In this what to wear in Rome in February we tell you everything that needs to be on your Rome Winter packing list from the best shoes to what to wear in Rome at night.
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Weather in Rome in February
Rome in February is still very much classified as Winter in Rome. As such you can expect traditional European Winter weather with changeable conditions throughout your trip trip to Italy at this time.
As a general rule of thumb, the weather in Rome in February improves as the month progresses.
Note: It is worth being aware that the weather between the months in Rome changes quite dramatically. If your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
How hot is Rome in February? Is it cold in Rome in February?
February in Rome is definitely still one of Rome’s winter months. But the good news is that I still very much enjoying visiting Rome in the month due to the low crowds and the fact you won’t face stifling heat if you visit Rome in February.
The average high temperature in February tends to be around 14C and the low around 4C. Therefore you are definitely want to take plenty of times that you layer with you especially for walking around the city at night and going for dinner in Italy.
Does it rain a lot in February in Rome?
Rome in February is not the wettest month of the year by a long way that honour goes to November. However if you are visiting Rome in February then you can expect to experience about 7 days of rain across the whole of the month.
Does it snow a lot in February in Rome?
Snow is rare in Rome whatever month you are visiting. However it is not impossible to see snow in February in Rome and it has snowed in February in Rome most recently in 2018 and 2012 so do keep an eye on the forecast and add some extra layers to your packing list if this is due to happen during your visit.
What to Wear in Rome in February
Note: While this Rome in February packing list covers the city of Rome what it does not cover is the Vatican City. That is because the Vatican Dress code is very specific and also very strict as you would expect of any Holy Site around the world, as is in fairness the dress code in Italian churches so be sure to check out our dedicated posts on that too.
Also if you are worried about what to wear to other tourist attractions in then be sure to check out our related Rome guides:
- Your Colosseum Dress Code Questions Answered
- Your Pantheon Dress Code Questions Answered
- Your Rome Dress Code Questions Answered
Best Shoes for Rome in February
Sneakers
We are asked more than you would expect about whether it is appropriate or indeed acceptable to wear sneakers in Rome or the rest of Italy for that matter.
For some reason there seems to be a misconception (you can find a lot of evidence about it online) that sneakers can not and should not be worn in Rome. But let me put your mind at ease and tell you now that simply is not the case. Sneakers are perfectly acceptable to be work in Rome.
In fact sneakers are my favorite shoe type to wear in Rime because they are great for those long days of walking you will be doing and to walk over the uneven and cobbled streets. Therefore I would always advise you to put sneakers on your what to pack for Rome list.
Personally, my go-to sneaker brands are Sketchers Go Walks or All Birds for walking in Rome. However we are also really impressed in Hoka sneakers too.
Just remember that if you decide to buy shoes for this trip that you wear them in before you go as there is nothing worse than getting a blister during your vacation.
Boots
As Rome is still experiencing Winter in February I recommend taking a pair of comfortable boots with you. These are perfect for the older days in the city and for going out at night. However I would not recommend taking suede boots as these will be damaged in the rain and Also do not pick a pair of thin heeled boots as these will likely be caught in the cobbled streets.
I recommend picking a pair of ankle boot as the most versatile and light weight so help you pack light for Rome however you should pick whatever you feel more comfortable in.
What to wear in Rome in February for Women
Jeans
As well as the rumour about not being able to wear sneakers in Rome, there is also concerns that jeans are also not acceptable. Howeve again this is not the case. In fact jeans are definitely a staple part of my Rome in February packing list.
Having said this however I would advise that you select the pair of jeans you wish to wear careful. While jeans are definitely worn by Romans they tend to opt for pairs that are more fitted and darker in color. You don’t tend to see loose and baggy jeans nor faded jeans on the streets of Rome.
Trousers
As well as packing jeans I would also add a pair of smarter trousers to your packing list. These could be chinos for men or smarter linen trousers or wool trousers too.
Longer length skirts
I would put short skirts on the what not to wear in Rome list but a longer length skirt is perfect for Rome in February.
However whatever type of skirt you select just be sure they don’t have a slit that reveals the knee as this is not allowed when visiting Italian churches.
Blouses
A blouse is a very versatile item in your Rome packing list. This is because it works as a layer on its own for warmer days or for dinner but also can be layered with a. cardigan or jumper for cooler days. .
T Shirts
As layers are very important in your Rome February packing list I recommend taking at least 3 for a week in Rome. This is because they can be used as either as a base layer or as your top if you are lucky and get a very warm day for that time fo year.
We recommend a mixture of long and short sleeve t shirts for this type of year. And as I said with jeans, I recommend making your t shirt selection carefully. Italians tend to opt for plain dark t shirts which is what I recommend you packing. I would add neon and very graphic t shirts to your what not to wear in Rome list.
Cardigan or Jumper
Layers are very important for this time of year in Rome so pack several cardigans or jumpers as the perfect top layer.
Jacket
While many people don’t associate jackets and coats with Rome you will definitely need one for Rome in February.
Pashmina
A Pashmina is top of my Rome packing list for every season and that is because of its versatility.
In Winter this can be used as a scarf or extra layer for the cool nights but also can help make your outfit more modest for when visiting religious sites in the area.
PJs
You will definitely want Pjs instead of a nightie for ROme in February.
Waterproof Jacket
It surprises a lot of people but 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 as well as an umbrella too.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying
What to pack for Rome in February for Men
You will find that many of the layers required for your what to pack for Rome in February for men are the same as for women. We therefore would put these key pieces onto your list
Chinos/Jeans
Italian men are as stylish as women and this should be reflected in your what wear in ROme for men. Trouser wise we recommend packing the following for men”
- a couple of Pairs of smarter jeans and
- chinos
T Shirts and Shirts
A Mix of long and short t shirts are perfect for men during the day but again I recommend stickup with plain dark t shirts instead of loud or graphic tees.
Also for men you will probably want to add a long sleeve button down shirt for when going out in evening in Rome. The Rome restaurant dress code tends to be smart casual so a shirt is a great thing to wear at night.
Jacket
As with the female packing list a jacket or coat is really necessary for Rome in February.
Waterproof Jacket
Rome in February can be rainy (though it is usually light showers instead of very heavy downpours) so a waterproof layer is useful.
Sneakers
Smarter sneakers are great for walking the amazing sites of Rome for both men and women.
Smarter Shoes
Although sneakers are definitely seen on the streets of Rome, smarter shoes or boots are more likely to be seen at night and in restaurants so I would have these an alternative to sneakers.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
An obvious
What Else to Pack for Rome in February
- Umbrella
- Crossbody bag
- Reuseable Water Bottle
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Sunglasses
How to Dress for Special Events in Rome in February
There are several special events in Rome in February. They are:
- 14th February – Valentine’s Day. This is universally celebrated but not as huge in Italy as the USA. However we recommend booking restaurants especially the more high end ones well in advance just in case.
- Carnival (dates vary). Carnival is more generally associated with Venice in February however Rome has more low key festivals. As a tourist however it wouldn’t affect your dress code.
FAQs about February Rome Packing List
What do people wear in Rome in February?
Romans in February know the importance of layers in your wardrobe and you should definitely follow suit.