Rome in November: Reasons to visit + travel tips
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If you’re looking to travel to Rome in November, you’ll be able to enjoy some great weather and experience all that the city has to offer. From world-renowned museums and historical sites to delicious food and wine, there’s something for everyone in Rome.
November is also a great time to take advantage of discounts on hotels and attractions. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Rome is the perfect destination.
Reasons to visit Rome in November: Weather, sightseeing & tips
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Rome is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Italy and the world. From the ancient ruins of the Colosseum to the magnificent art at the Vatican, there is so much to see and do.
The weather in Rome in November is usually mild, with average highs of 17 degrees Celsius (62 Fahrenheit) and lows of 9 degrees Celsius (48 Fahrenheit). There may be some occasional showers (9 days of rain), but overall the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Rome weather in November: Average temperatures
Here is how the temperatures look like in November
- Ave temp: 17° / 9° (C )
- Ave temp: 62° / 48° (F)
- Rain: 9 days
Read: Guide to Italy in November | Venice in November
What to expect in Rome in November?
November technically is the fall or autumn season in Rome.
Starting from late September, Rome’s heat becomes a little more bearable during the day. We say this because you will be outdoors a lot in Rome, as most of the heritage sites are uncovered and of course outside!
A milder temperature makes it easy to walk around, and not be sweaty and tired with all the heat.
In November, Rome enters the perfect weather (minus a few days of rain) and fewer crowds (as compared to the crazy summer crowds or August vacationers).
Rome in November is not cold (nor cooler like Venice), rather it has a pleasant temperature.
Rains are the only thing you have to make note of so that it doesn’t dampen your sightseeing plans.
Oh…and we have been caught in the rain a few times in Rome. I mean 9 days out of 30, you can expect some showers and a couple of heavy downpours.
When you plan to travel to Rome in November, carry some warm clothing, a scarf, a waterproof jacket and shoes, and flowy tops to layer in.
As you can see above, the average high temperature is about 17°C (or 62 F), and the average low can drop to 9°C (or 48 F). In the evenings, or when it rains you might feel cold (I did)!
With milder temperatures, you can climb the Seven Hills with ease, take breaks and just enjoy the lovely view and weather!
Without rain, you can comfortably walk around and explore the beautiful city of Rome.
And when it rains, almost all the piazzas are empty. Grab an umbrella and wander the squares, or take stunning reflection photos minus the crowds!
Rome is so picturesque (it is my favorite after Lisbon and Paris), and the rains made the city even prettier!
With the end of November and December, the winters are knocking at the door, and stores and restaurants are all decked up in festive green and red colors.
Advantages of visiting Rome in November: 6 Top Reasons
Here are some of the pros of visiting Rome in November!
Fall is a shoulder season in Rome – Enjoy milder temperatures in November
The weather in Rome during November is usually mild, with average highs of 17 degrees Celsius (62 Fahrenheit) and lows of 9 degrees Celsius (48 Fahrenheit).
This makes it the perfect time to visit all the city’s historical sites and attractions without having to deal with the heat of summer.
The temperatures say it all. But for reference, here are Rome’s temperatures from July to October,
JUL-AUG
- Ave temp: 31° / 19° (C )
- Ave temp: 88° / 67° (F)
- Rain: 2 days
SEPTEMBER
- Ave temp: 21° / 16° (C )
- Ave temp: 81° / 61° (F)
- Rain: 5 days
OCTOBER
- Ave temp: 22° / 12° (C )
- Ave temp: 72° / 54° (F)
- Rain: 7 days
Now, imagine walking the Colosseum grounds on a sunny afternoon in July – heat, crowds and I worry how my photos will turn out with the harsh sunlight lol!
In November in Rome, carry an umbrella or a waterproof jacket with you at all times for that occasional rain shower.
Experience Rome with fewer crowds
Due to the weather and season, visiting Rome in November has its advantages.
First is that it is the shoulder season as mentioned above. The off-season is considered the best time to visit Rome because the summer crowds have thinned out.
Typically October to April are considered the best months to go.
And November is just right there!
