Very Best Activities When Visiting Rome in August

While most Italians head out to go on vacation during the hottest summer months, it seems the rest of the world comes to visit its amazing capital city. Despite the heat, August is a wonderful time to visit Rome because the city comes alive with all kinds of vibrant events and unique experiences.

If you are planning a trip to Rome in August, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you’ll have a great trip. Here’s how to make the most of your Roman summer holiday!

Walking around Rome as the sun goes down is really when you can enjoy the city without sweltering.

August Weather in Rome

Rome’s wide open spaces filled with vast, dusty ruins, along with chaotic traffic and hordes of people make the city seem hotter than it really is. That being said, Rome in August can get very hot. Here are the basic temperature averages for Rome in August:

• Average High: 30.6°C (87.1°F)

• Average Low: 18.3°C (64.9°F)

• Average Temperature: 24.5°C (76.1°F)

Additionally, the Average UV Index for August is 8, which is very hot. So that means do not leave your hotel or apartment without the three essentials: sunblock, a lightweight hat, and a water bottle.

Rome in August: How to Beat the Heat

Besides the great tips in How to Survive the Heat in Italy, there are some other ways to be sure you don’t get burnt out during your trip to Rome in August, literally.

Make friends with the nasoni

Rome in August is hot, so it’s best to be prepared. Make friends with the ubiquitous nasoni, or Rome’s famous water fountains, named “big noses” for the shape of the faucet. Public, clean, and free, these fountains are great for refilling water bottles or just to splash some water on your face. Try the free iOS app I Nasoni di Roma – Water Finder in Rome and it will locate the closest water fountain to you!

If you’re visiting Rome in August, these little water fountains are a life-saver.

Take naps during the day and try night tours instead

You don’t have to take a nap per se, but getting out of the worst heat of the day, between about noon and 3:00 p.m. at least, will help. Plan a visit in an air-conditioned museum (though check ahead, there aren’t many) or head back to the hotel to rest and rejuvenate. If you want a good late afternoon/evening option check out our Trastevere at Sunset Tour, which includes stops at authentic eateries and a first-hand lesson on how Italians do aperitivo and dinner in Rome.

Traveler’s tip: Rome really does come alive at night. For some great ideas on what to see and do, check out our recommendations for Fun Things to Do in Rome at Night.

One of the best things to do in Rome in August is taking a night tour of the city’s top landmarks and small neighborhoods.

…But be prepared for closings

August is vacation time for Italians, meaning many stores and restaurants are likely to be closed or operating on reduced hours. August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption in Italy or Ferragosto, a national holiday that the Italians take very seriously. Expect the 14^th and 16^th to be closed as well, with many stores choosing their days arbitrarily, but don’t worry, Rome is still a very large city and you’ll still have plenty of options of restaurants available.

A sunset cocktail on a swanky rooftop overlooking the city is always a great way to enjoy Rome in August.

Things to do in Rome in August

Rome abounds with an almost infinite amount of things to do and see. However, when visiting Rome in August, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the heat. You don’t want to do too much and risk overheating. Take your time and plan accordingly. Its well worth it to wake up and visit the city’s top spots as early as possible. And when the heat starts to bear down, head indoors.

Indoor options include visiting the Vatican Museums, Capitoline Museums, Galleria Borghese, and exploring beautiful churches like St. Peter’s Basilica and Santa Maria Maggiore.

Shopping in air-conditioned malls like Galleria Alberto Sordi is also a good option. Another great indoor activity is taking an authentic pasta-making class. If that sounds something you’d be interested in, check out our Rome Cooking Class where you’ll learn pasta-making techniques from a local chef while enjoying wine—in air conditioning!

A pasta making class is a great indoor option to beat the heat when traveling to Rome in August.

