Does it snow in Rome? If you are preparing for your epic trip to the Eternal City and have decided to visit in winter, this question will come to you.
In winter there is snowfall in all regions of northern and central Italy, and Rome is right in central Italy.
I was born and raised in Rome and have witnessed almost every snowfall that has hit Rome since the year I was born, excluding the one in 2012, because I was traveling.
The last snow in Rome occurred in early 2018.
Here is a quick answer to satisfy your curiosity right away about whether it snows in Rome or not: snow can fall in Rome, but it is quite rare.
To give you an idea of the frequency with which it has snowed in Rome in recent years, I have listed the snowfall years in a table.
In this post, I will also give you some useful tips on what to do in Rome in the snow and how to best enjoy winter in Rome.
Photos in this article are courtesy of my friend Gennaro Leonardi, an exceptional photographer living in Rome.
Does it snow in Rome? Let’s find out!
When did it last snow in Rome?
The last time snow covered the Eternal City in a soft, silent cloak was in February 2018, a full 5 years ago!
Let’s look at the other years that brought snow to Rome, which is now a rare event.
How often does it snow in Rome?
Here are the significant snowfalls in Rome over the past 70 years or so.
2018
2012
1991
1986
1985
1971
1956
Recalling the snowfall in the last 70 years, we see that it has really only snowed 7 times!
Another thing to note is that as the climate has changed over the past 50 years, snowfall has been gradually less consistent.
To satisfy our curiosity about winter weather in Rome, let’s go back even further in time.
Let’s take a look at the history of snowfall in Rome since the beginning of the last century.
- During the winter of the year 1901, it snowed in Rome several times.
- In the winter of 1929, Italy was hit by several snowstorms and it even snowed in Palermo, Sicily, which would be unthinkable now!
- In 1939, Rome had 30 cm of snow.
- February 1956 was the harshest month in 130 years, with snow all over Italy, including Rome.
- In 1965, Rome had 40 cm of snow. From that year on, Romans had to wait 6 years to see snow again.
- Another very severe winter for all of Italy occurred in 1979.
- The 1980s saw an intensification of the global warming phenomenon, but there were some really cold winters in those years as well.
- For example, in 1985, thermometers in Rome dropped to -15 degrees Celsius (whereas now they rarely drop below zero!).
- It also snowed poorly in Rome in 1991 and 1996.
- In 2010 only 3 cm of snow fell in the Eternal City.
- In 2012 there was another snowfall in Rome.
- The last snowfall I saw in Rome happened at the end of February 2018. It snowed gently all night and in the morning, when we woke up, we found the whole city painted white. What a thrill!
By now you must have realized that it snows very rarely in Rome. When it does, it is an event to remember for the locals, especially because it snows so little that we only get to enjoy it for a day or two, then it melts right away.
Snow in Rome: a special event
In the last 20 years, the weather in Rome has changed so much: it is now warmer and wetter.
Locals like me often make remarks like “We no longer have seasons” or “We are having a subtropical climate.”
Today’s Romans, in order to see snow, have to drive up and visit the mountains near Rome, for example, the Simbruini Mountains, which are located east of the city.
When locals wake up in the morning and find the city completely whitewashed, as happened in 2012 and 2018, it seems like magic to them, an absolutely special day.
What to expect if it snows in Rome
The capital of Italy is no longer used to being visited by snow.
If you visit Rome with snow, expect surprises.
Public transportation will definitely go down, as will private transportation.
Schools will definitely be closed, because teachers and workers may not be able to get to work.
Museums and stores may of course be closed, there will be flight delays.
The city is definitely not prepared for such an event!
Citizens, especially parents with children and teenagers, will take to the streets to play in the snow in excitement.
Locals will be aware that the snow will melt soon and they will not know when it will snow again in Rome-perhaps never?
So for a traveler, there will definitely be inconvenience, but it will be short-lived. Usually the next day everything goes back to normal.
Therefore, what I recommend is to pick up your camera and go and take some unique photos of the most beautiful monuments covered in snow, the Colosseum first of all!
Eventually, you can walk from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum and reach all the major monuments on foot!
What to Wear in Rome in Winter
In 2007 I bought a Patagonia down jacket with a Goretex raincoat and padded interior and used it for a few years.
Now that jacket is in oblivion…amazing to think that I haven’t needed to use it for almost 20 years.
