Italy in March: Good Weather, Lesser Crowds

The word that best describes the weather in Italy and much of southern Europe in March is ‘changeable’. Although days can be a bit foggy at the beginning of the month, you might be able to catch some sun on the beaches of Rimini by late March. It gets chilly in the north of the country, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 13°C, while further south, in Naples, for example, it is not unusual to see daily peaks of 16°C. Snow is pretty much unheard of during March, but you should be prepared for around two inches of rain.

For a seasonal overview, read our best time to visit Italy article.

Visit Italy in March and you will get a decent shot at good weather alongside reduced prices on flights and at hotels because the high season has not begun yet. It also means you will see fewer people clutching guidebooks on the streets, providing a more intimate experience of must-see attractions, including Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’ in Milan and Mount Etna in Sicily. Below are some of the reasons for visiting Italy in March:

• Better rates: The lack of demand means that flights, train tickets and hotel stays can all be had for significantly less than you would pay once the season peaks. A daily per-person budget of USD 60 for backpackers and USD 150 for mid-range travelers is about right.
• Lesser crowds: The month of March sees fewer people wandering the ancient sites of Rome, visiting the museums of Florence, and boarding gondolas for a trip down Venice’s Grand Canal. You have most of the highlights and lowlights for yourself during this time.
• Carnival and Easter celebrations: Although these celebrations do not necessarily take place together in March each year, one of them does. The lead-up to Easter is more somber, while Carnevale is all about letting your hair down. Venice, in particular, is filled with revelers during the carnival season.
• Open Monuments Weekend: Taking place on the first day of spring, this event sees sites usually closed to the public open their doors for one very special weekend, and all for free.

The Eternal City of Rome is unmissable at any time of year because of its historic monuments and cultural collections. With the onset of spring, both the Italian lake district and the hills of Tuscany are coming into their own, with the Amalfi Coast hot on their heels. For art, your choices for places to visit in Italy include Florence and Venice, while we suggest the walking trails around Mount Etna if you love exploring the countryside.

For more ideas on activities in the country, please go through our travel guide on things to do in Italy. Wondering how long you will need to cover it all? That is where our insights on how many days to spend in Italy prove handy!

Since Italy’s weather in March is so changeable, figuring out what to pack can be difficult. Your best bet is not to think in seasons but in layers. Layering up with shirts or tops followed by sweaters and then coats will mean you are ready for the warmest days but will not find yourself shivering if temperatures dip down to average lows for the month. Puddles can linger on city streets for some time after a shower, which might require you to swap summer sandals for a solid pair of waterproof shoes or boots.

March might not be your first choice for a trip to the land of pizza, pastas, and aperol spritz, but it does have its advantages over other parts of the year. All major tourist attractions and destinations remain open and some of them even host fun events and carnivals. For custom tours to Italy we recommend contacting our local travel experts.

If you're interested check out our Italy tours in March.

Other articles: 
Italy in February
Italy in April