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Packing for Rome in May? Let's Make It Easy!
Packing for Rome in May?
After more than two decades living through spring in Rome, I can tell you just what to pack, how to plan for May weather, and how not to overpack.
At the Spanish Steps in mid-May, people are wearing a mix of long pants or shorts, short-sleeved tops, and mostly closed-toed shoes.Find out what kind of weather to expect, how I dress in May in Rome, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in May - what to bring and how to dress
May is one of the prettiest months in Rome, with some of the best weather. But you should be prepared - it's not always as warm as people think it will be.
I never put away all my sweaters, jeans, or down comforter until the end of May.
We do have some gorgeous, warm, sunny days in May, but the evenings are still fairly cool, and we still get the occasional rain shower.
This comfortable weather makes it ideal for walking around Rome - you won't be too hot or too cold.
If you're planning to visit Rome in May, I recommend packing a mix of layers, some lighter and some slightly heavier.
On this page, you'll find:
- What weather to expect in Rome in May
- Dressing for the sun in Rome
- How I dress in Rome in May - my best advice
- Things to pack in any season
Weather in Rome in May
The weather in Rome in May can be iffy at the beginning of the month, but by the end of the month, I find it consistently sunny and warm.
The temperature in Rome at the beginning of May averages 65-69°F (18-20°C) during the day and 50-53°F (10-12°C) at night.
In May, the evenings are often cool enough to warrant a light cardigan or jacket, and long pants or dresses.By the end of the month, the days are much warmer, averaging 75-79°F (23-26°C), and the evenings are also warmer, averaging 55-59°F (13-15°C).
For a visit to Rome in May, I suggest a mix of cotton pants and jeans, t-shirts, Henleys, light cotton tops, and some warmer pullovers or cardigans.
I wear comfortable cushioned sneakers and, as always, I carry a scarf with me. In May, the scarf is not for covering my shoulders to visit a church, but more because it can get chilly in the shade or late afternoon or evening.
Dressing for the sun in Rome in May
May is a spring month, but it can get hot, especially towards the end of the month.
Even at the beginning of the month, the sun can beat down on you in the middle of the day, especially if you're tromping around a site like the Roman Forum, where there is very little shade and almost no place to sit.
And while it may not seem like the sun is that strong in May, I urge you to remember to wear sunscreen. The Mediterranean sun can surprise you, and it's better to be safe than sorry.
May in Rome means flowers - this is the best month to visit Rome's Roseto Comunale (Rose Garden). Here, my mom and I are wearing short-sleeved tops and sunglasses.They say April showers bring May flowers, and that's true in Rome.
May in Rome is lovely, with the scent of flowers blossoming throughout the city.
But it can rain in May, so you may want to bring a good-quality travel umbrella.
(And if you suffer from spring allergies, you may want to pack some antihistamine.)
Don't be surprised by a sudden spring rain shower in May, even when the sun is out.Romans don't tend to wear shorts in the city, certainly not short shorts, but they are used to tourists doing it. On the other hand, I don't think May in Rome is hot enough for shorts. But if you like wearing shorts, you may want to bring a pair just in case.
Remember, if you plan to visit any churches or other holy sites, you will not be allowed in with bare knees, shoulders, or midriffs.
So bring at least one outfit that's appropriate for visiting churches, especially if you plan to visit the Vatican.
While not as important as in the hot summer months, I'd also recommend bringing a sun hat.
You may want to wear sturdy walking sandals, although in May, I typically wear my comfiest walking shoes, with plenty of arch support and cushioned soles. I get my sandals out closer to summer.
Packing for Rome in May - How I dress
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I walk around Rome a lot.
I walk around Rome at different times of day, throughout the year.
So believe me, I know just how to dress in Rome year-round.
These are my recommendations for what to include when packing for Rome in May, many of which I own or use:
With the warm weather, a lot of visitors want to walk around Rome in shorts.
While Romans don't dress this way, you can if you want to.
If you are visiting any church (including St Peter's Basilica) or other holy sites, such as the catacombs or Capuchin Crypt, you won't be allowed in with bare knees.
These hiking pants with removable legs are perfect for a quick change.
Here is the men's version of the same type of hiking pant, with leg bottoms you can un-zip easily.
I say this on every page about what to pack for Rome, but it's because in Rome, I always carry or wear a scarf.
In spring, I wear a light cotton scarf, perfect for warming me up when temperatures drop on a chilly evening.
A maxi skirt is another good way to be cool and comfortable sightseeing, but also appropriate for visiting holy sites.
I wear a lot of T-shirts and short-sleeved shirts in May.
They are ideal because they are short-sleeved for warm weather, but still cover your shoulders.
When I leave the house in May, I usually grab a light cotton cardigan to wear or keep in my backpack.
This should be an easy thing to bring with you - just wear it on the plane or train.
A cotton pullover is another good layering option.
I love my lightweight down jacket. It easily fits underneath a light outer jacket, and I can bunch it up and carry it in my backpack when I'm not wearing it.
Another ideal spring item is this light cotton golf jacket.
It's light and comfortable for chilly evenings or sightseeing in cold places (underground or inside some churches).
Sandals are great, but in Rome, you're going to need sturdy walking sandals, preferably something you've already broken in.
I love Clarks, Ecco, Teva, Merrell, Arche, and other similar brands.
Just make sure it's something you can walk in for hours on hot cobblestones, like cushioned walking sandals or breathable sneakers.
In May, I mostly walk around in my Hoka Bondi or On-Cloud Cloudrunner shoes.
I want to be as comfortable as possible because I do so much walking in my city.
You will do a lot of walking, too - you may be surprised to learn that many members of the Romewise Facebook Group report walking 15–20,000 steps a day.
So make sure whatever shoes you bring are broken in and super-comfortable.
I usually suggest packing two pairs of shoes - wear one on the plane and pack the other. Then you have a change of shoes if you need to.
PRO TIP
Plan for 4-6 outfit combinations with 3-5 pieces.
Voilà!
Your carry-on stays under 10 kg.
These people in front of the Castel Sant'Angelo in mid-May are wearing lighter clothing, including some shorts and tank tops, but generally you'll see long pants and t-shirts being worn.Jump start your trip to Rome with a free ebook 😀
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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 May?
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 May, 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 May here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in spring, and here for current exhibits and events in May in Rome.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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