In Rome, in winter it doesn’t get so cold anymore. It can happen that temperatures drop below zero, but only for a few days. It can happen to be -3°, not less.
I generally spend the winter well with a down jacket with light padding. My partner, who suffers less from the cold than I do, doesn’t even need a down jacket; he does the whole winter with a coat.
Here are the essentials you’ll need to wear in Rome in winter:
- Lightweight down jacket, perhaps long or one that at least covers the kidney area well
- Light scarf for the wind
- Woolen hat
- I don’t think gloves will be necessary
- Some cotton leggings to wear under jeans on colder days
- Lightweight wool sweaters
- Sweatshirt
- Thick cotton or fine wool socks
- Waterproof leather boots; padding is not necessary
What months does it snow in Rome?
The ultimate and sparse snowfalls that have occurred in Rome have happened in January or February.
January, February, and early March are usually the coldest time.
What to do in Rome with the snow
Take pictures of the Colosseum
In Rome, do as the Romans do. Locals, as soon as they notice that a layer of snow has settled on the ground, leave their homes and rush out to photograph the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is Rome’s iconic monument and seeing it whitewashed is a rarity. Photos of the snow-covered Colosseum are considered invaluable.
The symbolic piazza of Rome, on the other hand, is Piazza Navona. It is a fairly spacious square with an elongated shape.
Few people know one of the most curious facts about Piazza Navona: in Roman times, there was a stadium in place of the square. This explains its peculiar shape.
In winter and especially at Christmas time, the square turns into a meeting place for families with children.
On a snowy day, the square will be filled with happy children playing in the snow.
The atmosphere will be even more special because there are three fountains in the square with fascinating sculptures, and they will be partly covered in snow with the water still gushing out.
Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus, which is a short walk from the Colosseum, was also a stadium in ancient times. In fact, a circuit. Horse-drawn chariot races were held here.
Now it is a space open to the public with a large lawn and a small slope perfect for sliding on snow. This place, too, becomes a favorite meeting point for watching locals excited about such a special day when it snowed in Rome.
Enjoy the view from Janiculum Hill
If, on the other hand, you want an overall look at Rome in the snow, you should head to one of the vantage points over the city.
The most famous is the Janiculum Terrace, which can be reached by a short walk uphill from the Trastevere district.
Sit down at Restaurants and cafes
While museums and archaeological sites may be closed if it snows in Rome, restaurants and cafes in the historic center will certainly remain open.
In fact, these businesses do not receive (like museums) subsidies from the state, so they will do everything they can to have their work day, even though some employees may be stuck at home.
I particularly recommend the venues in the Monti area, located a 10-minute walk of the Colosseum.
the Monti Neighborhood is one of the best areas to stay in Rome, both for the location and for the culinary offerings, as well as the lively, youthful atmosphere.
Consider a day trip
If the idea of spending a day in the snow excites you and you want more than the few inches of snow it might get in Rome, then consider a day trip.
There are some beautiful mountains to visit even in the Lazio region itself, reachable with a short trip from Rome.
Where to see snow near Rome
Simbruini Regional Park
The Simbruini Mountains are a mountain range where the largest protected natural area in the Lazio region is located.
The highest peak of the range is Mount Viglio, which reaches 2156 meters.
A fairly easy and quick hike from Rome is the one that starts from Campo dell’Osso and reaches the summit of Mount Livata (1400 meters).
Mount Livata is also called “the mountain of Rome.” It is a favorite destination for trips from Rome with children in winter.
Abruzzo
With three national parks and many mountain peaks, Abruzzo, the region east of Lazio, is one of the best destinations to visit in Italy in winter.
Skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing are possible in the mountains.
Roccaraso is the largest ski complex in central Italy, with as many as 130 km of slopes suitable for all levels of experience.
The Majelletta We Ski complex, in Majella National Park, offers among the most spectacular views in the region. In fact, you can ski while looking out over the Adriatic Sea and reach a maximum altitude of 2,000 meters.
If you prefer less strenuous activities, consider the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy, which runs from Sulmona to Isernia. This is a vintage train that travels through the snowy landscapes straddling the Abruzzo and Molise regions.
Onboard the train are guides who tell the story of the places you pass through.
Mount Cimino
Traveling about an hour north of Rome toward the city of Viterbo, you will encounter the Cimini Mountains range. This natural place of rare beauty has a peak that reaches 1,000 meters and therefore receives snow every winter. The summit of Mount Cimino is covered with a centuries-old, monumental beech forest that is listed as a UNESCO heritage site.