Cultural Events in Rome during August

There are a ton of festivals and events going on in Rome in August, check out some of our favorites here:

• Festa della Madonna della Neve – August 5 only

If you’re in town August 5, check out the Festa della Madonna della Neve in Santa Maria Maggiore. On August 5, 352 the Esquiline Hill had an unseasonal snowfall, an event that is remembered today by a special mass followed by a blizzard of rose petals that fall from the roof on to the congregation.

• Cineporto Summer Film Festival

One of the most popular summer film festivals, Cineporto plays two dubbed films a night, often new or recent releases, on two separate screens. Located in the periphery of Rome in the Parco della Farnesina, near the Stadio Olimpico, there are often live concerts from Italian bands between shows.

• Il Barbiere di Siviglia during the Summer Season at the Teatro dell’Opera – Until August 8 only

It’s the summer season at the Teatro dell’Opera, and Rome’s Opera season is set in the Terme di Caracalla, or the Baths of Caracalla, a breathtaking archaeological sight. Even if you can’t understand the words, go for the beautiful acts and beautiful set – set designers usually use the Roman ruins as backdrops, with just dramatic lighting to change the scene.

Enjoying an authentic opera during the evening is one of the best things to do in Rome in August.

There’s a ton to do in Rome year-round, but the beautiful weather and energy of Rome in August make it a great time to visit! Be sure to manage the heat and plan accordingly to enjoy all the Eternal City has to offer.

Tips for Traveling to Rome in August

Rome is an amazing place to visit year round, but summer time does come with a few challenges. Besides our tips mentioned above, we also like to bookend our summer trips to Rome with a trip to a local beach. Rome has quite a few beaches nearby that make for great day trips, or even longer if you have the time.

• Just 45 minutes from Rome by train, the Santa Marinella beach is Rome’s most popular seaside destination. While it does get crowded on the weekends, it’s a nice resort town with a good stretch of sand and some great seafood restaurants.
• While Santa Marinella may be Rome’s most convenient beach, Sperlonga is the most beautiful. This picturesque beach is about a 2-hour drive from Rome, or you can take the train to the Fondi-Sperlonga station and grab a quick taxi to the beach. While it may take a little longer to get to, Sperlonga is known for its cleanliness, water quality and safety.

Rome in August FAQ

What are the best things to do in Rome in August? 

In August, you can explore Rome’s iconic landmarks early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat. Visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain when it’s cooler. Enjoy summer festivals, outdoor dining, and evening concerts across the city. 

Is August a good time to visit Rome? 

August can be a great time to visit if you enjoy fewer crowds at major attractions, especially after Ferragosto (August 15). However, be prepared for hot weather and some businesses closing for holidays. 

How hot is Rome in August? 

Rome in August is quite hot, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F). Evenings are warm but more comfortable for sightseeing and dining outdoors. 

Are there any festivals or special events in Rome in August? 

Yes! The Ferragosto holiday on August 15 features celebrations and fireworks. Rome also hosts outdoor movie screenings, open-air concerts, and special exhibitions during the summer evenings. 

Is Rome crowded in August? 

Rome is generally less crowded with locals in August as many Romans leave for their vacations. However, popular tourist spots can still be busy with international travelers. 

How to stay cool while visiting Rome in August? 

Stay hydrated by carrying a reusable water bottle (there are free public fountains). Take breaks indoors at museums, churches, or shaded cafes. Plan outdoor activities early or later in the day. And of course, don’t skip a refreshing gelato! Check out our recommendations on Where to Find the Best Gelato in Italy: Florence, Naples, Rome, & More.

What are some indoor activities in Rome for hot days? 

Although not all museums have air conditioning, they offer some respite from the extreme afternoon heat. Another good options is to hit the museums early in the morning and shop during the hottest part of the day. Finding a large shopping center, such as the Galleria Alberto Sordi not only provides you with a cool indoor shopping experience, plus some nice restaurant options as well. Shop a little, eat a lot, and head back out to explore those beautiful Roman landmarks.

Of course, there’s nothing like a refreshing gelato to cool you down while in Rome.