By Elyssa Bernard
January 11, 2024
Are you coming to Rome in April?
You'll get to enjoy mild weather, lots of flowers, and a bustling city, full of life and offering plenty to do, indoors and out.
The Capitoline Hill in Rome in the middle of April - perfect sight-seeing weather!
April in Rome - At a Glance
Here's what you need to know:
- What's the weather like? Does it rain a lot in April in Rome?
- What to pack?What to wear in April in Rome?
- Is April a good time to visit Rome?
- What's happening in April in Rome?
- Whatfood is in season in Aprilin Rome?
- What are some things to do in April in Rome?
Check out my video about visiting Rome in April!
Weather in Rome Italy in April
Easter Monday 2015, at Villa Torlonia - sunny but very chilly. We were wearing warm coats and scarves.
I was going through my pix of Rome in April to find the right one to put here, and realized that over the years, the first week of April has some pretty varied temps.
On April 6, 2015, we were wearing puffy coats, and on the same day in 2014, jeans and t-shirts.
On this bright sunny day in early April 2014, some people found it warm enough for short sleeves.
April is a spring month which means:
- it's not as warm as you are ready for it to be (that happens mid May)
- it can rain a lot
- flowers, in particular wisteria, are exploding all over the place.
Overall, Rome in April offers a super climate for sight-seeing (just be prepared for some rain.)
In April, you will find wisteria everywhere in Rome, like here in villa Celimontana park.
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What to Pack for Rome in April
It seems many people think that Rome in April will be sunny and warm.
While that can be true, we also get a fair amount of rain and some cooler, cloudy days, summer is still a little way away yet.
So when you're packing for Rome in April, be sure to bring some long pants or jeans with you - it's not shorts weather yet!
Lighter layers and a good rain jacket are ideal for April, so you'll be prepared whether the sun is shining or you get caught in a rain shower.
Visit my page all about what topack for Rome in Aprilfor specific recommendations, suggestions on what to wear in Rome in April and more!
For more general packing tips, and a downloadable packing list, visit my page aboutWhat to Pack for Rome.
Visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!
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
Spring in Rome
Weather in Rome
Rome on a rainy day
Best time to visit Rome
What to Wear in Rome in April
For sight-seeing in Rome in April,here is the ideal way to dress:
- Extremelycomfortable shoes/sturdy walking sandals
- Sturdycotton long pantsor jeans, or along skirt
- Long-sleeved polo shirt or other medium weight cotton top
- Warm cardigan or pulloverin your bag
- A light water-proof jacket or shellin your bag.
- Cotton scarffor men and women
- Don't forget yoursunglassesandsunscreen!
April is definitely scarf weather in Rome, especially in the evenings (although for Romans, every day of the year warrants a scarf.)
VIa dei Coronari in April - you can see a mix of dress styles, but note that people are wearing pants, closed shoes, and layers. And scarves.
When you're exploring the city, I suggest you wear (or carry) a light waterproof jacket or windbreaker and bring a travel umbrella, and as always,wear very comfortable shoes for walking, with good socks.
Don't forget to bring these essential travel items with you!
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!
Rome in March
Rome in May
Rome in April - What to Expect
Is it crowded in Rome in April?
I get this question a lot, in particular because Easter is around this time of year.
The answer is: yes, it will be crowded in Rome in April, Easter or no Easter.
April is a beautiful month, weather-wise, it's not too hot (perfect for sight-seeing), and many schools have breaks.
Piazza Navona in April - it's starting to get pretty crowded in Rome now
People who have the option to travel outside of a school calendar tend to choose spring and fall to visit Rome, for the weather.
That is whyspring and fall months are the busiest times to be in Rome. Just plan for it, andbook things in advancewhen you can.
Ready to plan your trip?
What's Happening in Rome in April
Marchis the beginning of the tourist season, and the beginning of spring.
By April,the weatheris starting to get really lovely, the crowds are here, and lots of things start happening in Rome.
There are some things that happen every April in Rome. Here are some dates to watch for:
The Roseto rose garden is an oasis of beauty and quiet in hustle-bustle Rome, especially in April when it's barely just opened
- April 21 - Rome's Birthday- Legend has it that Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BCE
- April 21-Roseto Rose Garden overlooking the Palatine Hill officially openson Rome's birthday
- April 25 - Liberation Day- On this day in 1945, Italy was liberated from Fascist rule and Nazi occupation.
- Late April - Azaleas on the Spanish Steps- every year in late April/early May, you will find the Spanish Steps covered in azaleas
Come check out my YouTube channel and this video of the Spanish Steps covered with azaleas, before the crowds come:
For more details about what's happening in April, visit my page all about Rome events in April as well as relevant Easter events here.
The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome
Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.
In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.
And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.
Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.
