Italy Weather in March

Italy welcomes spring with open arms in March, making it the perfect and popular time to explore the landscapes of Tuscany and historic cities like Verona, Milan and Naples. The timeless beauty of Rome's ancient ruins starts to get busy as the vibrant blossoms of The rose, iris and boboli gardens of Florence begin to bloom. Easter in and around Vatican City is the big draw in March, whilst warm Sicily offers potential beach time. Make sure to read all our tips about the Italy weather in March.

Weather in Italy in March

In March, Italy starts transitioning from winter to spring, and the weather begins to gradually warm up.

Cities like Milan, Turin, and Venice experience mild temperatures in March, with average highs ranging from around 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F). While it can still be cool in the evenings, it's generally a pleasant time to explore the central region.

Cities like Rome, Florence, and Pisa are slightly warmer with average highs that range from around 14°C to 17°C (57°F to 63°F). Spring is in the air too, and you can expect more sunshine and less rainfall compared to the winter months.

Down south, Naples, Sicily, and Sardinia experience highs of around 16°C to 19°C (61°F to 66°F), and there's an increasing chance of sunny days.

Coastal areas can be particularly pleasant during this time before the full-on rush of the summer crowds.

Rough Guides tip: a trip to Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Do you want to get the best out of your trip? Check our Italy itineraries.

Is Italy warm in March?

The weather in Italy in March provides mild temperatures, but it varies depending on the region. The northern part of Italy can still be relatively cool, especially in the mountainous areas, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).

Central Italy, including popular cities like Rome and Florence, experiences slightly higher temperatures, ranging from 8°C to 17°C (46°F to 63°F). Southern Italy, including regions like Sicily and Puglia, tends to be warmer, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F).

The warmest part of Italy in March is typically the southern region. Southern Italy enjoys milder winters compared to the northern regions, making it a more inviting destination for travellers seeking warmer weather during this time.

While Italy can get hot in the summer months, March is still relatively mild compared to the peak of summer. The southern regions experience warmer temperatures than the north, but it generally remains comfortable and pleasant for exploring the country.

In March, the average daytime temperature in Italy ranges from 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F), depending on the region. Southern Italy tends to be on the warmer side, offering a more comfortable climate for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Southern Italy, including regions like Sicily, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast, is indeed warm in March. With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), these areas offer a pleasant escape from the cooler weather of the northern regions.

Rough Guides tip: make sure to read all about the best time to visit Italy.

Is March a good time to visit Italy?

The weather in Italy in March makes it a favourable time to visit the country, especially for travellers who prefer milder weather and fewer crowds. The country begins to shake off the winter chill, and spring slowly emerges, making it an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Places like Sicily, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast offer a more inviting climate with the likes of Pompeii well worth visiting at this time of year. Northern areas like Genoa can still be cool making it an ideal time for wandering the port and old town.

From the narrow streets of Rome to the colourful houses perched on the Sorrento Peninsula, the charm and elegance of Italy are seductive. On this unique tailor-made trip to the Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast, you will experience spectacular sites and breathtaking views in both iconic destinations.

Average rainfall in Italy in March

In March, the average rainfall in Milan, Rome, Florence and Venice is around 50-70 mm. Naples typically receives approximately 40-50mm.

Both Sicily and Sardinia experience relatively low average rainfall at this time of year, making it a favourable time to visit the islands.

In Sicily, the average rainfall in March is around 45mm spread over approximately 8 days. While there may be occasional showers, the overall rainfall is relatively light, and the majority of the days are likely to be dry and pleasant.

Similarly, Sardinia also sees limited rainfall during March, with an average of around 40mm of rainfall spread over a week.

Festivals and events in Italy in March

Whether religious, traditional or cultural, there are literally thousands of festivals in Italy and sometimes the best are those that you come across unexpectedly in smaller towns. Some of the highlights for March are listed below:

• Rome Marathon (usually Sun in late March, or early April). A 42km run through Rome’s centre, starting at the Roman Forum and ending at the Colosseum
• Festival of Sant'Efisio Celebrated in Cagliari, Sardinia, this festival honours Sant'Efisio, the patron saint of the island. The event includes colourful processions, traditional costumes, music, and religious ceremonies.
• Festival of San Giuseppe This festival is dedicated to Saint Joseph and is celebrated in various regions of Italy, particularly in Sicily. It involves religious processions, traditional foods, and the creation of elaborate "St. Joseph's Tables" filled with bread, pastries, and symbolic dishes.
• Battle of the Lemons Taking place in Menton, a town on the French-Italian border, the Battle of the Lemons is a unique citrus-themed carnival celebrated in March. Participants throw lemons at each other during the lively parade, creating a colourful spectacle.

Ready for your dream trip to Italy in March?

Our tailor-made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. All of our planned itineraries are created by local travel experts and can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

• Trieste — Hiking and Culture (5 days): Go beyond the usual tourist visit and immerse yourself in the true essence of Trieste. Explore the city from a local's perspective, discovering the charm of everyday rituals and off-the-beaten-path places. As you venture along, let the captivating blue of the Adriatic and the stunning views of the Gulf of Trieste be your constant companions.

• Wine and Food in Tuscany (6 days): Indulge in the charm of San Gimignano, a medieval hill town nestled between Florence and Siena, during your stay at a stunning hotel. Embark on a Tuscany adventure where you'll savour the region's renowned wines and delectable cuisine through hand-picked wine and food pairings curated by your local travel specialist.

• Or discover more Italy itineraries.

Visit Italy in other months

• January
• February
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December