Seeing the Michelangelo paintings on the Sistine Chapel ceiling is a dream that many people have, and a visit to the Sistine Chapel is always first on their list of things to do in Rome. Located within the boundaries of Vatican City, this area is a veritable treasure chest containing over 20,000 works of art on display, but none more awe-inspiring than the ceiling paint in the chapel. 

If you're planning a trip to Rome Italy, then read on to find out the best time to visit so that you can avoid the crowds and make the most of your time in this iconic city. 

The Sistine Chapel is right next to the Vatican Museums, and inside the Apostolic Palace which is the Pope's official residence. In the chapel, you will find some of the most famous Michelangelo paintings including the world-renowned 'The Creation of Adam'. 

The ceiling paint frescoes on the chapel are very popular, and this means that this place can be extremely crowded on some days. If you want to avoid the crowds and the long queues, the best way to see the Sistine Chapel ceiling is by booking a guided tour that will allow you to skip the lines and maximize your time there so that you don't miss any of the important sights to see and things to do in Rome. 

If you are planning a visit to the Sistine Chapel in Rome Italy, use this short guide to help you organize your tour so you get there on the best day and at the right time. Whether you book a 'skip the line' tour or if you go it on your own, you will find useful information here. 

Low season in Rome is at the beginning of November every year and goes on until the 20th of December, which marks the start of the Christmas period. January 6th is when the Christmas period ends. High season begins at Easter and ends around the 31st of October. During high season, the crowd flow varies, and it helps to know the days when there are more or less visitors accessing the Sistine Chapel. 

Monday is by far the busiest day, and if you want to see the Michelangelo paintings without the pushing and jostling crowds, then avoid going on this day. There are massive lines from early morning, and you'll have to wait at the entrance for a long time before you get inside. 

Tuesday is a lot quieter than Monday, and it can be a great choice for a visit to see the famed Sistine Chapel ceiling. But you should always check the Vatican calendar for any Vatican City holidays or special ceremonies as the museums will be closed on those days. 

Wednesday is when the Pope's Audience is held, which means that if you go very early, you'll be able to see what the Sistine Chapels look like when they're nearly empty. 

Thursday is not very busy, except when there is a special ceremony or a Vatican holiday, so it's a particularly great day to visit if you want to see the ceiling paint frescoes from Michelangelo. 

Friday is one of the busiest days at the Vatican City, and no matter what time of day you go, you'll be met with massive crowds accessing the Sistine Chapel. Together with Saturday and Monday, these days are always packed because of the long weekend holiday travelers. 

If you are planning a visit to Rome Italy, and the Sistine Chapel is on your list of things to do  in Rome, then click the link below to book a guided tour at the most incredible prices online.