Foods in Season in Rome in April
As I've written on other pages on this site, food in Rome (and in Italy) is eaten seasonally.
It's supposed to be, anyway.
And besides the fruits and vegetables you'd expect to find in spring, like asparagus and peas, there are some typical Roman foods that must be tried in spring.
If you are in Rome in April, don't miss these:
Artichokes- these are definitely seasonal, but besides that, there are several varieties of artichoke that start to show up in Rome markets around November and go through early May.
The kind available right now, are my (and many Romans') hands-down favorite:carciofo romanesco, otherwise known as mammola or cimarolo.
Roman "cimarolo" artichokes in the market in spring
These artichokes are round, not pointed; green and purple; and are the perfect artichoke for making carciofo alla romana, or Roman-style artichoke, which is braised with garlic, mentuccia(a Roman herb), olive oil and sometimes a little wine.
It's eaten whole and when it's made right, it's perfectly soft and edible all the way through.
Carciofo alla Romana, or Roman artichoke, is in its best season in early spring. This one was at il Falchetto.
For a special thing to do in April in Italy, not far from Rome, head to Ladispoli on the coast, and partake of the Sagra del Carciofo, which is a 3-day festival dedicated to artichokes.
And eating them!
The festival is always held in April. For specific dates, check their website, or visit my Rome Events in April page.
Rome in April is a fantastic month for taking a food tour.
It's warm but not too hot to walk around, and you will get to taste and learn about a lot of these seasonal specialties.
Vignarola- In spring, fava beans start coming into season. You will find them in their pods in Rome markets everywhere. And so with spring being the perfect storm of artichokes, fava beans, and peas... you have a small window of time to savorvignarola, which is made by cooking all three of these together. Vignarola is one of my favorite things about Rome in April.
I had this dish of vignarola with bruschetta as my main course at Da Danilo, where they make it beautifully
I eagerly await the moment each year when I can start really eating good, local artichokes...and the same is true for vignarola, particularly because it has such a short season.
Scrumptious fettucine with vignarola at Flavio al Velavevodetto
Vignarola may be made with or without guanciale (pork jowels), so if you are vegetarian, make sure to ask before you order. It can be eaten by itself as an appetizer or main dish, on bruschetta or over pasta.
Italy food customs
Roman cuisine
Rome food myths
Super cool tip!
Visit the Pantheon at noon on April 21.
It was designed in such a way that on Rome's birthday, the sun coming through the oculus (hole in the roof) would illuminate the entrance.
The Romans would wait outside the door for the light to stream out.
It only happens once a year so go check it out!*
On April 21, just before noon, you will see the light from the oculus moving to exactly fill the doorway. It's pretty amazing!
*There are a few other dates in September where the oculus hits the door in a very special way.
Rome in April - things to do
April temps are relatively mild and generally cool.
And that means it'sgreat sight-seeing weather.
So one of the best things you can do in Rome in April is enjoy the city andsiteson foot.
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Free Things to do in Rome in April
On theFree Sundayyou 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 aboutApril events in Romefor more details.
More ideas for things to do in April
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 obviousmust-see tourist attractionsand concerts,there are lots of great things to see and do in Rome in April.
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!
There are so many great options for taking cooking classes in Rome! From pizza-making to learning to make fresh pasta, to going shopping with the chef and making a home-cooked meal at their house!
Take a day trip
We are close to so many things, like Pompeii, Ostia Antica, Tivoli, Florence and much more!
Don't forget to book your high-speed train from Rome to Florence in advance!
You can go out onto the Appia Antica, a lovely area to tour by bike.
You can also try one of Rome's newest tours, by electric bike!
What a great way to see the sites, get some exercise but not get too over-exerted!
This is all the rage now.
Zipping around Rome either on the back of a vespa or driving one on your own can be a fun and fascinating way to see the Eternal city.
Rome in Spring
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Museums to visit in Rome in April
Of course there are theVatican Museums, where you will see the Sistine Chapel.
Visit theGalleria Borghese, with its amazing Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings.
Make sure to book ahead!
One of myfavorite museums in Romeis theCapitoline Museums. These museums comprise some of the most extensive and comprehensive displays of painting, sculpture, artefacts and architecture in the world.
Open daily from 9:30am - 7:30pm. 15โฌ.
Book in advance if you can. It's not always possible to just turn up without booking.
This is the time of year I'd visitSt. Peter's tomb under the Vatican.
Why?
Because I went in August one year thinking it would be "cool", and instead I was roasting. They seal you into every room you go into, so it's quite hot.
So in cooler weather, this is not only a great thing to see, but a great way to be warm in an awesome place!
I've listed some of what I think are the most fascinating events in Rome in April, and most central. For a complete list of events in Rome in April, visit the website of theRome Tourist Board.
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