The Colosseum’s opening hours change by season, and showing up at the wrong time can waste hours of your trip. This guide gives you the current schedule, best times to avoid crowds, and everything else you need to know about planning your visit.
Opening Hours
The Colosseum is open every day except December 25 and January 1. Hours change throughout the year based on daylight, so here’s the complete breakdown for Colosseum opening hours for 2025 – valid until February 2026:
| Site | Period | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colosseum | 26 Oct 2025 – 28 Feb 2026 | 8:30 – 16:30 | 15:30 |
| Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (Parco Archeologico) | 26 Oct 2025 – 28 Feb 2026 | 9:00 – 16:30 | 15:30 |
Free Entry Days
Entry to the Colosseum is free on specific days throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know before you plan around a free day.
The Colosseum offers free admission on:
Free entry comes with some major downsides you should consider:
Unless you’re on an extremely tight budget, skip the free days. Pay for a ticket on a regular day, book online, and actually enjoy your visit without the chaos.
Check Colosseum tickets guide →
Best Times to Visit
- Early morning (8:30-9:30): This is your best bet. Be there right when it opens. Most tourists are still at breakfast or sleeping in, so you’ll have the first hour relatively crowd-free. The light is also better for photos.
- Late afternoon (17:00 onwards in summer, 15:00 onwards in winter): The second-best option. Tour groups have left, and day-trippers are heading to dinner. You get softer light and smaller crowds, but you need to move quickly since closing time approaches.
- Avoid midday (11:00-15:00): This is when the Colosseum is at its worst. Maximum crowds, maximum heat in summer, and tour groups everywhere. If you can only visit during these hours, at least book a guided tour so you’re not competing for viewing spots.
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: These are your quietest days. Most tourists visit Rome over weekends and extend their trips by a day or two, making Mondays and Fridays busier than midweek.
- Avoid weekends: Saturday and Sunday bring the highest crowds, especially in summer. If your only option is a weekend, go for early morning or book a small-group tour.
- April-May (Spring): Perfect weather (15-25°C), flowers blooming, longer days but not peak tourist season yet. This is probably the sweet spot for visiting the Colosseum.
- September-October (Fall): Similar to spring. Summer crowds have thinned, weather is still warm but not scorching, and you get beautiful golden light for photos.
- November-February (Winter): Fewer tourists and you’ll have more space to explore. The downside is shorter opening hours and colder weather. If you don’t mind the cold and the early sunset, winter can be great.
- June-August (Summer): Avoid if possible. Extreme heat (often 35°C+), massive crowds, and you’re competing with every tour group in Rome. If you must visit in summer, go at 8:30 when it opens, or book Colosseum Night Tours if available.
Planning your visit?
Check Colosseum tour guide breaks down what you’ll see, which tours are best, and if it’s worth the extra cost.
How Long Should You Spend At The Colosseum?
This depends on what you want to see and whether you’re doing a self-guided visit or joining a tour.
Self-Guided Visit
- Colosseum only: 1-1.5 hours
- Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill: 3-4 hours minimum
Most people underestimate how much time they need. Walking around the Colosseum, reading the information plaques, taking photos, and actually absorbing what you’re seeing takes longer than you think.
Guided Tours
- Standard Colosseum tour: 1.5-2 hours
- Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine: 3-3.5 hours
- Underground & Arena Floor tour: 2-2.5 hours
Tours move at a set pace, which is helpful because you’re not wandering around trying to figure out what you’re looking at.
Insider Tips
Arrive earlier than your time slot
You must enter at your booked time slot. Show up at least 20-30 minutes before to get through security.
Know which entrance to use
There are different entrances depending on your ticket type.
- Sperone Valadier entrance (main): for individual ticket holders, like standard tickets, full experience tickets, and visitors with wheelchairs. This is near the Arch of Constantine.
- Group Gate entrance (southeast side): near the main entrance, for group tickets.
- Stern Gate – Separate Arena entrance (northwest side): for “Arena 24 Hours” tickets only.
If you’re not sure, look for signs or ask staff. Going to the wrong entrance wastes time.
Bring water
There are water fountains inside where you can refill, but bring a reusable bottle with you. You’ll need it, especially in warm weather.
Wear comfortable shoes
The Colosseum has uneven ancient stone surfaces. The Roman Forum is even worse with loose stones and uneven paths. Wear proper walking shoes, not sandals or dress shoes.
Don’t bring large bags
Large backpacks, suitcases, and wheeled luggage are not allowed. Small to medium backpacks are fine but will be checked through security. If you’re carrying your travel backpack, find somewhere to store it first.
Check for unscheduled closures
Occasionally, sections of the Colosseum close for restoration work or special events. Check the official information before your visit.
FAQs
What time does the Colosseum open?
The Colosseum opens at 8:30 every day throughout the year. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill open slightly later at 9:00. See more details »
What time does the Colosseum close?
Closing time varies by season. From late March to September it closes at 19:15. In winter (late October to February) it closes at 16:30. Last entry is always one hour before closing. See more details »
Is the Colosseum open on Sunday?
Yes, the Colosseum is open every day of the week including Sunday. The only closed days are December 25 and January 1.
Can I enter the Colosseum without a reservation?
Walk-up entry is extremely limited. The Colosseum uses a timed entry system, and most visitors book specific time slots in advance. On busy days, same-day entry may not be available.
How early should I arrive before my time slot?
Arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled entry time. This gives you buffer for security lines and finding the correct entrance.
Can I stay inside after closing time?
No, staff will start directing people toward exits about 30 minutes before closing. You need to leave by the official closing time.
Is the Colosseum open in bad weather?
Yes, the Colosseum stays open in rain and cold weather. It only closes in extreme circumstances like severe storms or safety hazards.
Is the Colosseum open on holidays or special days?
Yes, the Colosseum is open on most holidays including Sundays and Italian public holidays. The only exceptions are December 25 (Christmas) and January 1 (New Year’s Day) when it’s closed.
Can I visit the Colosseum in the evening or after sunset?
You might catch late afternoon light with Colosseum Sunset Tour. For after-dark visits, special night tours are occasionally offered outside regular hours with limited availability.
When’s the best time to visit the Colosseum to avoid crowds?
Visit right when it opens at 8:30 for the smallest crowds. Late afternoon (1-2 hours before closing) is your second-best option. Avoid midday (11:00-15:00) when it’s most packed. See more details »
→ Want to see more? Head back to our Complete Colosseum Guide for information on what to do and see, how to get there, and everything else you need for your visit.