Colosseum: Opening and Closing Times of the Flavian Amphitheater

Are you planning a visit to the Colosseum? Don’t be caught unprepared: knowing the opening and closing times is essential to better organize your day and avoid nasty surprises.

Depending on the season, you will be able to choose the best time of day to visit the amphitheater, whether you prefer to enter early in the morning, when the sun is high in the sky, or with the lights of sunset.

Do you know the best time to visit the Colosseum without crowds? And do you know what seasonal times to keep in mind? Find out in this comprehensive guide!

Read on and you’ll find all the up-to-date information about the Colosseum’s hours and some tips for stress-free visiting depending on your needs.

But before we go any further, let me give you a piece of advice: by booking your ticket online you can avoid the long lines at the ticket office by ensuring you get in without delays at your chosen time! If you are curious about the packages available just click here!

Colosseum opening and closing times

Lines of people to enter the Colosseum

The Colosseum follows a seasonal schedule that varies according to the time of year, so it changes frequently. Below there is a clear table to make sure you don’t make a mistake and find the amphitheater closed.

PERIOD	OPENING HOURS
jan. 2 – Feb. 28	08:30 – 16:30
march 1 – March 29	08:30 – 17:30
march 30 – Sept. 30	08:30 – 19:15
oct. 1 – Oct. 25	08:30 – 18:30
october 26 – December 31	08:30 – 16:30

Colosseum closing days

The Colosseum’s annual closures should also be kept in mind.

I have good news for you: the iconic monument of the Eternal City remains closed only two days of the year:

• december 25 (Christmas)
• january 1 (New Year’s Eve)

Last admission and ticket office hours

The facade of the Colosseum at night | Photo by Aaron Logan | CC-BY-1.0

The last admission allowed inside the site is always one hour before closing time.

Warning the Colosseum’s closing time is very strictly observed, and therefore, as early as a few minutes before the end, the staff makes sure that the clearing of the area begins. Don’t leave it until the last minute!

The physical ticket office, of course, also closes 60 minutes before the last available time: in fact, after that, since you can no longer enter the amphitheater, you cannot even buy your ticket.

Let me give you two valuable tips: first, I suggest you buy your ticket online to make sure you are entitled to access and avoid the long waits at the ticket office!

Through online purchase, you will only have to observe the more streamlined security checks, so I remind you to have your ID with you. The other advice I give you is to observe the calendar well: on the first Sundays of each month, in fact, admission to the Colosseum is free, as well as on April 25, June 2 and November 4.

What is the best time to visit the Colosseum?

View of the Roman Forum at dusk

To best plan your visit, it is good to think about other factors as well: time of day and season affect a more satisfying experience.

In fact, if you want to visit the Colosseum without crowds or in more pleasant temperatures, you need to consider the most appropriate times.

Below I will provide some tips for choosing the ideal times based on your needs.

Best times of the day

Early morning (08:30 – 10:00)

If you choose early daylight hours you can count on a lower turnout: not only fewer tourists, but also cooler temperatures.

However, be careful: although Rome tends to be a warm city, you may find rather cold days in winter.

Late afternoon (17:00 – closing)

Late afternoon can also give you a unique experience: as in the morning you can count on less crowding, which will make your visit more enjoyable.

In addition, the evening lights will create an atmospheric atmosphere that can embellish your visit.

Be careful, though! Remember to check your watch to make sure you complete your visit before closing time.

Best months for visiting

Low season (November – February)

During the less popular season you can count on obvious advantages: fewer tourists and lower prices!

The mix gives a great experience, however these are also the coldest months and the ones when the Colosseum observes shorter hours.

But fear not, Rome is not too cold a city, and by choosing the right day you could make a really winning choice.

Spring and fall (March – May, September – October)

During this period the turnout is obviously greater than in the off-season, however it still does not reach the large summer crowds, especially if you plan your visit in the early hours of the day.

In addition, the weather is ideal, giving pleasantly warm days with no excessive heat, and you will rarely find rain.

Evening visit to the Colosseum

Detail of a painting of the abandoned Colosseum by Franz Ludwig Catel

The Colosseum offers special night tours, allowing you to visit it in a unique atmosphere.

You can only do this on certain days, and you can only gain access by booking organized tours that include admission.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Colosseum Underground and Arena

Well, here we are at the end of our article on the Colosseum’s hours.

We have seen together all the opening and closing times of the Flavian Amphitheater. I explained to you what days it is closed, the best times to visit it without crowds, and the benefits associated with each time of year.

I also provided you with information about evening tours and visiting times, and finally I indicated which days you can access the Colosseum for free.

Before concluding, I have also answered the most common questions related to the topics covered in this article.

However, we will be glad to receive your questions, to satisfy any curiosity. And in case you have already visited the Colosseum, tell us about your experience in the comments! Haven’t done it yet and wish to walk on the mythical arena of the Flavian Amphitheater? Don’t miss your chance, book your ticket to secure your entry without waiting!

Cover: ID 52305377 | Colosseum © Andrei Stancu | Dreamstime.com