between appetizer and dessert. There is a lot of fish and grilled. The heavy Roman cuisine is rather less suitable for the summer. Artichokes are winter vegetables, in summer they come from remote countries.
On beautiful summer evenings you can eat well on the banks of the Tiber. It is also a good idea to take the train from the pyramid to Ostia and have a nice dinner by the sea there.
Rome summer · Events
June 15 – August 3, 2018 10 pm Music Festival at Villa Ada, Via di Ponte Salario, 28 – Nearest bus stop at 1,100 ft distance Somalia / Terziani Lines 92, 135, 235, N13Program: Galeffi + Mox (July 3rd), Godspeed you! Black Emperor (July 4), Willie Peyote (July 5), Il Muro del Canto (July 7), Giovanni Lindo Ferretti (July 9), Pingiuini Tattici Nucleari (July 10), Reverend Horton Heat Pschobilly Holy Day Fest (July 11), Bud Spencer Blues Explosion (July 12), Washed Out (July 13), Cinese Man (July 14), Calibro 35 (July 15), Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul (March 17) July), Dobet Gnahorè (18 July), Gogol Bordello (19 July), Mezzosangue (20 July), New York Jazz Ska Ensemble + Shots In The Dark (22 July), Kruder & Dorfmeister (23 July ), Goran Bregovic (24 July), Nitro (25 July), Orchestraccia (26 July), Tedua (28 July), Nicola Vicidomini (29 July), Huun Huur Tu (31 July), Ministry ( 1 August), Stefano Saletti and Banda Ikona (2 August), Iosonouncane + Paolo Angeli (3 August). Opening from 8 pm with food and drinks
3.7.2018 9pm Simple Minds, Auditorium 
3.7.2018 9:45pm Macklemore, horse racing track Le Cappannelle
3.-20.7.2018 9pm La Traviata, Baths of Caracalla
7.7.2018 9:45pm Coez, horse racing track Le Cappannelle
8.7.2018 9:45pm Hollywood Vampires, horse racing track Le Cappannelle
11.7.2018 9pm Ringo Starr, Auditorium
14.7.2018 9:30pm Roger Waters, Circo Massimo
17 + 18.7.2018 9pm Roberto Bolle and friends, Baths of Caracalla
19.7.2018 10:30pm The Chemical Brothers, horse racing track Le Cappannelle
19.7-2.8.2018 9pm Carmen, Baths of Caracalla
21 + 22.7.2018 9pm Laura Pausini, Circo Massimo
21 + 22.7.2018 9pm King Crimson, Auditorium
27.7. 4.8.2018 9pm Romeo and Giulia, Baths of Caracalla
9.9.2018 7:30pm Men’s Volleyball World Championship, opening match Italy – Japan at Foro Italico
16.9.2018 9pm Evening race in the city center of Rome “Corriroma”
23.9.218 9am Half marathon an 5 km Run “Via Pacis”
