Last updated on November 15th, 2024.
March in Italy is a good time to plan a visit.
Much of the country remains chilly yet winter sunshine is prevalent in many places. On top of this, many destinations aren’t as busy as they are in summer.
If March is a month that you’re thinking of visiting Italy, stick around till the end of this post. I’ll be listing 10 of the best places to visit in Italy in March.
It will cover warm places in Italy in March and some of the best things to do in Italy in March.
Some great places to add to your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.
Annual holidays in Italy in March
There are two notable public holidays in Italy that are worth noting. They’re unlikely to affect your travel plans but I think it’s useful to know about them.
March 17 marks the Anniversary of the Unification of Italy (Anniversario dell’Unità d’Italia). Rome is likely the only place where you might see a small celebration in the city to mark the holiday. The day celebrates the birth of Italy as a modern nation state.
March 19 is St. Joseph’s Day in Italy, more commonly known around the world as Father’s Day (festa del papà). Again, this won’t affect your travel plans but it’s useful to know about.
How is the weather in Italy in March?
As I outlined in ‘when is the best time to visit Italy’ the weather in Italy has become unpredictable.
Because of this, make sure to pack an umbrella, poncho and other useful travel essentials for Italy.
10 best places to visit in Italy in March: Rome
Rome in March isn’t a bad time to visit.
Usual daytime temperatures in Rome in March hover around 60°F (15°C)* during the day to about 44°F (7°C) at night. Saying that, packing good outerwear is essential as temperatures can dip and it can feel quite cold.
The plus of visiting Rome in March is that it may not yet be as busy. I say ‘may’ because Rome attracts so many visitors it’s rare to find a truly quiet period. However, you’re likely to encounter less visitors with children given that school is still in session.
Another thing to note is the Easter holidays. They typically take place in April, meaning that you’ll avoid visiting Rome during a peak, and costly, period.
Because of this, it makes Rome one of the best places to visit in Italy in March.
Things to do in March in Rome
If it’s your first time visiting Rome, needless to say you’ll want to see the city’s main attractions.
And with comfortable temperatures in March in Rome, I think that it makes sightseeing more enjoyable.
Some of my favorite top attractions to see in Rome include:
- Booking a skip-the-line tour of the Colosseum
- Seeing the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- Booking tickets to enter St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
- Getting tickets to see the Pantheon
- Exploring the Roman Forum
- Touring the Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- Taking a guided tour of the Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)
- Visiting the Trevi Fountain
- Walking up the Spanish Steps
- Taking a guided tour of the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo
- Exploring the Capuchin Crypt
Alongside the major sights in Rome, the city also hosts several annual events in March. They include:
The Roma-Ostia half marathon (Roma Ostia Mezza Maratona)
The race starts in the EUR district of Rome and finishes near the beaches of Ostia.
Free entry to Rome’s state museums
Free is a word that we all like to hear.
And on the first Sunday of every month, visitors can enjoy free entry to many of Rome’s museums. They include state museums like the Colosseum to religious museums like the Vatican. There is likely a specific timeframe for each museum so check the full list of participating museums for more details.
Palermo
Palermo Sicily is one of the best places to visit in Italy in March for several reasons.
For one, the temperature in the capoluogo of Sicily tends to be milder than its northern counterparts.
However, saying this doesn’t mean that it’s time to break out the flip flops and shorts. March in Sicily can still get quite cold. Depending on what part of Sicily, some areas can experience temperatures ranging between 41°F (5°C) to 50°F (10°C) at night.
Pros of visiting Palermo in March
Palermo in March is a quieter time of the year to visit. Weather wise, daytime temperatures can reach 61°F (16°C) and fall to 50°F (10°C) at night.
The moderate March temperatures make for a more comfortable experience when visiting Palermo’s best attractions. We spent 2 days in Palermo in August and the high temperatures were unbearable.
There’s no chance of this happening when visiting Palermo in March.
Some of my favorite things to do in Palermo include:
- Exploring Palermo Cathedral
- Visiting Quattro Canti
- Exploring the Royal Palace and the Palatine Chapel (Palazzo Reale & La Cappella Palatina)
- Visiting Teatro Massimo
- Trying the street food in Palermo
- Browsing the produce at Ballarò (market)
- Taking a trip to Monreale Cathedral
Naples
The city of incredible food, mind-blowing churches and an electric atmosphere, there’s never a dull moment in Naples Italy.
One of the best places to visit in Italy in March, Naples makes a great early spring getaway.
