Italy in March – The Best Things to See & Do

If you’re planning a vacation to Italy in March, you can expect a trip filled with lovely weather, amazing events, and magnificent destinations with fewer crowds. 

March in Italy is considered a shoulder season. While tourists will undoubtedly be around, you won’t find yourself stuck in massive crowds.

Spring is just starting to rear its head in March in Italy, giving way to beautiful foliage and hopeful locals. If you’re planning on visiting Italy in March, you’re in for a treat. Between the events, festivals, and well-trodden tourist attractions, you’ll have your hands full of interesting activities. 

So, to make your planning easier, our team of experts has created this comprehensive guide to traveling to Italy in March, sharing everything from the weather to the best things to see and do, and where to visit.

MARCH WEATHER IN ITALY

The weather in Italy in March can be slightly unpredictable. The beginning of the month often still feels cold like February, and the rest of the month varies significantly depending on the part of Italy you’re visiting. Keep in mind that, in general, the country tends to be rainy, chilly, and damp. You’ll want to pack plenty of rain gear and durable shoes, especially if you’re sightseeing outside. That being said, the weather in Italy in March isn’t always cold. Typically, temperatures in Italy in March are as follows:

• Northern Italy: 35.6°F-55.4°F
• Central Italy:44.6°F-60.8°F
• Southern Italy: 50°F-60.8°F

The weather in March in Italy can actually get quite warm, especially in southern Italy. In fact, many people prefer these temperatures because they are the perfect compromise between hot summer temperatures and cold winter weather, making March one of the best times to go to Italy.

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN ITALY IN MARCH

A fundamental question you’ll no doubt be asking yourself before traveling to Italy in March is where you should visit to have a fantastic vacation experience. The short answer is, you truly can’t go wrong with any Italian destination during the spring season. But we’ve shared a few of our top recommendations of where to visit in Italy in March to guide you in your decision! 

Venice in March

Emerging from its winter slumber, visiting Venice in March is a wonderful time to experience this bucket-list city with fewer crowds. Temperatures average at around 48°F to 57°F, so you can enjoy exploring the city’s labyrinthine streets in a more pleasant climate, without brushing shoulders with too many tourists. 

You’ll find some of the city’s most popular sights are quieter, like St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal, which you can explore at your own pace as you watch daily life unfold.

And with spring being a quieter time to visit Italy, you can make the most of Venetian culture by visiting restaurants and cafés that are regular haunts for locals, without having to battle for a reservation! 

Sicily in March

If it’s paradisical weather in Italy in March that you’re after, Sicily should be high on your list of places to visit. This blissful island boasts some of the balmiest temperatures in Italy in March, which average between 54°F and 64°F. 

While Sicily has idyllic landscapes at any time of the year, March in Italy brings with it the almond blossom season. Across the island, rows of almond trees bloom with beautiful white buds that create a sea of white and light pink hues, particularly in the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento.

With its blissful, but cooler than summer, temperatures, Sicily in March is perfect for uncovering the island’s many ruins, from Norman cathedrals to Roman villas, comfortably. And, of course, Sicily is known for its fantastic array of local crops, many of which are harvested in spring, offering seasonal delicacies galore. Try fresh artichokes, fava beans, and even juicy strawberries for a true taste of life on the island.

Tuscany in March

Tuscany in March is truly a feast for the senses, with lush, verdant hills, thriving vineyards, and wildflowers in full bloom. This region at the heart of Italy is a sight to be seen in spring, and with temperatures averaging between 46°F and 61°F, what better time to connect with its magnificent natural landscapes, as well as its Renaissance cities and medieval hilltop towns.

The spectacular cities of Florence and Pisa promise to take you on a journey of discovery into the region’s rich history and unique culture at a quieter time of year, where you can truly appreciate world-famous attractions like the Leaning Tower and Michelangelo’s David. But, be sure to explore Tuscany’s most beautiful towns, too, like San Gimignano, Volterra, and Montepulciano, which offer an authentic insight into what countryside life is like in Italy’s central region.

Rome in March

A world-renowned vacation destination, visiting Rome in March is one of the best times to go to Italy’s capital. You’ll be able to explore comfortably, as temperatures sit between 46°F and 61°F, meaning you can tick off even more of the city’s most iconic sights and attractions at a cooler time of year.

Some of the most spectacular sights you should visit during your trip to Rome in March include the Colosseum – one of the seven wonders -, the Vatican Museums, and the Roman Forum, all of which will have shorter queues at this less-busy time of year. Other than that, roaming through the city’s streets in search of Baroque squares and Renaissance Palaces, stopping in at delectable eateries and cafés en route, is a fantastic way to make the most of your time in Rome during this month.

