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Packing for Rome in February? Let's Make It Easy!
Packing for Rome in February?
I've lived in Rome for more than 20 years and have experienced the gamut of February weather, so I can tell you just what to pack, how I stay warm, and how not to overpack.
Find out what kind of weather to expect, how I dress in Rome in February, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in February - what to bring and how to dress
February always feels like the coldest month of the year in Rome.
Since I moved here in 2001, we've had 2 major snowfalls that blanketed the city, both in February (once in 2012 and once in 2018).
But February is one of my secret favorite months to be in Rome because it can have these brilliant blue-sky days that feel like spring is just around the corner and those days make me inexplicably happy.
I may not wear short-sleeved tops just yet, but I also don't pull out my heaviest coat on those days.
As with other winter months in Rome, when packing for a visit in February, the basic concept will be to layer.
On this page you'll find:
- What weather to expect in Rome in February
- Preparing for rain in Rome
- Does it snow in Rome in February?
- How I dress in Rome in February - my best advice
- Things to pack in any season
Weather in Rome in February
As I mentioned, February is cold.
We occasionally get some rain, sleet, hail, or even snow.
The temperature is fairly stable in February, averaging 46-50°F (8-10 °C) during the day and dropping to around 36-40°F (2-4 °C) at night.
On this blustery February afternoon, I dressed warmly for a visit to the top of the Vittoriano, where it felt even chillier. But my puffy jacket and warm scarf kept the cold at bay.In February, I wear long pants, usually jeans, and a sweater.
Then I wear a warm puffy jacket or coat, a wool or cashmere scarf, a hat, and gloves.
By the end of February, it starts to feel 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, but you should always plan for the possibility of rain.
Dressing for the rain in Rome
February is when we get the most rainfall.
If you come prepared, a little rain during your visit shouldn't stop you from having a great time.
Bring a rain hat and 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.
Snow and a snowman on the Spanish Steps in February 2018, the last time we had any significant snowfall.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.
Here at the Spanish Steps in early February, you can see that everyone is wearing jackets or coats, with plenty of scarves and hats visible.Packing for Rome in February - 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 February, many of which I own and use:
Alessandro inspired me to get a rain hat.
He was always wearing one for walking around Rome in February, so I got one for myself too.
I love this one because it's quilted, which is perfect for cold winter rain (or snow).
This waterproof rain boonie hat is similar to what Alessandro wears.
I have a pair of these e-tip gloves and love them.
They are ideal for cold weather as I can keep them on while I use my phone to make calls or take pix.
I've also washed them more than once, and they still look brand new.
In winter, I find that a large pashmina such as this one is much more versatile than a regular scarf, as it can be used in multiple ways.
I also love a cozy wool or cashmere scarf.
In Italy, scarves are not just for women; men wear scarves year-round.
This is partly because it's fashionable but mostly because Italians have a firm belief that you should always keep your neck warm.
The best jacket to wear when sightseeing in Rome in February is a waterproof hiking jacket with removable lining.
I have several of these jackets that I wear in Rome in winter.
Here is a men's version of the same kind of jacket: waterproof, sporty, and with removable lining.
I always pack a good travel umbrella whenever I travel.
You can always buy one here, even from a street vendor, but the quality is usually poor.
I love mine, which features wind-resistant ribs and a cool open AND close button, as well as being small and lightweight enough to carry in a backpack.
Heavy cotton pants or comfortable jeans are an excellent idea for men, women, and children alike.
A warm cardigan, pullover, or turtleneck is also a good idea so that if you want to take off your jacket, you will still be warm and cozy.
A half-zip or full-zip fleece is another great way to be warm and comfortable while sightseeing in Rome in February.
It's also something that's easy to pack in your luggage, and simple to ball up and carry around in a small backpack when exploring the city.
In February, 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 February.
This is the time of year to carry chapstick or lipbalm with you.
My favorite is Laneige.
PRO TIP
Plan for 4-6 outfit combinations with 3-5 pieces.
Voilà!
Your carry-on stays under 10 kg.
Here at St Peter's Square at the end of February, you can see a few people walking around without heavy jackets or scarves.
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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 February?
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.
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 February here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in winter, and here for current exhibits and events in February in Rome.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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