What to wear in Rome in June: learn what to wear in Rome in June to be comfortable, safe and appropriate. Also, no nonsense tips about style and fashion in Rome, by a local!
June is a wonderful month to visit Rome, the time of year when summer truly comes to the city, with its sunny days, blue sky, colorful blossoms and flowery dresses.
It is also, however, still a month of transition and while you can expect June in Rome to be warm and nice, depending on when in the month you are in the city, you may need to pack differently.
But have no fear! I am from Rome and have seen decades of June in Rome; so, I am the right person to advice on what to pack for Rome in June and what you do not need to bring.
As well as practical tips about packing for Rome, I am also going to share some tips about style.
This is not because you need to dress like a local (you absolutely do not; plus, locals are a mixed bunch with very different styles themselves!).
It is because I read a lot of nonsense on the web about this and I want to make sure you hear a practical, honest voice about what is ok to wear in Rome and because I want you to be as comfortable and safe as possible during your stay in my beautiful city.
I hope you find this packing list helpful!
How hot is Rome in June
June starts as a warm yet mild month in Rome (usually) and then progresses into e hot, sometimes very hot time of the year.
Due to the long hours of sightseeing outside and the modest air conditioning in the city (it is nothing like in the US, for instance), dressing for summer is paramount.
The best things to wear in Rome in June are summer dresses, shorts, linen trousers, t-shirts and sandals. These are appropriate for most tourist activities and restaurants, with few exceptions. Let’s have a look at them!
Packing for Rome churches
In Rome you are likely to enter at least some churches (including the Sistine Chapel) and as you may already know, they require a specific dress code.
The dress code for churches in Rome is defined as requiring ‘modest clothing’, and this expression is at same time clear and confusing. What does modest clothing mean and who is the judge of it?
In general, the church considers ‘modest’ and therefore appropriate clothing that is not revealing or provocative.
Clothing that can be considered immodest and therefore problematic for a visit includes short skirts and shorts over the knee (men and women), plunging necklines, bellies and backs on show, bare shoulders, clothing with writing or images that go against Christian values, among others.
These rules are enforced more or less strictly depending on the church and the day, for instance if there is mass of blessed bread on the altar the rules will be stricter than at other times.
Since there is no way to know in advance how strictly the dress code will be enforced, it is wise to dress conservatively for church visits and / or bring with you something to cover yourself up such as a pashmina or sarong tp wrap around shoulder and legs.
Please consider this: abiding by the dress code means being a respectful visitor. As annoying as it may sound, to have to cover up in the heat of summer, churches are a sacred place so respecting the sensitivity of those who considers them the house of God has to come before fashion or comfort considerations, regardless of our personal religious beliefs.
Dressing to visit the Vatican
As you can imagine, the dress code rules for visiting the Vatican are even stricter than for other churches.
In this case, the rules are actually spelled out and while you will notice many people entering the museums with clothes that do not match the rules, I urge you to follow them strictly.
While there is discretionally at the door, the rules are clear and if they decide to stop you from entering, you will have no recourse and, in the case of the museums, will lose your tickets and booking.
Abiding by the Vatican dress code is therefore the sensible as well as the respectful thing to do.
The Vatican requests modest clothing which means no exposes kneed, no exposed shoulders, no revealing, sea through, provoking or offensive items of clothing.
Note for families with kids: there are no special provisions for kids’ attire. Since the dress code calls for modesty, little kids are normally exempt for having to dress conservatively; tweens and teens however, especially if the look grown up, are best to follow the dress code like the adults. Long skirts you can put on top of shorts, linen pants and pants with zip-on, zip-off legs are great for a day at the Vatican!
What to pack for Rome for style
One of the most common questions I receive from prospective visitors is what to pack for Rome to blend in with the locals and not stand out.
I love this question as I feel it comes for the desire to be safe and respectful; however, there is no such thing as looking like a local or standing out as a tourist in Rome. Let me explain!
If you are in Rome for work, then there would be common style tips I could share that would make you look appropriate for an office environment.
