All you need to know for a trip to Rome in March. What to expect from the weather, what to pack and what to do in Rome in the spring. [Updates in 2025 with current recommendations for the coming year]
March in Rome is a wonderful month.
This is the time when spring envelops the city and while the weather may well play tricks on you, usually you can expect mild temperatures and bright days, perfect for sightseeing.
The tail end of winter and start of spring also one of the rare moments when Rome knows a low tourism season.
While crowds do start creeping up in March (especially if you get an early Easter), this still often a good month for seeing Rome on a budget.
This is our guide to visiting Rome in March!
Need to know! You can find here >>> a list of official sources with regulations and restrictions that may affect your stay.
Please note: this post contains affiliate links and, should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Weather in Rome in March
The 21st of March marks the start of the spring in Rome and indeed, March in Rome sees the transition from the tail end of winter to the start of spring proper.
The weather is notoriously changeable at this time and Italians even have a saying about it: ‘Marzo pazzerello, esce il sole prendi l’ombrello’ (‘Crazy March, the sun comes out, take the umbrella’).
However, inn general and climate change permitting, you should expect good weather with only the occasional shower of rain.
The average temperature in Rome in March is 12C/53F with a range from 17C/63F to 6C/43F degrees.
Usually you have about 7 days of rain in Rome in March and this tends to be heavy downpours rather than a drizzle.
A travel umbrella will be your best friend at this time although rain tends to come in forms of showers so, usually, you can simply find refuge somewhere and quickly resume sightseeing
What to wear in Rome in March
March in Rome sees changeable weather but usually mild temperature. Early mornings and evenings tend to be cold and you will need to wrap up a little more but overall, mid-season clothes and layers should suffice.
If you are traveling to Rome in March, it is important to pack:
- Good walking shoes, waterproof (ankle boots or winter sneakers are perfect)
- Socks and tights
- Long trousers
- Long sleeve tops
- Short sleeve ones
- Sweaters (woolen and lighter)
- Winter coat if used to warm climates (Italians tend to wear coats at this time), mid-season waterproof jacket if used to cold weather
Find here >>> my complete packing list for Rome in March
Dates of notice in Rome in March 2026
The 8th of March is international women’s day and Rome, like the rest of Italy, celebrates with mimosa flowers, the traditional gift to women (from men and from each other) which will find for sale at every corner.
Often, on this day, attractions have discounts and even free entry for women. However, this doesn’t usually impact your visit much or at all, it is just a nice to know, especially to decipher why mimosa blossoms are everywhere today!
The 19th of March, St Joseph’s, is marked by the Vatican Museums which stay close for the day.
29 March 2026 Palm Sunday: The Sunday before easter, commemorating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem.
The church celebrates distributing small olive branches or palm leaves to the people attending mass. This is an important day for the Catholic Church and may impact your ability to visit sacred areas. It won’t however usually affect anything else, it is just a standout Sunday.
In 2026, Easter will not affect your trip to Rome. However, since you are getting close to Easter celebrations, if you are coming to Rome in March but staying longer, it can be handy to keep these dates in mind:
Maundy Thursday: The Thursday before Easter is an important day for the Christian church and the many churches in Rome mark the occasion opening their doors until late in the day for a visit to the ‘sepolcri’ (sepulchers), the altars dressed up in purple draping to commemorate the passion of Jesus.
A visit to the ‘sepolcri’ is a religious ritual however, considering the beauty of many of Rome’s churches, many non religious locals and tourists also partake in it as a sightseeing opportunity.
Holy Friday / Good Friday (Venerdi’ Santo): Rome sees important celebrations on the Holy Friday and the most important takes place near the Colosseum, where the Pope leads the via crucis.
It is important to know about this celebration not just if you want to participate but also for a very practical reason: the whole accessibility of the area changes during the via crucis and traffic is diverted, something you need to take into account especially if you happen to have accommodation in the area!
Easter Sunday is a great celebration in Rome but most attractions and tourist sites are open on this day. You may, however, encounter reduced public transport hours so planning extra time o get anywhere is a must
The best things to do in Rome in March
The best things to see in Rome in March are a mix of sightseeing, shopping and food experiences.
Visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine
The Colosseum is fantastic to visit in March.
At this time, the days are likely to be mild (in summer, it gets oppressively hot) and the crowds are usually thin enough to allow for a pleasant experience.
