Opening Hours
The Colosseum Opening Hours 2026
The Colosseum opens at 8:30 AM year-round, with closing times shifting between 4:30 PM and 7:15 PM depending on the season and daylight hours. Last entry is generally one hour before closing.
The best time to visit the Colosseum is to arrive at opening time or a couple of hours before closing (allow enough time to explore), when the crowds thin and the light turns magical.
Note that the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill may have different hours of operation.
Pro Tip: The Colosseum faces east-west — visit in the morning for sunlit arches on the outer façade, or at sunset for a golden halo effect from Oppian Hill Gardens.
Popular Options for Visiting the Colosseum, Rome
— Ticket for the Colosseum (First/Second Spectator Levels), Forum, Palatine Hill 🎟️
— Guided tour of the Colosseum (First/Second Spectator Levels), Forum, Palatine Hill 🚶♀️
— Guided tour of Colosseum (First/Second Levels + Arena or Underground), Forum, Palatine Hill 🚶♀️
— Ticket for the Colosseum (First/Second Levels plus Optional Arena), Forum, Palatine Hill 🎟️
The Colosseum Hours of Operation
The Colosseum is open every day of the year except December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 1 (New Year’s Day).
Closing times shift slightly with the seasons, following daylight hours — so planning your visit by month ensures you make the most of your ticket.
| Period | Opening Time | Last Entry | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2 – February 15 | 8:30 AM | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
| February 16 – March 15 | 8:30 AM | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| March 16 – Last Saturday of March | 8:30 AM | 4:30 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Last Sunday of March – August 31 | 8:30 AM | 6:15 PM | 7:15 PM |
| September 1 – September 30 | 8:30 AM | 5:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| October 1 – Last Saturday of October | 8:30 AM | 5:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Last Sunday of October – December 31 | 8:30 AM | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM |
⏰ Last entry is always one hour before closing.
🎟️ Ticket offices and security checks close at the same time as last entry.
The Colosseum Special Evening Visits
From late spring through early autumn, the Colosseum occasionally opens for “Colosseum by Night” guided tours.
These after-dark experiences reveal the Arena and Underground areas under soft lighting — quieter, cooler, and hauntingly beautiful.
Tip: Book the Full Experience Night Tour weeks in advance; spots are limited and sell out fast.
Is The Colosseum Open Today?
The Colosseum may close temporarily for severe weather, security alerts, or maintenance.
The Arena Floor and Underground sections can be restricted during heavy rain or restoration work.
Always check the official site — parcocolosseo.it — before your visit, for updated hours.
On what days is the Colosseum in Rome closed?
The Roman Colosseum is closed on January 1 and December 25.
Is the Colosseum open on Sunday?
Yes, the Colosseum in Rome is open on Sundays. Even though some attractions in Rome are closed Sundays and/or Mondays, the Colosseum is open daily. The only days the Colosseum is closed are December 25 and January 1.
What time does the Rome Colosseum open?
The Colosseum in Rome opens at 8.30 a.m. every day, year round, except on December 25 and January 1, when it is closed.
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