During a summer heat wave, Rome's famous sunshine can feel incredibly intense, and the humidity really doesn't help matters. It’s easy to feel like the heat might get in the way of seeing everything you wanted to. The good news is that you can absolutely still have a fantastic time and beat the heat while staying in Rome. Generations of locals have mastered it, and it really just comes down to a few smart strategies.
Smart sightseeing: survive the Rome heat while exploring
You’ll naturally want to see all the big, iconic sights, but trying to power through them between noon and 4 pm is a sure-fire way to end up exhausted and overheating. The most effective way to manage the heat while exploring is to adapt your schedule and be strategic about where you go and when.
Plan your day around the midday sun
Get an early start to visit the most exposed outdoor sites, like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, before the crowds build and the sun is at its most powerful. Embrace the Italian tradition of a riposo, or afternoon rest, by heading back to your accommodation or finding a cool, quiet spot. Booking your tickets for major attractions in advance is also essential, as it helps you avoid spending hours waiting in long, unshaded queues.
Go underground to escape the heat: the Rome Catacombs and other cool sites
One of the best ways to find relief is to head underground. The temperature drops significantly in the city's subterranean spaces, offering a natural escape from the heat. A visit to the Rome Catacombs, such as the Catacombs of Callixtus or Domitilla, provides not only a fascinating insight into early Christian history but also a consistently cool environment. Other great underground options include the multi-layered Basilica of San Clemente or the sprawling remains of Nero's Domus Aurea.
Find sanctuary in Rome’s air-conditioned museums and churches
Combining your cultural fixes with air conditioning is a winning strategy. Many of Rome's world-class museums, including the Borghese Gallery and the Capitoline Museums, offer a cool refuge where you can spend the hottest hours of the day admiring incredible art. Beyond the museums, remember that Rome's hundreds of churches are almost always cool inside due to their thick stone walls. Stepping into one offers a moment of quiet contemplation and a welcome break from the sun, and it's completely free.
Practical tips for beating the heat in Rome
Beyond the big-ticket sights, surviving the Roman summer is all about the little day-to-day tricks. These are the things that locals do without a second thought, and they make a world of difference when you’re trying to stay comfortable in that hot and humid weather.
Stay hydrated with Rome’s free drinking fountains
You’ll see these little cast-iron drinking fountains all over the city – the locals call them nasoni, which means 'big noses' because of the shape of the spout. The water is ice-cold, perfectly safe to drink, and completely free. Pop a reusable bottle in your bag and you can top it up all day.
What to wear to survive the hot and humid weather
Think loose, lightweight clothes in fabrics like linen and cotton – they really are a game-changer for letting your skin breathe. Lighter colours are a good shout too, as they don't absorb the sun's heat like dark clothes do. A wide-brimmed hat is non-negotiable, as are sunglasses and a good high-SPF sunscreen. One last tip: carry a light scarf or shawl with you. It’s perfect for throwing over your shoulders if you want to pop into a church, as they often have strict dress codes about covering up.
Eat and drink to keep cool in Italy
This is the perfect excuse to embrace the lighter side of Italian cuisine. Instead of a heavy, hot bowl of classic Italian pasta for lunch, go for something like prosciutto e melone (cured ham and melon) or a fresh caprese salad. And, of course, you have to tuck into at least one gelato a day, testing Italy's most popular ice cream flavours – it's practically a rule for surviving the heat. When it’s time for a drink, a classic Aperol spritz is always refreshing. If you need a caffeine hit without the heat, ask for a caffè shakerato – it’s a shot of espresso shaken with ice until it's frothy and cold. Delicious.
Finding accommodation in Rome to cool off
Where you stay and where you go to escape the bustling streets are just as important as what you wear or drink. Having a cool, calm place to retreat to during the hottest part of the day is an absolute game-changer for enjoying your time in Rome.
Firstly, let's talk about the importance of air conditioning in Rome's accommodation. You might just assume that everywhere you can rent will have air conditioning, but that’s really not the case. In a city full of beautiful, historic buildings, AC is often a luxury, not a standard feature.
It’s also worth thinking about which neighbourhoods might be a bit cooler. Areas that are slightly greener or have narrower streets can feel less like a heat trap. Consider looking at places in leafier districts like Monteverde, which is right next to the huge Villa Doria Pamphili park, or even areas like Prati, which can sometimes catch a breeze from the river.
