Though summer is peak travel season for Italy, I’m a big fan of visiting Europe in the shoulder seasons of Fall and Spring. And if you’re looking for a unique and gorgeous early spring getaway, I highly recommend visiting Rome in March.
With a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you pick the best dates and plan out a trip that makes the most of the lighter crowds and mild temps.
Here are my top 5 reasons to head to the Eternal City just as the city is turning over its new leaves.
The timing can be just right for US school schedules
Of course every school district is different, but it’s not uncommon for schools in the US to schedule a spring break during the month of March. This means that families can get the benefit of not having to miss school days along with the other perks of traveling in off-peak times.
No matter when you plan to travel, I always recommend getting advance tickets, because skipping lines of any length is one of the most satisfying travel experiences out there! With advance tickets, you can skip lines and be rewarded with lighter crowds in all the major destinations. Everything is open as usual, though early spring hours might vary slightly (I can help you with this).
Cassie’s Tip: With the notable exception of Easter (see below), Rome in March will be quieter. So take advantage of greater hotel availability, better airline prices, less crowded museums and sights, and your pick of amazing restaurants!
Rome in March is so balmy
If you’ve ever been to Rome at the height of summer, you know: it can be sweltering.
In contrast, Rome in March is mild, with brisk mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons. So if you prefer cooler travel weather, you’ll be in heaven. Expect temps in the low 50s to upper 60s. Some rain is normal, usually about 7 days out of the month on average, but there are also plenty of bright sunny days, as well. Pack layers and bring an umbrella, and you should be just fine.
Though spring officially starts on March 21st, you’ll see all kinds of flowers peeking out during the month: daffodils, tulips, cherry trees, iris, redbud, and more. The 15th of March you can see the Spanish Steps decked with tons of colorful flowers in bloom to mark the death of Julius Caesar. And by the end of March, you’ll start to see the gorgeous walls of wisteria making their appearance.
With the milder temps, it’s also the perfect time to explore Rome on foot. The Eternal City is endlessly, wonderfully walkable, and I can help you plan out a day or an evening that involves the most beautiful and delicious stops.
Enjoy the foods of the season
There is no bad time to visit Italy when it comes to food, but each season does come with its unique dishes and flavors that make this a culinary hot spot.
March is the transition from late winter to spring, and you can catch the best of both as you move through the month. In addition to the cool-season dishes, it’s the perfect time to try Italian specialties like fried artichokes, spring peas, leeks (delicious in a fragrant leek and potato soup, often served with pancetta), zucchini flowers, and fresh strawberries.
On a warm sunny day, there’s nothing quite like a leisurely snack, picnic lunch, or springtime sip in one of Rome’s many gorgeous piazzas.
Day trips are easy-breezy
Accessible transportation and an abundance of high-quality tours make taking day trips from Rome very easy. Plus, with the lighter crowds, you can experience these places with lots more space around you!
Head south and visit Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, or Naples. Head east to experience Tivoli – where Hadrian’s Villa, Villa d’Este, and the lush Villa Gregoriana Park await your discovery. You can even spend a fabulous day seeing the sights in Florence if you like — it’s just 2 hours away by train, and I can help you plan out a perfect spring day in this amazing city.
Easter in Rome
Though Easter usually falls sometime in April, there are years when this magnificent holiday lands in late March.
As the seat of the Catholic church, and with Easter the most central holiday for the church, there’s really no city on earth that does Easter like Rome does. The pageantry, pomp, and celebration are a sight to behold — and tens of thousands of Romans, pilgrims, and tourists do.
Most of the action of Easter centers around St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica — but you can find celebrations all over the city.
Cassie’s Tip: Be aware that the week before and after Easter are actually some of the busiest days all year. So if you’re planning on taking in the festivities, you’ll definitely need to plan ahead and be prepared for big crowds. It’s a marvelous occasion to celebrate with so many, but if shoulder-season quiet is your aim, then I recommend steering clear of this holiday.
You’ll fall in love with Rome in March!
Whether you’re looking to experience the Eternal City at its balmiest, enjoy some relief from the press of high-season crowds, or sample some springtime delicacies — I really think you’ll fall in love with Rome in March.
With a custom-designed itinerary, I can point you to the best springtime festivities, foods, tours, and food tours. You’ll see why a shoulder-season trip to Italy is one of the best-kept travel secrets around!
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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