What to do in Rome in July: ultimate Travel Guide

  • 8 min read

July in Rome unfolds like a sunlit dream: long golden evenings, lively street festivals, and balmy nights perfect for rooftop sips.

Whether you’re discovering ancient wonders or chasing local summer magic, this guide covers why July is magical in Rome, the weather, top activities, local food, and the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Why Rome in July Is Pure Magic

Golden Hour on the Eternal City why bro

In July, daylight stretches late, about 9 PM, creating that dreamy “golden hour” glow on St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, and Il Vittoriano placed in Piazza Venezia. As dusk deepens into a long, soft “blue hour,” the city transforms into a photographer’s paradise. Summer light bathes everything in romantic warmth, inviting you to linger over a glass of prosecco and let the evening unfold.

Summer Festivals and Street Life

Once the June saints’ celebrations fade, Rome in July is still buzzing. Neighborhood festivals light up piazzas with music and laughter, while the iconic Festa de’ Noantri in Trastevere keeps traditions alive: processions, music, and neighborhood joy under lantern-lit cobblestones.

Spontaneous Street Performances

July evenings bring Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, and other iconic squares alive with spontaneous music and dance — from classical quartets to fire dancers — against Rome’s stunning backdrops.

What to expect from July weather in Rome

Rome in July is warm and reliably sunny, with average highs around 31 °C (88 °F) and mild lows near 19 °C (66 °F). Expect around two rainy days during the month and plenty of sunshine. Keep in mind, those historic stone streets soak up daytime heat and release it at night—light layers and early planning are key.

How to beat the heat and fall in love with July Rome

  • Start early: Begin your sightseeing at dawn, why not with a morning ebike tour, when Rome is quiet and the light is soft. By 10 am, head indoors to visit cool havens — Vatican Museums, Pantheon, or airy basilicas.
  • Siesta-style breaks: Embrace the pause, find a shaded café or pic-nic in a park like Villa Borghese between 1–4 pm.
  • Hydrate smart: refill at “nasoni” fountains across the city; carry a reusable bottle and ditch spending on bottled water.
  • Light wardrobe: Pack breathable cotton or linen clothes in light tones. Don’t forget a stylish hat and UV sunglasses! But, remember: in places of worship, shoulders and knees must be covered — so make sure to bring a scarf or shawl with you.
  • Cool evenings: plan evening plans with aperitivos on rooftops in Monti or Trastevere, or the Sunday jazz at Casa del Jazz, when temperatures dip and the city truly glows.
  • Choose a skip-the-line tour — lines for Rome’s top attractions can last up to 3 hours, especially in the scorching July heat. Waiting under the sun can drain your energy and ruin the experience. That’s why we recommend booking guided skip-the-line tours or choosing a pass that lets you bypass the queues and enjoy the city at your own pace.

If you want all the best tips on how to avoid the Roman heat, read our full article!

Top Things to do in Rome in July

1. Festa de’ Noantri in Trastevere

Saturday 19-20 July – 8.00 AM
Dive into the Festa de’ Noantri, one of Rome’s most beloved summer street festivals. This celebration honors the Madonna del Carmine with processions, traditional music, and nighttime parties lining the cobbled roads of Trastevere. Don’t miss the glittering light displays, communal dining, and an iconic religious statue carried through the neighborhood.

2. Il Cinema in Piazza – Open air Cinema

Till 13 July 2025
Set on the Monte Ciocci, Cervelletta Park and San Cosimato, the Cinema in Piazza screens Italian premieres and Mediterranean cinema under starry skies. Cozy up with a prosecco before the show and enjoy movies on the island’s atmospheric riverside stage. No worries, every film comes with subtitles.
Book now — Add magic with a food & wine cruise on the Tiber.

3. Rock in Roma

From June 13 to July 27 2025
Rock in Roma lights up the summer with live concerts by top Italian and international artists at the Capannelle Racecourse and other venues. More than a festival, it’s a summer ritual of music, energy, and passion under the stars.

