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Rome In March – Planning Tips For An Amazing Roman Holiday

ByBeppe Castro

Rome in March is certainly an amazing time to visit because of the beautiful weather, the smaller crowds and the amazing cultural events that you will enjoy.

Rome in March - Vines

Empty Vines

Is Rome In March A Good Month To Visit?

Because the weather in Rome is starting to warm up and the crowds are generally smaller than during peak tourist season, March can be an amazing time to visit Rome. However, it’s important to remember that the weather in Rome can be unpredictable during March. Starting in late February, the days are warming up from the depths of winter, and they can be sunny and mild. The nights can still be chilly, and it is considered one of the rainy months, so it’s a good idea to bring some warm layers and possibly a raincoat.

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Technically, March is considered to be the start of the tourist season in Rome, but my experience is that things don’t really heat up until April. The crowds are smaller than during the summer months, but there may still be some lines and crowds at the more popular attractions. That being said, if you plan your itinerary well and prioritize the sites you want to see, you should be able to comfortably enjoy Rome without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or overheated by the heat.

Is Rome In March Cheap?

Italy is one of the cheaper countries in Europe for tourists and visiting Rome in what is considered the “shoulder” season and can offer some savings as compared to peak season. But you should keep in mind that Rome is a popular destination year-round and prices can still be relatively high. You will probably find discounts on flights and hotels, but don’t expect to find any great savings on restaurants or cultural activities.

Rome in March - Beaches

Beach In Spring

Additionally, prices can also vary depending on the specific time in March that you plan to visit. For example, prices may be higher during Easter week, which is a popular time for visitors to Rome, and this could be an issue in 2024 as Easter (Pasqua) is an important holiday in March.

Because Rome is a popular tourist destination all year round, it’s a good idea to book in advance for your hotels, flights and even restaurants once you arrive. If you are looking for other ways to save money, it’s also worth considering staying in neighborhoods outside of the historic center (centro storico), where you might be able to find more affordable accommodation options and allow you to experience a more authentic side of Rome.

How Is The Weather In Rome In March?

It has been my experience that the temperatures in February can be the lowest of the Rome winters, but they have turned higher around mid-month. The weather in Rome in March is delightful and improving, so depending on when you arrive, the weather might be good, or great.

Is March A Rainy Month In Rome?

The rainy season in Rome is more pronounced in October and November, but keep in mind that February and March are also considered the spring rainy season. My experience has been that while it is possible to encounter some rain, the risk is considerably lower than in the fall, but you should pack a raincoat.

Rome in March - Vineyards

No Grapes Yet

It is recommended to bring an umbrella, but in my opinion, you can probably skip the umbrella because they are available for sale at every historical site the moment it turns cloudy and they are cheap enough that you won’t mind leaving it in the hotel for the next guest to use. Depending on your hotel, umbrellas are also sometimes provided to the hotel guests at no cost.

Is It Cold In Rome In March?

As mentioned above, the weather in Rome in March is delightful and improving. The average low temperatures in Rome in March are above freezing at 42°F (6°C) and the average high temperatures are a comfortable 62°F (17°C). This makes for a delightful experience when you are walking around the city and gives you the possibility to dine al fresco, which I highly recommend. Nothing says spring to me more than dining outside.

What Foods Are Seasonal In March?

The seasonal foods in March are mostly a continuation of the winter fruits and vegetables. The big changes will start to occur in April. There are no new fruits available in March, but there are a couple additions to your choice of vegetables, like: asparagus, spring onions, fennel, celery.

Rome in March - Artichokes

Artichokes In Season

Here is a more complete list of the fruits and vegetables you should be able to find in Rome during March:

  • Fruits: oranges, kiwis, lemons, apples, pears, grapefruit
  • Vegetables: asparagus, beets, artichokes, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, chicory, spring onions, fennel, lettuce, potatoes, radicchio, turnips, celery, spinach

What Are The Important Holidays For Rome In March 2024?

  • International Women’s Day (March 8th) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. You will find different events around Rome marking this occasion.
  • The Ides of March (March 15)- You will find small commemorations and cultural events to mark the Ides of March, the date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated. You might try to catch the Gruppo Storico Romano as they stage a reenactment of the infamous event near the site where it happened in the Largo di Torre Argentina.
  • St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) – The celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in Rome are not nearly as robust as those in the US and Ireland, but there are events hosted by the Irish Club of Rome and St Isidore’s Church.
  • Unification Day (March 17th) – Italy marks the occasion on this day each year with the: Festa dell’Unità d’Italia, a national day of celebration to commemorate the birth of the country as a modern nation state. The national day marks the anniversary of the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861 when Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia and Piedmont, became King of Italy.
  • La Festa di San Giuseppe (March 19th) – St. Joseph’s Day is considerably more important in Italy than St. Patrick’s day, because in addition to celebrating the Saint, it is also Father’s Day in Italy and there is an amazing pastry called Zeppole di San Giuseppe only available around this time of year. 
  • Dantedì (March 25th) – An annual event in which Italy pays tribute to the father of the Italian language, Dante Alighieri.
  • The Daylight Savings Time Change (March 31) – This is the start of daylight Savings Time and the main reason I included this is because it is different from the US, where the clocks are moved forward three weeks earlier (March 10). Add this to your calendar so as to not miss an important appointment when you are here in Rome.
  • Good Friday (March 29) And Easter Sunday (March 31) – Easter is a major religious holiday in Italy and you should expect processions, rituals, feasting and celebrations across Rome. There could be many things closed, so you might want to check if your travel plans need updating.
Rome in March - Crowds

Fewer Crowds

What Events Happen In Rome In March?

There are many interesting cultural events in March, and these include art exhibits, hamburger festivals, wine tastings and concerts. A very good list of cultural events can be found on the RomeToday website. In addition, there are two international sporting events in March that you might also want to be aware of:

  • The Rome Marathon (March 17th) – Recent marathons have attracted over 115 participating countries, while in the men’s roll of honor there have been 7 successes for Ethiopia, 13 for Kenya, and 3 for Italy. For women we find victories flying the flag of Russia, Estonia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Algeria.
  • The Harlem Globetrotters (March 10, 2024) – This basketball team is ready to entertain the public with an exhibition scheduled for the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome. The team brings an explosion of basketball entertainment to Italy with this unique event.

More Information On Things To Do In Rome In March

In case you are planning a trip to Rome, but you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.

More Information On Things To Do In Rome All Year

You should never hesitate planning a trip to Rome in March, or any time of the year, but if you are uncertain which month would be right for you, check out some of these other posts that can assist you with your planning.

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