What to do in Rome in November: weather, All Saints' Day and events

November is one of the quietest months to visit Rome: the summer crowds have gone, queues get shorter, prices drop outside the All Saints' bridge weekend and the autumn light is beautiful on the ruins. The trade-off is the weather, since it is one of the rainiest months of the year, and the days are short. This guide gives the month's climate, the useful dates in November 2026, what opens and closes, and what to do when it rains. Information checked in October 2026. To celebrate Thanksgiving away from home, see Thanksgiving in Rome.

The weather in Rome in November

According to the 1991-2020 climate normals published by climate websites, November in Rome averages about 9 °C at night and 17 °C by day, with around 108 mm of rain spread over about ten days. Days can be mild and clear, then give way to several days of showers: pack a light waterproof and shoes that can take the wet rather than a heavy coat. Evenings are cool. To compare with other months, see the best time to visit Rome.

The lake in the Villa Borghese

The clocks went back on 25 October 2026: the sun sets around 17:00 at the start of the month and around 16:40 at the end. Keep outdoor sites for the middle of the day.

The dates in November 2026

Sunday 1 November: All Saints' Day (Ognissanti), a public holiday in Italy and the first Sunday of the month, so state-run sites are free. It is all covered in our guide to Rome at All Saints' Day.
Monday 2 November: All Souls' Day. It is not a public holiday, but most state museums are closed on Mondays.
Until 15 November: the Romaeuropa Festival (41st edition, 8 September to 15 November 2026) offers dance, theatre, music and digital arts at several venues in the city, including the Mattatoio.
Sunday 29 November: the last Sunday of the month, free entry to the Vatican Museums from 9:00 to 14:00 (last entry 12:30), with big crowds. The rest of the time they are closed on Sundays.

The Rome Film Festival (Festa del Cinema) runs from 13 to 25 October 2026: it is over by November.

What opens, what closes

The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine close at 16:30 (last entry 15:30) from 25 October 2026 to 28 February 2027: arrive at opening time. Book your time slot online: tickets go on sale 30 days ahead. The Borghese Gallery can only be visited by reservation, in time slots.

The Bioparco moves to its winter hours: check them before going. For any other site, check the official website before you set out, especially on public holidays.

What to do in Rome in November

The big monuments, quieter: the Pantheon, St Peter's Basilica and the Forum are far less crowded than in spring or summer, outside the All Saints' weekend.
Parks in autumn: the Villa Borghese and the Villa Doria Pamphilj are pleasant in dry weather. See also parks and gardens in Rome.
Churches and paintings: see Caravaggio in Rome and churches to visit.
Seasonal food: roasted chestnuts, soups, and the return of puntarelle (chicory) in the trattorias; see what to eat in Rome.
Evenings: the theatre season is under way, including the Rome Opera; see concerts and shows in Rome.

If it rains

November is made for museums: the Capitoline Museums, Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Massimo and the Baths of Diocletian. Our guide to Rome on a rainy day offers a full programme, and the free museums help keep the budget down.

Where to stay, getting around and planning the trip

Outside the All Saints' weekend, November is a quiet period: hotels are easier to book, see where to stay in Rome, and the budget for a trip to Rome is lighter. Public transport runs normally; if a strike is called, which remains possible, check the announcements of the operator ATAC (see transport in Rome).

For the rest of the year, see Rome in winter and Christmas in Rome if you come back in December.