November in Rome is an amazing time to visit this incredible city, Not only are the summer crowds long gone, but the beginning of the month coincides with the start of shoulder season.
This means that anyone visiting Rome in November can enjoy nice discounts on flights and hotel rooms if they book well in advance.
Seriously, any time you visit Rome be sure to book things WELL in advance since this is one of the most popular cities in the world.
Sure, this month can be a bit cold and rainy. However, if you can handle sometimes iffy weather then you’ll love your time in Rome, minus the insane crowds.
TBH, I prefer Rome in November to the summer since you won’t sweat to death and have to wait in an hour-long line just to use the toilet.
But, if you are a HUGE warm-weather person then you may want to consider visiting at another time of year.
Otherwise, use this epic guide to plan your trip and learn all about some of the best things to do in Rome in November.
Since I’m incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high chance that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Is It Worth Going to Rome in November?
Yes, November is a great time to visit Rome if you don’t mind colder temperatures and unpredictable, sometimes rainy, weather.
TBH it’s similar to December in Rome (minus Rome during Christmas) while October in Rome and September in Rome are much warmer.
See, the less-ideal weather means fewer crowds and better prices when it comes to hotels and flights to Rome since November is officially the start of the off-season.
Personally, I like visiting at this time of year since I don’t have to deal with hordes of selfie-stick-wielding tourists. The light is also great for photography and you can sometimes see some lovely foliage too.
To score the best deals, try booking flights and hotels well in advance. This way you can save money and stay at one of the best hotels with views of the Colosseum.
What is the Weather Like in Rome in November?
The weather in November varies quite a bit depending on when you visit Rome in Autumn. So, if you visit earlier in the month then you might be able to wear a T-shirt during your one-day in Rome itinerary.
However, visit towards the middle or the end of the month and you’ll want to wear a jacket or a fleece.
I visited towards the end of the month and was definitely glad I had a warm jacket since the weather was a bit cold and rainy.
I would also suggest wearing waterproof clothing and shoes since the weather can be quite rainy.
That being said, you can encounter unseasonably hot or cold weather at any time of year. So, my best advice is to always check the weather RIGHT before you visit.
This way you know exactly what to pack and don’t have to deal with any surprises.
in general though, the weathe in Rome in November means daily highs of 17°C (62‡F), daily lows of 7°C (45°F), and an average of nine days of rain per month.
It’s also worth noting that days do get a lot shorter in November. So, sunrise is typically around 7:00 am and sunset is around 5:00 pm.
My best advice is to get an early start so that you can make the most of your day in Rome.
Expert Tip: I cannot emphasize enough how much temperatures vary between the start to the end of the month. At the begging of the month, temperatures are between 18-22°C (65-72°F).
Then in mid-November they shift to between 14-16°C (57-61°F). Once the end of the month rolls around, temperatures plummet to between 10-12°C (50-54°F).
So, always check the weather before you arrive and pack accordingly.
What to Eat in Rome in November?
Some of the best foods to try in November in Rome are:
- Carciofi alla Romana – These are stewed artichokes and I cannot recommend them enough since they start to come into season at the end of the month. They are super delicious and well worth trying.
- Fennel – Fennel is a great fall food and is in season well until December. It is nice when served with potatoes and a smidge of cheese.
- Persimmons – This is a great fall fruit that doesn’t become available until the start of October in Rome. They have incredible flavor and are not really a big thing in the US. So, the first time I had one I was actually in South Korea. I love them now and eat them every time I’m in Rome.
- Pumpkin – I love eatting a nice pumpkin gnocchi with a bit a sage butter. Pumpkin ia great and typically becomes available in October and November.
November Events in Rome
The first thing you need to know about traveling to Rome in November is that All Saints Day is a public holiday.
So, a lot of religious sites wll be closed on November 1st since many locals will spend the day visiting the graves of deceassed relatives in local cemeteries.
