What to Do in Rome in August: Ferragosto, Closures and Heat

August is Rome's hottest month and the one when the city empties: many Romans leave around 15 August (Ferragosto) and some neighbourhood shops and restaurants close for the holidays. The major sites stay open and the evenings are mild. You just need to choose your hours well and check closing days. Information checked in October 2026 for summer 2026; check the 2027 dates.

The weather in Rome in August

Normals from the Ciampino station give a high of about 30.6°C, a low of 18.3°C and 37 mm of rain over 3 days: hot, with possible thunderstorms (table in our guide to the best time to visit Rome). During heat waves temperatures far exceed these averages; the Ministry of Health's "bollino" alerts flag the risky days.

Ferragosto and closures

The Tiber Island

15 August, Ferragosto: public holiday. The city slows down and many shops are closed. The major sites stay open (see major events in Rome).
Vatican Museums: closed on 14 and 15 August (and on Sundays, except the last one of the month, which is free). Check the official website before booking; see the Vatican Museums.
Neighbourhood restaurants and shops: many close for one to three weeks around 15 August, often with a "chiuso per ferie" sign. Restaurants in tourist areas (centre, Trastevere) mostly stay open; check opening hours before heading out.
At night: the tourist districts stay lively, see Rome at night.

What to do in Rome in August

Estate Romana: the city's cultural programme continues in August (cinema, concerts, open-air shows), with events around Ferragosto and city museums announced as open that day. The calendar is published by Roma Capitale and turismoroma.it and changes every year.
Night visits: major sites offer evening openings in summer; the press announced Colosseum evenings in August 2026. Confirm on the official website before planning.
The Tiber embankments: evening events, see the Tiber Island.
Archaeological sites early in the morning: Colosseum (8:30-19:15 until 30 September), Roman Forum, Baths of Caracalla (9:00-19:15 until the end of August, closed on Mondays).
Museums that offer relief in the hottest hours: Borghese Gallery, Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Massimo.

Escaping the heat

The Tiber and Ponte Fabricio

Ostia: the Metromare train reaches the beaches and ancient Ostia (visit in the morning).
Tivoli and the Castelli Romani: cooler, see the Villa d'Este and the Castelli Romani from Rome.
Parks: Villa Borghese and Villa Doria Pamphilj.
More ideas: day trips from Rome.

Practical tips

Flip your day: open-air sites at opening time, a break from 1 to 5 pm, out in the evening. Details in Rome in summer.
Water and health: a bottle for the "nasoni" (drinking water in Rome), sun protection; if you feel unwell, see emergencies and health in Rome.
Accommodation: check for air conditioning; rates drop at some places in July-August, see the budget for Rome and where to stay in Rome.
Sundays and Mondays: many sites close; see Rome on Sundays and Rome on Mondays.
Before August: see Rome in July.