Italy in March begins to shake off its winter hush. Alpine snow still sparkles in the north, but further south, mimosa trees bloom yellow, café tables reappear on sunny piazzas, and Italians start trading scarves for sunglasses. This is the in-between season — when spring lingers in the air, ski slopes remain open, and citrus-scented markets appear just before the summer crowds arrive.
From Carnevale parades in Venice to almond blossoms in Sicily, March lets you see two sides of Italy at once. It's a month for flexible plans and unexpected delights — a brisk morning walk along the Tiber, followed by a surprise jazz festival in a side street near Trastevere. And if you want to line it all up just right, an advisor on TravelJoy can help time your visit with events like Mandorlo in Fiore in Agrigento or late-season ski days in the Dolomites.
Is March a good time to visit Italy?
If you enjoy contrast and calm, March is an excellent time to explore Italy. As a shoulder season month, it brings fewer crowds, better hotel rates, and more flexible itineraries. Ski resorts in the Dolomites still have reliable snow, while cities like Rome, Florence, and Naples warm into the low 60s. Further south, places like Puglia and western Sicily feel like early spring. Around Agrigento, where daytime highs can reach the mid 60s, almond trees bloom across open temple valleys, and hillsides turn green.
This is also a season of flavor and celebration. Artichokes fill Roman markets, blood oranges peak in Sicily, and saffron dishes reappear in Milan. Museums are quieter, and reservations at top galleries or trattorias are easier to secure. An advisor on TravelJoy can help plan around spring festivals, arrange early vineyard visits in Chianti, or book timed entries for seasonal exhibits in Florence.
While it's too early for swimming along the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, you can still enjoy quiet strolls through the scenic villages and cliffsides. Compared to summer, cities are calmer, pricing is more accessible, and you’ll have space to enjoy Italy’s landscapes and culture without the rush.
- Cool with early spring blooms
- Great for city travel
- Shoulder season deals
- Dress in layers
- Expect some rain
Where to go in Italy in March
March is when Rome exhales. Landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are far easier to explore without high-season queues. You can walk straight into the Vatican Museums, then spend the afternoon wandering from Piazza Navona to the Trevi Fountain while the city hums at half-volume. If you're in town mid-month, the Rome Marathon takes over the streets — even if you’re not running, it’s worth seeing the city from a new perspective. Food-wise, March is peak artichoke season. A walking tour through Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori is the easiest way to dive into Roman street food while the crowds are still light.
If you’re there in early March, you might still catch the tail end of Carnevale, Venice’s version of Mardi Gras, with elaborate masks, costumes, and parades on water. Even after it ends, the city is quiet and kind of surreal — fog on the canals, no big crowds at the Doge’s Palace, and shops slowly changing over to spring. A quick boat ride to Burano is totally worth it for the color and calm.
With mild temperatures and occasional showers, Matera is a must-visit destination in March. You can head to the ancient cave dwellings of the Matera di Sassi, exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site without the usual crowds and hurry. You can also explore churches like Santa Maria de Idris or stop inside the reconstructed Casa Grotta without elbowing through tour groups.
Sicily starts blooming early. In Agrigento, the Almond Blossom Festival (Mandorlo in Fiore, March 9–17) turns the Valley of the Temples into a floral stage for folk groups, parades, and cultural events. Over in Palermo, the mosaics of Cappella Palatina glow especially well in the cool morning light. If you're headed east, Taormina gives you snow-capped Etna views and calm streets while Syracuse and Noto begin to stir with early spring life. For something truly local, catch the Feast of St. Joseph on March 19 — a mix of street processions and tables full of pastries baked only once a year.
Plan your perfect trip to Italy with the help of an expert
Things to do in Italy in March
Festa della Donna
Italy honors women with events and traditions
Rome Marathon
Runners traverse Rome’s historic marathon route
Bergamo Jazz Festival
Bergamo hosts jazz performances citywide
Turin Book Fair Preview
Turin previews literary works at book fair
Florence New Opera Series
Florence debuts new opera productions
Naples Pizza Fest Warm-up
Naples warms up for pizza festival with tastings
Verona Street Art Walks
Verona’s streets become open-air art galleries
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