Rome Through the Seasons

Spring Awakening: Azaleas, Wisteria & Roman Picnics

Spring in Rome is widely considered the best time to visit the city. From March to May, mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer days create ideal conditions for walking and sightseeing. Azaleas decorate the Spanish Steps, wisteria appears across historic streets, and Romans return to parks and gardens. For travelers wondering what time of year is best to visit Rome — especially to avoid crowds — spring offers the most balanced experience.

Rome in Spring: What the Season Brings

Rome doesn’t change abruptly with spring — it eases into it. The light becomes clearer, the air lighter, and daily life shifts back outdoors. Cafés extend their terraces, windows stay open longer, and walking becomes the most natural way to experience the city again. This is why spring in Rome Italy is often cited as the most pleasant season: the city feels alive without feeling overwhelming.

When Is Spring in Rome, Exactly?

Spring in Rome generally runs from March through May, but each month offers a slightly different experience.

March brings fewer visitors, cooler mornings, and a calmer pace — ideal for museums and long walks.
April is peak spring: flowers bloom, gardens fill, and Easter celebrations add life to the city (with busier periods around holidays).
May offers warmer days and golden light, though crowds begin to increase toward the end of the month.

For many travelers asking what time of year is best to visit Rome, April and early May strike the best balance between beauty and comfort.

Azaleas at the Spanish Steps

Each spring, the Spanish Steps undergo a brief transformation.
Hundreds of azaleas are installed along the staircase, softening the stone with pale blooms and marking the official arrival of spring.

The display usually appears in April and lasts only a few weeks. Visiting early in the morning allows you to enjoy the steps before crowds gather — one of the simplest ways to experience Rome in the spring more quietly.

Wisteria Season: Where to Find It

Wisteria blooms slightly later, typically between mid-April and early May.
Unlike the azaleas, it isn’t announced or mapped. It appears unexpectedly — cascading over gates, balconies, and walls.

Quiet streets such as Via Margutta are particularly known for these moments, where purple blossoms contrast with warm Roman façades. The best approach is simple: walk slowly and look up.

Roman Picnics & Outdoor Life

Spring is when Romans reclaim their parks. In Villa Borghese, picnics return — informal, unhurried, often lasting longer than planned. Bread, fruit, something to drink, a book that may or may not be read. Spring afternoons are ideal for these pauses, especially away from the city’s main arteries.

Is Spring the Best Time to Visit Rome to Avoid Crowds?

Spring is often described as the best time to visit Rome to avoid crowds, but timing within the season matters.

March and early April are generally quieter
Easter week can be very busy
Late May begins to feel more crowded, particularly around major landmarks

Compared to summer, however, spring offers a noticeably calmer experience — especially for walking and neighborhood exploration.

How to Experience Rome in Spring Without the Crowds

Spring rewards those who adjust their rhythm to the city. Start your days early. Between 7:00 and 9:00 am, streets around the Spanish Steps and major sites are at their quietest. Walk laterally rather than directly — crowds tend to follow straight routes between landmarks, while parallel streets remain calmer. Plan major visits midweek, especially from Tuesday to Thursday. Visit gardens and viewpoints late morning or just before sunset, avoiding mid-afternoon peaks.

Most importantly, spend more time in fewer neighborhoods. Spring is not about seeing everything — it’s about seeing things well.

Why Location Matters in Spring

Spring encourages spontaneity — and that only works if you’re well placed. Staying near the Spanish Steps allows you to move easily between gardens, streets, cafés, and viewpoints at quieter hours. From Margutta 19 and Margutta 54, many of Rome’s most beautiful spring moments are accessible on foot, without planning your day around transport or peak times.

Spring in Rome, Simply Put

Spring is when Rome feels most balanced. Not too busy. Not too quiet. Warm, but not heavy. For many travelers, it becomes the season they return to — chasing azaleas, light, and the feeling that the city is finally breathing again.