Italy in March

I have been to Italy in March several times and loved it. The weather will vary of course--you should be prepared for rain and wear layers. It is so much better to avoid the crowds and personally I find heat much more oppressive than cool weather. And yes, you'll save on hotels too.

Rome and Firenze will be quite enjoyable. However, the Cinque Terre villages will be lifeless, not many of the plants will be in leaf, and if it rains much, the trails will be slick and the views gray.

Taking Mike's observations into account, you should consider the Venice-Florence-Rome 10 day tour instead, if March is when you can go. I've been to all three places in February and loved it. It should be even better in March, longer days, more likelihood of sunshine instead of clouds (though I had sunshine in February too - also rain).

I'm one of those who'd rather put up with the crowds than bad weather. Go in May-early June if you can. It's the best in terms of weather and not as crowded as July and August.

I have to agree with Sean that I will put up with the crowds and the heat for better weather. Have been to Italy many times but mostly in the summer months so we didn't have to pull our kids out of school. I absolutely love the sunny, long, summer days in Italy. Have also been in Tuscany and Rome in Sept. and Oct. and the weather was beautiful.

I have been to Rome a few times in March as well as Venice. Also been to Rome in all the seasons a few times each. I love mid march through April. I haven't hit bad weather at all in the times I went during that period. I am heading back next April. I find the summer the worst time to go both for weather and crowds. Just my 2 cents, Glenn

The weather might be nice to someone from New Jersey but not to someone from Texas. March is Rome's most unreliable month for weather.

Thanks Sean - I would have thought November would be. In Any case, maybe I have been lucky, but on a number of trips to Italy in March (mid or late), I have had fantastic weather :-). Glenn

My first trip to Europe was in March 2013 and it was sunnt everyday. I am not saying it will be like that when you go, but March is one of Italy's driest months. We went in mid-March and the kids of the schools in Rome were on Spring break, and the place was packed full of kids. I don't want to be a whiner, but these kids were so rude. Pushing, spitting, talking loud. A lot like American kids. But to get back on topic, the weather was very pleasant, I just wore a T-Shirt and Jeans. Even some days, it eas shorts weather.

I have traveled in all seasons and each one is a different kind of trip. The ideal... great weather, long days, moderate temps and no crowds...the reality... that rarely happens, but your chances of it happening are better in March than in July, because you might get nice weather in the spring but you will never get rid of the crowds in the summer. I have had great weather on many off-season trips and when I had a crappy day I quickly forgot it. I always dress in layers if I think it is going to be cold. Just duck into a café for a cup of cappuccino to warm up. I have been to Rome when it was 100 degrees and when it was 35, windy and rainy, and frankly neither was pleasant...but I saw more when it was cold, as there were literally no lines.

I love Italy in March. It is so worth not having larger crowds and heat to deal with. It is early spring so expect weather to be changeable. Carry an umbrella or rain gear. Almost all the hotels offer 'ombrellos' to their guests and you can buy one from vendors quite reasonably. Roma will be very pleasant and Firenze, though a bit cooler, will still have lovely days. Venezia will be cool. I would skip Cinque Terre as well. And as stated- have layers, a warm jacket or heavy sweater and you will be fine. Even in March crowds will be more than you might think and I have often said to myself- I can't imagine what July would be like, I'm so glad I am here now (March)