4. Opera at the Baths of Caracalla

3 June – 7 August
With Opera under the stars, July brings opera lovers to the grand ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. Renowned for productions like Aida and La Traviata, set in this historical backdrop with dramatic lighting and outstanding acoustics. Even non‑opera fans are swept up by the spectacle.
Book now — Reserve your unforgettable visit at Baths of Caracalla.

5. Evergreen: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

Start your journey early in the morning to enter the Colosseum through the gladiator gate and feel the chill of history as you stand on the arena floor. Next, stroll through the Roman Forum, and then ascend the Palatine Hill, where legend says Rome was born, and take in panoramic views that stretch from the ruins to the modern city skyline. For more information, read the Complete Guide 2025 of the Colosseum.
Book now — Skip-the-line tour Colosseum + Forum + Palatine

6. Evergreen: Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Without the Wait

Skip the sweltering lines and dive straight into centuries of art and history. A guided tour or a Vatican Pass lets you breeze through the entrance and explore masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael in comfort. From grand galleries to the Sistine Chapel’s iconic ceiling, this is a journey best enjoyed without the heat or hassle. For more information, read the Complete Guide 2025 of the Vatican Museums.
Book now — Skip-the-line tour Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel

Dress code for religious sites in Rome

Yes — modest dress is required when visiting churches and sacred spaces like St. Peter’s Basilica. Shoulders should be covered, and skirts or shorts must fall at least to the knee. A light scarf in your day bag can be a lifesaver if you’re wearing sleeveless tops. Keep it respectful, and you’ll be welcomed warmly into Rome’s awe-inspiring churches.

Below you’ll find the main religious sites in Rome that require a dress code.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
  • Basilica of St. Mary Major
  • Lateran Palace

How to taste the best Roman Food in July

Start with the Roman classics: Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and a chilled glass of local white wine. But July is also the perfect time to dive into Rome’s open-air food festivals and seasonal street markets. Join a food and wine tour through Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori to uncover hidden street food, hidden trattorias and artisanal gelato spots.

Below, you’ll find the must-try Roman dishes to enjoy.

  • Start with a slice of pizza al taglio – Roman street food at its best: crispy, rectangular pizza sold by weight, perfect for a quick bite on the go.
  • Indulge in pasta classics – You can’t leave without tasting the Roman holy trinity: Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Amatriciana. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and no cream allowed.
  • Try the real Roman artichoke – Whether alla giudia (deep-fried and crispy) or alla romana (braised with herbs), this seasonal delicacy is a must, especially in spring.
  • Say yes to supplì – Crispy rice balls with a molten mozzarella center. A delicious pre-dinner snack that locals adore.
  • Explore Roman-style meat dishes – Think Saltimbocca alla Romana or Coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew): rich, hearty, and steeped in tradition.
  • Cool down with artisanal gelato – Skip the neon-colored stuff and look for natural flavors. Pistachio, hazelnut, or even ricotta and fig – Rome does gelato like no one else.
  • Sip like a Roman – From a morning cappuccino to an afternoon espresso, all the way to an evening Aperol Spritz or amaro, drinks here follow a rhythm of their own.

Want a more hands-on experience? Take a cooking class to learn how to make Roman pizza or tiramisù, then enjoy your meal with chilled prosecco.

Tips for enjoying Rome’s nightlife during Summer

Rome’s nightlife sparkles in summer. Evenings are warm and long, perfect for rooftop cocktails in Monti, riverside bars along the Tiber, or open-air concerts across the city. For something cultural, book a night at the opera at Caracalla or check out live jazz at Villa Osio.

Locals love to dine late — so embrace the rhythm. After 10 pm, terraces fill with laughter, apertivo and spritzes. Let Rome’s night charm you slowly.

If you want to gently experience the golden glow of sunset and the early evening shadows while riding a premium e‑bike through the ancient heart of Rome, discover the city from a whole new perspective with a guided tour en ebike.