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A Guide to Visiting Rome in March | Attractions, Weather & Museums

Marching into Rome? Brace for a cool, rainy welcome – it's a winter-spring mashup! Despite occasional weather pranks, expect mild yet chilly temperatures and sunny days – perfect for exploration. It's also the serene prelude before the tourist tsunami hits. Discover Rome's magic, from the mighty Colosseum to the cozy corners of Trastevere. We've curated the perfect guide for an affordable and awesome Rome vacation for you.

Is March a good time to visit Rome?

Why visit Rome in March?

Low crowds: There are fewer tourists in the city so you can have the attractions all to yourself.
Perfect weather: The weather hits the sweet spot for sightseeing – not too hot, not too cold, with occasional rain. As the Italian saying goes, ‘Marzo pazzerello, esce il sole prendi l’ombrello’ (‘Crazy March, the sun comes out, take the umbrella’).
Cost-effective travel: Rome is typically famously expensive, but since this is one of the shoulder months to visit, you can get good deals on the hotel and flights.
Festive atmosphere: Join the party with many fun festivals and events, including Easter, Festa della Donna, and more.

What to look out for in March?

Full bloom: Rome in March looks quite lovely and colorful with red poppies, pink azaleas, and other spring flowers blooming.
Romantic strolls: Stroll romantically along the charming Roman streets, where the city experiences gentle rain for half of March.
Shorter days, earlier sunsets: Plan wisely for shorter days in March. Maximize daylight for exploring Rome's beauty by adjusting your itinerary accordingly.
Coastal fun: Beaches can be a little cold to enjoy in Rome in March, but don't let that deter you. A light jacket and an adventurous spirit goes a long way for a fun-filled adventure.

Overview of Rome's weather in March

Average temperature: 12ºC; High - 17ºC Low - 6ºC
Average rainfall: 68mm spread over 13 days
Daily wind speed: 12.4 mph. Moderate breezes throughout the city.
Temperature of the sea: 14ºC
Daylight hours: 8 hours
Sunrise timings: Around 6 :15 am
Sunset timings: Around 6:30 pm

Best time to visit Rome

Places to visit in Rome in March

1. Roman Colosseum

City landmark | Historic site

One of the most famous landmarks in the world, Colosseum is a symbol of ancient Rome. It was built before 80AD as a sporting and entertainment venue and is still famous for its unique design. This is the world’s largest amphitheater and a popular UNESCO Heritage Site to visit in Rome in March.

March timings: Daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

from €21

2. St. Peter's Basilica

Historic Basilica

One of the best examples of Renaissance architecture, St. Peter’s Basilica is an important pilgrimage site. An esteemed pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide, it serves as the resting place of St. Peter, one of Jesus' 12 apostles. Visitors can attend the Easter Virgil Mass and listen to the message delivered by the Pope here in March.

March timings: Daily from 7:00 AM to 7:10 PM

from €27

3. Vatican Museum

Museum

Founded by Pope Julius II, Vatican Museum house an impressive collection of artworks, sculptures, and artifacts spanning Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities to Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces. Highlights include the renowned Sistine Chapel painting by Michelangelo. This is one of the largest museums in the world and displays the art and culture of Europe over the years.

March timings: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Sundays

from €27.50

4. Sistine Chapel

Historic Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is one of the top attractions in Vatican City and is the place where the popes are chosen. The chapel is home to some gorgeous frescoes and masterpieces created by the likes of Botticelli, Michelangelo, Luca, and so on.

March timings: Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Sunday

from €27.50

5. Palazzo Barberini

City Landmark | Art Gallery

Palazzo Barberini is a Baroque-styled palace that exhibits amazing works by Lippi and Raphael. Visitors can admire the gorgeous ceiling frescoes by Pietro da Cortona and stunning staircases by Borromini and Bernini. There are over 40 artworks displayed in the exhibition that features Baroque artists.

March timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Mondays.

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6. Roman Catacombs

Historic Catacombs

One of the top and most macabre attractions to visit in Rome is the Roman Catacombs. These 40 catacombs were used between the 2nd and 5th centuries as an underground burial ground for Christian Romans, pagans, and Jewish people. Currently, there are only 5 catacombs open to the public.

March timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Different catacombs are closed on different days. Refer here for closing days.

from €48

7. Castel Sant Angelo

Museum | Religious Site

Originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'angelo has transformed into a fortress, a prison, and now a popular museum. From its stunning architecture, wide collection of artifacts to breathtaking views of Rome's skyline, the castle pulls millions every year worldwide.

