Rome · May
Low seasonItaly · Europe
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 13° (55°)8– (46–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)32 (90) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)34 (93) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)35 (95) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)31 (88) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)26 (79) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)18 (64) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)12 (54) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)18 (64) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)23 (73) | 20° (68°)16– (61–)24 (75) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 14° (57°)7– (45–)19 (66) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)16 (61) | 6° (43°)0– (32–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 11h UV 9 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 14° (57°) | 13° (55°) | 14° (57°) | 16° (61°) | 19° (66°) | 23° (73°) | 25° (77°) | 26° (79°) | 24° (75°) | 21° (70°) | 18° (64°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 6d58mm (2.3") | 6d65mm (2.6") | 6d67mm (2.6") | 4d39mm (1.5") | 4d36mm (1.4") | 2d20mm (0.8") | 1d9mm (0.4") | 2d19mm (0.8") | 4d63mm (2.5") | 5d73mm (2.9") | 8d110mm (4.3") | 6d74mm (2.9") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May is an acceptable travel month for Rome — conditions are fine, though June, July, August, and September offer even better weather.
Daytime highs average 23°C (73°F), cooling to 13°C (55°F) at night (daily average: 18°C (64°F)). Peaks reach around 28°C (82°F), the coldest nights around 8°C (46°F). With 10 sunshine hours per day, May is one of the sunniest months — 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain over 4 days. The sea is 19°C (66°F) — refreshing and manageable for confident swimmers.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
The classic season: the orange trees on the Aventine are in bloom, temperatures run 16 to 23°C (61 to 73°F), and you can walk all day. Trastevere and the Spanish Steps are correspondingly crowded — and hotel prices climb.
Packing list for Rome in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Rome?
- May is not an optimal month for Rome (Score: 72/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Rome in May?
- In May, Rome sees daily highs of 23°C (73°F). Nights cool to 13°C (55°F), with a daily average of 18°C (64°F). Peaks reach around 28°C (82°F), the coldest nights around 8°C (46°F).
- How much rain falls in Rome in May?
- In May, Rome receives an average of 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain over 4 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Rome get in May?
- Rome averages 10 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Rome in May?
- Water temperature in Rome in May averages 19°C (66°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.
