Visiting the Eternal City and wondering what to wear in Rome in April? In this guide we cover what to pack for Rome in April alongside the Rome April weather to make sure you have a trip to remember.
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Weather in Rome in April
Rome in April is classified as Spring. As such you can expect traditional European Spring weather with changeable conditions throughout your trip.
As a general rule of thumb the weather in Rome in Late April tends to be better than that earlier in the month.
Note: the weather between months changes quite dramatically and there are always special events in April in certain months. If your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
How hot is Rome in April? Is it cold in Rome in April?
One of my favourite things about visiting Rome in April is that April is considered a shoulder season so it isn’t too hot or too cold.
The average high temperature in April tends to be around 19C and the low around 9C which for me is the perfect temperature for sightseeing. However as the temperature drops in the evening you will be wanting to have some layers for incase you decide to try and dine al fresco.
Does it rain a lot in April in Rome?
Rome in April is actually a fairly dry month even though it is slightly rainier than the preceding months. In April you tend to have 8 days rain in the month
What to Wear in Rome in April
Note: This Rome in April packing list covers the city of Rome not the Vatican City. If you are looking for More info on the Vatican Dress code check out this post.
Also if you are worried about what to wear to other tourist attractions in then be sure to check out our related Rome guides:
Best Shoes for Rome in April
Sneakers
For some reason there is a belief that you can’t wear sneakers in Italy however this is not true and sneakers are actually my go to shoes for Rome in April.
In fact whenever I go to Rome whatever time of year my number one go to shoe is a sneaker. There is a lot of walking involved in any vacation to Rome and the streets are uneven and cobbled so you need to have a good pair of shoes with you.
Personally, I recommend shoes like Sketchers Go Walks or All Birds for walking in Rome. If you buy shoes especially for this trip then be sure to wear them in before you go as there is nothing worse than getting a blister during your vacation.
Sandals
As the weather gets warmed in April I like to also pack a pair of smarter sandals with me. While I wear sneakers during the day in Italy, I personally do not wear sneakers for dinner in Italy. During the Winter I would pack a boot but for April I would pack a sandal or a smarter closed toe shoes that meets a more smart casual dress code.
If you check the Rome weather forecast and you are there during a cold snap then you could pack an ankle boots instead.
What to wear in Rome for women
Jeans
Although the Romans are stylish jeans are perfectly acceptable to wear in April, especially earlier in the month. However if you want to fit in and not look like a tourist in Rome I would recommend packing a pair of jeans that are more fitted and are in a darker colour. You won’t find many pairs of loose baggy jeans being worn by Italians so a form fitting pair is definitely the way to go.
I would also add to your packing list a pair of smart casual trousers such as Chinos for evenings.
Longer length skirts
I would put short skirts on the what not to wear in Rome list. However I recommend taking at least one longer length skirt with you as the perfect day to night transition item.
However if you want to wear them while visiting Italian churches be sure they don’t have a slit that reveals the knee. Churches and the Vatican Dress code means that the knee needs to be covered to enter so don’t be caught out by a revealing slit.
Blouse
A blouse works for the cooler days and nights. Italians are a smart bunch so a nice blouse is the perfect Italian Spring Packing List addition.
T Shirt
Whether you are using them just as a base layer or as your top will depend on whether you are visiting in Early or Late April. And I would recommend having a good mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts with you so you are prepared whatever the weather.
Jumper
Although the weather in Rome in April is pleasant, it can get cold in the evenings we therefore recommend having a jumper or cardigan with you for cooler days or evenings.
Jacket
While April has relatively good weather it is worthwhile packing a jacket for Rome in Spring. The perfect thing about having a jacket like a blazer for Rome in April is that it works for going out for dinner in the evening but also perfect for cooler days.
Pashmina
It doesn’t matter where I am traveling, a pashmina is always on my packing list and Rome is no different. A pashmina for Rome can act as a scarf or lovely accessory on warmer April days but can double up as an added extra layer in early April.
PJs
You won’t need thick fleece or flannel pjs for Rome in April but similarly you won’t want your lightest weight nightwear.
Waterproof Jacket
You can get a rainy day in Rome in Rome so be sure to have a lightweight waterproof jacket with you so you can carry on sightseeing in the rain.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying
What to pack for Rome in April for Men
Chinos/Jeans
For men visiting Rome in April I recommend having a couple of Pairs of smarter jeans and chinos with you. If you have a smarter tailored pair of jeans or chinos this will be the perfect day to night transition item.
Again as with the packing list for women in Rome we recommend sticking to jeans that are of a smarter more fitted variety to help you look less like a tourist in Rome.
T Shirts and Shirts
During the day t shirts are great. Again I would recommend avoiding anything with a graphic or slogan or in overly loud colors if you want to fit in with the locals.
As April is a shoulder season the weather can vary especially from the beginning and end of the month. Therefore we recommend having a mix of long and short sleeve t shirts with you.
You should also pack at least one button down shirt with you for Rome in April. The Rome dress code at night tends to be more smart casual than casual so you will feel more comfortable when out in a shirt over a t shirt. For more information on what to wear in Rome for dinner check out this post.
However if shirts aren’t your thing then be sure to pack a smart polo on top of
Blazer
A blazer is a perfect to a men’s Spring Packing List for Rome as it is perfect attire for restaurants and will double up as an extra layer for those cooler spring days.
Waterproof Jacket
Rome In April can be rainy so be sure to have a waterproof jacket with you just in case you get caught in the rain.
Sneakers
Sneakers are perfect shoes for days of sightseeing particularly if you have the smarter type. However you will want at least one other pair of shies with you for Rome in April
Smarter Shoes
A smarter pair of shoes or boots with a good sole will be perfect for evenings out in Rome in April. Just try and pack a waterproof pair and leave the suede at home in case you get caught in a shower.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
What Else to Pack for Rome in April
Our essentials to pack for Rome in April are:
- Documentation – i.e. including but not limited to Passports, travel insurance, prescriptionsm visas etc.
- Travel Adapaters for electronics – Italy uses standard European outputs and plugs.
- Backpack – for storing items on your day trips.
- Crossbody Bag – anti theft type as with any city it can have issues with pickpockets around main tourist attractions.
- Compact Travel umbrella – useful to keep in your bag should you get a rainy day.
- Sun Screen – an essential for all travel packing list even in Winter.
- Lipbalm with SPF – Our favorite brand at the minute is sun bum and is good to combat the cold air effects on your lips.
- Reusable Water Bottle – There are water fountains all around the city where you can refill your water bottle. This will save you money and is better for the environment so be sure to pack one with you.
- Camera
- Charging Equipment
- Power pack / Battery Pack
- Toiletries – depending on space in your case you could buy these on arrival or pack and take with you. For a full toiletries packing list check out this post.
- Medication
- Travel First Aid Kit
- Blister plasters
FAQs about April Rome Packing List
What do people wear in Rome in April?
People in Rome in April know that layers are your best friend. April is a shoulder season and a transition month so you can have warm days and chiller ones. Layers will mean you are ready for whatever Rome has to throw at you weather wise.
How to Dress for Special Events in Rome in April
There are several special events in Rome in April. They are:
- Rome’s Birthday – 21st April
- Liberation Day -25th Rome
However neither of these holidays have a specific dress code attached to them.