Access to the Colosseum is by booking only. There is a vast choice of tickets and tours to choose from. For ease, I have put together here >>> a list with the best tickets for the Colosseum and tours
March is also a good time to visit the Roman Forum and Palatine hill.
Both these areas house some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the city and they are outdoors, so you feel a little like walking in a park. Wonderful during mild March!
At this time, the blossoms start returning to the Palatine, making is truly stunning.
Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican City
The Vatican Museums are exceptionally busy in March, especially this year with the Jubilee.
The Museums are mostly famed for the stunning Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo; however, they are a treasure trove of art masterpieces and they can easily fill up a whole day.
I highly recommend getting a tour if you want to see the highlights or are short on time.
You can find here >>> my tips for Visiting the Vatican
Go to a free museum
In March many Rome museums and attractions are free to visit on the first Sunday of the month.
This is a great opportunity to visit some of Rome’s main attractions on a budget but be warned: crowds are intense and attractions such as the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery still require a reservation – the cost of tickets is, however, waived on this day.
Enjoy Rome with a golf cart tour
Golf carts are a touristy yet cool way to get around Rome as they allow you so see a lot without having to walk. They are excellent for all ages and since the golf carts have a roof, you can enjoy it rain or shine!
My favorite golf cart tour in the city is this one by LivTours.
Take a cooking class
A great way to spend a day in Rome in March is by learning to cook and eat the fruit of your labor with a fun and engaging teacher.
I have taken several classes in Rome and they are fantastic: you can get a private one or a group one if you feel like company and if you pick lunchtime for them, they are perfect to spend a few hours away from the rain (possible in March!), well fed and entertained!
My favorite ones are:
This one in Trastevere by Devour tours (pasta making) suitable for all ages.
This one by LivTours (Pizza) amazing as so easily replicable at home!
Celebrate International Women’s Day with a branch of mimosas or a FREE visit to a cultural attraction
On the 8th of March, Italy celebrates International Women’s Day.
In Rome, you will notice many people selling and gifting mimosa flowers but you will also find initiatives such as free entry to cultural attraction for women on this day. Check sites of individual attractions for info and tickets.
You can read here >>> all about International Women’s Day in Italy (festa della donna)
Visit Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel SAnt’Angelo is one of my favorite attractions in Tome and a delight to visit in spring.
An ancient mausoleum turned Papal Fortress, it is a place full of history and, thanks to its location along the Tiber, one of the best places to catch fantastic views over Rome!
You can find here >>> my guide to Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome
Visit the Masterpieces of the Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of the most beautiful art museums in Rome and the world.
It has an invaluable collection of paintings and statues by masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Bernini and Canova and it is an unmissable sight for art lovers.
Located inside the Borghese Gardens, it is lovely to visit I nMarch as you can easily mix a visit with a stroll along this park’s beautiful spaces.
Find here >>> our guide to the Borghese Gallery
Follow the footsteps of Bernini
Bernini is one of the most prolific artists who ever called Rome his home and has left many masterpieces in several locations in the city, including museums, churches and piazzas.
If you love his work or want to get familiar with Rome’s Baroque art, you can take a stroll around the city to admire his most significant creations.
You can do this in your own following our tips here >>> where to see Bernini in Rome
Visit Rome’s catacombs
Under Rome there is an extensive network of ancient tunnels: the catacombs.
The catacombs are early Christian cemeteries and one of the most fascinating sites in the city.
Accessible by guided tours only, they are a unique place to learn about the beginning of Christianity in the city and they are un aqua to the city.
I particularly recommend visiting the catacombs in March. Those on Via Appia are surrounded by stunning nature, perfect for a spring walk!
You can find here >>> my guide to Rome’s catacombs
Explore Rome piazzas
The spring is a glorious time to visit Rome’s famous piazzas. Head to Piazza Navona, Piazza del Pantheon, Campo de’ fiori, the Trevi fountain and the Spanish steps but also allow yourself to explore some hidden gems and parks.
Have a drink in one of Rome’s most beautiful terraces
March is a pleasant time to enjoy Rome’s stunning rooftop terraces.
If you fancy a drink with a view, you can find list of our favorite Rome terrace bars here.
Go to the park
Rome has beautiful parks and there is no time like the spring to enjoy them.
For grand and beautiful choose Villa Borghese (here you have the famous Borghese Gallery but also the small Rome zoo, a pond and playgrounds for kids) and get off the beaten path and explore Rome’s botanical gardens in Trastevere, stunning at this time.
