Visiting Rome in August? What's open during Ferragosto, the best things to do, events, beaches and local tips to enjoy the city in the hottest month.

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August in Rome is hotter than you could ever imagine, and it’s the month of Ferragosto, the national holiday on August 15th introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BC, when Italians flock to the seaside. Some shops and bars in residential areas close as Romans take their well-deserved holidays, and for a couple of weeks the city belongs to visitors.

That’s exactly why August has its own charm. The streets are quieter, the lines for major attractions shrink, restaurants in the center stay open, and the city fills up with open-air festivals, concerts and night openings you won’t find any other time of the year. If you don’t mind the heat and plan your days around it, August can be one of the most enjoyable months to experience Rome.

Here’s everything you need to know: the weather, what to wear, what’s open on Ferragosto, and the best things to do. And to avoid long queues under the sun, remember to .

Summer in Rome is hot and humid, and August is its peak. During the day, average temperatures range from 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100°F), cooling down to around 24-26°C in the evening. Rain is rare, the sun is relentless.

The trick is to plan your days like the Romans do: visit outdoor sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum and ancient ruins early in the morning, keep air-conditioned museums and churches for the afternoon, and take a proper break after lunch. Evenings are when the city comes alive, so save your energy for aperitivo hour onwards.

Pack light, but pack smart:

One more local tip: fresh drinking water is free and everywhere in Rome. The public fountains, known as ‘‘ for resembling big noses, are scattered across the city. Bring an empty bottle and refill as you go.

August in Rome is anything but empty. The Estate Romana program fills the city with open-air concerts, film screenings and festivals: under the stars, music and nightlife on the river banks at , opera and ballet at the Baths of Caracalla, jazz at Village Celimontana, and night tours of the . And on the night of August 10th, the feast of San Lorenzo, Romans head to Gianicolo hill, the Pincio terrace or the Appia Antica to watch the shooting stars.

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Ferragosto is the heart of the Italian summer: families gather for long lunches, picnics and days at the beach, and many businesses close for the day or the surrounding week.

The good news for visitors: most of Rome’s museums and archaeological sites remain open on August 15th, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the . The main exceptions are the Vatican Museums, which close for the holiday, along with many family-run restaurants and shops. Book your Ferragosto dinner table in advance, and double-check opening hours for anything on your list that day.

INSPIRATION

If the heat gets too much, do as the Romans do and head to the coast. Ostia is the closest, and pairs the seaside with a remarkable archaeological site: the . About an hour away by train you’ll find Santa Marinella and Santa Severa, with its castle right on the sea, while Anzio, Fregene, Sabaudia and Sperlonga offer some of the region’s best beaches and seafood. Check out our guides to the and the .

Our favorite escape of all? A .

If leaving the city is not an option, Rome has plenty of : from the athletic Piscina Belle Arti near Villa Borghese to the Olympic-sized Piscina delle Rose in EUR, up to luxury hotel pools where you can spend a full day between loungers and cocktails.

August is the perfect month to see Rome from its river. Go , or head to the Castelli Romani for a .

Early mornings and evenings are made for exploring. Ride a bike or a golf cart , zip through the city on a , discover Rome’s best murals on a , or join a , including a guided visit to the Pantheon.

For the classics, a guided tour of the or the with skip-the-line access will save you hours of queueing under the sun.

Traveling with kids? Turn sightseeing into a game with a , and check out our full guide to .

The August heat is the perfect excuse to make a real holiday of it. Relax in the shade of Villa Borghese or Villa Pamphilj, lose yourself in the Caffarella Park, or explore the Park of the Aqueducts at sunset.
Discover all the : the city rewards those who move slowly.

Eating out is one of Rome’s greatest pleasures, but August requires a little planning: some restaurants close for a week or two as owners take their holidays, especially around Ferragosto. Most places in the center stay open throughout the month.

Our advice: pick a few spots from our guide to the or our , and book a table in advance, so you’ll know whether they’re open during your stay. For something more casual, check out the .

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