I've never been to Rome and am trying to plan a trip either in late March to early April or late December to early January. I'm a teacher and and will be traveling either during winter or spring break (I have grad school classes during the summer months, so I cannot visit in May, June, or July).

I'm from Chicago so am pretty used to harsh winters--Rome's in comparison seem pretty tame, from what I have read. I'm most interested in seeing the art museums and various churches Rome has to offer, but I don't want to miss Rome's beautiful piazzas either.

Thoughts and feelings?

I would think late March/early April as long as it did not coincide with the week before or after Easter.

I recently got back from my first trip to Rome. I was there the week after Christmas. As it was my first trip, I can't compare it to March, but I can share my experience from late Dec/early Jan...

Weather was mild (I'm from Toronto so I'm used to the cold like you) There were a couple days with some rain, but nothing heavy duty. I was comfortable in a fall jacket and scarf, and only wore my gloves one day and on one or two evenings.

There were lots of other tourists, but things were by no means crowded. The most crowded site was the Vatican Museums, but it was certainly managable and not at all uncomfortable.

The holiday lights and decorations were beautiful. New Years Eve was noisy (I stayed in that night). On the evening of New Year's Day, there was a sort of fair set up in the piazza Navona that was fun.

I spent plenty of time outdoors- St Peter's Square, piazza Navona, long walks in the evenings and during the day. Of course weather can always change, you never know for sure what it will be.

But whenever you decide to go and whatever the weather, Rome will be wonderful.

Late March/early April (not Easter) - more daylight.

So many of the things you want to see in Rome are outdoors that I would definitely do March/April versus midwinter.

March/April

Stu Dudley

Hello jbarry5, Easter this year is April 12th. So if you are in Rome late March to early April you will be fine. I have been in Rome during Easter week and it was still enjoyable but know many prefer not to visit Rome at that time. And with the heat, humidity etc., in at least June and July and August consider yourself fortunate to be able to be in Rome much earlier. And have a wonderful trip!

I have no idea why people don't want to visit Roma at or around Easter or advise others not to. The churches are seen at their best.

You can get really lousy weather in Rome mid-winter, and there is less of a chance of that -- but no guarantees -- in spring.

I am a teacher too and was faced with the same dilemma as you. We chose to go to Rome the week after Easter. We arrived the Tuesday after Easter and stayed for 8 nights. We certainly were not alone, but I didn't think the crowds were that bad. Maybe because we were there the week after Easter? I loved it. We had sunny weather with temps in the mid to high 60s, which was perfect for walking everywhere.

I absolutely loved Rome in December. The crowds are very low along with the lines. I also found the prices to be alot cheaper.