I really need some advice as my boyfriend and I are thinking about sending his parents to Rome for a short break sometime late Dec or early Jan. We have been in late October and loved it as it was not too busy and the weather was sunny and mild. Should we send his parents at winter? Please help! Thanx...

If they don't mind temps in the 40-50 degree range.

Sure, why not? There will be less crowds, and it will be cheaper. Just tell them to bring warm clothes. What a nice to do!

(note - I am a big fan of off-season travel!)

Karen

We went to Rome from Dec. 18th to Dec. 28th. and had a blast. The temps. tend to run from 45-55 deg f. Would they be there over Christmas?

Hi Lea_Leas,

I was in Rome 12/25/03 till 01/03/04 and had a blast.

Weather was 40-60 degrees, days are shorter. But there are many, many things to do and the crowds are so small. The Borghese Gallery was nearly empty on Dec. 26.

I'm looking at airfares to return at the same time.

==Mike

I'm happy to hear these positive reports, because I will be in Rome from January 4-9 (and Venice and Florence earlier).

Glad to see positive comments. We'll be in Paris and Italy from Dec. 17th to Jan.1 and the temps sound like what we have here in Dallas or maybe even a bit warmer!

Sandi if you have never been over Christmas be sure to go to the Papal Blessing on Christmas. Get there at 10:00am and try to get a seat. The blessing starts at 12:00. It is very cool. We got there at 10 and walked around for an hour and then grabbed a seat. enjoy.

Actually, we'll be in Venic on Christmas and Rome just before and up to New Years.

Hi
We were in Rome last January for a few days and it was really good. Temps in the 40-50's. We had a little snow flurry but no big deal except were from Atlanta and had to buy a couple of hats. Lines were much less. Stayed at the Santa Chiara, near the Pantheon and really enjoyed it. We try to avoid crowded tourist areas and this was very good.
alan

Thanx for all your help with this, we just didnt want to send them to Rome at that time of the year if it was gonna rain all the time or something. They won't mind if it's cold. It looks like they'll be flying on Dec 27th, so they wont be there for Christmas as they are travelling from Ireland to stay with us in Wales for Christmas day & Boxing day. It's a surprise for them so we wanted it just right for them. Thanx again...

if they don't mind cold temperatures and a little wind.

It's great my dad got a terrible flu but that didn't stop him!, he was just so happy in being there and enjoying Rome...

Memories..

I've been to Rome many times in December and January. It is well worth it. As previous folks have said, the crowds are thinner and the days shorter...sundown around 1630 to 1700hr. I've experienced dramatic weather swings while there...from freezing temps to upper 60s. Dressing in layers is the way to go (ie shirt, sweater and medium weight jacket or coat) plus long underwear, hat, scarf and gloves. They not need these items everyday while there, but they don't take up much room in the luggage.

Oops! Didn't mean to use caveman language >"They not need these items..." should read "They MAY not need these items..."