Are you planning your trip to Rome in June and are unsure where to start? We got you covered!
June is the last month of spring and marks the beginning of summer, making it one of the busiest months. Being a transition month, June offers moments typical of spring in Rome as well as the aspects that introduce you to the summer.
While you will still enjoy the bright colors of the blossoming flowers, the heat starts to become more summer-like, and sunscreen and hats might be more necessary than in the previous months. June is still one of my favorite months in Rome, and just like April and May, many travelers know that so you will be in very good company.
In this guide to visiting Rome in June, I am going to provide you with all the information and tips you need to plan a perfect trip and enjoy Rome’s monuments as crowd-free as possible, or at least without having to queue for too long.
Popular draws like Piazza Navona, Fontana di Trevi, and the Spanish Steps, for as immortal as they are, won’t make it to my Rome to-do list for June because I simply don’t think you will enjoy them the way they deserve. I, myself, avoid these areas this time of the year because I can’t find the peace I want. However, I live in Rome, so if you argue that I can visit them whenever I want, you will be right.
These are my suggestions but if you are brave enough and feel like you can take it, go for it and enjoy also the most famous spots. Instead, I would be recommending more offbeat landmarks and lesser-visited churches that you can certainly enjoy more in the busiest season.
Follow our June travel tips for Rome to make the most of your visit, including recommendations for local seasonal dishes and special events.
Weather in Rome in June
Is Rome very hot in June? Is Rome rainy in June? Probably because it’s a transition month, there are many questions I’m often asked about June’s weather in Rome.
The temperatures in Rome in June can even reach 28°C/83°F at the highest and 17°C/63°F the lowest. Since the beginning of June is still spring, expect some showers here and there from time to time.
The days are usually warm and sunny, and some breeze will mainly be in the evening especially in the first weeks, while towards the end of the month, it will be more summer-like weather. In fact, the main clothes you should be wearing will be light summer clothes.
Is June a good time to go to Rome?
Along with April and May, June is one of the best months to visit Rome. Even though the weather can reach quite high temperatures and walking long hours in the streets of Rome will be harder than in March or April, June is still pleasant, especially in the morning.
This, however, is not a secret, and in June in Rome, you can experience big crowds, especially around tourist sights.
Make the most of your June trip to Rome by not limiting your visit only to the most famous landmarks but also exploring the city’s best-kept secrets in a mix of modern and new, well-known and hidden gems. This is one of the best ways to beat the crowds in Rome.
Reasons to visit Rome in June
One of the best June holiday destinations in Europe, there are plenty of reasons to visit Rome at the end of spring.
- The weather. Warm enough but still pleasant before the summer heat, June gives the perfect weather to hang around in Rome.
- The parks. This is the time for a stroll in the park in Rome, and since you are there, how about enjoying a picnic?
- The light. Whether you are into photography or you simply want to take in the gorgeous city views, June in Rome
- The views. The weather makes it a perfect month to enjoy a drink or a meal from one of the many terraces in Rome, be it a restaurant or a rooftop bar.
- The music. June kicks off the concert season in Rome. Whether you like rock, pop, or opera, summer in Rome is packed with live music.
Is Rome crowded in June?
Being one of the best months to visit the city, you are likely to find Rome in June pretty crowded. Some of the places where you will find the biggest crowds include the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.
There will be many people also in and around Piazza Navona but being so big, you will probably feel less overwhelmed. Here, you will likely find the majority of tourists concentrated around Bernini’s masterpiece of the Four Rivers Fountain in the center of the square.
Important dates and events in Rome in June 2024
- June 2nd – Republic Day. This is a holiday across Italy as we celebrate the Day of the Republic. Schools, banks, and offices are closed but museums, shops, and restaurants in the city center are usually open and follow festive schedules.
- June 2nd – Corpus Domini. This is a religious occurrence and it’s usually when children receive the Holy Communion Catholic sacrament. It’s always on a Sunday but dates can change.
- June 21st – The summer solstice. This is when summer officially kicks off. From now on, rain is rare and temperatures start soaring. It’s not a holiday.
- June 29th – Saints Peter and Paul. June 29th in Rome is a holiday because Peter and Paul are the saint patrons of the city. It’s not a national holiday and in other cities and regions, everything will be open.
What to do in June in Rome
Visit the archaeological park of the Colosseum
This includes also the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Even though it will be very busy, if it’s your first time in Rome and you’ve never been, you can hardly skip it. I suggest visiting the Colosseum early morning to avoid the hottest hours. If you are planning to buy the ticket at the entrance, try to get there even before the opening time, while if you are buying your fast-track entrance online, pick an early morning time slot.
Once you are done with the Colosseum, head over to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It’s the same entrance and your Colosseum ticket is valid. These two next sights will be less crowded but I also suggest visiting them in the first part of the morning because they are all open-air and when it’s hot it becomes hard to walk around.
Take a night stroll in the Imperial Fora
Like every year, also this summer you can book your night stroll in the Caesar’s Forum to learn more about the original building and its founder, Julius Caesar. Through videos and multimedia installations, you will be immersed in the role of the Forum in the life of the Romans, including the figure of Julius Caesar.
