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Weather in Rome in November 2025: What to Pack

  • Writer: vitantoniosantoro
    vitantoniosantoro
  • 11 hours ago
  • 8 min read

Planning your trip around the weather in Rome in November 2025? Good call. Good call. Shoulder‑season prices, softer light for photos, and mostly mild days - plus plenty of world‑class indoor art for any wet spells. Below you’ll find a concise, local’s guide to Italy’s November weather, Rome’s actual November 2025 forecast, smart packing lists, and a few can’t‑miss sights and tours. Bookable picks from Viator and GetYourGuide included.



Italy Weather in November

Across Italy, November marks late fall: cooler temps, more rain, and shorter days - great for museums, food, and wine. Expect cooler/wetter in the north, milder in the center (Rome, Florence), and relatively warm yet storm‑prone in the south/islands. Travel costs generally dip versus summer, but major landmarks still draw crowds.


Rome Weather in November 2025

  • Temperatures trend down through the month. Early November highs around 20–22 °C / 68–72 °F cool to 14–16 °C / 57–61 °F late month. Lows slide from 11–8 °C / 52–46 °F early to 6–5 °C / 43–41 °F by month’s end. (accuweather.com)

  • Rain is part of the deal. November is among Rome’s wetter months - historical averages show roughly ~120 mm over the month. Plan on on‑and‑off showers rather than all‑day washouts.

What that means for you: pack light layers and a rain shell, aim indoor blockbuster museums (Vatican, Borghese) when the forecast turns soggy, and use bright mornings for outdoor ruins.


What to Pack (and Wear) in Rome in November

Core layers (carry‑on friendly)

  • Lightweight waterproof rain jacket/shell (hood helpful).

  • 2–3 long‑sleeve tops + 1–2 merino or cotton sweaters.

  • Jeans/chinos or a midi dress/skirt with tights (perfect for churches).

  • Water‑resistant walking shoes or leather sneakers; cobblestones + puddles.

  • Compact umbrella; thin scarf; light beanie for late month evenings.

  • Packable down/insulated layer if you feel the cold (especially end of month).

Church & museum dress code (Vatican / basilicas)

  • Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid sleeveless/above‑knee shorts/skirts inside sacred sites. Bring a scarf/cardigan and wear longer bottoms.

US & EU traveler add‑ons

  • Universal EU plug adapter (Type C/F; some hotels use Type L).

  • Small crossbody bag (zips) for transit/crowds; refillable water bottle.


Top Sights to Visit in November in Rome

Evening view of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City reflected in wet cobblestones after rain. Weather in Rome in November 2025. Photo: siestoalberto
St. Peter’s Basilica glowing after the rain - the reflection doubles the beauty. Visit early morning or after sunset for quieter views and magical light.

Short lines (by Rome standards), high value in cooler weather, and reliable indoor options if it rains.


  1. Colosseum & Roman Forum (Parco archeologico del Colosseo)

Rome’s headline act-iconic amphitheater plus the Forum/Palatine ruins. Cooler air makes the Forum climbs easier; morning light is great for photos.


📍 Location/Access: Piazza del Colosseo, 1; Metro B “Colosseo”.

⏱️ Duration/Best Time: 2.5–3.5 hours; early morning entry slots help. Seasonal hours from Oct 26, 2025–Feb 28, 2026: 8:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30). Time‑slot reservation required; tickets released 30 days in advance.

💶 Cost/Tickets: €18 (24‑hour Colosseum/Forum/Palatine ticket). “Full Experience” (Arena/Underground) is typically €24 (if you book on the official site).

🧭 Highlights: Arena views, Via Sacra, Palatine vantage points.

♿ Accessibility: Elevators and marked accessible routes exist; ask staff for step‑free paths in the archaeological areas.

👌 Best for: First‑timers, history lovers, photographers.


🤓 For a visit with real stories and a guide you can talk to, try this Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Guided Tour. It is a hit with families and history lovers. One traveler said, “Our tour guide Bianca was simply amazing. … Great knowledge … Bravo.” Another noted, “Nuncia… was very knowledgeable in the history … Also very engaging and funny. Really enjoyed the experience.” Overall, it’s a fun walk through ancient Rome with storytellers who bring the ruins to life. 🏛️


  1. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s ceiling, Raphael Rooms-the rainy‑day blockbuster. November is still busy; timed entry matters.


📍 Location/Access: Viale Vaticano; Metro A “Ottaviano”/“Cipro”.

