clothing for the 1st and 2nd week of march in italy

We have usually gone during this time frame and mainly in northern Italy and usually not as far south as Florence. Temps can range from in the 30s at night to 60s during the day. Depending on where you are. We have also encountered rain on occasion.

We have found the following to work.

A lightweight rain shell, usually something breathable not PVC. A fleece jacket, a sweater, long sleeve shirts and something for underneath. A tshirt for guys and a tank top for my wife.

I know that some folks also take something like silk long johns, but we have never felt the need for them. Sometimes you might feel like wearing the whole kit, others just a piece or two.

Layering is the key.

Here is a link to an accuweather page for Venice. they have a 10 and 15 day forecast and while probably not as accurate that far out you can get a feel for conditions.

http://www.accuweather.com/world-index-forecast.asp?partner=accuweather&traveler=0&locCode=EUR|IT|IT020|VENEZIA&metric=0

You can put in your destinations.

We've had unusually warmer weather lately. Today in Rome the temperature reached 65' F. A beautiful sunny day. But we are expecting to it to drop back to highs in the low 50's and lows in the upper 30's. It also rains a lot in March so I would certainly bring your umbrella or rain gear. Italians, like most Europeans, dress in layers.

Rome weather is rather quirky. It can start off very cold and sunny in the AM and by noon you're pulling off your jacket. At 4 PM, you're reaching for your umbrella! Bring your sweaters, a waterproof coat, and an rain gear!

Ciao,
Ron

The last time I was in Italy in March, in 2007, it was sunny and mid 60s the first week, and the second week it snowed! pack layers.

I was in Venice area for about a week and a couple of days in Florence about 2 weeks ago. I did the layers thing. I took my heavy winter jacket that I wear around here in DC on the plane.

I bought a scarf in one of the Florence markets. Wore fleece and thick golf shirts in and around Venice. Also, my heavy jacket since it rained some of 1 day and wasn't hotter than the 40s there. Florence was warmer- at least 10 degrees F...walking around kept me warm and hanging on to my girlfriend too.

My husband and I have traveled to Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice) in March several times. We enjoy that the weather is always warmer there in March than it is in Connecticut at that time.

We do the layering thing, too, and do laundry at least once so we can travel light. When packing, though, you might want to toss in something warm to wear in your hotel room or to sleep in. I often feel chilly in the hotel room at that time of year, and many hotel managers in Italy are very thrifty with dispensing heat. Sometimes the blankets and bedding are thin, too.

Happy travels! Cheryl