What to do and visit in Rome in August
The month of August is a special month for Rome.
We are at the height of summer and the seasonal averages reported by the major weather portals indicate temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees and scarce possibilities of rain.
Summer kisses the Eternal City, but we advise you to pack a raincoat, just in case. First and foremost, Visit Rome in August without leaving anything for granted.
Travel tips and ideas for those visiting Rome in August.
Generally in August, most Romans leave the city for the summer holidays.
Most of the shops close during August, as some offices do.
Enjoy Rome with little to no traffic!
No difficulties and chaos in the use of car parks or public services. As a consequence, reduced smog levels and you can cycle without any stress.
Useful information to visit Rome in August
Restaurants, cafés and shops open in August
Nowadays it is common to find restaurants and bars in the city center open in August. In any case, always check online especially if you’re looking for anything specific.
Book your lunch on August 15th beforehand! Most Romans go out eating on this day, you could have a hard time finding a nice spot.
Museums open in Rome in August
Museums and archaeological sites remain indeed open all summer, including on August 15th.
Also in this case we recommend visiting websites and social pages of the museums or archaeological areas that you intend to visit, to check if a reservation is necessary.
What to do, dates and events not to be missed in Rome in August
August 5th: Snowfall in Santa Maria Maggiore
Definitely one of the most evocative events of the Roman tradition.
On the night of August 5th, the Miracle of the Madonna of the Snow is recalled at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A shower of white petals recalls the snowfall that occurred in 358 AD. Pope Sixtus V built the Basilica in that exact same spot.
Besides the religious celebration and the fall of petals, sound and light shows take place in the square.
August 10th : Shooting Stars of San Lorenzo
The night of San Lorenzo in Rome is celebrated in the neighborhood of the same name. Particularly The Basilica opens to visitors already in the previous 3 days, at specific times, which you can check online.
On the day of San Lorenzo the traditional procession takes place in the neighbourhood.
Lastly, the magic of this night does not end here: in Rome there are many panoramic points from which it is possible to watch shooting stars.
Among the most romantic places for observing shooting stars we mention: the Pincio terrace, above Piazza del Popolo and the Gianicolo terrace.
August 15th: Ferragosto in Rome
In Ferragosto in Rome we traditionally dedicate ourselves to outdoor activities.
Seaside relax, countryside picnics and long lunches together wiht a watermelon slice to wrap it up!
Religious celebrations in honor of the assumption of Mary take place in St. Peter’s Square at 12.00 with the traditional Angelus.
Take adavantage of the fewer crowds and visit a museum!.
Or a day in the open air in the Appian Way E-Bike Tour, a beautiful morning of culture and nature.
Every day: guided tours of Rome by electric bike
This is the best time to enjoy an electric bike tour of Rome: between the Sun, deserted alleys and roads without traffic.
It is the best time to take some pictures in front of fountains, monuments and famous squares, without many other tourists.
Imagine you come across an almost deserted Trevi Fountain and you can take pictures in every corner you want!
The e-bikes combine the fun and comfort with little to no fatigue in pedaling.
The tour that we recommend at this time is the evening tour to enjoy Rome at Sunset: the Rome By Night Bike Tour.
Various dates: free admission to museums in Rome in August
Additionally some museums and archaelogical areas offer free admission in August : here are some!
August 1st: Galleria Corsini, National Etruscan Museum Villa Giulia, All of the Musei in Comune
Aug 4th: Roman National Museums Balbi Crypt – Palazzo Altemps – Palazzo Massimo – Diocletian Baths
August 10th: Villa Adriana and Villa D’Este in Tivoli
Aug 15th: Baths of Caracalla, National Gallery