Rome In May - How To Plan For Your Best Trip

Coming to Rome in May?

I love this time of year, despite it being super crowded in Rome.

Flowers are blooming all over the city and the weather is perfect for walking around - warm during the day and cool at night. 

Rome in May - At a Glance

Here's what you need to know:

• Where you should stay in Rome in May
• What's the weather like?
• What to pack? What to wear in May in Rome?
• Is May a good time to visit Rome? 
• What's happening in May in Rome?
  
• What food is in season in May in Rome?
• What are some things to do in May in Rome?

Check out my video about visiting Rome in May!

Where to stay in Rome in May

In May, I recommend staying slightly outside the historic center in areas such as Parioli and Villa Borghese.

May is one of the busiest months in Rome, so central neighborhoods like Monti and Trastevere can be crowded and expensive.

Parioli and Villa Borghese are perfect for those who want to enjoy the main attractions in Rome without the crowds, especially during the busy spring period.

Parioli is a residential area that provides easy access to local restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a convenient base for your stay.

It’s quieter than the more central districts, offering a more relaxed atmosphere without missing out on the excitement of the city.

One of the main advantages of staying in Parioli is its proximity to Villa Borghese, one of Rome's largest and most beautiful gardens.

Perfect for enjoying the spring flora, the park is ideal for a leisurely walk or a relaxing afternoon surrounded by greenery.

You’ll also find the Borghese Gallery within the park, which is home to a huge collection of incredible art and sculpture.

Weather in Rome Italy in May

I always think of May in Rome as a warm month.

But the reality is that I also never change my down comforter for a lighter blanket until the end of May.

And I never put away my winter clothes until then either.

One year, I never went out without at least a cardigan, and I never wore short sleeves the entire month of May. Although, another year, it was beastly hot from about the third week of May.

May in Rome can be cooler than you think, especially at the beginning of the month.

In the beginning of May, it can still rain a bit, and temperatures are in the low 20's C/low 70's F during the day, and chilly in the evening.

By the end of May, the nice weather is definitely settling in and you can count on fairly consistent long, warm sunny days and perfectly comfortable evenings.

During the day it's in the mid to high 20's C/high 70's, low 80's F, and in the evenings, it's in the high teens C/high 60's F.

What to Pack for Rome in May

As I mentioned above, May can have varying temperatures and sometimes be colder or much warmer than you might expect.

So you'll need a mix of lighter and heavier layers when packing for your trip.

Cotton t-shirts, long skirts or pants, light cardigans or jumpers are ideal, so you can layer up when it feels cooler.

For more packing tips, and a downloadable packing list, visit my page about What to Pack for Rome.

Visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations.

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

• Packing for Rome in March
  
• Packing for Rome in April
  
• Packing for Rome in May
• Packing for Rome in June

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What to Wear in Rome in May

For sight-seeing in May in Rome, here is the ideal way to dress:

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals that you've already broken in
• Super comfortable socks. They make a difference
• Light cotton long pants or capri pants, or a long skirt
• T-shirt or polo or other light cotton top
• Cardigan, pullover, and/or light jacket in your bag
• Cotton scarf for men and women in your bag
• Don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen (you can buy sunscreen here if you need to)

During the day it will usually be warm enough to wear light clothing, but it's a good idea to be prepared for cooler temps, in particular in the shade, on an underground visit, or as the sun goes down.

Carry a small backpack or bag so you can keep a cardigan and scarf in there for when you need it.

As I've said on other pages, Romans don't tend to wear shorts in the city, certainly not short shorts.

But if you want to, of course that is up to you.

They are used to tourists doing it.

But if you plan to visit any churches or other Christian site, you will not be allowed in with bare knees.

Rome in May - What to Expect

Now you know what weather to expect.

As for crowds?

You will find the streets, plazas, restaurants and sites packed.

Is it crowded in Rome in May?

I'm not sure why but a lot of people seem surprised to find that May is a busy season in Rome.

But for those who can pick what time of year to visit (not tied to a school calendar, for example), they often choose to visit Rome in spring or fall, precisely because of the mild weather. 

Booking.com

The weather is not too hot and it's just perfect for sight-seeing and enjoying eating and drinking outside.

Sometimes there are events at night that go throughout summer, and they can begin in May.

For example, the Colosseum usually offers night visits in summer, although the start date varies each year, so you need to check the official Colosseum website to see if and when they are running.

You can even get in some beach time if you like.

So come and enjoy Rome in the sun and warmth, and just plan your visit to avoid crowds when you can.

What's Happening in Rome in May

Here are some dates to watch for:

• May 1/May Day - There is only one major holiday in May and that's May 1, or May Day. Many things are closed this day, but plenty is still open.
• Early May - Azaleas on the Spanish Steps
• Entire month of May - the Roseto Rose Garden is open
• BNL Tennis championships
• Komen Race for the Cure

For more details and activities, and for specific dates for some of the above, visit my page all about Rome events in May and a full list of the best concerts this month.

Foods in Season in Rome in May

Artichokes are still in season but they are pretty much ending.

By the time May rolls around, I find myself not eating them any more, as they are starting to get tougher and have more of the choke/fuzzy bits. 

Fava beans and peas are in season.

A traditional thing to do in Rome on May 1 is eat fava beans with Pecorino Romano cheese.

And so in May you may find pasta with mussels, fava, and pecorino, one of my favorite spring pasta dishes.

Spring fruits and vegetables are also coming into season.

Strawberries are easy to find and they are deep red and really sweet.

By now we are seeing all kinds of juicy tomatoes in the food markets, so it's a great time to start enjoying caprese salad: fresh mozzarella and tomato.

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Rome in May - things to do

Because of the mild weather we have in Rome in May, one of the best things you can do is enjoy the city and tourist attractions on foot.

Free Things to do in Rome in May

On the Free Sunday you can visit Rome's museums for free.

State-run sites like the Colosseum and Castel Sant'Angelo, and civic museums such as the Capitoline Museums, are all free on the first Sunday of the month.

The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month, for limited hours.

Visit my page about May events in Rome for more details.

More ideas for things to do in May

Maybe it's your 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) time in Rome.

Or you have more than 3 days here.

Or you just want to see and do lots of fun things.

Besides the obvious must-see tourist attractions, there are lots of great things to see and do in Rome in May.

Here are some ideas for your visit:

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

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Rome in Spring
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Museums to visit in Rome in May

I've listed some of what I think are the most fascinating events in Rome in May, and most central.

For a complete list of events in Rome in May, visit the website of the Rome Tourist Board.

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