While the weather in Rome during March may bring occasional showers, if you do encounter them, this is all the more of an excuse to explore the city’s best indoor attractions, like its fascinating museums and churches.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ITALY IN MARCH

TAKE A SELF-GUIDED PIZZA TOUR

When in Italy, you must eat pizza! We recommend taking a self-guided pizza tour to taste the best pies around the country. It’s an activity you can do in any weather, and one that will be enjoyable no matter where in the country you happen to be. Some of the best cities to visit in Italy for pizza are Naples, Rome, Florence, and Tuscany. While we recommend that you find your favorite pizza spots on your own, here are a few suggestions to get you started. Try a slice at Pizzarium, Pizzaria La Notizia, Pizzeria Fratelli Salvo, and La Gatta Mangiona.

TAKE A WINE BAR TOUR

Italy is famous for the wine it produces, and if you’re visiting Italy in March, you’ll want to taste it. Wine bars can be found all over the country and hold some of Italy’s best bottles. You can drink wine in any weather, so a wine tour is a great way to spend a dreary March afternoon. Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice are great cities to test out the local wines, and some of the top wine bars include Enoteca Ferrara, N’Ombra de Vin, and Coquinarius. If you happen to be there on a sunny day, many wine bars have outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape too.

VISIT THE AQUARIUM OF GENOA

Need a great indoor activity for the whole family? The Aquarium of Genoa is a top choice! It’s the largest aquarium in the country and is a great place to escape the rain. You’ll find it in Genoa’s former harbor area, holding 70 tanks that contain 6,000,000 liters of water. There are exhibits, historical artifacts, and plenty of sealife to view. Since there are 10,000 meters of exhibit space, you may want to give yourself plenty of time to explore.

EXPLORE WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS

UFFIZI GALLERY

The Uffizi can be found in Florence and is one of the most-visited art museums in all of Italy. In fact, it’s one of the most significant art museums in the world, and features important works centred around the Italian Renaissance. Considered one of the first modern museums, this gallery has been open for public viewing since the 16th century. Give yourself plenty of time to explore this massive museum, because there is a lot to see. Some of the more famous works include: The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, The Holy Family by Michelangelo, The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci, Portrait of Leo X by Raphael, and Self-Portrait as a Young Man by Rembrandt.

GALLERIA DORIA PAMPHILJ

Stay warm and dry inside one of Rome’s most interesting art museums. Inside this gallery is Rome’s largest collection of art owned by a private collector. This impressive collection was the joint effort of four families who wanted to compile a body of artwork that would show off their incredible taste. While it’s not the most popular art museum in Rome, it does have a significant collection of 16th and 17th-century artwork that rivals other museums in the city. Expect to see a collection of lavish frescoes, oil paintings, sculptures, and a display of wealth that inspires.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CINEMA

If you happen to be visiting the northern city of Turin, this quirky museum is a must-see. It will be a bit colder up north, so a museum like this is the perfect way to stay warm and dry in the March weather. A historian, movie lover, and collector erected this museum which features old video equipment, movie posters, film paraphernalia, and motion picture-related collectables. This personal collection is seriously impressive, and is an inspiring place to visit for anyone who appreciates a good film. Check out the collection of paintings and movie posters before you leave.

VATICAN MUSEUMS

If you want to spend multiple days inside extravagant museums, the Vatican is the place. This city features a collection of significant galleries, sculpture gardens, and beautiful works of architecture. The museums hold more than 20,000 artworks that have been collected and passed down from Pope to Pope. The Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel are two highlights that you should see on your visit.

NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

When visiting Naples, this archaeological museum is one of the highlights. It’s filled with artifacts from ancient Rome, and also includes pieces from Roman, Greek and the Renaissance time periods. Make sure to see the Farnese Collection, which is made up of engraved gems, the Farnese Cup, and the Farnese Marbles. You’ll also find artifacts from Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. The museum is also well-known for its collection of marble sculptures, mosaics, Egyptian artifacts, and its secret room.

PEGGY GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

Located in Venice, this modern art museum can be found on the Grand Canal. It’s one of the top attractions in Venice, and is a great way to spend a March afternoon. The art collection can be found in the 18th-century palace, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, and displays a private collection of modernist art. Inside, you’ll find collections including works of Surrealism, Cubism, sculptures, and Abstract Expressionism. Some of the museum highlights include: The Poet by Picasso, Nude by Marcel Duchamp, and Woman With Animals by Albert Gleizes.

TAKE A COOKING CLASS

Food is a way of life in Italy, and a cooking class gets you up close and personal with the culinary scene. Particularly in March in Italy during the springtime, when beautiful crops are harvested across the country, you’ll find some of the best local produce to embrace during a cookery class.

There are cooking classes in nearly every city, all over the country, so you should be able to join one no matter where you are. Not only will you get to cook and eat the food, but you’ll take back some valuable culinary skills as souvenirs. Learn all about Italian cooking spices, flavor profiles, and ingredients. Many classes will teach methods for hand-making pasta, whipping up flavorful sauces, and crafting perfect desserts. Your friends will love it when you test out your Italian cooking skills back home.