Cooler places to escape the heat in Rome
When the pavements are sizzling and you need a break from the city centre, there are some great spots where you can find a bit of relief.
Relax in Rome’s shaded parks and gardens
Never underestimate the power of a bit of green space and a shady tree. When you need to escape the sun, heading to one of Rome’s parks is a perfect solution. Here are a few top spots:
- Villa Borghese: this is the most famous one for a reason. It's huge, so you can always find a quiet, shady spot. Renting a little rowboat on the lake is a brilliant way to cool down.
- Orto Botanico: the botanical garden in Trastevere is a wonderfully peaceful and shaded oasis. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and the heat.
- Villa Doria Pamphili: a bit further out, but it’s Rome’s largest park. It feels a bit wilder and is fantastic for finding a patch of grass under a pine tree all to yourself.
- Aventine Hill: this is one of Rome's seven hills, and is a wonderfully quiet area to escape to. Head to the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden) at the top. It's a beautiful spot with plenty of shade from the pine trees and often a gentle breeze.
Take a day trip to the seaside
If you really want to escape the city heat, do as the Romans do and head for the coast. It’s surprisingly easy to get to the sea by train for a day trip, and feeling that sea breeze is the ultimate antidote to the humid city air. There are some fantastic beaches near Rome, great for a seaside getaway when you need to swap cobblestones for sand. Places like Santa Marinella and Santa Severa are popular choices.
Living in Sicily: guide to costs, towns and real life
The thought of living in Sicily is about more than just moving to an island in Italy. It’s about stepping into a place that has been a crossroads of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The layers of its past are everywhere, from ancient Greek ruins to Norman cathedrals and Baroque towns. For anyone looking to make a home here, getting to grips with what daily life is truly like, with its distinct local culture and rhythm, is the first step.
Living in Catania: Sicily's underdog city
When people ask where most American expats live in Sicily, many will point to Palermo or the tourist towns. However, the underdog city of Catania has a significant, if less conspicuous, international community, partly thanks to the nearby NATO base. Sprawling along the Ionian coast at the foot of Mount Etna, this vital port city is considered by many Sicilians to be the island's true engine. Living in Catania means experiencing a thoroughly authentic Italian way of life.
Discover San Candido: the stunning Alpine hometown of Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner and San Candido are two names now inextricably linked in the history of Italian tennis. The talented athlete, fresh from winning Wimbledon and with four Grand Slam titles to his name, hails from this village in the Puster Valley, having been born here on 16 August 2001. But what is San Candido like? And what is there to see? Here’s what you need to know about Sinner’s hometown.
Arcomagno Beach: a hidden gem on the Calabrian coast
Along the Riviera dei Cedri lies a beach many consider one of Calabria’s most beautiful. Arcomagno Beach, in San Nicola Arcella on the Tyrrhenian coast, is also known as Enea’s Beach, named after the legendary Aeneas who is said to have stopped here. This hidden cove is peaceful and sheltered, famous for its striking natural rock arch. Here’s what you need to know before visiting and how to get there.
Where does Jannik Sinner live and why did he choose to move abroad?
Jannik Sinner is a name now known well beyond the tennis world. As the current ATP world number one and Wimbledon champion, his achievements have brought him global fame. Despite representing Italy with pride on the international stage, the champion doesn’t live in his home country. So, where does Jannik Sinner live — and why did he choose to settle elsewhere? Let’s take a look at his current residence and his South Tyrolean roots in the province of Bolzano.
All 49 Blue Flag beaches in Sardinia for 2025
With 49 Blue Flag beaches for 2025, Sardinia remains one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean. This prestigious award recognises not only the quality of the water but also the commitment to environmental sustainability and high-quality tourist services.
Five geometrically shaped towns in Italy and where to find them
Italy is a country where every village and town has its own unmistakable story. Sometimes this is reflected in its traditions or monuments; in other cases, the uniqueness begins with the very layout of the town itself. Across the country, you’ll find a number of “ideal towns” designed entirely from scratch with geometric or unusual shapes. Scattered across the Italian peninsula, here’s where to find Italy’s geometric towns.