There are a lot of wonderful reasons to visit Rome in autumn. And while most people might not think of rain as one of them… well, I do.

Sure, it's never pleasant to suddenly get dumped on while you're, say, walking through the already-muddy ancient forum without an umbrella. But Rome's rain doesn't usually last for long. And the moment it slows down, the moody clouds and sudden glimpses of sunlight mean that the city might just be at its most beautiful. 

Here's proof.

Palatine Hill, even prettier in the rain. Note the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, peeking through the clouds in the background…

Ancient Trajan's Column—and modern traffic. The rain doesn't slow Rome's drivers down, but it does make the streets just a little glossier and prettier!

You know what else rain means? Rainbows!

The Teatro di Marcello, just after a storm

 

A little rain makes the light in the Roman forum softer and prettier—and keeps the crowds away, too

See? I told you rain in Rome wasn't all bad. Just don't forget your galoshes!

Want more tips about what to do in the Eternal City? Check out The Revealed Rome Handbook: Tips and Tricks for Exploring the Eternal City, available for purchase on Amazon, below, or through my site here!