With November, it is not a popular time to visit Rome but it is a great occasion to hit touristy areas without the crowds.
During our visit, we didn’t have to wait at restaurants, the piazzas had people – like it was not deserted but the crowds were scattered.
And mornings were even emptier and perfect to capture a great Rome Instagram photo, minus people!
We were also able to get discounts on sightseeing buses and guided tours using GetYourGuide for travel dates in November and December!
Great flights and better accommodation deals in November
If you’re looking for a great deal on hotels and flights to Rome, November is the perfect time to travel.
Many hotels offer discounts during this time of year, so you can enjoy all that the city has to offer without breaking the bank.
We booked a nice hotel in the city centre, and pretty much walked to the Colosseum and other Rome attractions. That hotel room was around $120-125 USD (with city tax per night). In the summer, the same property was $1000 USD, which was crazy!!!
Here is the hotel we stayed at Prassede Palace Hotel
In terms of transportation, both Rome and Milan are great options to fly to Italy from North America.
And with direct flights from major airports around the world, getting to Rome is easier than ever with irresistible fares! (As a reference nonstop flight from New York to Rome is $600 USD round trip per person).
Take advantage of the off-peak period to discover all that Rome has to offer at a fraction of the cost.
November is the cheapest month to travel to Italy.
Plan a trip to Rome to enjoy seasonal festivals in the city
There are festivals that take place in November in Rome, and it is worth planning your trip around them.
All Saints Day: Italy celebrates All Saints Day on November 1st. And there are celebrations throughout the city including the Vatican.
Note: Keep in mind, that the Vatican Museums will be closed on All Saints Day and the following day. They re-open on the 3rd of November for visitors.
All Souls Day: After November 2, All Souls Day is celebrated. On this day, Italians pay respect to the departed by visiting cemeteries.
They leave flowers on the graves of their loved ones and on the city’s famous Roman catacombs aka underground tunnels where ancient Romans were buried.
Roma Europa Festival: The Roma Europa Festival is celebrated throughout the month at a variety of Roman theatres and auditoriums, featuring performers and musicians.
This festival includes a variety of activities to participate in from movie screenings, live performances, theater, and a parade.
Read: One day in Rome itinerary | 3 days in Rome itinerary
Roma Jazz Festival: This week-long jazz festival takes place at Rome’s Auditorium Parco Della Musica, during the first week of November.
It sets the stage for Italian and international jazz stars to perform at concerts. Free shows are also included!
Rome Film Fest: Movie buff? Head to the Rome Film Fest instead. This event is held in the first week of November (kicks off in October).
You can watch many Hollywood biggies and Italian favorites at the festival.
Feast of St. Cecilia: Roman Catholics will celebrate the Feast of St. Cecilia on November 22nd.
The church of Santa Cecilia in the Trastevere neighborhood has a number of different traditions to commemorate this event. Don’t miss this fascinating annual event when in Rome!
Towards the end of November, stores and restaurants are decorated in the festive cheer! Perfect for shopping, and early Christmas photos!
Read: 7 days in Italy itinerary | 10 days in Italy itinerary
Major attractions are open in November
Everything is open in Rome in November from access to churches, and historic sites to shopping areas and restaurants!
You will also find sightseeing buses running as normal, and there are guided tours as well operating throughout the month of November.
If you are in Vatican City for visiting the museums, keep in mind that on All Saints Day and the day after, museums will be closed!
Go shopping and enjoy the festive vibes
November is also a great month to shop, as merchants start to stock up on winter items. You’ll discover amazing discounts on clothing and gifts during the holiday season.
November is when Rome’s seasonal markets open and run through December. This is an excellent location to find one-of-a-kind presents while also benefiting from the city’s festive ambiance!
Things to consider when visiting Rome in November
We enjoyed our time in Rome in November. The city was perfect without crowds and navigating small lanes, trains and attractions were easy and enjoyable.
We would like to share some of the tips and things that we considered when we were planning our visit to Rome,
Weather forecast and rains
Because there is a high possibility of rain in November (about 9 days), we do recommend checking the weather app on your mobile device and having a backup plan for sightseeing during your visit.
