Planning a European getaway? Then don’t miss this opportunity to experience Italy in March! The cold weather of winter gradually fades away, moving towards the warmer spring season. All these makes Italy an awesome place visit this month, with lots of charm and opportunities.
March is a wonderful time for traveling, no matter what you’re interested in! Whether you want to soak up some sun and get a tan, explore historic sites, or indulge in delicious food, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The info below will hopefully be helpful for you to plan your holiday in Italy come spring.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Italy?
Of course, it is! March is the best time to visit Italy! It’s spring season and tends to have pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, making it an ideal month to see the landscapes and enjoy the view! However, the weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and limited outdoor activities in some regions. So, if you plan to visit in March, be prepared for some rain. It’s best to be flexible with your plans so you can enjoy the scenery despite the weather.
Weather in Italy in March
Italy weather in March is just right. Warmth is starting to spread, so it is not too cold or too hot. With the right clothing, everyone will be able to enjoy themselves.
- Temp: Low – 3°C, High – 16°C
- Humidity: 60%
- Rain: 40%
- Daylight: 11-12 hours
- Sunrise: 6:30-7:00 AM
- Sunset: 6:00-7:00 PM
Things to do in Italy in March
The following things you can do in Italy in March are a great mix of activities that let you see the best of what Italy has to offer:
Explore Rich History & Culture
March can be an ideal time to explore famous tourist spots like the Roman Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Uffizi Gallery in Florence because they tend to be less crowded than during the summer months, so you can have a meaningful time with your loved ones while you appreciate the beauty of these historic beauties.
Gorge on Local Cuisine
Sample some of the regional specialties and fully immerse yourself in the mouth-watering world of Italian cuisine. Make sure not to miss out on tasting some of the world’s finest wine, gelato, pizza, and pasta. To prepare authentic Italian food all on your own, you can also enroll in a cooking class!
Take a Hike or a Bike
March offers the perfect climate for hiking or biking throughout the lovely Italian countryside. Visit the quaint villages of Umbria, go for a walk across Tuscany’s rolling hills, or cycle along the Amalfi Coast. Whichever you prefer, it will be a wonderful experience filled with fun and amazing pictures.
Visit the Beach
March in Italy may not be the best month for swimming everywhere as the weather is still transitioning, but on the south side of the country, like Sicily and Puglia, the weather is warm enough to enjoy the sunlight and laze on the beach, making it ideal for family getaways.
Attend a Festival
In Italy, the month of March is full of festivities. You can join the locals in celebrating Florence’s ancient Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart) in Florence. This spectacle that marks the start of Easter celebrations, or take part in the vibrant Venice Carnival with its lavish costumes and parades. Make sure to not miss out on the festivities; the food and music will make you want to stay here forever.
Places to See in Italy in March
This is a list of the best places to visit in Italy in March to help plan your trip and make the most of your stay:
Florence
Florence is the city to discover Renaissance treasures. These works are housed at the Uffizi Gallery, so make sure you add this place to your Italy program. Jewelry shopping is another thing to indulge in Florence, as the Ponte Vecchio Bridge is lined with many stores, each selling exquisite jewelry. Once you have had your fill of the city, wander outside of urban boundaries and enjoy the unhindered nature of the Tuscan countryside.
Sicily
Located in the southern part of the country, Sicily promises warmth and excitement during this month, along with a blue sky. The island’s rich history emerges with everything from medieval spectacles to the remains of ancient Greece. Let’s not forget that March has the perfect weather for outdoor activities, such as relaxing on sun-kissed beaches or trekking the slopes of Mount Etna, the biggest active volcano in Europe. A smaller number of tourists and a calm atmosphere make it possible to take in Sicily’s natural beauty and culture on a whole other level.
Naples
Naples brings together a blend of modern living with history in everyday life. Explore the eerie ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum that were frozen in time during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It shows us what Roman civilization looked like back then. Amid the colorful city, don’t forget the cuisine, which includes freshly caught seafood and delicious pizza. March is a great time to explore the city as its culinary, artistic, and historical elements come together to create a very special experience for you.
