Rome summer. Many say that the summer in Rome is too hot. Might be. But it’s worth visiting Rome in summer. Many Romans are on vacation and on the mild summer evenings there is an extensive program with events and gastronomic offers.
Rome summer · The best time to travel
Already at the beginning of the school holidays in mid-June the traffic is noticeably reduced and many Romans leave the city.
In August the city becomes even quieter because many companies and offices are closed for at least two weeks. There is little traffic during this time and the attractions are more accessible. In August, for example, you don’t need to pre-order for papal audiences.
Estate Romana · Roman summer
Rome offered an extensive program in summer to enjoy the long evenings outdoors. As part of the Roman summer, the Estate Romana, there were numerous free concerts and film screenings.
The program usually runs from June to September. In 2020 the city of Rome organized a shell-game: It allows the organizers to extend the program from the end of the corona crisis to the end of the year and it is no longer called Estate Romana, but Romarama.
The mascot of Romarama is not “La Lupa”, the she-wolf, the symbol of the city and the mascot of the Estate Romana. It is a cat that somehow seems to have made contact with the universe. We do not know whether she received an answer.
Open air Cinema Festival · Trastevere · Ostia · Cervelletta
In July and August, films are shown from Wednesday to Sunday in Piazza S. Cosimato in Trastevere. The films are shown in the original language with Italian subtitles. Admission is free. The projections start at 9:15 p.m. and last until midnight. Program
Further projections are organized, from 9:15 p.m. to around midnight and always from Wednesday to Sunday, in the Casale della Cervelletta. There are also performances in the Ostia marina, in Italian. The Ostia Marina and the Parco della Cervelletta are unfortunately difficult to reach by public transport, especially after midnight.
Reservation: You can book your free access at Prenotaunposto. You must bring a mask with you. You can also bring along a seat or a cover.
Spot: The youngsters from Little America beg at an intersection to invite to the Il Cinema in Piazza event and give directions for getting to Casale della Cervelletta. Walking shoes, flashlight, stool and mosquito repellent are recommended.
Open air cinema in Villa Borghese
The Casa del Cinema in Villa Borghese organizes performances with free admission in summer. Reservations are made on site 2 hours before the show begins (at 9:00 or 9:30 p.m.). The screenings take place partly in the original sound with Italian subtitles. The program can be found at www.casadelcinema.it. Largo Marcello Mastroianni, 1 
Teatro India
The Teatro India offers an extensive cultural program in summer. The calendar can be found on the Teatro India website on the right bottom. 170, 766, 775 Stop Marconi / Meucci
Summer at the Tiber
On a summer evening on the banks of the Tiber you can experience Rome from a special side.
We don’t yet know when it will start this year. Stalls and tents are usually set up on the banks of the Tiber from June to early September. Clubs provide information about their work, you can buy clothes and objects and there are bars, restaurants and pizzerias.
One area is below the Castel Sant’Angelo, a second larger area goes from the Sixtus Bridge past the Tiber Island to Porta Portese.
In addition to the predominantly culinary offer, there are games, events and an open-air cinema.
The best time to visit the Tiber banks is between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Summer festival in the gardens of Castel Sant'Angelo
From the end of June there will be a summer party in the gardens of Castel Sant’Angelo. There are book readings, concerts, dance evenings and games.
Jazz at Villa Celimontana
Jazz concerts are held every evening in the “Village Celimontana”. Villa Celimontana on Caelius Hill can be reached on foot from the Maximus Circus via the Salita di San Gregorio. From the Colosseum, take Via Claudia. Bus 81 Stop Villa Celimontana
Gianicolo in Musica
As part of the Estate Romana, concerts take place on the terrace of the Gianicolo in Piazza Garibaldi. Admission is free. From 6:30 p.m. you can enjoy an aperitif at the bar. The performances are divided into topics of music, jazz, theater, tango and disco and begin between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Summer weather in Rome
In summer, the maximum temperatures in Rome are regularly above 30°C and the minimum temperatures are rarely below 20°C. Grasses and meadows turn brown. When choosing accommodation, air-conditioned rooms are recommended. A regular breeze moves through the city and the temperatures are not uncomfortable in the shade. Nevertheless, you should have a sun hat or a parasol with you for protection.
Attention! When visiting the sacred sites, including the catacombs and papal audiences, the shoulders and knees must be covered, even on hot summer days.
How to really enjoy Rome in summer
In the early morning the city is calm and empty. The sunrise offers wonderful pictures and maybe you will meet a wedding couple at the photo shoot. Early morning is also the best time to jog.
When planning your day, you should take care not to walk around in the heat of the afternoon. You should plan rest periods or a visit to a park, a swimming pool or a trip to the sea.
The best way to get around on two wheels is by e-bike or Vespa; on four wheels there are golf carts, hop on hop off buses and public transport. The luxurious variant is a sightseeing tour in the air-conditioned luxury limousine.
A lively and colorful nightlife develops after sunset. Traditional festivals and events along the banks of the Tiber provide variety.
Rome summer · food
On hot summer days, you may not feel like having an extensive lunch. A nice salad plate, a sandwich, fresh fruit or an ice cream sundle is often enough. Many bars offer small dishes 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, we recommend our article on the best ice cream parlors in Rome.
Zum Abendessen lassen The Romans take more time for dinner. It can also take several hours between a starter and a dessert. There is a lot of fish and grilled food. The heavy Roman cuisine is less suitable for summer. Artichokes are winter vegetables, in summer they come from far away.
You might want to take the train from the pyramid to Ostia and have a nice dinner by the sea.