However, outside of work, all locals dress differently and there is no one style, aside from major fashion tends, that would make you blend in. In Rome, you can be sporty, dressy, punk, alternative, casual, business casual… you name it, you’ll find people wearing that style!
As well as this, we have so many tourists in Rome, even if you are dressed like none of us, you will blend in with them!
A note about safety: I know that one of the fears in Rome is to look like a tourist and be targeted by scammers. Pickpockets in busy ares in Rome exist (like in most other places in the world); however, it is not how you’re dressed that will make you a target, it is how easy it is to get something for you. Never ever keep a wallet in an open pocket or a bag unzipped or unattended. In shoulder to shoulder situations, wear bags and rucksacks on the front. Pickpockets are opportunists: make it hard for them to access your valuables not matter what you are wearing or how local you may look like.
When packing for Rome, I urge to have practicality as your first concern.
I will go into more details later in the post, but when packing for Rome in June:
- Opt for good walking shoes / sandals with rubber soles.
- Leave heels at home unless you need them for a special event you will be drive to. If you like a big of height, wedges work better than thin heels in
- Pack good quality basics and dress them up with accessories. Choose well fitting pants, tailored skirts, wrap around dresses, chinos or polo shirts so you can wear them day to nigh and change them up without overpacking
- For dinners, you don’t need your best Sunday dress, unless you are heading to somewhere vert upscale.
What to pack for Rome in June: my essentials
Here are the staples of my Rome in June wardrobe.
Light pants and shorts such as linen pants or cotton parts are wonderful for the whole family.
Kids can wear light pants, tracksuit bottoms and legging. Especially in the last few years, sweats/tracksuits are fashionable among the very young so if your children / teens want their sportswear on, this is no problem at all, they’ll actually fit right in!
In the hottest hours of the day, you’ll also be able to wear shorts.
Good to know! Athletic wear is not common for adults outside of the gym and usually the giveaway of the American Tourist. There is nothing wrong with it though! We have so many overseas visitors in Rome, you won’t stand out so if this is your style, go for it! The only places where athletic wear June not be appropriate are upper scale restaurants but in the vast majority of places, nobody will have an issue with what you are wearing.
Short sleeved tops
These will be your staple tops for the day. Unless you are visiting churches (see above), t-shirts and strappy tops are a great and non bulky thing to pack for Rome in June.
A casual dress
I love wearing dresses when traveling and, in Rome in June, they are perfect to do day to night without having to back to your accommodation.
My favourite types are simple dresses I can dress up or down with flats or wedges. I find simple jersey dresses the most versatile of all as you can easily add a blazer, cute cardigan, or necklace and the go from relaxed to cute evening attire.
A good crossbody bag
The best bag for Rome is a medium size crossbody bag.
Opt for one that is big enough for daily essentials but not so big to be excessively heavy and a hindrance when visiting museums.
Make sure it is big enough for your travel wallet, documents, phone and camera charger and ideally a reusable water bottle and guide book.
I do not find an anti-theft bag a necessity in Rome, especially if you are used to big cities. Make sure, however, you bag does close properly and keep it close to you at all times: in shoulder to shoulder crowds situation like the Trevi Fountain, make sure the zip is closed, move the opening to your front and your hand on top. No need for locks or expensive devices to stay safe.
A cardigan
Cardigans are great for June in Rome. I usually only bring one that I use as top layer in the evening or early morning
Sunglasses
Italians love sunglasses as a fashion statement but they are also a must have item in Rome in June’s lovely sun.
Necklaces
This might sound funny but necklaces can change up a look and are a good way to make a simple outfit look dressier for a nigh out.
Also they are a very ‘Italian’ thing to wear if you fancy feeling a little like a local: bold, colourful ones are popular in spring.
The best Shoes for Rome in June
Rome best discovered on foot and a good pair of walking shoes is essential.
