The climate of Vatican City
Situated within the city of Rome,
Vatican City enjoys a Mediterranean, hot summer climate, classified as "Csa" according to the Köppen climate classification. For this diminutive city-state, changes in weather patterns are subtle yet distinctive as the year progresses. Analyzing the monthly average climatological parameters, a picture unfolds of a predominantly mild and temperate climate, with clear distinctions between the four seasons.
Temperature oscillates from 6.2°C (43.2°F) in
January to a peak of 31°C (87.8°F) in
August. The contrast in temperature is further emphasized by the city's comparative highs and lows, with the coldest temperature of 6.2°C (43.2°F) in January rising to 31°C (87.8°F) in August. This variation in temperature is a hallmark of the Mediterranean climate.
Humidity follows a similar pattern, from a high of 74% in January and
November to the lowest levels of 57% in August. Rainfall, on the other hand, is noticeably different across the year with peaks in the last quarter, reaching a high of 113mm (4.45") in November. Sunshine hours range from 5.9 hours in January to a zenith of 11.9 hours during the summer months of
June,
July, and August.
Unique weather patterns emerge in Vatican City; notably, the city experiences no snowfall throughout the year.
The best time to visit Vatican City
Taking into consideration the various weather factors, the best time to visit
Vatican City may well be from
April to
June and
September to
October. These are periods when the weather is most pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 10.4°C (50.7°F) to a high of 22°C (71.6°F). The rainfall during these periods is moderate yet less than the other months, further fostering agreeable conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The longer daylight hours of between 13.4 hours to 14.6 hours during these months provide ample time for touring the historical and religious sites.
The worst time to visit Vatican City
The least favourable time to visit
Vatican City could be identified as
November when the city witnesses its highest rainfall of 113mm (4.45"). While the average temperature is not particularly low, hovering around 17.2°C (63°F), the combination of rain and lower sunlight hours, 6.1 hours on average, may detract from the potential enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Spring Weather in Vatican City
Spring in
Vatican City, extending from
March to
June, ushers in progressively warmer conditions. Average temperatures increase steadily from 15.3°C (59.5°F) in March to a comforting 21.9°C (71.4°F) in
May. Rainfall is moderate, with an average of 36mm (1.42") to 41mm (1.61") during these months. The daylight hours increase from 12 hours in March to 15.2 hours in June, offering extensive time to explore Vatican City.
Summer Weather in Vatican City
In the summer months, from
June to
August,
Vatican City experiences hotter conditions with average temperatures escalating to 30°C (86°F) and 31°C (87.8°F) in
July and August respectively. This period also witnesses the least rain, down to 12mm (0.47") in August, and the humidity drops to a low 57%. Yet, the city basks in abundant sunshine, enjoying roughly 11.9 hours daily.
Autumn Weather in Vatican City
September through
November denotes the city's autumn season. This period brings a reduction in temperature, from an average high of 26.4°C (79.5°F) in September to 17.2°C (63°F) in November. Corresponding to the decrease in temperature, rainfall rises to reach an annual high of 113mm (4.45") in November. Nonetheless, daylight hours, though gradually reducing, remain significant, at around 12.5 hours to 9.8 hours.
Winter Weather in Vatican City
Winter descends on
Vatican City from
December to
February. The period is characterized by a palpable temperature drop, the average low reaching 6.2°C (43.2°F) in
January. However, the city does not experience snowfall. Rainfall is relatively moderate, with the monthly average fluctuating between 48mm (1.89") to 54mm (2.13"). Daylight is naturally scarce during these months, with an average of 9.5 hours to 10.6 hours. The city also sees fewer sunshine hours, ranging from 5.9 hours to 6.1 hours. Despite this, the winter season maintains a unique charm, with the festive season adding a special allure to the city's numerous historical and religious sites.
Weather in January
Starting the year in
Vatican City sees weather characterized by quite mild temperatures with some rainfall. The overall climate remains relatively cool with a daily temperature range of 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 11.9°C (53.4°F). Deviating only slightly from these cool temperatures, the city does experience some precipitation with an average rainfall of 48mm (1.89") spread across roughly 12 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather in
Vatican City in
February begins to transition towards spring, with slightly warmer temperatures than in
January and a decrease in cloud cover by 3%. The temperature range expands marginally from 6.3°C (43.3°F) to 12.6°C (54.7°F), indicating the beginning of the end of the cold season.
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
March,
Vatican City undergoes a noticeable shift as the winter chill begins to recede, replaced by milder spring temperatures. Average temperature measurements situate between 7.9°C (46.2°F) and 15.3°C (59.5°F) throughout the day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings with it a noticeable warming trend, marking the advent of true springtime in
Vatican City. The climate becomes relatively comfortable, with temperatures varying from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 18.7°C (65.7°F). Contributing to the pleasant conditions is the relative decrease in humidity, down to 71%, and rainfall also curbing to 36mm (1.42") dispersed over roughly 12 days.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May offers weather that propels
Vatican City into the beginning of summer. The ambient warmth envelops the city as temperatures fluctuate from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F). The documented rainfall dips further to 41mm (1.61"), occurring roughly over 12 days of the month.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer settles in,
June's weather in
Vatican City becomes predictably hot. The temperature disparity expands, reaching from 17.8°C (64°F) to a warm 27°C (80.6°F). Average rainfall measures reach a yearly low of 27mm (1.06"), spread across just 7.7 days, reflecting the onset of the dry season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July symbolizes the height of summer in
Vatican City, making it the warmest month of the year. The city basks in temperatures soaring from a warm 20.7°C (69.3°F) to a significantly hot 30.3°C (86.5°F). Rainfall drops to the lowest measurement of the year at just 20mm (0.79") falling across 6.6 days, so a visit might go by entirely rain-free.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August maintains the summer heat, with the weather in
Vatican City remaining sunny and arid. The temperature remains at summer highs, oscillating from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) - the highest average high of the year. The city forecasts the least rainfall, a mere 12mm (0.47") falling mostly over five days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in a change, as
Vatican City transitions from summer to autumn. The varying temperatures cool down slightly, ranging from 18.4°C (65.1°F) to a comfortable 26.4°C (79.5°F). The rainfall increases to feature 46mm (1.81") over 11.6 days, a steep climb from the sparse summer precipitations.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Vatican City witnesses a further retreat of summer as the autumn season takes hold. Notably cooler weather arrives with temperatures oscillating from 15.1°C (59.2°F) to 22°C (71.6°F). Rainfall marks a significant upturn, reaching 66mm (2.6") over about 12 days, highest since
May.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November presents the onset of winter, with temperatures in
Vatican City dropping further. The daily temperatures fluctuate from 11.3°C (52.3°F) to 17.2°C (63°F), essentially marking the end of the warm season. November experiences the highest rainfall of the year, a maximum of 113mm (4.45"), distributed approximately over 14.6 days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December brings
Vatican City back to the frigid grasp of winter. Temperatures continue to steadily decline, averaging from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). Rainfall drops from
November's peak, coming down to 54mm (2.13") spread across roughly 12 days.
Weather in December » [Resources]