When to Visit Vatican City
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings the coolest temperatures of the year, though "cool" is relative—you're looking at highs around 12°C and lows around 3°C. It's one of the wetter months with decent rainfall, and the tourist crowds thin out considerably after the holiday season. The kind of weather where you'll want a proper jacket and an umbrella handy, but nothing too extreme.
February
February stays pretty similar to January—still on the cool side with temperatures barely budging upward. Actually tends to be the wettest of the winter months, so rain gear is definitely worth packing. Crowd levels remain low, which means shorter lines at the Vatican Museums if you don't mind the occasional drizzle.
March
Spring starts making its presence felt in March, with temperatures climbing into the more comfortable mid-teens. Rainfall drops a bit compared to winter, though you'll still get some wet days. Tourist numbers begin picking up, especially toward the end of the month as Easter approaches, which is obviously a significant time for Vatican City.
April
April brings genuinely pleasant spring weather with highs around 17°C, though it's one of the wetter months with over 3 inches of rain. The temperature is comfortable for sightseeing, but you'll want to keep that umbrella close. Crowds increase significantly, particularly around Easter when Vatican City becomes exceptionally busy with pilgrims and tourists alike.
May
May is honestly one of the best months to visit—temperatures hit a comfortable 23°C, rainfall drops considerably, and everything feels fresh and spring-like. The weather is warm enough for light clothing but not yet oppressively hot. Tourist crowds are substantial but manageable, and the longer daylight hours give you more time to explore.
June
Summer arrives properly in June with temperatures reaching 27°C and rainfall dropping to quite low levels. The heat is noticeable but not yet at its peak, and the dry weather means you can largely leave the umbrella at your accommodation. Crowds remain heavy as summer vacation season kicks in across Europe and North America.
July
July brings the hottest weather of the year with temperatures climbing to 30°C, and it's also the driest month—you'll barely see any rain at all. The heat combined with 70% humidity can feel quite intense, especially in the afternoon when you're standing in exposed areas like St. Peter's Square. Interestingly, some locals escape the city during this month, though tourist crowds remain substantial.
August
August matches July for heat, peaking around 31°C, and remains quite dry though slightly wetter than July. This is traditionally when many Romans take their holidays, so the surrounding city can feel a bit quieter in terms of local life, but Vatican City itself stays busy with international visitors. The heat can be draining for extensive walking and queuing.
September
September offers a welcome respite from the peak summer heat, with temperatures dropping back to a more comfortable 26°C. Rainfall picks up noticeably compared to summer, though it's still manageable. This is actually a lovely time to visit—the weather is pleasant, the summer crowds begin to thin slightly, and the light has that beautiful early autumn quality.
October
October sees temperatures continuing their downward trend to around 21°C, which is still quite pleasant for sightseeing. That said, it's the wettest month of the year with over 4 inches of rain, so you'll definitely want proper rain gear. Crowds diminish as the month progresses, and the autumn colors around the Vatican Gardens can be quite beautiful.
November
November continues the wet autumn pattern—actually the second wettest month of the year—with temperatures dropping into the mid-teens. The weather can feel a bit dreary with shorter days and frequent rain, but tourist crowds are noticeably lighter. You'll want layers and waterproof gear, but accommodation prices tend to be more reasonable.
December
December brings cooler temperatures back down to around 12°C and continues the wet pattern, though slightly less intense than November. The Christmas season makes Vatican City particularly special, with various celebrations and the Pope's Christmas messages drawing visitors. Crowds pick up around the holidays despite the weather, and the festive atmosphere is quite something if you don't mind the cool, damp conditions.