Packing for Rome in February

Packing for Rome in February?

Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in February? 

Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home!

Packing for Rome in February - what to bring and how to dress

Packing for Rome in February is all about wrapping up warm.

February in Rome is when the city is at its coldest, especially at the start of the month.

It is also likely to rain (or maybe even snow!) at some point during your visit.

Regardless of whether you’re visiting Rome in early February, mid-February or at the end of February, it’s crucial to bring plenty of warm clothing along with a waterproof jacket and shoes so you stay dry when exploring the city.

On this page you'll find:

• Preparing for rain in Rome
• Does it snow in Rome in February?
• My suggestions for packing for Rome in February
• What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late February
• More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
• How to dress in Rome in February

Dressing for the rain in Rome

Rain in Rome in February is pretty likely, as this is the time of year we tend to get the most rainfall.

If you come prepared for rain, even if it is raining during your visit, it shouldn't stop you from having a great time.

I always recommend bringing a rain-hat, which is small and easy to carry.

I would also suggest packing a quality travel umbrella along with a waterproof jacket or coat. 

Will it snow in Rome in February?

It's unusual for it to snow in Rome, but the two times it has snowed in the twenty years I've lived here have been in February.

On both occasions we had heavy snow for a day or two but that was it, with the snow lasting for only a couple of days afterwards.

As long as you pack the warm layers and comfortable waterproof shoes you should have with you anyway, you'll be fully prepared in the unlikely event that it does snow while you're here.

Packing for Rome in February - Essentials

After nearly 20 years of living here and experiencing the weather in Rome in February, I have lots of experience with dressing comfortably for walking around the city a lot throughout the month, just like you’ll be doing when you visit!

These are my personal recommendations for packing for Rome in February:

When packing for Rome in February, don't forget to also include the following items in your packing list:

• Warm, comfortable socks
  
• Lip balm or chapstick

For more packing inspiration, watch my guide about what to pack for winter in Rome:

What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late February

You can expect pretty cool weather in Rome in February, especially at the start of the month.

We very occasionally get a bit of sleet or snow, but generally it isn't cold enough for that.

The temperature doesn't vary too much during February in Rome, averaging around 46-50 Fahrenheit/8-10 Celsuis during the day and dropping to around 36-40 Fahrenheit/2-4 Celsuis during the night. 

Whether you're packing for Rome in February for a trip at the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll definitely want to bring some good basics for layering such as cotton t-shirts or long-sleeved tops, jeans/cotton pants, a cardigan or pullover, and a rain-jacket with removable lining.

To be more specific:

Packing for Rome in early february

In early February, the weather in Rome will likely be on the cold side, so be sure to pack warm layers and ensure you bring a good waterproof coat or jacket with you.

It's definitely not shorts/t-shirt weather so stick with jeans or cotton pants and long-sleeved tops.

It's also more likely to rain during a visit in early February so I'd recommend keeping an umbrella and/or good rain hat with you at all times.

Packing for Rome in Mid-february

If you're planning to visit Rome in mid-February, the weather will still be cool and there's a good chance there will be some rain during your trip.

Spring is starting to show signs of life however so there could also be some days where it feels much warmer.

Bring some lighter layers with you, as well as a jacket with removable layers, so you can remove the heavier layer during the day when it feels warmer. 

You could bring some short-sleeved tops, but you'll likely still want to wear a pullover or cardigan for sightseeing in Rome during the day.

At night, you will definitely need to wear a sweater/jumper as well as a jacket, even when the sun has been shining during the day, it does not stay warm into the evening.

And don't forget that scarf!

Packing for Rome in late february

By the end of February, it really feels like spring is around the corner (but not quite).

The days are getting longer and there's a higher chance the weather will be sunny and mild during the daytime.

If you're packing for a trip to Rome in late February, it still isn't shorts weather, but you may feel comfortable in a short-sleeved top (during the day) and long pants - just remember to pack a jacket or coat to put on when the sun starts to set.

As always, I strongly suggest a warm scarf for the evenings when temps drop into the low digits.

General Rome packing tips for any time of year

So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in February?

These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:

I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.

See my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!

What to wear in Rome in February

So how should you dress when you visit Rome in February?

When packing for Rome in February, follow these rules:

Rule 1: Be Comfortable!

My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, all year round: be comfortable.

This is most important for your shoes.

It is crucial to wear good walking shoes, and good quality socks.

I would recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!

Rule 2: Dress in Layers

The next rule, which is especially relevant for February is: dress in layers.

Since the weather in Rome in February can change a lot from day to day, as well as from day to night, it's a good idea to wear easy-to-remove layers such as cardigans/pullovers/jumpers and waterproof jackets.

I would also recommend wearing a backpack as you walk around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your umbrella in case of rain.

Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in February:

• Wear good walking shoes
• Dress in jeans or heavy cotton pants
• Wear a light cotton shirt with a sweater/cardigan 
• Wear a waterproof coat/jacket 
• Bring a warm hat and gloves
• Last but not least, don't forget the Italian MUST WEAR - a scarf. Always a scarf.

Unless you are planning on attending a special event or going to a fancy restaurant, there is no need to bring dressy clothes to Rome.

It is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.

Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in February here or watch my video:

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Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:

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