March timings: Daily 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM

from €25

8. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Museum

Leonardo da Vinci Museum is home to over 200 wooden machines and 65 working models by da Vinci. From a bicycle to a machine gun, you will find a lot of machines to play with here. This is one of the best places to learn about the brilliant Leonardo da Vinci in Italy.

March timings: Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

from €9

9. Trastevere Neighborhood

Trastevere City Street | Walking Tour

One of the favorite streets in Rome, Trastevere is always filled with tourists and locals. Visitors can explore the street on foot to enjoy the cobblestone pavements and unique architecture. It is a great way to explore Rome and unwind during the day.

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10. Pantheon

Historic Site

Pantheon is a former Roman temple that was converted into a Catholic church. It is a symbol of great Roman architecture and visitors can learn about 2,000 years of Roman history by exploring this place.

March timings: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

from €5

11. Palazzo Massimo

Archaeological Museum | Sightseeing

A former Jesuit boarding school, Palazzo Massimo is a branch of the National Roman Museum. Here, you can admire world-famous collections such as ancient jewelry, numismatic collections, sculptures, and more.

March timings: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

from €12

12. Trevi Fountain

City Landmark | Sightseeing

The Trevi Fountain is one of the biggest and most famous water fountains in Rome, making it a top attraction to visit. The statues built in the fountain are beautiful and represent important characters. One of the most popular rituals associated with the fountain is to throw a coin in the water for assured luck.

Top Rome experiences in March

Festivals in Rome in March

Feast Day of Saint Francis of Rome

Venue: Tor de’ Specchi Monastery

Dates: 9 March

Tor de’ Specchi Monastery is located near Capitoline Hill and was founded by Saint Frances. On the anniversary of his death, the monastery is opened on March 9 every year. The entry is free and one must simply visit to admire the gorgeous frescoes inside the monastery.

Ides of March

Venue: Largo di Torre Argentina

Dates: 15 March

Julius Caesar was assassinated on this day in 44BC by his friends and colleagues due to his growing power. Every year, Romans remember this day by re-enacting his assassination in the ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina where it actually happened.

Events in Rome in March

Festa della Donna

Dates: 8 March

One of the most popular annual events to attend in Rome is Festa della Donna on International Women’s Day. Throughout the city, women receive beautiful golden blossoms of mimosas. Each mimosa blossom celebrates the progress of women in economic, political, and social fields.

Rome Marathon

Date: 17 March 2022

Participate in the famous Rome Marathon or watch contestants run through a scenic route in Rome in March. This route allows you to pass by many famous attractions such as Roman Forum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Venezia, the Spanish Steps, and more.

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Know before you visit Rome in March

Travel essentials

What to wear

What to pack

Transport

Stay

Food

Time Zone: GMT +1
Currency: Euro | €
Country code: +39
Emergency numbers: 113 (Police), 118 (Ambulance), 115 (Fire Department)

Rome Travel Guide

Since March is the onset of spring month, the weather changes quickly from chilly to drizzly. It pays to be prepared!

Wear multiple layers of clothing so that it is easy for you to add or remove a layer when the weather changes.
Carry pants, trousers, long skirts, and dresses to wear in Rome in March.
Make sure you carry a warm jacket, cardigan, coat, or scarves to wear in Rome when it gets chilly in March.

Power Adapter: A type C, F, or L plug.
Clothes: Jeans, heavy cotton pants, sweaters, cardigans, skirts, light tops, light jackets, coats, and scarves. Layering is important in Rome in March.
Waterproof jacket/windcheater and a rain hat
Comfortable shoes.
An umbrella for the rain.
A backpack to carry around during the day to store your personal belongings when exploring the city.

By Metro: Explore Rome effortlessly with its extensive metro system. With two main lines, Linea A and Linea B, you can conveniently reach major attractions, including Vatican City.
By Bus: Rome also has an amazing bus service that connects almost every attraction in the city. Furthermore, you can use the night bus network to easily explore the city at night time.
Rental Bikes/Scooters: If you want more freedom while exploring Rome, then you can rent bikes or scooters and explore the city freely.
On Foot: Exploring Rome in March on foot is an amazing way to learn about this city. There are several attractions at a short distance from each other that make for a nice walk.

Rome is a popular tourist destination so, it is no surprise that it features a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. Whether you are looking for an economical hostel or a luxurious resort, here are a few of the best places to stay in Rome in March.

Budget Hotels: YellowSquare Rome, The RomeHello, Napoleon Hotel Roma.

