November is the month Rome rains, and the month you can stand in the Sistine Chapel and hear your own footsteps.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | Mid to high teens °C |
| Nights | Around 10 °C |
| Rain | The wettest month: heavy showers, often in the afternoon |
| Cobbles | Slippery; wear grip |
December is cooler and drier, with the lights on.
Mornings out, afternoons in#
The 3-day itinerary already puts the Colosseum, the Forum and the Vatican in the mornings. Keep it that way. Afternoons go to the churches (Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi and Santa Maria del Popolo, free), the Capitoline and the Borghese, the covered market in Testaccio, and lunches that last until the shower stops.
What's on#
All Saints on the 1st. The first Sunday of the month, free entry to state museums and sites including the Colosseum, which is the one day queues return. The new olive oil arrives, the Roman artichokes begin, chestnuts roast on the corners near Piazza Navona. Where locals eat in Rome is a cold-weather list at heart.
Crowds and prices#
The quietest month. Hotels in Monti and the centro storico drop to their lowest rates, and the Vatican Museums at nine on a weekday are close to peaceful. Things to do in Rome.
What to pack#
A rain jacket, an umbrella that survives wind, shoes with grip, layers. A scarf for the churches, which are cold.
Plan it#
Post your dates on Roavi Community. Roavi has almost no Local Friends in Rome yet; browse who is on Roavi and post early. Italian readers: rent a friend in Italia.
Rome in November? Empty Vatican, wet cobbles, perfect carbonara. Find a Roman.
Post on CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
Is November a good month to visit Rome?
Good for the sights and the food, bad for guaranteed sun. It rains more than any other month, but between showers the city is mild, soft-lit and nearly empty. Book the Colosseum and Vatican for mornings and keep afternoons flexible.How much does it rain in Rome in November?
It is the wettest month, with several heavy showers a week rather than constant drizzle. Showers tend to be short and intense, often in the afternoon. Cobbles get slippery.Is anything closed in Rome on 1 November?
All Saints' Day is a public holiday. Shops and offices close, museums and major sites mostly stay open, and Romans visit the cemeteries. The 2nd, All Souls, is a normal day.Is Rome cheap in November?
One of the cheapest months for hotels along with January and February, outside the few days around All Saints. Flights are low. Restaurants and tickets do not change price.