If you’re looking for one of the best times to experience all that Italy has to offer, you just might find that Italy in March is a great choice. The country is transitioning seasons, moving from the cold or rainy months into the warmer, sunnier times of the year. They are opening back up and preparing for their busy seasons ahead.
The trees and balconies get their blossoms back, the days start to get a little longer, and lunch can be eaten outside in most of the country. The one thing to be aware of is that March is still part of Italy’s rainy season, so come prepared for a little rain. It won’t be enough to ruin your adventure, though!
There will be fewer tourists still and plenty to do and explore. In other words, it could be among the best times to go to Italy.
The further into March you get, the better the weather is going to be. You might also find that different regions of Italy have different weather throughout the month, which could affect your trip.
Save a little money, enjoy fewer crowds, and plan for an awesome trip to Italy in March!
Weather in Italy in March
Early March is often cold and wet, like February. The beginning of March stays chilly and damp, but each day brings you closer to the spring weather that everyone wants to enjoy.
March is a month of change; the saying “in like a lion, out like a lamb” isn’t made up for nothing.
It’s possible the weather will be unpredictable, so pack for a variety of weather, including cool days and nights and some rainfall too.
As a tourist, you might need an umbrella and shoes that can get wet, but don’t try to dress like the Italians. They usually dress based on what the calendar says, not on what the exact weather is like.
This means that even if it’s dry and sunny in March, Italian women will still wear full-length fur coats because, to them, March still means a cool spring.
Here are some average temperature values ranging for various parts of Italy in March:
- 35-55°F (2-13°C) in northern Italy.
- The temperature in central Italy is between 45 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16°C).
- 50-60°F (10-16°C) in southern Italy.
The greatest time to assess the long-term forecast for your destination is shortly before you leave, when you’re packing. Thus you can prepare, you know in advance, if it will be cold or warm.
Italian Holidays & Festivals in March
The two biggest holidays in March, Carnival, and Easter, aren’t always in March. Both of these dates change because they are based on the liturgical calendar, but sometimes they both happen in March.
Carnival, which is called Carnevale in Italian, can start in February and last into March. Easter can also be in late March.
Both Carnevale and Easter are like mini-high seasons for tourism in Italy, so if you’re planning a trip in March, keep that in mind.
In March, people also celebrate International Women’s Day (Festa della Donna) on March 8th, It’s a celebration of women who have fought for and achieved equality in the fields of economics, politics, and society. On March 19th, which is also the Italian Father’s Day (Festa di San Giuseppe).
The Open Monuments Weekend is in March, but the exact weekend changes from year to year. At this time, numerous normally closed palaces, monuments, and gardens open their doors to visitors for the duration of a single weekend.
The Top 10 Places to Visit in March in Italy:
Here are the best places to visit in March in Italy:
- Rome – walk around the city, avoid the heat, and see the Colosseum and Forum with fewer crowds.
- Florence – visit museums, and if the weather is pleasant, plan a trip to the countryside.
- Tuscany – taste wine and relax in thermal baths.
- Sicily – see ancient sites and visit small towns
- Venice – enjoy the streets without a lot of people.
- Puglia – drive through the city and visit small towns in the area.
- Matera – see the interesting UNESCO city without getting drenched in sweat.
- Umbria – spend time in bigger cities
- Dolomites – go skiing and enjoy the sunshine, warm up in a restaurant in Bolzano, and meet the Iceman Ötzi.
- Milan – go shopping, go to the top of the Duomo, and hang out in the Brera district.
Other places in Italy you might want to visit in March
- The Italian Dolomites in March: The Dolomites’ ski season ends in March, so a tour here can be great if you want to spend days on the slopes. The weather and snow conditions will vary here throughout the year. However, places like Val Badia and the area around San Candido are usually great, but you should check with locals because the weather here can change quickly.
- Cinque Terre: Cinque Terre is in its down season since the weather is still slightly cooler and damp. You can’t enjoy many of the water activities of the area or the outdoor things affected by rain. However, you can enjoy the views or take a day trip on a surprisingly sunny day if it fits into your plans, especially in the latter half of March!
- Amalfi Coast: March is the end of the low season on the Amalfi Coast, which has both good and bad things about it. Enjoy a time that has much fewer people wandering around and prices that are more affordable than if you come during peak season.
March in Italy with kids
When traveling to Italy with children, March can be a great time to go. Because there’s a good possibility that the weather will enable them to play outside in the spring sun, at least for some of your trip
At this time, the following locations seem to be kid-friendly:
- Florence is always great with kids, but the summers are way too hot.
- Venice is mild, free of insects, hungry, and bothersome in the summer.
- March in Tuscany is the ideal time to visit thermal springs and hilltop towns of Tuscany.
- Like Tuscany, Umbria is beautiful at this time of year for village visits and short treks.
- Rome is home to numerous family-friendly indoor and outdoor attractions.
- Sicily is a gorgeous, moderate destination ideal for family outings and the odd day at the beach.
Things to bring with you
Because the weather in Italy in March changes so much, it can be hard to know what to pack. Rather than trying to plan specifically for winter or spring, bring layers that you can adjust for the weather.
The mornings and evenings will be cooler, but during the day, the sun comes out, and things warm up. If you have a layer, you can be prepared for all of these!
If you’re heading out in the rain or right after the rain, pull on waterproof boots or shoes so the puddles don’t cause a nuisance for your adventure!
What makes March a good time to visit Italy?
As was already noted, the weather is most appropriately characterized as unpredictable, which may not sound like a selling factor. March definitely isn’t the best time to visit Italy if your ideal vacation involves lounging on the beach or trekking the sunny Cinque Terre trails.
This month might be ideal if your agenda mostly consists of indoor activities like museums, churches, galleries, and shopping and/or your budget is limited.
The majority of March is not considered to be Italy’s usual high season, so prices for everything from lodging to airfare are often lower. Did we mention there are fewer people around? This alone might make March a great time for you to travel and experience Italy!
Even with the weather, you will find events and holidays like Carnival and Easter still get pretty busy in the area. If you’re planning a trip to Venice during Carnival or you’ll be in Italy over Easter weekend, be prepared to pay more but also find yourself sharing the streets with more people than you might even see during the summer and some transportation operating on holiday schedules.
Previous month: Italy in February
Next month: Italy in April
FAQ
Does it snow in March in Italy?
Higher up, you can still find snow in Italy in March. Skiing and other winter sports can be done in the mountains of Italy, such as the Dolomites (in the northeast) and the Alps (northwest).
In Italy, can you go to the beach in March?
You can walk and look at the view at the beach, and kids can enjoy the sand. In most areas, you probably won’t be swimming in March, but you can still enjoy the beaches. In the most southern areas such as Sicily, the sea temperature is around 15°C (60°F).
Does it rain in Italy in March?
Don't forget your coat if you're going to Florence or Rome in March, or at least bring a thicker rain jacket and layers. In March, the area gets rain for an average of 7–10 days.
How is Rome in March?
In March, Rome is absolutely beautiful. Most of the time, the weather is mild, and there are a lot of sunny, dry days. The city is covered in blossoms and flowers, making it even more magnificent than usual. The crowds are still minimal, except Easter.