Venice
March might just be the perfect month to visit Venice because it isn’t as crowded as summer and its timeless beauty allows you to enjoy it at your own pace. Sail on a gondola across the canals, take in the magnificence of St. Mark’s Square, roam the winding streets, and find hidden spots. Go and pay a visit to the Doge’s Palace. It tells stories of Venice’s famous maritime past. The city has a peaceful charm in March that calls you to immerse yourself in its beautiful atmosphere.
Milan
Milan offers many opportunities for visitors and lets you see a blend of culture with a modern twist. Admire the Duomo Cathedral, representing Milan’s architectural mastery and spiritual legacy. Get lost on a shopping spree in Italy’s fashion city, where chic cafes and stores line the streets. Milan’s rich cultural past is shown through these masterpieces from various ages in the Pinacoteca di Brera art collection. The city comes alive in March, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience cultural delights around every corner.
Rome
Rome in March gives a peaceful and relaxed experience, and it is a pleasant break from the hot summer crowds, allowing you to explore the city’s iconic landmarks without the usual hustle and bustle. Take, for example, the Colosseum, proof of the remarkable ancient Roman engineering. Without the hordes of tourists, you can appreciate its beauty in a more laid-back setting.
Another attraction that really needs to be on your list is the Trevi Fountain, where you can have fun tossing a coin to make a wish! And if you’re an art fan, don’t miss the Vatican Museums, which show off a collection of art and artifacts like nowhere else. Planning a trip in March will let you have a more intimate and unforgettable experience, so make sure to have your camera ready.
Italy Festivals and Events in March 2024
Blend in with the locals, and don’t miss out on these events & festivals in Italy in March as you explore this beautiful country.
March Festivals in Italy
Even though they are fewer, there are still festivals in Italy in March that are exciting and worth being a part of.
Festa di San Giuseppe
Image Credit: nationaltoday.com
Celebrated on March 19, Festa di San Giuseppe, also known as St. Joseph’s Day, is a much-loved Italian festival honoring the Father of Jesus Christ. Families gather together to celebrate this event with traditional and fully loaded dinners. An important component of the celebration, fava beans are a symbol of wealth and good fortune and are served as a side dish or in soups. Another favorite is artichokes. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as stuffed or braised; they symbolize hope and rejuvenation. These yummy treats not only provide nourishment for the body but are also a symbol of Italian tradition and familial ties.
When: 19th March 2024
Location: Countrywide
Pasqua (Easter Sunday)
Image Credit: italiantribune.com
Pasqua, or Easter Sunday, is exceptionally significant in Italy. Pope Francis celebrates Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on March 31, 2024. In the meantime, local processions and parades take place all around the nation.
- Gubbio, Umbria: A serene procession with wooden sculptures and folk songs.
- Enna, Sicily: Confraternity members carry palm branches with religious chants.
- Sorrento: See hooded figures participate in historic processions.
- Orte, Lazio: A nighttime procession through the streets, an ancient tradition.
When: 31st March
Location: St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
The Tail End of Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, in some parts of Italy, is still celebrated after the end of official celebrations in cities like Cento, Viareggio, and Venice. So, in case you missed the actual Mardi Gras event, you can head to these places and experience decorations, parades, and people dressed in crazy masks and costumes.
When: Early March
Location: Generally, countrywide but prominently in Venice, Viareggio, and Cento.
March Events in Italy
Here is a list of events in March in Italy to enjoy while you’re there:
Mandorlo in Fiore
Image Credit: comunicalo.it
Almond trees blossom during the spring season in Sicily, making the whole region look gorgeous. So, a festival is held to celebrate the tree in bloom in the location where the centuries-old Temple of Concordia stands. Carry your camera, as you will capture some stunning pictures of the festival and the blooming almond trees.
When: 9th to 17th March, 2024
Location: Agrigento, Sicily
Scoppio del Carro
Scoppio del Carro, which means explosion of the cart, is an Easter extravaganza event. Revellers dress in 15th-century clothes and parade around a tower packed with pyrotechnics and firecrackers. The fireworks are soon lit, and everyone enjoys the wonderful sights and sounds. Right near the end, a dove-shaped rocket is released, marking the end of the event.