We spent one day in Naples and it wasn’t nearly long enough.
The weather in Naples in March is moderate with daytime temperatures around 58°F (14°C) and nighttime temperatures about 48°F (9°C). It can feel chilly especially if near the coast overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
Things to do in Naples in March
Many of Naples’ March events tend to revolve around religious festivities. And during this month, you’ll likely find several events celebrating the run-up to Easter.
These can range from special masses in churches in Naples to free concerts in the public square, Piazza Plebiscito.
My favorite things to do in Naples Italy include:
- Visiting the Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli)
- Admiring the architecture (and shops) inside Galleria Umberto I
- Exploring the Spanish Quarter (I Quartieri Spagnoli) and have a drink at a local bar
- Spending time inside Naples’ Cathedral (Duomo di Napoli)
- Eating any type of Neapolitan pizza whether inside a pizzeria or at a food seller in town
- Visiting the Museum Chapel Sansevero (Museo Cappella Sansevero) — booking tickets in advance is essential
Map of Italy
Pompeii and Caserta
Not far from Naples are two of the best places to visit in Italy in March.
The archaeological site of Pompeii is one of the most popular, and fascinating, attractions in Italy.
In brief, the city was destroyed by a volcanic eruption from Vesuvius in 79 CE. Today, the well-preserved site tells the tragic story of Pompeii and the people that perished that day.
March is a good time to visit Pompeii. The mild temperatures of 57°F (14°C) to 68°F (20°C) make it comfortable and more enjoyable to fully enjoy the site.
There are several ways to visit Pompeii. Naples to Pompeii is a straightforward journey and one you can do by car or public transport.
Rome to Pompeii is another popular route and is also very doable.
The third way to visit Pompeii is by joining a tour. They take care of all your transport needs, meaning all you have to do is enjoy the experience.
Some Pompeii tours to consider booking include:
- Pompeii ruins – skip the line small group tour
- Pompeii – small group tour with an archeologist
- Pompeii archeological site entry ticket
- Pompeii 2-hour private tour and skip-the-line tickets
Caserta
Caserta is home to the 19th century Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is considered one of the finest examples of Italian Baroque and neoclassical architecture.
The complex covers a humungous area of about 47,000sqm. It includes the main palace building, a large park and the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli.
Its park was influenced by the gardens of Versailles in France, a feature you may recognize from the photo.
Ultimately, this magnificent palace deserves sufficient time to fully appreciate its opulent interiors and picturesque park. Consider booking your tickets in advance and learn more about the Reggia di Caserta on a guided tour.
Lecce
Lecce is probably one of the friendliest places I’ve ever visited in Italy.
The southern Italian city in Puglia makes the list of the best places to visit in March for good reason.
Weather in Lecce in March can range from maximum highs of 54°F (12°C) to 64°F (18°C) during the day. At night, this range can fall between 41°F (5°C) and 50°F (10°C). Like Palermo, Lecce weather in March can get chillier than you might expect.
The moderate weather makes a visit to the city nicknamed the ‘Florence of the south’ a pleasant one.
Lecce is most famous for its Baroque architecture, particularly the use of local limestone called Lecce stone. Some notable Lecce attractions built with Lecce stone include the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Piazza del Duomo.
Other unmissable things to do in Lecce include:
- Touring Lecce’s baroque architectural sights
- Joining a street food and walking tour
- Visiting the 2,000-year-old Roman Theater of Lecce (Teatro Romano di Lecce)
Syracuse
The Sicilian city of Syracuse (Siracusa) may be one of the warmest places in Italy in March. Syracuse already holds the title of the warmest place in winter in Italy so it wouldn’t be that surprising.
March weather in Syracuse Sicily can range from highs of 75°F (24°C) during the day to 52°F (11°C) at night. Its higher temperatures are likely attributed to its position being in the south of Sicily.
Like Naples, many events happening in Syracuse in March will likely have a religious angle and be connected to Easter.
Aside from these events, Syracuse Sicily has plenty of top sights to see.
These include:
- Visiting the Greek Theater of Syracuse (Teatro Greco di Siracusa)
- Exploring Ortygia (Ortigia) island
- Seeing Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa)
- Admiring the papyrus in the Fountain of Arethusa (Fonte Aretusa)
Taormina
The pretty coastal town of Taormina is one of the most visited places on the east coast of Sicily.
Even during the quieter months of the year, Taormina is never lacking in visitor numbers (read things to know about Taormina).