Mid Range Hotels: Hotel Fiume, Radisson Blue GHR Hotel, Hotel Artemide.

Luxury Hotels: Hotel NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento, Rome Cavalieri A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Baglioni Hotel Regina.

Gelato – For those who love ice creams, one of the top dishes to try in Rome is Gelato. You will find many fun flavors to taste here including champagne, strawberry, salted caramel, and more.

Suppli – One of the top roman street foods to try in Rome is Suppli. It is a fried risotto ball served with cheese, meat, and tomato sauce. You will find both traditional and modern versions of this dish on the streets of Trastevere.

Abbachio – Abbachio is a top roast lamb dish to taste in Rome in March. It is served with seasonal vegetables and comes in different variations.

Hacks & tips to visit Rome in March

Rome weather in March is slightly chilly and drizzly so, pack accordingly.
Book your flights and hotels in advance to get amazing deals and discounts during the offseason.
Pack layers of clothes as the temperature fluctuates a lot this month.
You will be walking a lot in Rome to explore all the sights so, do wear a comfortable pair of shoes.
Purchase your tickets for attractions such as Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palazzo Barberini, etc. in advance to save time and money.
Drink lots of water as you can become dehydrated after walking through the streets when you are exploring the city.
Participate in festivities such as Saint Patrick’s Day and Easter and interact with locals in the city.
Don’t go swimming in Rome in March as the water will be a little chilly and you might fall sick.
Carry layers of clothing to enjoy a comfortable trip in Rome in March.
Pack an umbrella as it rains a lot in the month of March.
Be careful of petty thieves and tourist scam artists that are quite common around the city.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Rome in March

Is March a good time to visit Rome?

Yes, March is generally a good time to visit Rome. The weather is mild, and the city experiences fewer tourists compared to peak seasons. You can enjoy the attractions without large crowds, and there's a chance to get good deals on accommodations. However, be prepared for occasional rain and shorter daylight hours.

Is Rome cold in March?

While not extremely cold, Rome can still be cool in March. The average daytime temperature is around 17°C (62°F), but evenings can be cooler, dropping to around 7°C (44°F). It's advisable to pack layers and a light jacket for the evenings, as well as an umbrella, as March tends to be a bit rainy.

How hot is Rome in March?

In March, Rome experiences mild temperatures with an average daytime high around 17°C (62°F). It's a comfortable time to visit, marking the transition from winter to spring. Keep in mind that evenings can be cooler, with nighttime temperatures averaging around 7°C (44°F).

Can you swim in Rome in March?

Swimming in Rome in March might not be the most comfortable experience as the water temperature tends to be cold. If you don't mind the chill, you can still take a dip in the city's waters.

Is it sunny in Rome in March?

The average sunshine in Rome in March is 6 hours a day as it tends to drizzle a lot.

What clothes to wear in Rome in March?

In Rome's March transition, pack layers for fluctuating temperatures. Opt for light jackets or sweaters, comfortable jeans or trousers, and versatile footwear for exploring. Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella for occasional rain, and consider a mix of long and short-sleeved shirts. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days.

Is it rainy in Rome in March?

Yes, it is one of the rainiest months in Rome. Visitors can expect rainfall for around 13 days of the month.

Is Rome expensive to visit?

Rome in March is budget-friendly since it is off-season. You will get hotels and flights at a lower fare compared to the rest of the year. Also, you can plan a cheap vacation by booking your tickets and attractions in advance.

How safe is Rome?

Rome is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's essential to stay vigilant. Be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. Stay in well-traveled areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings. Use reputable transportation services, and be cautious of scams. While the overall safety is reasonable, it's always advisable to stay informed and take standard precautions.

What can I see in Rome in March?

Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountains, and Roman Forum, are some of the many attractions you can visit in Rome with fewer tourists in March.

What are the major events in Rome in March?

The major events to attend in Rome in March are Festa della Donna and Rome Marathon.

What is the average temperature in Rome in March?

The average high is 17°C and the average low is 6°C in Rome in March.

What are the best things to do in Rome in March?

Visit historical sites such as Colosseum, Palantine Hill, and Roman Forum, or go museum hopping, explore the Rome piazzas or take a stroll around the city. There are many things to do in Rome in March.

What are the best things to do with Kids in Rome in March?

Take your kids on a food tour or a heritage tour to understand the culture of Rome a little better. There are many fun museums and historic sites to explore with your kids as well.

What are the main festivals in Rome in March?

Feast Day of Saint Francis of Rome and Ides of March are the main festivals celebrated in Rome in March.