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Rome vs Milan: which is better, and when to go
Rome is at its best in May and Milan in September. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Rome and Milan
At a glance
| Rome | Milan | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | May (10/10) | September (9/10) |
| Warmest month | July, 33°C | July, 29°C |
| Coolest month | January, 13°C | January, 7°C |
| Quietest month | January (Low) | November (Very Low) |
| Busiest month | July (Very High) | July (Extremely High) |
| Cheapest month | January (€€) | February (€€) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Milan for
- a gentler warmest month (July highs around 29°C, against 33°C)
- lower prices across the year on average
Little difference between them in: crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets, events through the year.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Rome | Milan | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C · Low · €€ | 7°C · Very Low · €€ | Milan |
| February | 14°C · Low · €€ | 9°C · Very Low · €€ | Close |
| March | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | 14°C · Low-Moderate · €€€ | Rome |
| April | 20°C · High · €€€€ | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | Rome |
| May | 25°C · High · €€€€€ | 22°C · Moderate-High · €€€ | Rome |
| June | 30°C · High · €€€€€ | 26°C · High · €€€€ | Rome |
| July | 33°C · Very High · €€€€€ | 29°C · Extremely High · €€€€€ | Rome |
| August | 33°C · High · €€€€ | 28°C · Extremely High · €€€€€ | Rome |
| September | 28°C · High · €€€€€ | 23°C · Moderate · €€€ | Close |
| October | 23°C · Moderate-High · €€€€ | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | Rome |
| November | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | 11°C · Very Low · €€ | Rome |
| December | 13°C · Moderate · €€€ | 7°C · Moderate · €€€ | Rome |
FAQ
Rome or Milan?
Is Rome or Milan better?
It depends on when you go. Rome is at its best in May and Milan in September. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Rome and Milan?
Rome: May. Milan: September.
Which is cheaper, Rome or Milan?
Milan is cheaper on average across the year.
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