Italy in March: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather & More

Average Temperatures in Rome, Italy: 63°F High • 52°F Low

March brings increasingly warm and sunny weather across much of Italy. While northern mountainous areas still see some rain and snow early in the month, cities like Rome and Naples enjoy over 10 hours of sunshine and temperatures of around 60°F during the day.

The pleasant weather makes March an ideal time for sightseeing, dining al fresco, vineyard tours, and views of vibrant wildflowers spread across the Italian peninsula.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Italy for a Wine Tour

Venice • Best Place for Sightseeing

As the crowds of summer are still months away, March is the perfect time to explore magical Venice. The city emerges from the winter fog as sunny days allow the marble architecture to gleam brightly once more.

Crisp air carries the sound of gondoliers’ songs and visitors can meander maze-like streets without fighting swarms of tourists. With festivals, pleasant weather, and relative tranquility, early spring grants travelers a glimpse into Venice’s enchanting past.

Learn more: 10 Most Romantic Places in Italy for Couples

Sicily • Best Place for Great Weather

As much of Italy continues to shake off winter's chill in March, the island of Sicily begins to bloom with pleasant springtime conditions. Sicily boasts highs around 60°F across its stunning coastal cities, historic ruins, and rolling hillsides during this shoulder season. Clear skies also create excellent visibility to admire Mount Etna’s dramatic, often mildly active peaks, and the wildflowers dotting a countryside rich with Greek and Roman artifacts.

With fewer crowds than in summer and far more sunshine than in winter, Sicily comes alive in March for hiking ancient trails, cycling through groves of olive and citrus trees, and exploring palazzos, vineyards, and markets at a comfortable pace.

Learn more: How to Visit Greece and Italy: 10, 14 and 21-Day Itinerary Ideas

Tuscany • Best Place for Families with Children

With its idyllic countryside and rich history, Tuscany enthralls adults and children. The warm daylight hours in March enable full days of exploration, when families can let their imaginations run wild in the medieval fortress city of Siena, climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and immerse themselves in art in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery.

Tuscany comes alive in March, with abundant wildflowers carpeting rolling hills, perfect for picnics under blossom-filled trees. With fewer crowds and better value than in summer, March welcomes parents to relax over wine tastings while the kids play in ancient piazzas or pick spring produce at local farms.

Learn more: 5 Dishes to Try on Your Trip to Tuscany

Sardinia • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

With warmer weather approaching, Sardinia’s miles of breathtaking coastline and scenic mountain hikes are open for travelers seeking tranquil trails and unspoiled beaches before peak season.

Along the way, visitors can discover Sardinia’s captivating cultural sites, vineyards, and seasonal cuisine with fewer crowds and more availability. March provides a peaceful glimpse into authentic island life before the busy summer months.

Learn more: Top 7 Things to Do in Southern Italy

Siena • Best Place for Couples or Honeymooners

Enchanting Siena casts a romantic spell in March, when its medieval city centers and the Tuscan countryside bloom with life. Meander hand-in-hand past frescoed palaces and through vibrant markets and winding alleys, or linger over meals in intimate trattorias before an afternoon escape to hedge-lined wineries nestled in the hills.

As Siena shakes off winter’s quiet, spring’s mild climate and awakening charm make it an alluring retreat in which couples can bond beneath blue Italian skies.

Learn more: Our 9 Best Romantic Trips to Italy

Head for the hills and millions of wildflowers

In March, Italy’s rolling hills bloom brightly with millions of wildflowers. Exploring the countryside allows visitors to soak up brilliant carpets of wild irises mingling with fiery-red poppies and sunny daffodils along rugged trails and in vineyards.

The phenomenon of Mediterranean wildflowers carpeting idyllic rural landscapes reaches its crescendo along the Cinque Terre coastline in March. Renowned for its charm, with cliffside pastel villages perched dramatically above the sea, the region unveils halls of vibrant blooms towering above hiking trails connecting the five villages in early spring.

Watch snow and lava collide at Mt. Etna

A beguiling sight that’s unique to the volcanic peaks of Sicily occurs during late winter, when Mount Etna’s frequent mild eruptions collide with freezing summit temperatures to create fleeting icy structures.

Hiking Mount Etna in March presents intrepid travelers the chance to witness the volcanic mountain spewing molten lava, while simultaneously, crystalline icicles and mounds of snow cling to the higher elevations. The striking juxtaposition of freezing and fiery extremes evokes an alien, almost post-apocalyptic tableau. Etna remains one of Earth’s most restless volcanoes.

Step back in time at Pompeii

March welcomes travelers to explore the storied ruins of Pompeii before the summer crowds arrive. Crisp skies and moderate temperatures set the stage for immersive strolls through well-preserved Roman artifacts and buildings, transporting visitors back in time.

Without heavy crowds, one can vividly envision the daily workings of ancient shops, homes, theaters, and temples, capped off by panoramic views of nearby Vesuvius, which froze this lost city in time. March offers a quieter, more magical portal into Pompeii’s powerful past.

From blooming countryside to the Vatican Museums, Venice’s canals, Mount Etna, and more, March welcomes visitors to uncover Italy. Exploring the country with fewer crowds allows deeper connections to its history and culture, while inviting activity in pleasant spring conditions before the summer crowds pour in.

Hungry to start planning your Italian March adventures? Our Italy travel guide offers further inspiration or you can find more information in our Italy tours.