To accomplish this majestic work, able to measure up to the standards of Ancient Rome, Caesar had to expropriate and demolish an entire neighborhood. He wanted the new headquarters of the Roman Senate, the Curia, to be built right next to his forum. This building still exists and, through a virtual reconstruction, you can see it as it appeared at that time.
You can book the tickets via the official site Viaggio nei Fori.
Re-live Roman grandeur in Roma World
This is a fantastic experience we have recently had. Roma World is not in the immediate city center, it’s south of Rome next to Cinecittà World and part of the same organization. From March through September, this year they are organizing a fantastic show “Roma on Fire” evoking the grandeur of the Roman Empire at full scale.
We have actually spent a night in Roma World and slept in a tent of a Roman camp, probably not as basic as they were 2000 years ago but definitely close enough to make you re-live the ancient times!
All around the village, you will be strolling around the set of several movies such as the 2016 remake of Ben Hur. And it’s precisely in the Ben Hur arena that you will enjoy the night live performance of Roma on Fire. Some 30 artists will perform a typical Roman show including a gladiators’ fight, a race of the biga chariots, a vestals’ dance, and the final fire on Rome.
I went with my 4-year-old and he was in awe. He loved the whole experience, he forgot he was even hungry or that he needed to go to the toilet. He played, fed the animals kept there, ran from one area to another, and all this while wearing the senator’s tunic we had rented for the day.
If you are planning to go, you can book your ticket directly from the official website of Roma World where you will see the different packages and you will also be able to book the shuttle bus in case you are not driving in Rome.
We booked the Gladiator’s Night package that includes the entrance to the park, staying overnight, the Roma on Fire show, and dinner. If you want to rent a costume for yourself or your son/daughter, there is an extra fee and you can do it upon booking. For kids, there is the option to book either the tunic or the gladiator armor.
On the kids’ menu for 10€ you will book the tunic, while if you want to rent the armor, you will find it either on the “Historical Costume Hire” or in the “Military Uniform Hire” for 30 or 50€. I found this a bit confusing as it does say that also for the kids, we could choose the costume there, but that wasn’t the case and we could only hire the tunic.
- Where: Via di Castel Romano 200. You can book a shuttle bus that will take you from and to Termini station or EUR Palasport metro station of line B.
- When: Friday to Sunday until the beginning of November, sleepover only until the end of September. From the 9th to the 25th of August, it’s open every day.
- How to book: from the official website.
Watch our experience at Roma World!
Take a stroll in the park
With the nice weather, Rome’s parks get even more populated than usual. Founded and notable villas, all of the urban gardens in Rome are packed with history and places to visit. From the beautiful Borghese Gallery of Villa Borghese to the lake and fountains of Villa Pamphilj to the wonderful alleys of the Botanical Garden, there are plenty of reasons to stay in the green.
If relaxing is what you want to do, pack up your picnic basket and spend a day out in nature in the heart of the city or in one of the parks just outside Rome such as Parco di Veio or the park of Lake Bracciano.
Walk around the historic center
As the nice season starts, walking around the historical alleys of Rome’s Centro Storico, spotting notable palaces and ancient buildings, being amazed at the art of the Baroque and Renaissance churches, chasing fountains, and finding the hidden gems around every corner will feel like visiting a huge open-air museum.
Visit the Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla is one of the most important and well-preserved ancient ruins in Rome, and even so, the line at the entrance is nowhere near what you will find at the Colosseum.
Take this as a great opportunity to visit an ancient site, to see how Roman baths were organized, and also to visit the largest Mithra temples discovered so far in Rome.
Go to a museum
Just like when you try to escape the rain, you are going to want to escape the heat. Especially in the second half of June, around midday and early afternoon, the temperatures will start soaring. What’s better to do than enjoy artistic masterpieces and historical objects in one of the many museums in Rome?
From the large Capitoline Museums and Museo Nazionale Romano to Palazzo Barberini noble palace, you will be spoiled for choice.
Eat gelato
Given the heat of June and the fantastic offer of artisan gelato in Rome, this will definitely be one of your favorite activities. Between the fruits, the different chocolate options, nuts, and all types of original combinations, you will have enough gelato flavors to go on for the whole stay.
You can opt for a cone or a cup, for small, medium, or large size. Often, a large gelato makes for my lunch on a hot summer day!
Visit Villa Torlonia
Villa Torlonia is a relatively small park, especially if you compare it to Villa Ada and Villa Borghese. It’s a lovely garden with many places to visit, such as Casino Nobile, the Roman home of Mussolini, the Moorish-style greenhouse known as Serra Moresca, and the quirky residence of the Torlonia prince called Casina delle Civette, the Owls’ Cottage, because of its beautiful Liberty-style décor.
On weekends, this park gets quite crowded with locals who go there for a picnic, for lunch at the local Limonaia bistro, to walk, run, do yoga, sightseeing, or visit the notable palaces that apart from their permanent collection always host temporary exhibitions.
Go to a concert
Summer in Rome is all about outdoor events and concerts, and this year is no exception. June music events in Rome will include concerts by famous Italian singers and also international artists.
