Best time to travel to Vatican City State

Choosing the right time for your trip to Vatican City State can make all the difference. It's important to consider weather elements, seasonal events and busy tourist periods to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en État de la cité du Vatican

Location

Climate

January 3.8→11.5°C
2.59mm
7:31→17:07
February 4.4→12.7°C
2.94mm
7:04→17:43
March 6→15.3°C
2.75mm
6:26→18:26
April 9.1→18.6°C
2.14mm
6:27→19:52
May 12.8→22.1°C
2.11mm
5:48→20:25
June 17.2→27.7°C
1.14mm
5:33→20:47
July 20.3→30.8°C
0.79mm
5:48→20:43
August 20.7→31.1°C
0.67mm
6:18→20:10
September 17.4→26°C
2.94mm
6:49→19:20
October 13.3→21.4°C
3.2mm
7:15→18:22
November 9.7→16.7°C
4.92mm
6:58→16:51
December 5.5→12.9°C
3.02mm
7:28→16:43
3.8→11.5°C
4.4→12.7°C
6→15.3°C
9.1→18.6°C
12.8→22.1°C
17.2→27.7°C
20.3→30.8°C
20.7→31.1°C
17.4→26°C
13.3→21.4°C
9.7→16.7°C
5.5→12.9°C
Jan 7:31→17:07
Feb 7:04→17:43
Mar 6:26→18:26
Apr 6:27→19:52
May 5:48→20:25
Jun 5:33→20:47
Jul 5:48→20:43
Aug 6:18→20:10
Sep 6:49→19:20
Oct 7:15→18:22
Nov 6:58→16:51
Dec 7:28→16:43
2.59mm
2.94mm
2.75mm
2.14mm
2.11mm
1.14mm
0.79mm
0.67mm
2.94mm
3.2mm
4.92mm
3.02mm
Are you planning to visit the Vatican, this unique sovereign state rich in history and culture? Choosing the right time for your trip can mean the difference between a memorable experience and a vacation ruined by crowds or the weather.

Low and high season in the Vatican

As in most tourist destinations, there are a number of low and high season in the Vatican, which can influence tourist numbers, accommodation rates and activities on offer. Here's a summary of these periods:
  • Low season : The low season generally runs from November to February (with the exception of the Christmas vacations). During this period, you'll enjoy more affordable hotel rates and fewer crowds. However, bear in mind that the weather can be less favorable, with cooler temperatures and shorter days.
  • High season : High season runs from March to October, with a peak in the summer months (June to August). During this period, temperatures are higher and days longer. Accommodation rates also rise, and queues to visit tourist attractions can be long.

When to leave, depending on the climate

THE climate is an important factor to consider when planning your trip to the Vatican. In general, here's what to expect:
  1. Spring (March to May): The climate is pleasant and mild, with average temperatures between 11 and 22°C. It's an ideal time of year to visit the Vatican, as the influx of tourists is not yet too great.
  2. Summer (June to August) : Temperatures rise rapidly during the summer, with averages ranging from 20 to 28°C. This season is synonymous with crowds and long queues, but if you don't mind, you can make the most of the fine weather.
  3. Autumn (September to November): Autumn is an intermediate season, with average temperatures between 15 and 24°C. September and October are particularly pleasant months to visit the Vatican, as the number of tourists begins to drop.
  4. Winter (December to February): Winter in the Vatican is cool, with average temperatures ranging from 3 to 12°C. If you can stand the cold, this season has the advantage of being less touristy.

Major cultural events and holidays in the Vatican

As the Vatican is a sovereign state with its own culture and traditions, there are many events and holidays worth experiencing on site. Here are just a few:

Religious celebrations

As the seat of the Catholic Church, the Vatican hosts numerous religious celebrations each year, which you can attend:
  • Christmas (December 25): The midnight mass celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica is a not-to-be-missed event. To attend, advance reservations are required.
  • Epiphany (January 6) : This festival celebrates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the Christ Child. A solemn mass is celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Holy Week (dates vary) : In the week leading up to Easter, several ceremonies are held in the Vatican, including the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) presided over by the Pope on Good Friday.
  • Easter (dates vary) : The Easter mass celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica and the urbi et orbi blessing are high points in the Vatican liturgical calendar.

National holidays

In addition to religious celebrations, there are two important national holidays in the Vatican, which can be an opportunity to discover local traditions:
  • Vatican City State Foundation Day (February 11) : This feast commemorates the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929, which led to the creation of the Vatican State. Official ceremonies take place, but are generally reserved for Church dignitaries and diplomatic representatives.
  • Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (June 29) : Rome's patron saints are celebrated at a solemn mass presided over by the Pope in St. Peter's Basilica. In the afternoon, a traditional procession takes place in St. Peter's Square.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

Vatican immigration statistics

Due to its small size and unique status, immigration to the Vatican is a relatively limited phenomenon. The country's total population is around 800, the majority of whom are priests, religious and clergy. Nevertheless, there are cases of immigration to the Vatican, notably for professional or family reasons.

Visa issuance

The Vatican issues several types of visa to foreigners wishing to enter the country. The most commonly requested visas are :
  • Short-stay visa (type C) This visa allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 90 days. It is generally used by tourists, pilgrims and people visiting friends and family.
  • Long-stay visa (type D) This visa is intended for people wishing to stay in the Vatican for more than 90 days. It is generally requested by temporary workers, students and researchers.
  • Diplomatic visas This visa is issued to foreign diplomats and their staff stationed in the Vatican.
However, it should be stressed that most visitors to the Vatican do not need a specific visa to enter the country, as they can visit the city-state without leaving the Schengen area. This means that nationals of Schengen countries, as well as those with a valid Schengen visa, can freely enter Vatican territory.

Asylum applications and refugee centers

The Vatican also receives asylum seekers, although their numbers are very limited due to the size and capacity of the country. In general, these asylum applications are processed by the Italian authorities in cooperation with the Holy See. In addition, the Vatican has a refugee center run by the local religious community, where asylum seekers receive material and spiritual support during their asylum procedure.

International tourism figures for the Vatican

Tourism is one of the Vatican's main economic drivers, with millions of visitors every year. The Vatican's international tourism figures are impressive, considering the country's small size:
  • Number of annual visitors According to data provided by the Vatican's Central Statistics Office, between 5 and 6 million people visit the city-state every year, making it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.
  • Religious pilgrimages Many visitors to the Vatican take part in religious pilgrimages organized by their home communities or dioceses. These pilgrimages usually include participation in official masses and ceremonies, as well as visits to the Vatican's sacred and historic sites.
  • Cultural tourism In addition to religious pilgrimages, many visitors come to the Vatican to discover its exceptional artistic and architectural heritage, including the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. These sites attract millions of tourists every year, making the Vatican one of the world's leading cultural destinations.

Economic and social impact of tourism

International tourism to the Vatican generates significant revenues for the country, helping to finance its religious, educational and charitable activities. Tourism also creates jobs for residents of the Vatican and surrounding area, particularly in the fields of catering, accommodation and tourist services.