It is really exciting to walk among these majestic trees in all seasons and especially when it has snowed.
BONUS: The restaurant "Baita la Faggeta" is located right next to the parking lot from which you access the forest. Here you will find the best dishes in the area made from delicious local products. For example, homemade pasta with meat sauce and porcini mushrooms.
Faqs: Does it snow in Rome Italy
Does it snow in Rome Italy in December?
Unlikely. In December, temperatures in Rome hardly reach 0. The coldest months in recent decades have been January and February.
Does it snow at the Colosseum?
If it snows in Rome, it definitely snows at the Colosseum. However, consider that snow in Rome is now very rare.
Does Rome get a lot of snow?
Not anymore, at least for 50 years. In the 20th century, there have been a few snowfalls with 30 or 40 cm of snow, but in recent decades it has rarely exceeded 15 cm.
What part of Italy gets snow?
Northern Italy, which is crisscrossed from east to west by the Alpine mountain range, with peaks reaching 4,000 meters, gets a lot of snow every year.
Some regions in central and southern Italy are crossed by the Apennine mountain range. The Apennines have many peaks exceeding 1,000 meters and some of nearly 3,000 meters (in the Abruzzo region in particular).
Regions where it snows every year include: Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Abruzzo, Molise, and Sardinia.
Is Rome good at Christmas?
Christmas is the main holiday in Rome and throughout central Italy. It is not very cold at this time of year, and citizens love to stroll through the streets and squares of the city in search of gifts and to discover the Christmas markets.
The main squares and streets in the historic center are decorated with colorful lights. Skating rinks and Christmas villages are set up in some neighborhoods. If you visit Rome with children, they are sure to have a good time.
The festivities continue with the New Year’s Eve celebration, with concerts in Piazza del Popolo and Circus Maximus Square.
January 6 is the date of another national holiday, Epiphany. It is the day dedicated to the “Befana,” an old witch who brings gifts to children on the night between January 5 and 6.
Does Rome ever get cold?
Rome is in the temperate climate belt and therefore has 4 seasons. During the winter season, which runs from about mid-December to mid-March, it is cold.
Since Rome is also close to the sea (30 km west of Rome is the Tyrrhenian coast) and is protected to the east by the Apennine chain, the cold climate is moderate.
This means that it is much much less cold than in northern Italy or central Europe or North America. The temperature rarely falls below o°.
The average temperature in winter in Rome is around 3-7°.
Is Rome worth visiting in winter?
Rome is worth visiting every season because every season has its advantages. In winter, from November to March, there are generally fewer tourists than in other seasons.
You will find the prices slightly lower, museums less crowded, and more eximious lines at the entrance to the most famous monuments.
From mid-November to mid-January, Christmas markets are held in different parts of the city with stalls of handicrafts and local products.
After January 6, the date of the Feast of the Epiphany, which closes the Christmas season, sales begin in all clothing stores. Winter is therefore the perfect season for shopping in Rome.
What is the rainiest month in Rome?
Due to climate change, for several years now it has been very difficult to make general rainfall predictions. This year, for example, the rainiest season was spring, specifically the months of April and May.
Normally, a Roman local like me would be ready to answer that the rainiest months of the year in Rome are November, February, and March, but that has long since gone.
What is the best month to visit Rome?
The best time to visit Rome is from mid-September to mid-October. During these months there is a majority of sunny days but the scorching summer heat is already a memory.
Is Rome crowded after Christmas?
Rome is less crowded after Christmas than it is in the spring, summer, and fall months. January and February are considered the low season in Rome.
Can you eat outside in Rome in December?
If it is sunny or even if the sky is overcast but the wind is still, it is pleasant to sit outside for breakfast and lunch.
Conclusions – how often does it snow in Rome, Italy?
Due to global warming, Rome’s climate has become warmer and wetter in the past 20 years.
Winters, that is, the months of December, January, February, and March are mild. Precipitation is low and it is very rare to snow, although possible.
In case it does snow in Rome (the last snowfalls in Rome occurred in 2012 and 2018), only a few inches of snow will fall. Snow in Rome usually melts completely within 24-48 hours.
Because it is a fairly extraordinary event and many citizens move around in their own cars, road maintenance may not be timely and traffic may come to a standstill.
This could cause a lack of employees at workpla
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