GO ON A CAFE TOUR

If you love drinking coffee in cute cafes, Italy won’t disappoint. Italians love their cafes, so you can join in on the caffeination and the culture. Wander cities like Venice, Rome, Milan, and Florence and pop into as many cafes as possible.

They’re great places to get out of the rain, warm up, and people-watch. Grab a book and an espresso before spending the afternoon soaking up Italy the authentic way. You’ll find traditional spots for cappuccinos as well as trendy, hipster hotspots where the Italian youth gather.

SHOP IN ROME’S COVERED MARKETS

Shopping in Rome’s markets is a must while visiting Italy in March. However, since the March weather isn’t always ideal, you may want to search for a covered market instead. Rome has quite a few of these, where you’ll find all sorts of local eats, fresh produce, and interesting souvenirs. Try visiting the Mercato Trionfale, Esquilino Market, and the Mercato Testaccio. These markets offer an authentic Italian experience without having to worry about rain.

VISIT MILAN CATHEDRAL

This is Italy’s largest cathedral, so it definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. It took six centuries to complete, and was dedicated to St. Mary of Nativity. It’s the seat of Milan’s Archbishop, and stands as an extremely impressive work of architecture. Give yourself plenty of time to explore, as the cathedral is full of historical artifacts and artwork.

GROTTA DELLE NINFE HOT SPRINGS

Italy in March can be rainy and chilly, making it the perfect month for hot springs. Italy is scattered with these natural, heated pools, and many of them are off the standard tourist trail. If you want a unique hot springs experience, check out Grotta delle Ninfe, located in Cerchiara. The water is usually around 30°C all year, and the entrance fee is quite cheap. Locals usually make up the small crowds here, as they gather to soak up the healing benefits of the water. It’s said that sulfur-carbon content helps to cure ailments like rheumatoid arthritis and a variety of skin diseases.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN ITALY IN MARCH

CARNEVALE

Carnevale doesn’t always fall in March, but it happens quite a lot depending on when the Easter holiday is. This is one of the country’s largest festivals, and the epicenter of celebration is in Venice. Expect live performances, music, parades, and locals wearing lavish costumes. Many of the swanky hotels will throw outlandish masquerade parties that you should try to attend. They are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Check with your hotel to see if they offer costume rental. This way, you can join in on the fun without busting your budget on an expensive costume.

FESTA DELLA DONNA

Also known as International Women’s Day, this celebration happens on March 8th each year. It’s a country-wide event during which men bring the women in their lives flowers and take them out to dinner. Most restaurants will have special menus, and cities will throw events and concerts to celebrate. Women typically get together with their female friends to go to dinner, the movies, or a show. And, many museums offer discounted tickets for women.

FEAST DAY OF SAN GIUSEPPE

Also known as Father’s Day, this holiday takes place on March 19th of each year. It’s celebrated all over Italy and is usually accompanied by bonfires, pageants, and special deals. On Father’s Day, it’s tradition for kids to shower their dads with gifts.

FESTA DELLA PRIMAVERA

This festival is all about the celebration of spring. It typically takes place on March 21st, and is characterized by festivals, regional food, and live music. Spring is celebrated all around the country, so you’ll most likely run into some kind of festivities if you’re traveling in Italy during this time.

REENACTMENT OF CAESAR’S DEATH

This reenactment takes place in Rome on March 16th. There will be various cultural events at the Roman Forum, including a complete display of Caesar’s death. If you’re into history, this festival is an added bonus to a day of sightseeing around Rome.

ROME MARATHON

If you’re into long-distance running, you may want to sign up for the Rome Marathon before your trip. It takes place on the third Sunday in March and stretches for 42km around the city. The race starts off at the Roman Forum and takes runners through some of Rome’s most famous sites. Expect to run past the Colosseum and the Vatican while competing with athletes from around the globe. This is one of the most interesting and healthiest ways to see the famous sites of the city.

SUMMARY

Italy in March offers the perfect blend of mild weather and fewer crowds, making it one of the best times to go to Italy if you’re seeking to experience the country, and its many sights and experiences, authentically.

Whether you want to visit Venice and experience it at a quieter time of year with its seren canals, or flock to Sicily in March for its spectacular almond blossoms in bloom, March is the month for you. 

And, of course, we can’t neglect to mention the wealth of things to do in Italy in March that are best experienced at this time of year, from café tours to indulging in exceptional artworks in local museums, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable spring trip.

Ready to head to Italy on a spring getaway? Chat to our team of Italy experts now, or browse our expertly curated trips today.

Seeking some inspiration for your trip to Italy? Why not take a look at our other monthly guides for Italy, created to help you get the most from your next vacation:

• The best things to see and do in Italy in January
• The best things to see and do in Italy in February
• The best things to see and do in Italy in April
• The best things to see and do in Italy in May
• The best things to see and do in Italy in June
• The best things to see and do in Italy in July
• The best things to see and do in Italy in August
• The best things to see and do in Italy in September
• The best things to see and do in Italy in October
• The best things to see and do in Italy in November
• The best things to see and do in Italy in December

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