Find here >>> our favorite parks in Rome
Take a stroll on the Tiber island
Rome has a small island, Isola Tiberina, which is an unusual and pretty spot to visit.
The island is close to Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto, very easy to add to a city center Rome itinerary, and it has interesting architecture and stories to tell, as well as a couple of lovely traditional restaurants.
You can learn here >>> all about the Tiber Island in Rome
Eat to your heart content on a Rome food tour
A food tour in spring can be a lovely way to mix sightseeing and food discoveries.
These are food tours worth considering:
Rome Street Food Tour with local guide
Rome espresso, gelato and tiramisu tasting tour
When you are in Rome in March, the glorious Roman food in season I recommend includes:
- Carbonara, Gricia, Amatriciana pasta: warming and tasting and perfect for the slightly cooler weather of this season
- Abbacchio scottadito (lamb cutlets)
- Seasonal vegetables , asparagus and chicory in particular
- Suppli, fried balls of rice with a melting mozzarella heart
- Coda alla vaccinara, oxtail
Go church hopping
Visiting churches is one of the best things to do in Rome any time of the year but it becomes exceptionally pleasurable (and handy!) in case of random rain showers
Some I love and recommend seeking out are Santa Prassede, San Luigi dei Francesi, Santa Maria della Vittoria and Santa Sabina but really: when you see a church in Rome, peek in as chances are it is worth a stop!
Churches are one of the best free things to see in Rome!
Hotels we love for a stay in Rome in March
Otivm hotel – lovely 4 star hotel near Piazza Venezia and Campidoglio hill, we love it for spring, especially for its gorgeous rooftop terrace. One of the most romantic hotels in Rome!
Nerva Boutique hotel – lovely, well priced hotel near the Colosseum, perfect for leisurely strolls in the center
Roccoforte Hotel De Russie – this is a wonderful, luxury hotel near Piazza del Popolo with a delightful garden that is pleasant in spring March in Rome with kids
March in Rome kids: ideas for all ages and weather
You can find here >>>> over 50 of my favorite things to do in Rome with children in March.
At a glance, things we love are:
Rome main sites
Rome historical sites are easy to visit with kids.
Some we find fun and easy to manage at all ages are:
- The Colosseum (especially if combined with the Forum and the Palatine Hill) – my favorite Colosseum Tours for kids is this one
- Caracalla’s Baths, which have tons of space to run around (self guided, no need for a tour)
- Castel Sant’Angelo, especially for kids age 5 and up – you can find here: my guide to visiting Castel Sant’Angelo with kids
- Villa Borghese, a park with anything for kids from a pond to bikes to playground and even a puppet theater!
- Vatican Museums: while not an easy place for kids, the Museums are stunning and can be enjoyed, with the help of a guide that turns the visit into an interactive game. My favourite tour of the Vatican for kids is this one
Take a tour on a fun vehicle
A super fun way to explore Rome with kids is by joining a vespa side car tour (not ideal for babies or toddlers, but ok from about 5 and up especially) or a golf cart tour (all ages): these are fun vehicles, they cover a lot of ground and the golf cart has a roof so it is suitable for all weather!
Go to Explora or Ikono Rome
In March, you want the options of going to indoor places on a rainy day or any time the weather doesn’t seem suitable for extended hours in the park. Great ones are:
Explora – Rome’s children’s museum and it is a wonderful place to explore with kids.
Ikono Roma – fabulous interactive space great for kids and teens
You can find here >> more ideas for indoors attractions in Rome for kids (Leonardo Museum, Museum of Illusion, Museum of Light etc)
Learn a traditional craft
Indoor activities can be a lifesaver in Rome on a rainy day and one we adored was an art class we took with the wonderful people of Arte al Sole. the one we chose was a mosaic making class which was perfect for crafty kids.
Take a pasta or pizza-making class
Those I recommend for families with kids are:
Pasta making with Lucilla >> read here our review <<< If you contact her on Instagram and tell her I sent you, she’ll give you a special price! Tell her you found her on MamaLovesRome!
Pasta making class and gelato demonstration with Devour Tour / City experiences >>> read our review here<<< a fantastic class in Trastevere especially suitable for families with teens.
With kids, we did just that with a local pizza class for families followed, of course, by tucking into our own creation! Book here >>> pizza class for kids in Rome <<<
You can find many more of our recommendations on great family tours in Rome here
I hope you enjoyed this post and it helped you plan your spring trip to Rome. Safe travels!
This post was first published in 2019 and has now been fully updated.