Coming to Rome in February?

Thanks to Romawise here you can find what to do if you 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 . . .

**Saint Peter’s Square in February – it’s cold but it’s beautiful!**

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? 
• Things to do in February in Rome

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!

WHAT TO PACK FOR ROME IN FEBRUARY

This is what I wear when I walk around Rome, and I walk around Rome a lot, in all seasons and in all kinds of weather. These are my personal recommendations for your visit to Rome in February:

WHAT TO WEAR IN ROME IN FEBRUARY

The key is to be comfortable. I cannot stress highly enough how important it is to wear comfortable shoes. So make sure you bring good, comfortable socks, too. I suggest sturdy hiking shoes or similar. And if they are waterproof or water-resistant, even better.

The other key is layering. When it gets sunny during the middle of the day, you may want to shed a layer or two.

Jeans, or heavy cotton or wool trousers, are perfect for everyone.

How people dress in Rome in February 

It’s really chilly in the early morning and at night (can be freezing), so wear a sweater, jacket, hat, scarves and gloves. During the day, when sight-seeing, you might want to use a large bag or backpack you can pop your scarf/gloves/hat into if it’s sunny out.

I’d suggest carrying a small umbrella in case of rain (or snow), but even if you don’t, you can always buy one on the street if you need to.

Did I mention to wear comfortable shoes? And socks? It merits repeating!

FEBRUARY IN ROME – WHAT TO EXPECT

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IS IT CROWDED IN FEBRUARY IN ROME?

February is low season in Rome, and you can expect to have a lot of the top sites to yourself.
This is without a doubt the best reason to visit Rome in February!

But there is also a lot going on during this month, so either join in the fun, or be aware of it in case you want to avoid the crowds.

• February 4 2018 – Six Nations Italy v England at Stadio Olimpico, Rome 3pm
• February 13 2018 – Beginning of Carnival
• February 14 2018 – St. Valentine’s Day
• February 14 2018 – Ash Wednesday (First day of Lent)

In Rome, Carnevale seems to be mostly about kids dressing up, and throwing confetti around in the streets and piazzas

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.

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.

Castagnole are not to be confused with Zeppole, or Bigné di San Giuseppe, which are for Father’s Day in March, and which look like Castagnole sort of, but are larger, and filled with custard, jam or cream.

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!

ROME IN FEBRUARY – THINGS TO DO

As every month, you can count on two dates for major sites to be open in Rome for free. Just remember, crowds will be considerably bigger on these dates!

On the first Sunday of every month, state sites and museums are free for everyone. This includes archeological sites like the Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill, Baths of Caracalla and Ostia Antica; and museums like the Galleria Borghese and Palazzo Barberini. On Sunday, February 4, 2018, you can visit these sites for free.

Even though February is low season, you should still book in advance for Galleria Borghese.

On the last Sunday of every month, it is free to visit the Vatican Museums.

The hours are reduced (entry only from 9:00 – 12:30. The museums close at 2pm.) And unlike for other days, you cannot book tickets in advance. Even in low season, expect a line and crowds on the Free Sunday (remember, Romans like to visit this too!)

On Sunday, February 25, 2018, you can visit the Vatican Museums for free.

VATICAN EVENTS IN FEBRUARY IN ROME

Depending on when Easter falls, February can be full of Vatican-related events. There are various additional Papal Audiences and Masses held at the Vatican, so check their schedule to see if you will be here for one of them, in case you’d like to try for tickets.

The big one of course is Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 14 in 2018.

Source: Romawise

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