That being said, most major tourist attractions should be open to the public, like the Colosseum. However, some cool November events you might want to check out include:
- Rome Jazz Festival – Held in early November at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica, this event takes place during the first week of November. Highlughts include performances from Italian and international jazz artists like the Dhafer Youssef Quartet, Gregory Porter, and Sarah Mckenzie.
- RomaEuropa Festival – This arts festival celebrates artists from many different disciplines and lasts all the way from September in Rome through November. It was started in 1980 and you can enjoy a wide array of theatrical, dance, and musical performances during this incredible event.
- Rome International Film Festival – Held in mid-November, this amazing festival takes place at the Desoto Theatre in Rome and allows independent filmmakers to showcase their work during one fantastic week.
Best Things to Do in Rome in November
November is the beginning of shoulder season in Rome and things start to get a bit quieter. Therefore, you can get away with booking some non-touristy things to do in Rome as you go.
However, I personally would ALWAYS pre-book tickets to see the Colosseum and the Vatican Museum. These are two of the most popular attractions in the city and are always packed with people.
I like to visit the Coloseeum at night and the Vatican at night since it is usually less crowded and you can enjoy seeing these landmarks all lit up in the evening.
Generally, though, if you feel like you HAVE to see something and would be devasteted if you didn’t get the chance to see it then play it safe and pre-book your tickets.
Now, if you’re not sure what to do in Rome in November, here is a list of some of the best things to do.
1. Visit the Colosseum
⭐️ Rating: 4.6/5.0 (42179 Reviews) Price: $60+ per person Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Varies Operator: Crown Tours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
You 100% can’t NOT visit the Colosseum during your 2 (or more) days in Rome. It’s easily one of the most epic landmarks in Rome and is well worth visit in November.
After all, the sun is less itense, as are the crowds, making it a great time to visit. I would just save this activity for a sunny day since walking around outside in the rain is not a whole lot of fun.
If you can, opt for a guided tour of the Colosseum. This way you can listen to rad tales about battle read gladiators fighting ferocious lions.
Additionally, enjoy skip-the-line access and get to see the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill while you’re here.
“Our tour guide Matej was amazing! Really knowledgeable and funny. The tour was appropriately paced. Matej kept it interesting the whole time. Easy to find. When we arrived to the meeting point we were directed to their office to check in, this was visible from the meeting point.”
Paige (read more reviews now)
amphitheaterOverall, I really loved my time here since I got take epic photos of the Emperor’s Palace and got to explore this amazing amphitheatre with a funny local guide during this half-day tour of Rome.
2. Visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (5429 Reviews) Price: $90.00+ per person Duration: 2.5-3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Via Mocenigo 15 Operator: Crown Tours Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Founded in the 16th century by none other than Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museum and Sisitine Chapel are an overall must-see in Rome in November.
After all, this gorgeous museum has been expanded by sucessive popes and now features an insane collection of amazing art that includes Egyptian mummies, Etruscan bronzes, ancient busts, etc.
So, walk along the museum’s four miles of galleries and I DARE you not to be impressed. However, this place is HELLA big. So, I highly recommend hiring a guide.
This way, you can make the most of your time and don’t have to worry about getting lost.
“It was a great tour covering the must-see elements of the Vatican city. Elena, the tour guide, was so knowledgeable and friendly. She told us amazing stories about Vatican, its history, Michelangelo paintings and sculptures and lots of other great stuff.”
Pouira (read more reviews now)
Just expect large crowds, even in November, since everyone and their brother’s sister’s cousin wants to stand in awe of the Sistine Chapel.
But, I get it. Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling frescoes depicting the Last Judgment are nothing short of amazing.
This is why upwards of 2000 people are here at any given time and why many people sign up for some of the best Rome tours for Catholics.
3. Visit Palazzo Barberini
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (79 Reviews) Price: $22+ per person Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: Office at Via Del Colosseo 24 Operator: GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH Details: Read More on Get Your Guide Now!
This amazing and mega oppulent Baroque palace was constructed to celebrate the Barberini family’s rise to power in the Vatican.
Today it is a captivating museum that astounds visitors from around the world with it’s beautiful art collection.
