October - Best Time to Visit Rome

The city that tops the list of tourists all over the world, Rome, knows no such thing as a low season.  There are times when I feel almost nostalgic for the slow season that started in October.  This was a time when costs fell down due to the exodus of the tourists from the ancient city.  Now it’s a thing of the past, long forgotten even by the residents of Rome.  Although April and October are still seen as the months when tourists lie low, yet it is naïve to believe that you will end up having easy, leisurely strolls through the city without the usual hustle and bustle of tourists.  On reaching Rome, you will be unpleasantly surprised to see quite a crowd everywhere you go.  This is a city that attracts tourists throughout the year. 

It would probably be unfair of me to give the impression that you will find the same amount of crowd in Rome say during June or July that you will see in October.  There is a decrease in the number of tourists during October but more people are becoming aware that the weather, though not consistent, yet remains comfortably good even in October.  Then there is also the added benefit of getting accommodation in hotels at a cheaper rate than in peak season.  This also leads to higher chances of finding airlines that offer cheap airfares again for the reason that they get lesser passengers than during the peak seasons.  To compete with other airlines and to lure passengers they have to cut back o airfare.  No wonder than that October, instead of being a time when tourists fled Rome, is quickly becoming the best time to visit.  After all who can resist a combination of both a reasonable weather and reasonable prices! 

Now having said all that in favor of the new popular tourist season in October, it’s important to remind you once again that though the weather in October may be pleasant yet it is highly inconsistent as well.  There is a fall of about 10 degrees Fahrenheit in the period between September and October which brings about quite a change in the weather.  To be ready for it, it is advisable that you pack sufficient clothing.  You will probably need a few layers of clothes to keep you comfortable.  Rome has been known to get sudden rainstorms as well so it would be wise to pack some waterproof jackets, or rain coats.  It would be prudent to check the weather forecast for Rome before embarking on your travels during October because there have been times when the city has suffered from heat waves during the month instead of the usual low temperatures. 

There aren’t that many festivals going on in Rome during October and certainly not any famous ones that you have been reading about in your travelogues.  However, some of the smaller and relevantly unknown festivals can be very enjoyable.  DO check out with the tourist information center to find out about these.