Can't you just feel the heat and humidity in the photo above? This summer, Rome sweltered through repeated heat waves as Italy had its hottest summer on record. Now the city is cooling off, making it the perfect time to walk the ruins.

The weather in Rome during the month of October is so pleasant and enjoyable there's a name for it: "Ottobrata Romana." The phrase comes from Romans' traditional October harvest outings to vineyards outside the city walls, but today it describes the almost magical weather throughout the city this time of year.

Why go now?

Many call October Rome's second summer, with high temperatures usually hovering in the lower 70s and lows sticking in the 50s. Our meteorologists say October is usually a bit rainier than the summer months, with about eight rainy days in the month on average. So while your chances of enjoying mild, sunny days are high, you should probably pack a light rain jacket and an umbrella just in case.

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And the greatest advantage of Rome in October? The larger crowds of summer are mostly gone. Travel guides say while October is still popular with travelers, you'll find lower prices, less foot traffic, more available hotel rooms and shorter lines at the most iconic sites. You'll still want to book tickets in advance, but the city's biggest attractions shouldn't be jam-packed.

What to see

Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: If you're ready to do your best Russell Crowe in "Gladiator" reenactment, standing inside the Colosseum Arena is a must-do. You can buy one ticket that takes you through the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Palatine Hill is where you go to get a panoramic view of the ancient amphitheater and the surrounding ruins. Be sure to check your app to make sure you'll be going up on a clear day.

The Pantheon: This ancient temple sits in the heart of Rome and is considered the heartbeat of the city. Its origin, purpose and architecture are still debated by scholars, but the sheer beauty of this part of Rome's UNESCO-listed historic center is never in doubt.

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Trevi Fountain: It's the fountain featured in classic movies like "La Dolce Vita" and "Roman Holiday," and being there in person to toss in coins just might change your life, if you believe local lore. One coin guarantees you'll return to Rome, two will bring you new love or romance and three coins promise wedded bliss.

Eat like a Roman

Fall is the peak season for porcini mushrooms, truffles and chestnuts in Rome. So give yourself time (and maybe stretchy pants) to explore the open-air markets and restaurants serving up delicacies like castagnaccio (chestnut-flour cake), carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes) and fettuccine with porcini.

So maybe it's time for you to enjoy your very own Roman holiday, you can spend the morning among 2,000-year-old ruins, then linger over a plate of pasta while sitting outside in the early evening's warmth. That's an Ottobrata Romana.

If you do go, here's one more thing to consider — Europe's clocks fall back on Oct. 25, so evenings will be getting darker earlier.