⏱️ Duration/Best Time: 3–4 hours; Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00 (final entry 18:00). Closed Nov 1 (All Saints’ Day). Last Sunday: free entry 09:00–14:00, last entry 12:30 (expect extreme crowds).

💶 Cost/Tickets: Adult €20 (+ €5 online booking fee) on the official site; reserve a time slot.

🧭 Highlights: Sistine Chapel, Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms.

♿ Accessibility: Elevators and accessible paths; wheelchairs available.

👌 Best for: Art lovers, rainy‑day planners, families with teens.


🤓 For a no-fuss path straight to Michelangelo’s ceiling, try this Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Entry. You meet a host (not a guide), skip the ticket line, then explore at your own pace - great for art lovers and first-timers. One traveler said, “We were able to pass all the lines. Definitely great value.” Another noted, “The meeting point was very easy to find.” Do expect crowds, and remember knees and shoulders must be covered. Overall, it’s the stress-saving way to reach the Sistine Chapel without waiting around for hours. 🎨


Detail of a Renaissance fresco in the Vatican Museums showing figures and rich colors from ancient restoration layers. Weather in Rome in November 2025.
A closer look inside the Vatican Museums - centuries of art, restored and alive with color. Spend a rainy November afternoon exploring masterpieces like this.
  1. Galleria Borghese

A jewel box of Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova with mandatory timed slots. Perfect for a quieter, curated two hours.


📍 Location/Access: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5 (Villa Borghese).

⏱️ Duration/Best Time: 2‑hour timed entry; late morning or mid‑afternoon.

💶 Cost/Tickets: €15 (+ €2 reservation), discounts 18–25 €2. Booking required for all visitors.

🧭 Highlights: Bernini’s Apollo & Daphne, David; Caravaggio rooms.

♿ Accessibility: Lifts and assistance available; confirm at booking.

👌 Best for: Art fans, couples, anyone who dislikes museum fatigue.


🤓 For an upbeat, face-to-face art fix, try this Borghese Gallery Fast-Track Access or Guided Tour. You’ll breeze in and chat with a real expert who makes Bernini and Caravaggio feel alive. One guest said, “Our guide was fantastic - enthusiastic and super knowledgeable.” Another wrote, “So engaging and funny… we enjoyed every minute!” Overall, it’s a bright, feel-good walk through masterpieces with a guide who’s there for you. 🎭


  1. Pantheon (Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres)

Ancient perfection, now €5 entry (free for Rome residents; reductions apply). A terrific fallback on a drizzly day.


📍 Location/Access: Piazza della Rotonda (Pantheon).

⏱️ Duration/Best Time: 30–45 minutes; go early for quieter acoustics/echo.

💶 Cost/Tickets: €5 (standard); some categories free/reduced.

🧭 Highlights: The oculus, tombs (incl. Raphael).

♿ Accessibility: Step‑free entry; interior flat.

👌 Best for: Everyone.


🤓 For a breezy, feel-good visit, try this Pantheon Fast-Track Ticket with the official audio guide for €5. You skip the ticket line and plug straight into the curated stories. One traveler said, “Skipping the line is highly recommended.” Another noted, “Beautiful building and easy entrance without a long wait in a queue.” Overall, it’s a smooth, self-paced Pantheon experience with the official audio in your ears. 🎧


Mini comparison of Rome Attractions (quick pick):

Site

Vibe

Time Needed

Typical Cost

Colosseum + Forum

Iconic ruins, big views

3–4h

€18–€24

Vatican Museums

World-class art, busy

3–4h

€20 + €5 fee

Borghese Gallery

Intimate, curated

2h

€15 + €2 fee

Pantheon

Ancient perfection, quick stop

30–45 min

€5

*This table compares Rome’s top cultural sites to help you plan time and budget. It shows how long each visit takes, what kind of experience to expect, and current ticket prices. Use it to choose between ancient ruins, world-famous museums, or quick historic stops like the Pantheon.


Hidden Gems / Where Locals Go

  • Centrale Montemartini - Classical statues staged in a 20th‑century power plant.

    💡 Local Tip: Buy online (small price advantage, €1 presale). Great on rainy days; check current exhibition pricing (standard tickets often €11 without special show).

  • Testaccio Market (Mercato di Testaccio) - Indoor food hall for lunch; easy cover on wet days (cash and card; go early to beat locals on break). 💡 Local Tip: Order at the counter first; then grab a stool. (Tourists miss it because it’s a neighborhood spot, not on the main drag.)

