Rome in late August - too hot and crowded?
 

Hi there-

Since everyone is so well-travelled on this board, I was wondering if any of you have travelled to Rome in late August. I'm planning a trip for the last week of August, but I have also read that many of the shops and restaurants are closed. Further, the weather gets unbearably hot. Is this true? I have googled avg temp for August in Rome and its about 84 deg which I figure isnt too bad.

Any advice on this subject would be appreciated.

thanks!

We were in Rome two years ago in late August during the brutal heatwave. Many restaurants/shops were closed, but there were enough open that it never caused a huge problem for us. We tried to time our sightseeing with early morning/late afternoon hours to avoid the brunt of the heat. Just make sure you reserve a hotel with AC, and eat lots of gelato!

As far as crowds, yes, there were some around the main tourist attractions, but other than that, the city did not seem swamped with tourists.

Have a great time!

Weadles - thanks for your advice!

Having just come from Rome last week, where it was between 84 and 89 I would say that even that was TOO HOT. I mean - it felt really hot there.

Also, with all the tourists, parts of Rome seem like Italians are a scarce commodity. I wouldn't want to be there when there were even fewer of them! That said, Rome is not to be missed. If August is absolutely the only time you can go, then go. Maybe if you stay in a less touristy location it will be better?

One thing that worked well for us - freeze your water bottle at night and then fill it up as the day progresses at the fountains that are all over Rome.

I would avoid Rome two months of the year, those being July and August. I would go in June and September if I had to, but would rather May and October (the best months of all)