Amalfi coast in the middle of March

dawn,

According to the historical averages for Sorrento, March high / low temperatures range from 18ºC - 11ºC. There could also be some rain, but that can be a problem at any time of year.

Spending a few days in Sorrento is probably the best idea. The easiest transportation would be to take the high speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, and then have a private driver waiting for the trip to Sorrento. The same driver could provide a full day tour if your budget allows. One firm that's been recommended is http://www.monettitaxi17.it/English.htm .

Seems to be plenty of questions to this topic lately.

I think the problem in only designating a specific day or two for the A.C. in mid-March is that if the weather turns against you, you have absolutely no flexibility. You would need 3-4 nights minimum in my opinion.

We've been to the area twice in early March, for a total of 10 days, and have experienced light winds and 60 degrees, and have also experienced driving rain and 40's when, believe me, you don't want to be outside. But by staying there, we were able to alter our itineraries and do inside stuff on the bad days, such as the Circumvesuviana train from Sorrento 60 minutes to the Naples Archeological Museum. When the weather cleared we were able to take the SITA bus to Positano & Amalfi, and being very few tourists that time of year, basically had the place to ourselves. And the spectacular views never close--they're always there. The other side of that fact, however, is that many restaurants and stores were still closed for the season, opening up after Easter.

My best advice for you is this--if you have a free day in Rome that you want to take a day trip, and the weather forecast is good to the south, you can do Pompei on your own. Train from Roma Termini station 75 minutes to Napoli Centrale station, transfer to the CV commuter train right there, about 20 minutes to the Pompei Scavi stop. Spend about 4 hours there, then backtrack and you're back in Roma for dinner. I would not attempt the Amalfi Coast on a daytrip from Rome.

Enjoy your planning!

Excellent advice from both Ken and Jay! For what you want to do you'll need to stay on the coast for a few days. You simply can't pre-arrange the weather, which may not be very cold but could be uncomfortably wet.

Also, the ferries will not be running along parts of the coast in March, and daylight will still be relatively short (sunset around 6:09 in mid-March) so the most I'd try and do from Rome as a day trip would be Pompei.

From Jay's post:
"I think the problem in only designating a specific day or two for the A.C. in mid-March is that if the weather turns against you, you have absolutely no flexibility. You would need 3-4 nights minimum in my opinion."

Ferries along the AC don't run in March. There is year-round ferry service to the islands of Capri and Ischia. The difficulty with a day trip or even an overnight trip is that transportation is slow south of Naples and especially along the AC, which is a narrow 2-lane road with lots of hills and curves as it winds along the cliffs. The speed limit is 50 kph (about 35 mph) and it's often slower because of traffic. Seeing Pompeii and the excellent National Archaeology Museum in Naples is a doable, if long, day trip from Rome. Trying to see Pompeii and the AC on a day trip is likely to short-change both.

Another thing you may want to look into - what ferry services are available at that time?

Yes, it's very much more than just worthy of going to. It's magnificent, awesome, inspiring and you will never forget having been there the rest of your life. While you're planning and scheduling your comings and goings, don't rush it. Be sure to make time every day to find a spot to sit with a glass of wine and stare across the blue sea below, the azure sky and the mountains above, breathe deep and let your mind wander. You're in one of the most beautiful places in the entire world.