  • Quartiere Coppedè - A tiny, whimsical Art‑Nouveau enclave near Piazza Mincio; perfect for photo strolls between showers. 💡 Local Tip: Come just after sunrise for softer light and almost no cars in your frame.

  • San Clemente Basilica (layered church) - Three time‑layers (12th‑century church over a 4th‑century basilica over Roman rooms). 💡 Local Tip: It’s cool underground; bring a light layer. Modest dress applies.


Real Reviews from Travelers and Brutally Honest Facts

Real Reviews:

  • “Crowds for Vatican museums can be crazy even in November. Buy in advance.” (Reddit)

  • “We saw queues stretching for what looked like two hours - buy tickets online.” (Tripadvisor)

  • “Reserved entrance time in advance online. Two hours is right.” (Borghese) (Tripadvisor)

  • “The Big 3 are always crowded. Reserve your spot now.” (Reddit)

  • “Free last Sunday? Incredibly crowded - we got there at 7am.” (Reddit)

  • “Roman Forum was fine, just long lines… go away from the Colosseum entrance.” (Tripadvisor)


No‑BS facts for November 2025:

  • Weather: Plan for mild days and cool nights; showers are likely, so keep a compact umbrella handy.

  • Reservations: Colosseum time‑slots open 30 days ahead; Vatican timed tickets essential (avoid free‑Sunday crush unless it’s your only chance).

  • Ticket types & pricing: Colosseum €18 standard / €24 Full Experience; watch out for resellers charging more. Use the official portals or trusted platforms, like GetYourGuide or Viator.

  • Holiday closures: Nov 1 (All Saints’ Day) affects hours; Vatican Museums closed that day; some shops/services run limited hours.

  • Dress code: Cover shoulders/knees for churches; bring layers you can add or remove.


Map & Mini Itinerary (rain‑smart)

Route (walk + one metro hop): Colosseum → Roman Forum (Via della Salara Vecchia exit) → Capitoline Hill terrace (Forum views) → Metro B to “Cavour” for coffee → stroll to the Pantheon (indoor fallback) → Piazza Navona.


Tip: Slot Galleria Borghese on a rainy afternoon (timed, 2h).


FAQs about Weather in Rome in November 2025

1) Is November a good time to visit Rome? Yes - milder temps, lower lodging rates versus summer, and shorter lines at big sights. Do expect showers and pack layers; museums make great rainy‑day backups.


2) What’s the typical temperature in Rome in November 2025?

Forecast highs start near 20–22 °C / 68–72 °F early month and ease to 14–16 °C / 57–61 °F late month; lows trend 11→5 °C / 52→41 °F.


3) How rainy is November?

It’s one of Rome’s wetter months (~120 mm historically), but showers are often intermittent. Keep a light shell; build indoor anchors (Vatican, Borghese).


4) What should I wear to the Vatican in November?

Cover shoulders and knees (both men and women). Bring a cardigan/scarf and longer bottoms; you’ll be fine with comfortable closed shoes.


5) Are major attractions open on Nov 1 (All Saints’ Day)?

It’s a public holiday. Vatican Museums are closed; other sites may run adjusted hours. Check the official museum pages for your date.


6) Do I need to prebook the Colosseum in November?

Yes. Time‑slot reservations are compulsory and open 30 days ahead. Underground/Arena sell out quickly, even off‑season.


7) How much are tickets right now?

Colosseum standard €18 (24h ticket); “Full Experience” typically €24. Vatican Museums €20 + €5 online fee; Galleria Borghese €15 + €2 booking. Always check the official pages at purchase.


8) Is November 2025 especially busy?

It’s calmer than summer but 2025’s special events (e.g., Jubilee programming) plus weekend city‑breakers can keep lines lively, so book timed entries.


9) What’s the best rainy‑day plan?

Time your Vatican Museums or Borghese Gallery on wet forecasts; keep Pantheon and Centrale Montemartini as flexible backups.


10) Any money‑saving dates?

The first Sunday of the month can be free entry for many state sites (and the Vatican Museums offer free last Sundays, with reduced hours), but crowds are intense.


🌦️ Ready to explore?

Person walking under a white umbrella on a cobblestone street in Rome’s historic center during a light November rain. Weather in Rome in November. Photo: julie.lamrani

Start your weather-smart walk through Rome and let the forecast - sun, showers, or breeze - guide your steps.


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