Indoor attractions are perfect for rainy days like the Castel Sant’Angelo, Borghese Gallery, the Vatican Museums, galleries such as the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art, National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace, etc.
As temperatures are cooler in the evenings, you do need to pack warmer clothing and be aware of weather changes.
Be sure to pack your rain gear and a warm scarf if you’re visiting during this month!
(We have a detailed packing list for Rome in November below)
Rome can be crowded over the weekends and on days of festivities
Although Rome is not very crowded in November like the summer months, it could get busy over the weekends or during festivals.
This is true for certain areas like the city centre or by the auditorium that could be packed, and public transportation could be busier than usual.
Plan to stay at least 2 days (for better weather)
Due to the high possibility of rain, we recommend planning a vacation of at least 2 days in Rome or more, so that you can experience clear skies for some hours – in case it rains a ton.
We have seen bright blue skies, cloudy overcast mornings to heavy showers in the evenings.
And sometimes the weather app said it will rain, and it didn’t at all (so you know it is unpredictable!).
Plan ample time to explore, and book attractions via GetYourGuide so that they can help you with cancellations and rebooking when needed due to the rain.
Most attractions (like buses and walks) continue in the rain, so be prepared with warm clothes, a poncho, or an umbrella.
But hey, don’t let the possibility of rain dissuade you from visiting this amazing city – there’s plenty to do indoors as well.
6 Things to do in Rome in November
There are so many great attractions to see in Rome, that it can be hard to know where to start.
But here are a few must-see sights that you won’t want to miss:
Experience iconic attractions without any wait time
The Colosseum: A symbol of Rome and one of the most iconic buildings in the world, the Colosseum is a must-visit. Book a 3 hour tour to include Palatine hill and the Roman Forum sightseeing.
The Vatican Museums: Home to some of the world’s most famous artwork, the Vatican Museums are a must-see for any art lover.
Note: Keep in mind, that the Vatican Museums will be closed on All Saints Day and the following day. They re-open on the 3rd of November for visitors.
The Pantheon: A beautiful and well-preserved ancient temple, the Pantheon is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions.
Get there early to beat the crowds as this attraction is free to visit.
Piazza Navona: A beautiful square in the center of Rome, Piazza Navona is home to several impressive fountains and is a great place to relax and people watch with wonderful weather.
There are so many great things to see and do in Rome, you’re sure to have a wonderful time no matter what you choose to do.
Here is a suggested 2,3 and 4 days in Rome itinerary (on a rainy day) in November,
- Day 1 of Rome Itinerary:
- Day 2 of Rome Itinerary:
- Wake up early morning to visit the Pantheon
- Hang out at the Piazza Navona
- Trevi Fountain
- End the day with sightseeing and shopping in and around the Spanish Steps
- Day 3 of Rome Itinerary:
- Day 4 of Rome Itinerary:
- Explore the Catacomb of Callixtus on a guided tour
- Visit Piazza Venezia and the nearby area
- Enjoy a picnic at the Borghese gardens and visit the Villa Borghese
- Soak in the sunset views from the Piazza del Popolo & Pincio Terrace
You can also skip day 4 for a day trip to Naples, Florence, or to Hadrian Villa nearby.
Grab an umbrella, and wander the city
Rome is beautiful in the rain, especially in its small narrow lanes. Rains make the colors, even more, prettier, and as crowds disappear you can wander freely, and take amazing photos!
Just remember to pack a big umbrella and poncho. It isn’t windy inside the centre, at least we didn’t experience any and were having fun photographing and wandering the city!
Oh…when it is not raining, and rather warm, buy ice cream, sit down by a piazza and people watch 🙂
Participate in festivals in Rome
One of the best things about visiting Rome in November is all the festivals that take place throughout the month.
From All Saints Day to the amazing jazz and film festivals Rome has something for everybody!
Key festivals include:
- All Saints Day: Italy celebrates All Saints Day on November 1st.
- All Souls Day: After November 2, All Souls Day is celebrated.
- Roma Europa Festival: The Roma Europa Festival is celebrated throughout the month at a variety of Roman theatres and auditoriums.