“The palazzo is a pure marvel.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Featuring works from acclaimed artists like Bernini, Caravaggio, and Borromini, it is an amazing place to visit in Rome on a rainy day.
Plus, your skip-the-line ticket also includes access to both the Barberini Gallery and Corsini Gallery, which is a nice perk.
4. Explore the Roman Catacombs
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (3295 Reviews) Price: $54+ per person Duration: 3.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Center of Piazza Barberini Tour Operator: City Wonders Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
When I first visited Rome alone, I was chatting with my dad about the Catacombs in Rome and was surprised to hear about them since I had only ever heard about the ones in Paris.
Well, unlike the catacombs in Paris, the catacombs in Rome don’t feel quite as macabre since most of the bones and skulls have been removed.
I visited the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and thought they were a really neat historic site.
They date all the way back to the second century and were a secret burial ground for Christians in a mostly pagan society.
“Vanessa is a superb guide – she’s an excellent story-teller, connects amazingly well with her group and has the most positive attitude ever! She gave the backstory to the Roman crypts and catacombs in an enjoyable, engaging manner while taking the time to answer individual questions along the way. Couldn’t recommend a better tour guide than Vanessa!”
Mark (read more reviews now)
During your visit, you’ll be able to see all sorts of cool statues, beautiful mosaics, and saints’ tombs.
Just be sure to book a tour since the site is located a bit outside the city and can be tricky to get to on your own.
Expert Tip: If you’re still looking for some Halloween feels then try booking an epic ghost tour in Rome. I do one every time I am in the city and they are a ton of fun.
5. Explore Castel Saint Angelo
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (2626 Reviews) Price: $17+ per person Duration: 1 day 📍Meeting Point: No need to meet Operator: Doooing Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
This famous landmark in Rome has a circuliar keep and was first built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
It was later converted into a fortress in the sixt century and was eventually named after a vision of an angel that Pope Gregory the Great had.
“At first, I was scared, because I didn’t receive the tickets previously in my email (as GetYourGuide informed me when purchasing), but after calling the contact number provided on confirmation (no one answered), I received a WhatsApp from that number with my tickets attached. A very nice service of the person that contacted me.”
Migueal (read more reviews now)
Opt for a skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide at Castel Sant’Angelo to make your visit a whole lot easier. However, you could probably get in without too much trouble if you visit in November.
Also take time to relax at the top and admire the impressive views of the surrounding city.
6. Enjoy the Borghese Gallery
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (2271 Reviews) Price: $53+ per person Duration: 2 hours 📍Meeting Point: Gallery entrance Operator: Loving Rome Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Hands down, the Borghese Gallery is one of my favorite art galleries in Rome. Not only is the art work stunning, but the museum is situated inside a gorgeous park.
So, be sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding park after your visit. Other than that, just enjoy what is often referred to as the, “queen of all private art collections”.
It was founded by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and is easily one of the finest art collections in the world since it houses works from Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Bernini (the sculptures are epic).
“My husband and I were blown away by this tour – our tour guide (I’m so sorry we didn’t catch her name) was absolutely phenomenal, and made this tour one of the highlights of our entire trip to Italy (5 cities). She enthrallingly made each work of art come to life, with the story behind it, the artist’s life and so many interesting facts. It was almost a performance vs a regular tour, but one we could not get over. Her knowledge and delivery were absolutely incredible, though I did have some trouble understanding her accent at times. That still wouldn’t take a star away from this being an outstanding tour, and each of the other people on our tour made sure to tell her how incredible a job she did before we left, with extra emphasis. We would highly recommend this tour!”
Kara (read more reviews now)
I also love that every time you visit there is something new to explore since a wealth of temporary exhibits are always displayed here.
So, stop by and enjoy one of the best things to do in Rome in November.
Expert Tip: If you want to pay less for admission and save some money in Rome then grab tickets for the final admission of the day.
7. Visit the Pantheon
The Pantheon is a two-thousand-year-old temple originally built to honor the seven Gods of the planets.
