Full packing list for Rome in winter. What to pack for Rome in January, February and March to be ready for the weather, comfortable and stylish!
One of the most common question I get about traveling to Rome in winter is what to pack.
How cold is Rome in winter, are those photos with snow on the Colosseum real? Do I need a thermal layer or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, can a light jacket be enough?
Today I am going to try and answer all this questions and provide you with a complete winter packing list.
As a born and bread Roman (and a perennially cold individual) I know exactly what winter in Rome feels like and I am happy to share this first hand knowledge with you.
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When in winter in Rome?
Winter in Rome technically starts on the 21st of December and ends on the 20th of March.
During these 3 months, the weather is overall cold but there is a big difference between let’s say January and March in Rome.
While one is still very much a winter month, from mid February Rome starts seeing milder temperatures and a touch of spring and you can slowly shed your warmest clothes.
You can have a look at what to expect weather and event wise in Rome in January, February and March in the following guides:
Good to know! If you are heading to Rome at Christmas, I recommend you check out our packing list for Rome in December too: it has all your Rome packing essentials and style tips for dressing for the festivities in Rome.
What is the weather like in Rome in the winter?
Winter in Rome is usually rather mild, with temperatures above zero and, usually, no snow.
The coldest months is usually January, when the average temperature is Rome is about 8C/49F.
At this time, you need a good winter coat, scarf, possibly a hat but you don’t usually need a thermal layer, rather: a water proof one!
Rome can be wet and rainy in winter and being prepared for rain showers is paramount.
Does is snow in winter in Rome?
Snow is rare in Rome, so rare in fact that we can generalize and say that no, it does not usually snow in Rome.
However, this doesn’t mean that is never snows in Rome and many of the photos you may have seen of the Colosseum under a sprinkling of snow were real.
What this means is that snow is a rare occurrence in Rome, so rare then what it happens it makes international news!
If you are coming to Rome in the winter, you do not need to worry about snow: the highest chance is that you will not see any and, if you do, that may be a drizzle, causing more slushy puddles than anything else.
Like with all weather predictions (and especially nowadays when the weather is truly gone a bit mad), do check online just before your trip to Rome but don’t pack for snow unless an unusually cold front is foreseen.
You can find here >>> all you need to know about snow in Rome.
Packing list for Rome in winter: essentials
You don’t need to pack a lot for Rome however, you need to make sure you have all your essentials rights so if yo end up going shopping, it will be for pleasure, not need!
My essentials for a winter trip to Rome are:
- Travel documents, including passport, travel insurance, vaccination card etc.
- Comfortable, broken in walking shoes, rain proof – you can find here >>> my list of stylish walking shoes for Rome)
- One pair of nicer, flat shoes for dinner/going out
- Flip flops for hotel/pool
- Pajama/Nightgown
- Tights, socks and underwear
- Long trousers or jeans
- Below the knee skirt if visiting the Vatican (this also apply if you are wearing tights)
- Long sleeve tops
- Woolen cardigan/ woolen sweater
- Winter coat (ideally waterproof)
- Small travel umbrella
- Cross-body bag
- Italian phrasebook and dictionary
- Extra battery pack for phone/camera etc
- Travel adapter
- A print out of all your bookings
- Credit card/ bank card
- Cash
- Reusable water bottle
- Scarf/pashmina (see below for tips for each month)
- Sunglasses
- Necklaces/earrings to dress up/down outfits
- Toiletries
- Tech and electronics
What to wear in Rome in January
January is the coldest month in Rome and you need to be ready for it with warm clothes and a rain strategy.
In Rome, when it rains it pours and having the right gear is essential.
Rome restaurants, hotels and museums have heating however, this is not as strong as you may expect back home. Usually Rome interiors are not warm enough to be in short sleeves even with the heating on so layers are key.
When packing for Rome in January, I recommend you have your essentials (above) and in particular:
- Good walking shoes, well broken in: opt for ankle boots or full boots (no need for lined ones not snow shows)
- Walking socks and warm tights (Italian women love colored tights, black or brown in particular)
- Long trousers or jeans
- Below the knee skirt
- Long sleeve tops / shirts
- Woolen cardigan/sweater
- Proper winter jacket, waterproof
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Warm nightdress / pajama
You can find here >>> my complete packing list for Rome in January.
What to wear in Rome in February
February sees similar temperatures to January however, as you get towards the end of the month, you may start feeling the first hints of spring in the air.
For Rome in February pack:
- Good walking shoes, well broken in: opt for ankle boots or full boots (no need for lined ones not snow shows)
- Walking socks and warm tights (Italian women love colored tights, black or brown in particular)
- Long trousers or jeans
- Below the knee skirt
- Long sleeve tops / shirts
- Woolen cardigan/sweater
- Proper winter jacket, waterproof
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Warm nightdress / pajama
What to pack for Rome in March
March is the start of spring in Rome however, it can still throw very cold days at you without warning! At this time, layers are key
My packing list for Rome in March includes:
- Good walking shoes, waterproof (ankle boots or winter sneakers are perfect)
- Socks and tights
- Long trousers and below the knee skirt for churches
- Long sleeve tops
- Short sleeve ones
- Sweaters (woolen and lighter)
- Winter coat if used to warm climates (Italians tend to wear coats at this time), mid season waterproof jacket if used to cold weather
I hope you found this Rome packing list for the winter useful. Safe travels!