The Baths of Caracalla have already lined some pretty big Italian names such as Zucchero, one of my very favorites, on June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, and the duet Antonello Venditti with Francesco De Gregori on June 5th, 7th, 8th, and 15th, and Andrea Bocelli on June 21st.
At the Auditorium Parco della Musica they are organizing the music events for the whole summer. The opening of Rome June concerts will take place with the exceptional Italian songwriter, singer, and musician Paolo Conte on the 6th. Other June concerts in this great Rome venue will see performers like Carmen Consoli and Mariza on the 7th, Samuele Bersani on the 11th, Pet Shop Boys on the 13th, and Beth Hart on the 30th.
Go to the beach
That’s right, there are many beaches near Rome and June is a great month to enjoy the local coast. Beaches like Ostia Lido, Santa Severa, and Torvaianica are very popular in summer, but in June you are likely to find them still accessible and not too crowded, especially if you go during the week.
What to eat in Rome in June
- Zucchini/courgette. Whether you are ordering pizza by the slice, soup, or a side dish, remember that zucchini are in season in summer and you can find them in plenty of recipes.
- Eggplants. Same with eggplants, just like zucchini, they are in season and make for perfect pizza toppings, grilled side dishes, or mains such as “melanzane alla parmigiana“.
- Summer fruits. Whether you are choosing gelato flavors or want to order a smoothie, in June in Rome you can opt for juicy fruits like peach, apricot, melon, and watermelon.
- Fish and seafood. If you want to order some protein, fish and seafood will probably be easier than the typical meaty Roman dishes on the stomach. Always opt for fresh food and if possible the catch of the day that often good restaurants offer.
What to pack for Rome in June
As a seasoned travel writer, trust me, I understand the importance of packing lightly and smartly for a trip to Rome in June. To ensure a seamless and comfortable experience, here’s my carefully curated list of essential items to include in your suitcase.
- Sun protection essentials. Shield yourself from the scorching sun with a wide-brimmed hat, fashionable sunglasses (you can buy them in Italy if you want to pamper yourself!), and sunscreen. Rome’s June weather can be sunny and pretty hot, so it’s crucial to protect your skin.
- Summer jacket or cardigan. Although June in Rome tends to be warm, evenings can bring a pleasant yet cooler breeze. Carry a lightweight jacket or cardigan to be prepared for impromptu alk-fresco dining, evening strolls, or in the case of restaurants with strong A/C.
- Swimwear. If you are lucky enough to book a Rome hotel with a pool or if you plan to visit nearby beaches like Ostia or Fregene, don’t forget to pack your favorite swimsuit.
- Reusable water bottle. This is something I always suggest carrying, but it’s especially important if you are packing for Rome in June or summer in general. Staying hydrated is crucial while exploring the city and include in your luggage a handy collapsible water bottle that you can refill any time and for free.
- Camera. Capture your memories of Rome by packing a camera, whether you are more comfortable with a DSLR or your smartphone’s camera.
- Phrasebook or dictionary. Brush up on some basic Italian phrases or download a language app to assist with communication during your stay. If you are more old-fashioned like me, you can pack a pocket-sized phrasebook to facilitate communication during your stay.
- Sling bag or small backpack. Carry a sling bag or small backpack to hold your essentials while exploring Rome. It should be lightweight, easy to carry around all day and small enough to be accepted inside landmarks such as the Colosseum.
- Snacks. Italy is not so big on travel-friendly snacks yet, so if you are used to it and find it handy, pack some snacks like energy bars or trail mix for moments when you need a quick bite on the go and don’t find anything quick around. Don’t pack too many though because in Rome there are plenty of street food places and coffee shops for quick snacks and you can find energy bars in all food stores like Conad, Carrefour, and NaturaSì.
What to wear in June in Rome
- Light and breathable fabrics. Opt for clothes made with lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. These materials help keep you cooler and more comfortable as you explore the city.
- Dresses and skirts for women. Embrace the summery vibes of Rome in June by packing flowy dresses and skirts. They not only offer a chic and feminine look but also allow for easy movement and comfort. This year I like midi skirts or dresses better if cotton frill, so nice and loose.
- Shorts and capris. These are also good, fashionable options if you want to stay cool and comfortable. Better if from the same breathable and natural materials and in neutral pastel colors so that you can easily mix and match with the tops and shirts that you have, without the need to pack too much stuff. Just make sure that you don’t wear them when you are planning to visit the Vatican or any church.
- Rompers and jumpsuits. Make a fashion statement with trendy rompers and jumpsuits. These one-piece ensembles are not only effortlessly stylish but also practical for navigating the city’s cobblestone streets with ease. Jumpsuits have been the trend for a couple of years in Rome but I admit I was never attracted. This drastically changed this year as I bought my first jumpsuit and I love it!
- Comfortable footwear. Rome is a city best explored on foot, so make sure you pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals to navigate the typical “sanpietrini” cobblestone streets and visit landmarks like the Roman Forum and Trastevere neighborhood.
- Tops and shirts: Opt for lightweight tops and shirts in breathable fabrics. Loose-fitting blouses, tank tops, and classic tees in cotton or linen will help you stay comfortable throughout the day and better face the Roman heat.