But if you’re planning on visiting Taormina, March isn’t a bad time of the year to go. The weather in Taormina in March won’t be like summer temperatures but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Maximum highs in Taormina in March can range from 63°F (17°C) to 75°F (24°C). At night, temperatures can dip to around 52°F (11°C).
These make for very pleasant temperatures for seeing the attractions in Taormina. It’s also why I added Taormina as one of the best places to visit in March. With our home in Sicily just 20 minutes away, Taormina is a town we frequently visit.
Some of my favorite things to do in Taormina include:
- Walking the sandbar to reach Isola Bella
- Strolling through the main street of Via Roma in Taormina’s town center
- Watch the sunset from Belvedere di Taormina
- Watching a concert at the Ancient Theater of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina)
Bologna
With the weather in Italy still veering on the chilly side in March, one city worth considering seeing is Bologna.
March temperatures in Bologna can range from 58°F (14°C) during the day to around 39°F (4°C) at night.
The moderate weather in Bologna in March makes it ideal for visiting the city’s sights. What’s more, the cooler temperatures mean you can indulge in some of the city’s heartiest and richest dishes.
Bologna, and other parts of Emilia-Romagna, is known for having some of the best mouthwatering Italian comfort food. Keep warm with a big bowl of tortellini in brodo or a generous serving of tagliatelle con ragù alla Bolognese.
Some fun things do in Bologna in March and year-round include:
- Taking a tour of Bologna’s city center and seeing sights like Piazza Maggiore and the Tower of Asinelli (Torre degli Asinelli).
- Joining a food tour of the city
- Visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna of St. Luke (Santuario Madonna di San Luca)
Venice
Is there ever a bad time to visit Venice? Well, the answer (for me at least) is yes and that’s during July or August.
Extremely hot temperatures, crowds of people on and around every corner, Venice just isn’t enjoyable in summer.
Give me Venice in winter, or a quieter season, and I’m there in a flash. It’s why I’ve placed Venice as one of the best places to visit in Italy in March.
Weather in Venice in March
The weather in Venice in March, like much of northern Italy, remains on the cooler side.
To give you an idea, temperatures in March in Venice Italy can reach around 55°F (13°C) during the day. At night, this can dip to about 43°F (6°C).
But the good thing about visiting Venice in March is that you won’t have to second guess what to pack. Dress warmly, bring comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella, because early spring can be unpredictable.
Things to do in Venice
March in Venice comes after Carnevale in February and just before Easter in April. Crowds will be fewer, and you might just be able to fully enjoy the city and its many attractions.
For first-time visitors to Venice, I usually suggest seeing some of the following. This is merely a guideline so choose the attractions that you most want to see.
- Taking a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
- Visiting the magnificent St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- Enjoying a gondola ride on the Grand Canal
- Visiting the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello
- Seeing the exhibits at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection
- Take a guided tour of the Academy Gallery (Gallerie dell’Accademia)
The Dolomites
Visiting the Dolomites (Dolomiti) in March is an interesting time of the year.
Some parts of the mountain range, its surrounding lakes and towns may still have traces of snow. Other parts around the Dolomites and South Tyrol may look more springlike in appearance.
It’s for this reason why the Dolomites features on this list of best places to visit in Italy in March. While still cold, there’s a good chance of experiencing winter sunshine in March in the Dolomites.
Things to do in the Dolomites in March
The region offers visitors a range of different activities to choose from. Ski resorts in the Dolomites at higher altitudes may still be operating in early March. Crowds, too, may also be fewer during this period.
For non-skiers and winter sports enthusiasts, the milder March weather is a good time to visit towns around the Dolomites. We visited several on our Dolomites road trip during winter and enjoyed every second.
Another plus about visiting the Dolomites in March is that you’ll know exactly what to pack.
This area of northern Italy around the mountains tends to be cool for most of the year. Because of this, there’s no chance of packing the wrong clothing and footwear.
What are your thoughts on this post of the best places to visit in Italy in March? Are there any places that stand out to you on the list? Let me know in the comments below.
*Please note that temperatures listed are estimates based on previous years.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
We are looking to go away for my birthday which is April, but are open with our dates starting in March so will have to look at Italy
That’s great, I hope you find some inspiration from this list
I didn’t know March is a great time to visit Italy. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
You’re welcome
Italy in March sounds wonderful, we are all in need of some warming spring sunshine by then!
Yes! And there is usually some sunny days in March to enjoy 😀