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Rome In May – Your Guide For An Amazing Italian Holiday

ByBeppe Castro

Visiting Rome in May is an exciting time because of the warm weather, everything is in bloom and the great cultural and sporting events all around the city.

Rome In May - Beautiful Parks

Enjoy The Beautiful Parks

Is May A Good Month To Visit?

Because the weather in Rome is continuing to get hotter and the crowds are getting larger, May can be an amazing time to visit Rome. It’s important to remember, however, that the weather in Rome can be unpredictably hot in May. The days have been warming up for a few months from the winter lows and they can be sunny and hot. The nights can be very enjoyable and you have finally reached the dry season.

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May is in the tourist season in Rome and my experience is that things do start to heat up in May. The crowds are not much smaller than during the summer months and there will be decent size lines and crowds at the more popular attractions. That being said, if you plan your itinerary well and prioritize the sites you want to see, you should be able to comfortably enjoy Rome without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or overheated by the heat, like in the summer.

Is Rome Cheap?

Italy is one of the cheaper countries in Europe for tourists visiting Rome, but it is no longer considered the “shoulder” season and it will be hard to find savings as compared to peak season. You should keep in mind that Rome is a popular destination year-round and prices anytime of the year can still be relatively high. You will probably still be able to find a few remaining discounts on Flights and Hotels, but don’t expect to find any great savings on restaurants or cultural activities.

Rome In May - Vatican

Vatican At Night

Because Rome is a popular tourist destination all year round, it’s a good idea to book in advance for your hotels, flights and even restaurants once you arrive. If you are looking for other ways to save money, it’s also worth considering staying in neighborhoods outside of the historic center (centro storico), where you might be able to find more affordable accommodation options and allow you to experience a more authentic side of Rome.

How Is The Weather In May?

It has been my experience that the temperatures in May in Rome are putting any sense of cooler air in the past. The weather in Rome in May is delightful and it continues to warm up, so depending on when you arrive, the weather might be great or hot. Don’t underestimate the possibility of a hot vacation, but that depends on from where you are coming.

Is May A Rainy Month In Rome?

The rainy season in Rome is more pronounced in the fall during October and November and in the spring during February and March. May is no longer in the rainy season and you will get to enjoy all of those beautiful flowers in bloom. It is possible to encounter some rain, but the risk is considerably lower than in April. You can probably skip the umbrella because on the off chance it does rain, they are available for sale at every historical site the moment it turns cloudy and they are cheap enough that you won’t mind leaving it in the hotel for the next guest to use. Depending on your hotel, they are also sometimes provided to the hotel guests at no cost.

Is It Cold In Rome In May?

The weather in Rome in May is warm and getting warmer. The average low temperatures in Rome in May are delightful at 54°F (12°C) and the average high temperatures are a comfortable 74°F (23°C). This makes for a delightful experience when you are dining al fresco, which I highly recommend. Nothing says spring to me more than dining outside in Rome.

What Foods Are Seasonal in May?

Rome In May - Seasonal Fruits And Veg

Seasonal Fruits And Vegetables

The seasonal foods in May are no longer a continuation of the winter fruits and vegetables, but the summer fruits are now available and they shouldn’t be missed. There are new fruits available in May, like cherries and something called a Loquat. There are also a couple additions to your choice of vegetables, like: artichokes, chicory and peas.

Here is a more complete list of the fruits and vegetables you should be able to find in Rome during May:

  • Fruits: Cherries, Strawberries, Kiwis, Raspberries, Apples, Melons, Loquats, Grapefruit, Pears
  • Vegetables: Garlic, Asparagus, Beets, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Spring Onions, Chicory, Fennel, Lettuce, Potatoes, Peas, Chicory, Radishes, Celery, Spinach

What Are The Important Holidays In May?

  • May Day / Labor Day / International Worker’s Day (May 1) – This is a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, and also a celebration of the worker. There are celebrations and concerts, with one of the largest music festivals being held on the lawn of St. Giovanni Laterano.
  • Mother’s Day (May 12) – Unlike Father’s Day, Mother’s Day in Italy is the same day as in the US so you won’t need to keep two calendars. 

What Sporting Events Happen In Rome In May?

There are many interesting cultural events in May, and these include art exhibits, festivals and concerts. A very good list of cultural events can be found on the RomeToday website. In addition, there are some international sporting events in May that you might also want to be aware of:

  • The Rose Garden In Rome – I mentioned this in April, but since it is only open during the last week I thought it should also be included in May. It is not so much a sporting event but a competition and the opening of the rose garden in Rome is one of the most beautiful signs of spring and shouldn’t be missed.
  • “Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back” In Concert (May 11/12) – The Roma Film Music Festival has decided to celebrate this year, for the first time in Italy, with the cine-concert formula. In Rome the concert is at the Conciliazione Auditorium on Saturday May 11 at 8:30 pm and Sunday the 12th at 3:00 and 8:30 pm.
  • Giro d’Italia (May 26) – The final stage of the Giro d’Italia will end in Rome for the first time in the race’s history. They will cross the finish line set at the Imperial Fora. For Rome, it will also be an opportunity to involve the entire citizenry in a big “pink” celebration and organize events promoting sport and mobility on two wheels.
Rome In May - Rose Garden

Rose Garden

More Information On Things To Do In Rome

In case you are planning a trip to Rome, but you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.

More Information On Things To Do In Rome All Year

You should never hesitate planning a trip to Rome in May, or any time of the year, but if you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.

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