- Roma Jazz Festival: This week-long jazz festival takes place at Rome’s Auditorium Parco Della Musica, during the first week of November.
- Rome Film Fest: This event is held in the first week of November (kicks off in October).
- Feast of St. Cecilia: Roman Catholics will celebrate the Feast of St. Cecilia on November 22nd.
Attend a concert
Other than annual events and festivals, you can also catch a musical or concert in November in Rome.
You can choose from La Traviata (Tuesdays), The Three Tenors (Wednesdays), to Enchanting Opera Arias (Thursdays)!
Go watch a football game in Rome
Football is a very popular sport in Rome, and it is home to two teams: AS Roma and S.S. Lazio.
You can surely find a game during your trip in November.
Go Christmas shopping, before the crowds hit in December
You can see festive lights and seasonal markets from the 20th onwards.
The decor is common in front of cafes and shops. This is a great time to buy gifts and clothing for the holiday season.
Enjoy a food tour
One of the nicest ways to warm up to a new city is to go on a walking food tour.
Here is a recommended one that takes you from the island of the Tiber River to medieval lanes of Trastevere and beyond like the Church of Santa Cecilia.
Enjoy bakeries, good food, and conversations in Roma!
What to pack for Rome in November?
It is important to pack well and pack light when you visit Rome. Here is our tried and tested packing list for Rome Italy!
We always use a carry-on for 1-2 weeks in Europe. Our favorite is the Pacsafe Venturesafe backpack which is a 45 L backpack, and it is perfect to use as a full-size packing cube and store all of your dresses, pants, and more.
Pack the following pieces of clothing, and accessories for your trip to Rome
- Tops: Carry long sleeve shirts, blouses & tops (for her). Include a few warm sweaters
- Bottoms: Jeans, leggings
- Dress: Knee-length dresses (paired with boots) or long skirts
- Scarf: Carry a stylish scarf with you
- Beret: To brighten up your photos, and keep your head warm
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof boots
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or trench coat
- Poncho or umbrella
Read: What to wear in Italy
For accessories, you must carry a universal adaptor. Europe uses a plug with two round pins (type C), unlike the flat ones in North America. You can buy yours here
Don’t forget your camera. Here are our camera essentials – Sony Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii.
Carry extra storage cards to back up all the photos you will capture in Italy.
Do check the validity of the passport, and make sure it is not expired. Apply for a Schengen visa if you require one.
Also secure travel insurance. Get travel insurance quotes for your trip here
More Rome Travel Tips for November
Yes, November is a wonderful time to visit Rome. It’s shoulder season, so you can expect fewer crowds.
It does have a disadvantage due to the high possibility of rain and unpredictable weather, but with overall milder and pleasant temperatures and affordable flight and hotel deals, visiting Rome in November is worth it!
Crowds are at a minimum in the Vatican in November. The square was completely empty when we visited and getting to the museums and the chapel was easy.
Although there was a queue, it was going in at a decent pace. Line-up was mostly to check the tickets and allow limited people in.
Plus you cannot miss the beautiful weather in the Vatican in November.
Yes, it is open every day in November. It is closed only on January 1st and December 25th. The hours might vary depending on the day of the visit.
Yes, it does rain for about 9-10 days in Rome in November. It can range from overcast warm days, light drizzle for an hour or so to a heavy downpour, and clear skies the next day (although rainy, it can be quite unpredictable).
You should avoid visiting Rome in August because it is hot, humid, and packed with people.
Italians are vacationing from August 15 through the end of the month, and many others (travelers from other parts of Europe and North America) are also spending holidays in Rome before schools reopen in September.
November is an excellent time to go on a trip to Italy. Though the days are short and the weather slightly unpredictable, November in Italy has the benefit of fewer tourists, a number of festivals and events, delicious autumn cuisine, and stunning foliage.
If you’re planning a trip to Rome in November, you can expect mild weather, discounts on hotels and attractions, and a city full of history, culture, and delicious food.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Rome is the perfect destination. So start planning your trip today!
Liked this post? Read some of our other Italy travel guides
Pin: Complete Rome November travel guide
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