Rome edges it in May. Rome averages 12–25°C with high crowds; Milan 12–22°C with moderate-high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Rome and Milan
The verdict for May
The best all-round month
+Outstanding balance of warm weather, long days and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
–Popularity is increasing, so crowds and prices are higher than in winter.
Rome firing on all cylinders: weather, light, atmosphere.
Warm, blooming, increasingly crowded
+Milan’s best weather — warm days, cool evenings, aperitivo on every terrace.
–Bank holidays and rising demand make rooms pricier.
Warm enough for outdoor activities, but not yet peak summer heat. Gardens in bloom. Outdoor culture ramping up.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month