When: 31st March, 2024
Location: Piazza del Duomo
Feast Day of San Patrizio
Although it may not be a public holiday in Italy, Irish communities and certain establishments still observe St. Patrick’s Day. Green beer and traditional meals are served at themed events held in Irish pubs in places like Florence, Milan, and Rome. Greater numbers of Irish people living in cities might plan parades or other cultural events. Some bars and clubs host themed events featuring live music and exclusive offers. But compared to nations with greater Irish populations, celebrations are usually more local, taking place in a few key locations rather than being dispersed throughout the entire nation.
When: 17th March
Location: Florence, Milan, and Rome
Travel Tips to Visit Italy in March
Check out these Italy travel tips for March to keep in mind while planning your vacation so you have a smooth and worry-free holiday experience:
- Check visa requirements well in advance of your trip and ensure all necessary documentation is in order before traveling to Italy.
- Expect pleasant, springlike conditions with mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. Pack layers for the changing and slightly unpredictable weather.
- Pack an umbrella and waterproof shoes for potential showers.
- Enjoy fewer crowds compared to peak summer months, leading to shorter lines and potentially better deals on flights and accommodation. However, keep in mind to check the opening hours of attractions, as some may have shorter hours compared to peak season.
- Experience warmer weather in southern Italy and colder temperatures in northern Italy’s mountain regions.
Things to Know Before you Visit Italy in March
What to Pack for Italy in March?
Opt for nifty clothes and layers when traveling to Italy in March. Accessories are also welcome. Don’t forget to pack your universal converter plug, brand specific toiletries if you are used to particular brands, and your medicines.
What to wear in Italy in March?
As the different regions will have different weather, your choice of clothes should reflect that. Heading North? Grab a light sweater or a long-sleeved shirt that will help you beat the chill. Heading South? T-shirts and comfy pants are the best. Good walking shoes are a must for any location, and dress conservatively when visiting religious places.
Getting Around Italy in March
Trains are efficient and comfortable, but book in advance for popular routes. Flights are best for longer distances, and buses are ideal for shorter hops. Cars can give some flexibility, but walking is a fantastic way to explore Italy, which is walkable with charming streets and historical sites.
Where to Stay in Italy in March?
Since Italy is a popular tourist destination, all the major hospitality brands are present here. For budget stays, you can go to lodges and hostels. But if you want to experience a unique stay, Airbnbs and homesteads are a great choice.What to Eat in Italy in March?
Apart from the usual fare of pizzas and pastas, try and get your hands-on local foods that make use of seasonal vegetables like asparagus and artichoke. Italy is famous for seasonal cheeses, and you can try the springtime cheeses in March as well. If you are in the south, then you must indulge in the delicious seafood. Italy is a culinary paradise that has some amazing offerings in March.
You might be interested – Italy in April | Italy in MayFAQs About Visiting Italy in March
The most asked FAQs about Italy in March by tourists who plan to visit are listed below for your convenience. It offers clarity and insight to plan your next trip.
1. How is the weather in Italy in March?
Springlike weather is to be expected, with moderate temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C and occasional bouts of rain. As the weather changes and becomes more unpredictable, dress in layers.
2. Will it rain during my trip?
Occasional rain showers are likely, so pack a raincoat or umbrella.
3. Are there any festivals in Italy in March worth seeing?
While major festivals like Carnevale may wind down in March, you can still attend local events such as Festa di San Giuseppe and Pasqua (Easter Sunday) celebrations.
4. Is visiting Italy in March better than other times?
It depends on your choice. Though Italy is relatively crowd-free in March many come here to take advantage of the off-season.
5. What about the currency in Italy?
It’s best to carry Euros (EUR) during your Italy trip. Some places accept cash only, but credit cards are accepted for larger purchases.
So, plan a nice March vacation full of the best places and cities to visit in Italy, and have the best time in one of the greatest countries in the world. You are guaranteed to have a great time.