It was later converted into a church and now stands as one of Rome’s best-preserved ancient monuments.
After all, Emperor Hadrian commissioned the Pantheon to replace Marcus Agrippa’s former temple, beginning in 125 CE.
Despite its lackluster exterior, entering through the bronze doors and gazing up at the 9-meter-wide (29.5 feet) oculus is a one-od-a-kind experience in Rome.
The site’s magnificence is further amplified by light streaming through the oculus, illuminating royal tombs within the marble walls.
During your visit, stop by the tomb of Renaissance painter Raphael, and don’t forget that tickets now cost €5.00.
8. Explore Trastevere
For a truly authentic experience in Rome, explore the Trastevere neighborhood.
Situated just across the Tiber River, this area has a captivating, suburban charm that enchants visitors who visit as part of one of the best night tours in Rome.
After all, the historic streets are rich in culture and brimming over with delicious cuisine that you need to try ASAP.
If you love to eat, embark on a memorable Rome food tour through Trastevere to fully appreciate the culinary delights this part of the city has to offer.
9. Enjoy a Day Trip to Tuscany
⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 (125 Reviews) Price: $90+ per person Duration: 12 hours 📍Meeting Point: Piazza del Popolo, Operator: City Wonders Ltd. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Tuscany in fall is beautiful since you can sip on wine and watch the leaves on the vines change from green to gorgeous red hues.
If you only have a limited amount of time in Italy, try doing a day tour from Rome to Tuscany. It’s a long day (12 hours) and I would definitely recommend spending more time in Tuscany.
“Great excursion! The guide Natasha knows her business perfectly and readily answers all questions. In addition to the program, she gave useful tips for traveling around Rome: about the metro, cafes, etc. The driver Emilio accompanied us on the trip – a true professional in his field, he drove very gently and safely. Orvieto is a chic town with its own atmosphere. Traditional lunch at Trattoria Pulcina with tasting of wine, cheeses and sausages – a gastronomic orgasm! Everyone explained in such an interesting and detailed way what wine to drink after what. The most memorable thing on this tour, of course, was Bagnoregio – an authentic town in the mountains. The atmosphere there is magical!!! I highly recommend it! The day was amazing!”
Mag (read more reviews now)
However, this tour is a solid option since you’ll get to discover the beauty of Tuscan culture as you explore quaint villages like Civita di Bagnoregio, enjoy an authentic Tuscan wine tasting at a local farm, and enjoy the gorg hill town of Orvieto.
Just don’t leave Orvieto without without seeing the town’s beautiful Cathedral.
Overall, it’s a great way to get a taste for Tuscany so that you can better plan a more in depth trip when you return.
What to Pack for November in Rome
The first key to figuring out what to wear in Rome in November is NOT to overpack. I know it’s hard but try to resist the urge .
See, if you forget something they will 100% have it somewhere in Rome since it’s a big city with a ton of stores.
However, as a general rule, I would pack lots of layers. I tend to stay away from jeans since they are bulky and retain odors, but if you love jeans then go for it.
I like to wear light weight, quick-dry hiking pants and then just wear long underwear beneth them if it gets a littl chilly.
Other things you might want to consider bringing are a fleece, waterproof jacket, t-shirts, waterproof boots, a waterproof jacket, etc.
An umbrella may come in handy as well as a water resistant bag since it can get quiet rainy in Rome in November.
Comfortable shoes are a must. I usually like to wear sturdy, waterproof boots but wear whatever is comfortable since you will be doing a lot of walking.
Conclusion
Overall, November is a great time to visit Rome if you hate crowds and don’t mind sometimes cold and rainy weather.
It’s also a great month to visit on a budget if you plan ahead and book your hotels/flights well in advance of your trip.
Just remember to pack lots of waterproof clothes and to book tickets to the Colosseum/Vatican Museum well in advance and you will have an amazing trip.
Also, if you enjoyed this post, be sure to join our email list and Facebook group for even more awesome Rome travel advice.
