Rome in February - Essential Trip Planning Guide

Coming to Rome in February?

Yes, it's cold, but there is a lot that's great about visiting Rome this time of year!

The best part is no crowds.

But there's more . . .

 Rome in February - At a Glance

Here's what you need to know:

• What's the weather like? Does it rain or snow in February in Rome?
• What to pack for Rome in February?
• What to wear in February in Rome?
• Is February a good time to visit Rome? 
• What's happening in February in Rome?
• What food is in season in February in Rome?
  
• What are some things to do in February in Rome?

Watch my video all about visiting Rome in February

Weather in Rome Italy in February

For some reason people seem to think it snows in Rome in February.

Could it be because of the unusual snowstorm we had in February 2012? That was a doozie!

It lay down several feet of snow, and paralyzed the city for days.

Even the Colosseum was closed for about a week.

But really, it only snows in Rome about every 20-30 years, so don't worry too much about this.

It will be cold, and it will likely rain some days while you are here. But there are sometimes some gorgeous bright sunny days too!

Find out why winter is a great time to be in Rome!

What to pack for Rome in February

Packing for Rome in February is all about staying warm, as February is the coldest month of the year in Rome.

Be sure to pack a heavy coat or jacket, along with warm jumpers and heavy cotton pants or jeans.

Don't forget to bring a scarf also!

It's likely to rain at some point during your trip to Rome in February so a rain-jacket or other waterproof coat is essential, as well as comfortable, waterproof shoes.

Visit my page all about what to pack for Rome in February for specific recommendations, suggestions on what to wear in Rome in February and more!

For more ideas, visit my page about What to Pack for Rome, with downloadable packing list.

Visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!

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!

What to wear in Rome in February

The key for what to wear in Rome in February is layering.

When it gets sunny during the middle of the day, you may want to shed a layer or two, but in the evening it will feel very chilly.

Jeans, or heavy cotton or wool trousers, are perfect for everyone, and a waterproof coat or jacket with removable layers is ideal to protect you if it rains during your visit.

Whether you're visiting Rome in February or any other time of year, I cannot stress highly enough how important it is to wear comfortable shoes and socks - you would be surprised how much walking you will do even in a short visit!

For more about what to wear and how to dress when you visit Rome in February, visit my page here.

February in Rome - What to Expect

If you want to visit Rome on a budget, you will find great deals on accommodations in February.

Booking.com

Is it crowded in February in Rome?

February is a mix of low and mid seasons in Rome.

Being a winter month, you'd expect it to be quiet in Rome this month.

However, in recent years, as people have sought to come to Rome when it's less crowded, and were shocked to find Rome crowded in March, they started coming in February.

So I've seen the crowds slowly growing in February, especially on weekends and especially in the second half of the month.

But for the most part it is pretty low season, so this could be one good reason to visit Rome in February.

What's Happening in Rome in February

Here's a brief roundup of some important dates and happenings in February in Rome.

So either join in the fun, or be aware of it in case you want to avoid the crowds. 

• February 11, 2024 - This is a national holiday INSIDE Vatican City, as it's the Anniversary of the foundation of Vatican City. The Vatican Museums are closed this day.
  
• February 14, 2024 - St. Valentine's Day
  
• February 3 and 25, 2024 - Six Nations Rugby matches
• February 13, 2024 - Everyone loves Carnival, so expect to see kids dressed up and coriandoli (coloured confetti) thrown all around. The main parade usually kicks off in Piazza del Popolo and follows through to Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Navona.
  

For more details about what's happening and things to do in Rome in February, visit my dedicated page about Rome Events in February.

Carnival, which is during the week before Lent, mostly seems to be about children dressing up and throwing confetti in the streets.

In Rome, I mean!

In Venice it is a whole other thing, and if you really want to experience Carnival at its fullest, then I suggest you combine a visit to Venice with your Rome visit. 

I did not even know about Six Nations rugby before I moved to Rome, let alone that Italy has a team!

But it's kind of a big deal, and when the games are here, the weekend becomes pretty busy in Rome.

And while Valentine's Day is not technically a holiday, it does tend to bring people to Rome for a romantic getaway.

And if it's on a weekend, and particularly if coinciding with a Six Nations match, it may be busier than usual that weekend in Rome.

For more about what's happening in Rome in February, visit my dedicated page about current events in February in Rome and a full list of the best concerts taking place.

Foods in Season in Rome in February

If you read my site, you know that I love eating foods in season in Italy, which is how most Italians eat them as well.

Of course winter fruits and vegetables are in season now.

This includes apples, pears, oranges, pomegranates, cauliflower, broccoli and squash.

Again, if you've been reading my site, you know I am a big fan of these two winter foods: artichokes and puntarelle (chicory salad with anchovy garlic dressing.)

Rome in February also means it's time for Carnevale treats: castagnole and frappe.

They are fried and they are sugary, which goes oh so well with the cold brisk February air in Rome!

Both castagnole and frappe are fried dough with sugar, but in different ways.

Castagnole are puffy and soft, coated with granulated sugar.

Frappe are crunchy, topped with powdered sugar.

You will find these in almost any pasticceria (pastry shop) in Rome in February.

If you want a real in-depth view of foods in season in Rome in February, head over to my friends' website at Casa Mia.

If you are really into food (aren't we all?), why not take a food tour in Rome?

You will learn a lot and get to eat yummy stuff along the way!

Some of my favorite seasonal things to eat in Rome in winter include broccoletti (like broccoli rabe), puntarelle (chicory salad you will find only in Rome), artichokes, clementines, and Sicilian blood oranges.

Rome in February - things to do

Free Things to do in Rome in February

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

State-run sites like the Colosseum and Castel Sant'Angelo, as well as 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 February events in Rome for more details.

More ideas for things to do in February

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!

Here are some ideas for your visit:

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Museums to visit in Rome in February

It's always a good idea to visit one of Rome's wonderful museums.

And in winter, what a great way to stay warm!

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

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

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