Rome in May: The perfect month for a city trip

Is May a good time to visit Rome?

In May, Rome finally awoke from hibernation. There are summer temperatures and colorful hustle and bustle on the streets. The perfect time for a city break! We’ll show you why it’s particularly worthwhile.

The best events for Rome in May

Our TOP 5 will convince you that may is a beautiful time to visit Rome. Why a trip to Rome in May is a particularly good idea is characterized mainly by the following occasions:

  1. 01

    Beautiful blooming in the rose garden

    Park in Rome
    Rome in May Rose Garden
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    At the foot of the Aventine, with picturesque views of Circus Maximus and the Palatine Baths, lies the beautiful Rose Garden of Rome. Its origin dates back to 1931 when the American Mary Gayley Senni bought a piece of land on the Aventine and had a rose garden built according to her ideas.

    Although this was destroyed during the Second World War – but only a few meters away, on the site of a former Jewish cemetery, the present Roseto was built. Every year on April 21 – the birthday of Rome – it opens its doors for two months. In May, the flowers are at their best! An ideal place to linger – admission is free.

  2. 02

    Villa Borghese

    Park in Historic Centre in Rome
    Villa Borghese: Der schönste Park in Rom!
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    In any case, you should not miss a visit to the largest and most beautiful park in Rome in May: the Rome Villa Borghese. This former country residence of a cardinal was created in the 17th century on the Pincio hill, in the 18th century it received the current form of an English garden.

    Up here, there is a lot to discover on an area of about five square kilometers: stroll through the beautiful gardens, enjoy the view of the artificially created lake or take a spin on a rental bike! During the day, Villa Borghese is one of the most idyllic and popular corners of Rome – at night, however, you should avoid the secluded area.

  3. 03

    The great night of museums

    Festival in Rome
    Night view of old Sant
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    Many cultural institutions in Rome also participate in the Great European Night of Museums. Among them are the Imperial Forums or the Capitoline Museums, including their branch Centrale Montemartini. Here, antique statues and sculptures are exhibited in a machine hall from the turn of the century – an exciting contrast!

    The Night of the Museums takes place on Saturdays. Thus, locals and visitors can benefit from the fact that the exhibitions open their doors from 8 pm to 2 am. The highlight, apart from the unique atmosphere in the exhibition rooms, is above all the price: the entrance fee is only 1 euro.

  4. 04

    Visit the butterfly house in Rome

    Zoo & Aquarium in Rome
    Butterfly on a leaf
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    Not everyone knows that in May in Rome you can visit the beautiful Butterfly House. A tropical environment has been recreated in the Grande Sella and over thirty species of exotic butterflies live in the middle of the city. You can walk through this place as the butterflies flutter and court each other in a unique dance.

    A staff of experts provides all the information you need to discover the entire butterfly life cycle. If you are lucky, you can witness the hatching of the chrysalis and the birth of a new creature.

  5. 05

    Take a stroll through the Giardino delle Cascate

    Park in Rome
    Parco del Lago dell
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    Also named the Garden of Waterfalls, the Giardino delle Cascade is one of the highlights of the EUR district in Rome. Especially in May, the park welcomes many visitors who are looking for an escape of the busy streets of Rome.

    You can take a stroll through the park, enjoy the birds chirping, babbling of the waterfalls and picknick on the grass. Beautiful for some chill time outside the crowded areas of the capital of Italy.

Weather in Rome in May: the ideal time to travel?

Roman May is already pure summer for Central Europeans! The temperatures climb up to 73° F (23 °C) and there is sunshine galore. Life is back on the streets – and the Romans have numerous holidays. However, the Easter weekend is already over and prices and visitor flows have returned to a normal ratio.

  • Temperatures in March: 54 to 73° F (12 to 23° C)
  • Rainy days in March: up to 7
  • Sunshine hours per day: 8

The best tours in Rome in May

Our tip: Book your tickets or guided tours for highlights like the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums in advance and save a lot of time on site! The same of course applies to the great excursions and tours in the surroundings of Rome. We have compiled an overview of our favorites.

Most popular

Tivoli: Villa d'Este & Hadriansvilla

Ostia Antica

Castel Gandolfo

Pompeji

Villa-dEste-Ausflug-Rom

Ostia Antica

Castel Gandolfo

Pompeji-200713094804001.jpg

About the Ticket

About the Ticket

One of the classics for a day trip from Rome.

A trip to the excavations of the former trading center.

Discover the summer papal residence including gardens!

Day tour to the important excavations of the buried city Pompeji!

Duration

Duration

7 hours

4 hours

3,5 hours

1 Day

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Guide

Guide

Language

Language

English, Italian

English

English

English, Spanish, French, German, Interlingue, Portuguese

Rating

Rating

Ticket

Tips: How to make a visit to Rome in May a success

No matter in which month: As soon as the time of your trip is set, you should invest a little time in planning. Because there is so much to see in Rome. Without a plan, it will be hard to see all the highlights in 3 or 4 days. To help you out, we’ve put together detailed itineraries – including. Maps and many insider tips!

Things to do in Rome Our Rome Guide Best sights in Rome

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My Conclusion

May is already known for its great opportunities for city trips. This of course includes Rome, and the city is one of my favorite destinations for May. Beautiful weather, great excursions and an incredibly beautiful city – what more could you possibly want?

FAQ

What to wear in Rome in April?

Yay! It’s already really pleasantly warm in Rome in May. Thick winter sweaters and warm boots you can leave at home and throw the light sneakers and shirts in the suitcase. Be sure to take the sunscreen, because the sun is already a little stronger!

How warm is Rome in April?

Rome in April can be up to 73° F (23° C) warm. Leave the umbrellas at home and pack your sunprotection in your back.

What is the weather like in Rome in April?

The weather in Rome in April is beautiful, warm and invites you in for long walks through parks, museums and historic streets.

How busy is Rome in April?

Obviously, it can be quite packed at the main sights and streets. You just have to know the right spots to go and when. Check out our Rome Guide for all insider information for your trip!

Profilbild Steffen
About the author

I am an absolute travel enthusiast with a great love for the USA, Spain and Italy. And England. And France. You can find lots of travel inspiration from me regularly on our YouTube-channel .

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