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Packing for Rome in April? Let's Make It Easy!
Packing for Rome in April?
After living through more than 20 Rome spring seasons, I can tell you just what to pack, how to prepare for rain, and how not to overpack.
Find out what kind of weather to expect, how I dress in Rome in April, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in April - what to bring and how to dress
The most important tip for packing for Rome in April is to come prepared for everything from warm sunny days to chilly, rainy nights.
While April is the first full month of spring, it can feel cooler than you might expect, especially at the start of the month.
We also often experience quite a bit of rain in April in Rome, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket to stay prepared in case it starts raining unexpectedly while you're out sightseeing or enjoying the Easter festivities.
Whether you're visiting Rome in early April, mid-April or at the end of April, you'll want to pack some lighter layers as well as a warm cardigan or pullover, so that you'll be comfortable whatever the weather is.
On this page, you'll find:
- What weather to expect in Rome in April
- Dressing for the rain in Rome
- How I dress in Rome in April - my best advice
- Things to pack in any season
Weather in Rome in April
The weather in Rome in April is cool at the start of the month, but warms up as the month progresses.
The temperature in Rome at the beginning of April averages 54-58°F (12-14°C) during the day and 44-48°F (6-8°C)at night.
Looking at the people at the Campidoglio on this sunny day in mid-April, they tend to be wearing lighter tops, some with short sleeves, but still long pants.By the end of the month, it feels noticeably warmer during the day, averaging 65-69°F (18-20°C), but the evenings are still cool.
April is one of those months where the weather can vary throughout the month, but even throughout a given day.
You can expect sunny days, rainy days, and a mix of cool and warm weather. It doesn't usually get downright cold or hot in April, so it's great for sightseeing.
Dressing for the Rain in Rome
As you might imagine, the best way to prepare for April weather in Rome is to bring basics for layering.
In April, I wear jeans and cotton pants, t-shirts and a mix of short and long-sleeved tops, and comfy tennis shoes with cushioned socks.
When I leave the house, I typically have a cardigan and a light cotton or cashmere scarf on me or in my backpack.
Spring is in full swing by April, and that means you can expect it to rain sometimes.
Rome's Roseto Rose garden opens on Rome's birthday, April 21. The roses are not quite in bloom, and it can be rainy.Usually, spring rain showers are short, even if they can be blustery.
For rainy days, I love my hiking jackets that have waterproof shells and removable linings. If you have a jacket like this, it's perfect for visiting Rome in April. This type of jacket is 3-in-1, allowing for some flexibility.
I recommend bringing a rain hat and a good-quality travel umbrella.
It's not shorts weather yet, but you may wish to bring a pair of shorts or a skirt in case we get an unusually warm day.
Don't forget to pack the most comfortable shoes you have. They should already be broken in. If you have a waterproof pair, bring that along as well.
Here at the Piazza del Popolo in early April, the sun is shining, but people are still wearing long pants and mostly long-sleeved tops.If you're taking a day trip to explore other parts of Italy, such as Florence or Naples, be sure to check the weather forecast before leaving in case it's wetter or cooler than it is in Rome.
Packing for Rome in April - How I Dress
I walk around Rome year-round.
I walk to meet people, I walk to sightsee (yes, I do a lot of that).
And I walk as much as I can because, well, it's Rome.
So believe me, I know how to dress in Rome, for any month.
These are my recommendations for packing for Rome in April, many of which I own and use:
If you are caught in the rain in Rome, you can easily buy a cheap umbrella from a street vendor.
They just appear when it rains.
The quality of those umbrellas is not great, so I recommend coming prepared with your own travel umbrella, a quality one that lasts like this one.
Some of photos on this page may not reflect this, but believe me, Rome in April can be rainy.
A rain-hat is the perfect packable accessory - it doesn't take up much room but is so useful when you need it!
This rain-hat for men is a lot like the one my husband wears.
We never let the rain stop us from going out, you can enjoy Rome in any weather!
I own this jacket and wear it all through spring and fall.
Besides being stylish, it's the perfect weight for not-so-hot days, and it's 100% waterproof so I am all set in case of sudden rain.
It's a wardrobe investment but I will say it's one of my favorite jackets all-around.
I also own a lighter rain-jacket like this.
It's light, easy to pack and great for sight-seeing in Rome in spring.
And here's a men's lighter rain-jacket, excellent for packing and for carrying around while sight-seeing ready in case you need it.
I say this about every month - bring a scarf. Yes, even in April.
First of all, it's going to be cooler than you might think, especially in the mornings and after the sun goes down.
Second of all, well, it's stylish.
But seriously, trust me you will want a scarf in your bag.
You will be surprised at how much you use it.
The scarf thing goes for men too.
You will definitely see Italian men wearing scarves, certainly in chilly April.
They don't weigh much, and are super useful.
Trust me, you'll want to include at least one scarf when packing for Rome in April.
Another handy thing to pack for rainy weather in Rome is a light rain poncho.
I've seen so many people shelling out money to street vendors when it rains unexpectedly in Rome, but like the umbrellas, they can be poor quality.
So if you don't feel like packing, or wearing, a rain-jacket, this is a perfect alternative.
In spring, I wear cushioned Tennis shoes, but if it rains, I get out my waterproof hiking shoes, like these.
This men's waterproof lightweight hiking shoe is perfect for sightseeing in Rome in spring.
PRO TIP
Plan for 4-6 outfit combinations with 3-5 pieces.
Voilà!
Your carry-on stays under 10 kg.
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General Rome packing tips for any time of year
What else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in April?
These are just a few of my recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:
I don't leave the house, let alone travel, without my handy portable charger. Since I use my phone for so many things, such as taking photos, watching videos, getting directions, checking mail, etc., the battery can deplete pretty quickly.
This charger quickly brings the battery up to full, so I don't have to worry about running out while I'm on the go.
Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
Photocopies of your passport (or a scan on your phone or tablet).
Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, laptops, electric shavers) default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here.
This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations if you travel to different parts of the world.
One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality compression packing cubes.
They are super-sturdy, waterproof, and expandable.
They help me organize everything and keep stuff from moving around in my suitcase.
The packing cubes come in different sizes so it's also great for lumping together workout clothes or toiletries.
Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
No matter the season, I almost always walk around Rome with a small comfortable backpack.
I like keeping my hands free, and I like having a place to keep all my stuff, especially clothing layers, including a scarf.
But most importantly, I need to keep the weight balanced on my back. For some, a messenger bag or crossbody bag could work too.
Travel insurance isn't something to pack but it is something not to forget.
I can't tell you the times our B&B guests had lost luggage that never arrived, flights cancelled or delayed, or documents/wallets pickpocketed. Double check what your credit card covers - chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen.
I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.
As well as the specific information here about packing for Rome in April, 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.
Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in April here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in spring, and here for current exhibits and events in April in Rome.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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