Rome in March is a great choice if your soul is asking for spring, warmth and beauty, but without the tiring heat and tourist crowds. The Italian capital at this time of year will please with comfortable temperature for walking, hotel prices and modest number of tourists – they are still not as many as in the high season from April to September.
If in temperate latitudes March is, in fact, still winter, in the Roman subtropics the calendar spring coincides with the real spring. You will find bright blue skies, sunshine (although, of course, there is also rain) and nature blooming in all its colors. In February-early March mimosa, cherry and apple trees bloom, and in late March-early April wisteria blooms, pleasing the eye with tassels of all shades of soft purple and lavender. An incredibly beautiful sight!
Table of Contents:
1. Weather in Rome in March
2. How to Dress in Rome in March?
3. Holidays in Rome in March
4. What to do in Rome in March
1. Weather in Rome in March
The weather in Rome in March is warm and sunny. Spring is gradually coming into its own: it is still far from the heat of summer, but it is not as cold as in the previous winter months. And it is particularly pleasing to the eye that in Rome the awakening of nature begins as early as February, while in more northern latitudes there is still snow everywhere and the unquestionable power of winter is felt.
March is characterized by changeable weather, with sunny days followed by cloudy ones. Evenings can still be quite cool, but the sunshine is noticeably warmer, so you won’t be without vitamin D in Rome.
The days are getting longer and on March 20 (the vernal equinox) are already equal in duration to the night. Rains are possible, but they are less than in winter, and due to their short duration, they are unlikely to spoil your Roman vacation.
- Average daily temperature in Rome in March +12°C/54°F
- Maximum daytime temperature in Rome in March +17°C/63°F
- Minimum daytime temperature in Rome in March +6°C/43°F
2. How to Dress in Rome in March
The best clothing in March is a demi-seasonal jacket or coat. It is wise to check the weather forecast for the period of your stay in Rome before departure. The closer you get to the end of the month, the less warm things you need to take with you. But a hat, a stylish scarf (Romans love this accessory!) and gloves are still a must in your suitcase.
You may not need them, but if the weather suddenly turns bad, you will be safely insulated. Dress the same way as the Romans themselves – layered. On a sunny day you can take off your jacket, and after sunset you can insulate yourself with a scarf.
Don’t forget to take your sunglasses with you. This accessory will come in handy in Rome even in winter, not to mention the beginning of spring, when the sunny days become more and more numerous. It also does not hurt to put an umbrella in your suitcase (you can also buy one from street vendors, who always keep their goods ready, or take one from your hotel).
3. Holidays in Rome in March
March 8 – International Women’s Day / La Giornata Internazionale Della Donna
International Women’s Day is not considered a special holiday in Italy and does not have the same importance as in post-Soviet countries. However, on March 8, Italy also has its own tradition of giving women a sprig of mimosa as a symbol of respect and love.
A great gift for women on March 8 is free admission to many public museums and archaeological areas as part of a nationwide initiative of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Activities and Tourism.
March 9 – Feast of St. Francesca of Rome / La festa di Santa Francesca Romana
The Monastery of Tor de Specchi, founded by St. Francesca of Rome, one of the patron saints of Rome, is usually closed to the public. But on March 9, the day of the saint’s death, its doors are opened to the public, and everyone who wishes to see the priceless Renaissance frescoes that adorn the monastery’s austere walls can wait in line. This is a truly unique event, as it only happens once a year!
Address: Monastero Oblate di Santa Francesca Romana, Via del Teatro Marcello. Metro: Colosseo
And not far from the monastery, in the Roman Forum and very close to the Colosseum, is the Basilica of Santa Maria Nova, whose second, popular, name is Santa Francesca Romana. The crypt of the basilica houses the relics of the saint.
On March 9, hundreds of cars line up for the blessing. The fact is that Francesca of Rome is considered the patron saint of motorists: according to legend, while traveling, an angel held a lamp in front of her to illuminate the road and protect her from dangers.
Address: Piazza di Santa Francesca Romana, 4. Metro: Colosseo
March 15 – The Day Gaius Julius Caesar Died
“And you, Brutus!” Who doesn’t know this phrase, meaning betrayal by a man one considered a close friend and trusted as oneself! This very phrase is used in William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar. It is not known for certain whether one of the greatest ancient Roman statesmen and generals ever said anything before his death.
What is clear is that his brilliant life, as well as his tragic death, which occurred as a result of conspiracy and betrayal of his closest circle, will always attract people’s attention.
