Rome sits in the Lazio region of central-western Italy, on the River Tiber a short distance inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, at approximately 41.90°N, 12.50°E. It has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa) with hot, dry, sunny summers and mild, wetter winters. The nearby sea moderates its temperatures, keeping the coastal districts a little milder in winter and cooler in summer, and it enjoys generous sunshine of around 2,470 hours a year.

Summer, from June to August, is hot, sunny and largely dry, with July and August the warmest months — average highs around 30–31°C. Heatwaves, sometimes driven by the hot Scirocco wind off North Africa, can push temperatures past 35°C, though afternoon sea breezes and occasional thunderstorms offer some relief. Rain is scarce in high summer, and the reliable sunshine makes it peak tourist season despite the heat.

Winter, from December to February, is mild and the wetter season, with January the coolest month — average highs around 12–13°C and lows near 3–5°C. Sunny and rainy days alternate, and the cold northerly Tramontana wind can occasionally bring crisp, clear days with slight frost at night. Snow is rare, falling perhaps once in several years and seldom settling. Humidity is fairly high throughout the year.

Rome receives around 800–950 mm of rain a year, following the Mediterranean pattern of a wet cool season and a dry summer: autumn and winter are the wettest, with a peak around October to December, while July is very dry. The autumn rain can arrive in heavy, concentrated bursts. Live rainfall, humidity, and pressure readings for the city are shown in the panels above.

Rome's weather is shaped by two winds in particular: the hot, humid Scirocco from the south, which can bring oppressive heat and, in autumn, end in heavy thundery rain, and the cold, dry Tramontana from the north, which clears the air and sharpens winter nights. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times, with warm days and lower humidity ideal for exploring the city.

To follow any single measurement in Rome more closely, use our live instruments: the online barometer for atmospheric pressure, the thermometer for temperature, the hygrometer for humidity, the anemometer for wind speed, the wind vane for wind direction, and the rain gauge for rainfall.