What to Do in Rome in February: Weather, Carnival and Events

Updated on October 8, 2026

February is a short, cool and still quiet winter month in Rome. Lows stay around 3 °C, queues at the major sights are shorter than in spring, and Carnival adds a few events, more low-key than in Venice. It is also the month of Valentine's Day, for a trip for two. This guide gives the weather, the 2027 Carnival dates, free days and closures to know. Information checked in October 2026 for February 2027; check dates on the official sites before you book. ## Weather in Rome in February February and January are the coldest months: average lows are about 3 °C, with days often cool but bright, and rain remains frequent. Snow is very rare (the snowfall of February 2012 is still remembered). Dress in layers and bring a small umbrella; see also Rome in winter and the best time to visit Rome. ![The Trevi Fountain at night](https://images.parisauthority.com/images/uploads/commons/fontana-di-trevi-di-notte.jpg) ## Carnival (Carnevale) in 2027 In 2027, Italian Carnival peaks on Fat Thursday (4 February) and ends on Shrove Tuesday (9 February), the eve of Ash Wednesday (10 February). In Rome it mostly means children and adults in costume in the centre, confetti, street shows and programmes in theatres and museums. The detailed Rome 2027 programme had not been published in October 2026: check the city's official site, turismoroma.it, in early February. Traditional spots are Piazza del Popolo and Via del Corso. Try the seasonal pastries: frappe (fried ribbons of dough dusted with icing sugar) and castagnole. ## Valentine's Day On 14 February, restaurants in the romantic districts (Trastevere, Monti, the historic centre) fill up: book several days ahead. For ideas on walks, places and viewpoints, see Rome for couples and Rome's viewpoints. ## Sales and shopping Winter sales, set by the Lazio region, ended on 13 February in 2026; the 2027 date should be checked on the Regione Lazio website. The last weeks are good for bargains on Via del Corso and Via Condotti. ## Free days and closures - **First Sunday (7 February 2027)**: free entry to state sites and city museums; see free museums in Rome. - **Last Sunday (28 February 2027)**: free entry to the Vatican Museums, which are very crowded. - **11 February**: the Vatican Museums are closed. - The Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery (reservation required) and churches are good options in the rain; see Rome on a rainy day. ## Practical tips - Winter hours at the Colosseum are shorter (8:30 am to 4:30 pm since 25 October 2026): check them on the official site. - Book weekend tables and those for 14 February. - Accommodation is generally cheaper than at Easter and in spring; always compare the same dates (see the budget for a trip to Rome). - To compare, read what to do in Rome in January, and the guide to Rome in spring.