The Rome IndexRome in summer
June through August — hot, crowded, but still worth it with the right preparation.
The heat
July and August regularly hit 35°C or above, with very little shade at outdoor sites. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning or early evening, and use midday for museums or a proper rest.
Crowds
Peak season for international tourism — the Colosseum and Vatican Museums both require advance booking weeks out, and popular restaurants are fuller at prime dinner hours.
What's on
Estate Romana runs all summer with open-air film screenings, concerts and events, many of them free. Many Romans leave in August, which is actually an advantage — the city quiets noticeably after Ferragosto on August 15th, and locals return after the holiday.