10 things people forget when visiting Rome
10 things to keep in mind before visiting the VaticanAn example packing list for Rome in May
Use this as a starting point and choose what suits your plans. Packtricia tailors your list and quantities to your trip length, weather and preferences.
Clothing
- Underwear
- Bras (if worn)
- Socks
- Sleepwear
- T-shirts or lightweight shirts
- Trousers
- Skirt or dress (if worn)
- Light sweater or cardigan
- Light jacket
- Hooded waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Shoulder-covering top and knee-covering bottoms (for religious sites)
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash or soap
- Deodorant
- Skincare products
- Sunscreen
- Hairbrush or comb
- Shaving supplies (if used)
- Menstrual products (if needed)
- Contact lens solution (if used)
Essentials
- Passport or accepted travel ID
- Travel tickets and booking confirmations
- Wallet and payment cards
- Phone
- Charging cable and charger
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Medication (if needed)
- Glasses or contact lenses (if used)
- Refillable water bottle
- Day bag
- Power bank
- Sunglasses
- Compact umbrella
Monthly weather and packing notes
May is warmer, but an early start or evening meal can need another layer. Choose breathable tops and lightweight long trousers that also suit religious-site visits.
- Daytime
- 21–25°C
- Evenings
- 10–14°C
- Rain
- Showers and wetter days possible
- Daylight
- Long days and later sunsets
- Packing style
- Removable layers + compact rain protection
Broad planning ranges, rounded to about 2 degrees Celsius either side of the historical mean daily maximum and minimum for May. WMO / national weather service lists Roma Fiumicino airport normals for 1971-2000: maximum 22.8°C and minimum 11.6°C. These averages are not forecast limits; individual days and city neighbourhoods vary. Check the forecast for your dates. This older baseline may differ from current conditions.
Outfit ideas for your outings
A May church-and-city day
- Light tops and a thin sweater or overshirt
- Lightweight trousers or a longer skirt
- Broken-in walking shoes with grip
- Lightweight long trousers for church visits
A wetter sightseeing day
- Light tops and a thin sweater or overshirt
- Lightweight trousers or a longer skirt
- Broken-in walking shoes with grip
- Compact rain jacket or umbrella
A religious-site visit
- Top covering shoulders
- Trousers or skirt covering knees
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Compact day bag
What to leave behind
- A heavy winter coat by default: lighter removable layers are more adaptable; adjust for the forecast.
- A beach-only outfit for a Vatican visit: choose breathable clothing that covers both shoulders and knees.
Reviewed 2026-10-07
WMO / national weather service: Rome monthly climate normals · Vatican Museums: visitor clothing and bag guidance