I have here >>> a full guide to the best shoes for Rome but, at a glance, I recommend the following:
Rubber soles – they will cushion you from the hard steps on cobbles and prevent slipping in case of rain
Choose sandals (my favorite are Teva) or fashion runners or city walking shoes rather than full on hiking shoes (to heavy and off-key for the city). Runners/sneakers are wonderful to walk around Rome and especially in recent years super fashionable.
You June have heard Italians don’t wear runners but this is a myth! First of all, we do! With all the walking we do, those are the best shoes of all! What you June notice is that for the office or casual evening gatherings, the type of sneakers we wear are more the fashion type than the full on gym style (Veja, Adidas Stan Smith or Gazelle, New Balance shoes are popular) but even this is changing now: unless you need two dress up for an event, any type of sneaker works well.
Unless you are very fond of heels or you have a special event, there is on need to pack heels for Rome or Italy in general – flats are universal.
What to wear to visit the Colosseum in June
The Colosseum and Roman Forum are archaeological outdoor sites with uneven terrain in most parts.
There is no dress code to access them but good shoes are a must.
Avoid heels or shoes that June cause blisters or slipping: most of the area is essentially a park – dress accordingly and make sure you have sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat in the hottest hours of the day.
Read here >>> tips for visiting the Colosseum
What to wear to visit the Vatican in June
The Vatican has a strict dress code that you can find here >>> Vatican dress code need to know
To be in on safe side and respectful, avoid short skirts (even with tights), shorts, revealing tops etc.
Rome in June travel essentials
As well as the above of course I had my basics, my travel document, handbag, camera, prescriptions (if needed) etc.
Please always remember that you should always have your ID in Italy, so make sure you have a day bag that can keep it safe!
• Underwear, socks and nightwear
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Phone charger
• Portable Power Bank
• Travel adapter and converter for any item that is not dual voltage (typically: hair curlers)
• Passport + travel documents + visa if relevant
• Travel insurance
• Some cash + bank cards
• International driving licence if intending on renting a car for day trips
• Phone/ Camera
• Swimwear and wet bags for hot days on the beach if planning on a day trip or staying in a Rome hotel with pool
• Reusable water bottle so you can refill at the many free water fountains
• Basic first aid kit
• Medication and prescriptions, if relevant
• Travel stroller suitable for cobbled streets if traveling with a toddler
• Baby carrier if traveling with a baby
• A good diaper bag that can double up as day bag
• Italian phrasebook and dictionary
• Rome with kids ebook travel guide if you have children
The best luggage for Rome in June
The best luggage for Rome is spacious enough to keep safe your clothes and shoes yet light and resistant enough for you to safely manoeuvre it in airports and, if walking, on bumpy cobbled streets.
In terms of larger bags, I recommend:
- Samsonite Omni Carry on expandable luggage with spinner wheels
- Samsonite Omni Full Size spinner bag (for checking in)
- Osprey Farpoint 40 Carry on travel backpack
Handy Toiletries list for Rome
You can buy all this in Rome pharmacy shops or supermarket. Read here >>> grocery shops in Rome. If packing toiletries for a short trip, you June want to add to your luggage:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Shower gel / soap (I recommend solid soap for travel)
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Deodorant
- Tweezers
- Comb and brush
- Face and body moisturizers
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Women sanitary supplies
- Perfume / skin scent
- Make up
- Shaving cream, blades and accessories
- Hair ties
- Mosquito repellent
Accessories and nice to have
The best accessories I recommend for Rome are:
- Sunglasses – June can bright and lovely, make sure you protect your eyes
- Necklaces to dress an outfit up or down: Italian women love necklaces!
- Sun hat – yet, you will look like a tourist but it will save you from sunstroke!
- Earrings, again a popular Italian fashion statement
- Eye mask for the plane
- Travel pillow for the plane
- Stroller fan to keep baby cooler
What not to add to your packing list for Rome in June
In most cases, your packing list for Rome in June June exclude:
- Warm sweater, jackets and boots
- Heels
- Very fancy clothes (unless you know you have a special event)
I hope this packing list for June in Rome came handy. Safe travels!