The day of Gaius Julius Caesar’s death is celebrated on the Ides of March (March 15) at Caesar’s statue in the Roman Forum and in Piazza Torre Argentina (Largo gi Torre Argentina). The sole ruler of Rome, as Caesar was in the last years of his life, was stabbed to death in 44 BC right during a session of the Senate, in the lower part of the Curia Pompeii.
The ruins of this building are located in the archaeological area on the Torre Argentina. It is here that every year on March 15 they recreate the scene of one of the most famous assassinations in world history.
Address: Largo di Torre Argentina
March 17 – Unification of Italy
On March 17, 1861, the process of unification of the southern and northern lands of Italy was completed as a result of the Risorgimento – the national liberation movement of the Italian people against foreign domination. Thus, for the first time since the Roman Empire, a unified state emerged on the Apennine Peninsula. On this day, the Italian Air Force always takes part in celebrations.
March 19 – Father’s Day / Festa del papà
Father’s Day in Catholic Italy is celebrated on St. Joseph’s Day – the head and patron saint of the Holy Family, the betrothed husband of the Virgin Mary and the named father of Jesus Christ. On this day Italians attend church, congratulate fathers on the holiday (children make gifts with their own hands) and prepare a sweet treat – bignè or zeppole di San Giuseppe (fried doughnuts or buns with custard, reminiscent of profiteroles).
Please note that the Vatican Museums are closed to the public on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19.
March 26 – Daylight Saving Time
On the night from Saturday to the last Sunday of March in Italy, the hands of the clock are set to daylight saving time, i.e. 1 hour ahead (so the difference between Rome and, for example, Moscow will be -1 hour).
4. What to Do in Rome in March
Visit a Museum
March is a good month to visit museums. There are still no crowds like in the high season, and the weather outside may not always be suitable for strolling.
The day of free admission to public museums (except the Vatican Museums) is the first Sunday of each month, which in 2023 falls on March 5. Free to visit museums and archaeological areas such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Thermae of Caracalla, Galleria Borghese (even free tickets must be booked in advance), Palazzo Barberini, Ostia Antica and others. The day of free admission to the Vatican Museums in March 2023 is March 26 (the last Sunday of the month).
In addition, in honor of International Women’s Day on March 8 – free admission for women to some public museums and archaeological sites.
Taste Seasonal Roman Foods and Dishes
March is considered the month of artichokes, whose season runs through May. Try the popular Roman appetizer – roasted artichokes roasted to golden brown (sarciofi alla giudia) or artichokes romana (sarciofi alla romana) with mint, lemon and garlic.
March is also still the season of cabbage in all its variations. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, broccoli and broccolo Romanesco (broccoli Romanesco originating from the neighborhood of Rome), Tuscan cabbage used in the preparation of minestrone.
The real arrival of spring is signaled to Romans by the appearance of bright green agretti, which resembles ordinary grass or even a thick bushy beard (its second folk name is monk’s beard).
Agretti is considered almost a delicacy, and its flavor is very juicy, reminiscent of spinach. If you are in Rome in March, be sure to try steamed agretti with olive oil, salad or frittata with this herb.
As for traditional holiday treats, one can’t help but remember the giant chocolate Easter eggs that will fill the windows of all pastry shops in Rome, because Catholic Easter in 2023 falls on April 9.
These eggs are often sold with a mini gift inside. It is also customary to eat colomba pasquale, a traditional Italian Easter cake in the shape of a dove.
In Rome’s Jewish quarter, pizzarelle – small cookies with honey, raisins and nuts – are prepared for Passover. You can try them at Il Forno del Ghetto, a kosher bakery in Via del Portico d’Ottavia 1.
Picnic in One of Rome’s Parks
March will bring more and more days of sunny, clear weather. Try spending one of them in the same place where the Romans themselves relax – in nature, in one of Rome’s many parks. There are many ideas: you can rent bicycles or a whole bicycle car for the family, take a boat ride on a picturesque lake, have a picnic, remembering to bring a bottle of wine and plaids (it can still be quite chilly in March).
A list of Rome’s most popular parks:
- Villa Borghese Park
- Villa Doria Pamphili Park
- Villa Torlonia Park
- Villa Celimontana Park
- Park on the Appian Way
- The orange orchard on the Aventine
What Else to Do in Rome in March
- Learn the secrets of making delicious Roman pizza at a master class led by an experienced pizzaiolo
- Learn to make fresh pasta and the famous tiramisu dessert with your own hands
- See the real Rome off the beaten tourist path on a special excursion
- Take a royal ride through the streets of the Eternal City in a legend of the Italian automobile industry Ferrari or a stylish vintage car
