Are you wondering what to wear in Rome in May? Well, fear not, this Rome Packing List for Spring will cover everything that you need. It covers everything from what to pack for Rome in May alongside the Rome May weather to ensure you pack the perfect Italian capsule wardrobe for your trip.
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Weather in Rome in May
Spring is definitely in full bloom in you are traveling to Rome in May. And you can expect traditional European Spring weather during your trip. For me the weather in Rome in May makes this the ideal time to visit the city.
The weather during the day is warm but not to hot so perfect for walking and sightseeing in the city. And while the temperatures do drop at night, I would classify the May weather as cool rather than cold at night.
Note: the weather between months changes quite dramatically and there are always special events in May in certain months. If your trip spans a couple of months then please be sure to check out our other monthly guides:
And if you are traveling to other regions on your trip be sure to check out our other Italian city and Italy guides:
- What to wear to Italy in May
- What to Wear in Venice in May
- What to wear in Tuscany in May
- What to wear in Florence in May
How hot is Rome in May? Is it cold in Rome in May?
One of my favourite things about visiting Rome in May is that Spring is in full bloom and the weather is exceptional pleasant for tourists in the city.
The average high temperature in May tends to be around 24C and the low around 13C which for me is the perfect temperature for sightseeing. As you would imagine the beginning of May is much cooler than towards the end of the month but is still great for those walking about the city.
Now while the temperatures do get higher towards the end of the month I would still make sure I had a couple of layers with you for eating out and those cooler days. And as always I would never travel to Rome without my trusty pashmina.
Does it rain a lot in May in Rome?
Rome in May is actually a fairly dry month. May in fact only gets around 5 rainy days a month and the rain is more likely to be in showers than huge deluges.
Another reason why I love to visit Rome in May.
What to Wear in Rome in May
Note: This Rome in May packing list covers the city of Rome not the Vatican City because the Vatican City has its own very strict dress code. If you want 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:
- Your Colosseum Dress Code Questions Answered
- Your Pantheon Dress Code Questions Answered
- Your Rome Dress Code Questions Answered
Best Shoes for Rome in May
Sneakers
As the weather starts to warm in Rome in May I would definitely ditch the boots from your packing list and replace them with a trusty pair of sneakers.
Now many people worry about wearing sneakers in Italy but they are actually fine. I would personally pick more of a fashion pair as opposed to sports ones to fit in more with the locals but any pair is better than no pair.
Sneakers are great as they will be safer on the cobbled and uneven streets and be comfortable on your feet for all the walking you are bound to be doing.
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Personally, I recommend sneakers that I am most comfortable walking in which include brands such as Hoka , Sketchers Go Walks or All Birds for walking in Rome. But go with whatever you feel most comfortable in.
Just remember to wear your sneakers in BEFORE your trip if you decide to buy new ones.
Sandals
As I said above, May for me in Rome means ditching the boots in favour of more light weight shoes. Now while you might not be able to wear sandals every day I would always have at least one pair with me for those warmer days.
I also think they are more appropriate for wearing to dinner in Italy than sneakers.
Jeans
Although towards the end of the month May is becoming warmer I still think it is worthwhile taking a pair of jeans with you to Rome, especially for the beginning of the month.
To look more like a local and less like a tourist in Rome I recommend selecting a pair of jeans that are more fitted and darker in color.
Trousers
Although I wouldn’t add linen trousers for your Rome Spring packing list especially if you are traveling at the beginning of the month I would add some trousers other than jeans to your list.
Chinos I think are the perfect weight trousers for traveling in May.
Longer length skirts and dresses
I would put short skirts and dresses on the what not to wear in Rome list for the simple reason that they are no appropriate in lots of Roman tourist attractions such as churches and the Vatican. a
However midi and maxi length skirts and dresses are great and are good for day to night transition outfits. Just be sure that whatever skirts you pack don’t reveal your knee. This is especially important if your skirt has a slit in it.
This is because when visiting Italian churches and the Vatican you need to be modest in your dress which includes having knees covered up.
Florals
While there is no material or fabric that is best for May, you might want to consider adding some floral patterns to your May wardrobe. Rome comes alive with flowers and blooms in May so it can be nice to reflect this in your wardrobe choice.
Some of the best places to see flowers in Rome in May are on the Spanish steps which are usually linked with azaleas and the many Rose gardens around the city.
Blouse
A loose blouse works perfectly for warmer days and cooler nights.
T Shirt
I always pack a few t shirts when visiting Rome. For those visiting Rome in May I would advise packing more shorter sleeve t shirts as the weather warms up but one long sleeve version is a great failsafe for incase you have a chilly day or evening.
To be sure you don’t look like a tourist however I recommend sticking to plain and dark colours instead of t shirts that have a graphic or text and that are in loud colors.
Cardigan
Although you are unlikely to need thick jumpers during the day in May, a cardigan is great for cooler days and as an extra evening layer.
Jacket
It is highly unlikely you will need a coat when visiting Rome in May however I still think it is worth packing a jacket or blazer.
Blazers for me are the perfect top layer for a Rome Spring outfit as it works for both cooler days and looks great and in keeping with the locals for when you go out to dinner.
Pashmina
A pashmina should be on your Rome packing list whatever the season you are traveling but it is the ideal item for Spring. It can act as a scarf or extra layer on cooler May days and can help make your outfit more modest for visits to churches in Italy.
Sunglasses
The sun in bright in Rome whatever month you visit but I definitely wouldn’t go to Rome in May without a pair
Sunhat (optional)
I always recommend taking a sun hat if you are visiting Rome in summer. I personally don’t find you need one in May so have put on here as an optional addition if you have room and want to have a hat as a stylish accessory.
Underwear and Socks
Goes without saying
What to pack for Rome in May for Men
Chinos/Jeans
As with the packing list for women chinos and jeans (providing their are of the smarter variety) are perfect for Rome in May as they are the perfect weight for the weather.
T Shirts and Shirts
Again I would bring more short sleeve T shirts for this time of year and stick to darker coloured tees to not look like a tourist.
On top of this, for evenings I would recommend having a button down shirt with long sleeves and maybe a polo shirt for day to night transition outfits.
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.
Sunglasses
Sneakers
Sneakers are perfect shoes for days of sightseeing particularly if you have the smarter type instead of a sports type.
Smarter Shoes
A pair of smart shoes for the evening will help you look less like a tourist and more like a local in Rome.
Underwear, Socks and Pjs
What Else to Pack for Rome in May
- Travel Adaptor
- Power Pack / Battery recharger
- Crossbody bag – one with plenty of zips that can put off pick pockets is best.
How to Dress for Special Events in Rome in May
There are several special events in Rome in May. They are:
- 1st May – public holiday called Workers Day. Many attractions such as the Vatican will be shut. Colosseum and Pantheon will likely remain open. It will have no affect on your packing list however.
FAQs about May Rome Packing List
What do people wear in Rome in May?
People in Rome in May know that May is a transition month. The temperatures are rising so lighter clothes are out. However it is always worth adding a layer to your packing list.
What would you add to this Rome May Packing List