How crowded with tourists is Rome in Mid-March?

It's always busy and Easter is a big deal in Italy. But if you plan ahead, make reservations, and pace yourself, go when it suits you. I hate hot weather so gravitate toward shoulder season or even winter, which we are doing this year. At least March won't be too hot.

I've been there the weeks leading up to Easter and it was probably the most ideal time I have ever been in Rome. More crowded than in the winter months but not nearly as crowded as the summer/fall season. The weather was mostly great too. Some rain, but it was rather mild most of the time. I was there this past March and a couple of years ago too, same thing. I'm planning another trip now and thinking of the same time period again. I've also had good luck in November. Have fun!

It would be interesting to know if the non-Vatican sites are any more crowded during Easter. Anyone?

My feeling is certain areas are almost always packed... I was in Rome over Easter in 2009 and it was busy but not too much different that when I visited in late May two years before.

We have been in Rome two times in March, 2009 and 2011. Both times we have seen many tour groups from all over the world. That still didn't stop us from seeing and doing what we wanted and having a great time!

To answer Michael's question, my experience has been that the non relgious sites seem to be just the average sized crowds. Like Mike said, packed at the major sites as usual. That said, I still never stood in line for very long compared to other times of the year. The Vatican and other religious sites are packed with all the international pilgrims. I still managed to visit the Vatican museum though. The toughest time I have ever had at the Vatican is in the first couple of weeks of December. I think all of Italy is in Rome. The rest of the tourist sites were vacant, but anything of religious value, the restaurants, and the streets are packed. It's a fantastic time to go though if you don't mind either skipping the Vatican or arrange for it in advance.

Thank you everyone for your replies! Maybe I ought to go right at the beginning of March and take my chances then....

We're going mid March 2012. We've previously gone in November. As many have said, the worst case scenario is it might rain and then you'll be FORCED inside, sipping an expresso in one of the world's greatest cities. Rain or shine, you'll have something to love in Rome.