Summer in Rome is really quite hot, so avoid the peak temperatures of July and August, when the city gets too crowded with tourists and locals flee away. In fact, August is a difficult month as a lot of the best restaurants are closed (Romans are away) and all tourist traps are open (to cater to the hordes of tourists in town). If you happen to be in Rome anyway, try one of our suggested hotels with swimming pools, quite difficult to find in the historical city center, and plan the day accordingly, maybe leaving the sun peak hours to relax by the pool. Spring and fall are ideal for strolling and admiring the endless monuments and historical sites in the city, there are less lines and you can move around easily. Winters are not as bad as northern European cities, most attractions are usually open, except year-end holidays, so if wearing a light coat is not a problem it could be a good idea since hotel prices are usually at their lowest.