Rome in March: Best Things to See and Do

Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 22, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  • In March, Rome offers pleasant weather, with average temperatures around 17°C during the day and less rainfall, making it a great time to visit.
  • Packing for Rome in March should include versatile clothing, as temperatures can vary from mid-40s to mid-60s Fahrenheit, and Italians tend to dress by season, not just weather.
  • March is a less busy time to visit Rome, allowing for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds and the opportunity to dine outdoors.

Are you planning to visit Rome in March, and you wonder about all the things to see and do? People always ask us if Rome in March is an excellent time to go. We think the answer is a resounding yes! March in Rome is outstanding for several reasons: Rome is beautiful and vibrant, with countless monuments, churches, and fountains. Rome has an old soul, and it’s difficult not to fall in love with the city after spending even one day here.

Altar of the Fatherland in Rome's city center, taken late in march.

7 Things To Know About Visiting Rome in March

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a new adventure, we feel that Rome is a city that has at least a little something for everyone. So pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Italy.

Rome Has an Excellent Climate in March

The view from the monument of the fatherlan

Rome’s climate is a blissful mix of Mediterranean, continental, and subtropical elements, meaning Rome can be warm some days. At the same time, it can be foggy, rainy, and chilly on another day. Rome is also known for its weather changes, which can happen quickly. For example, sunny mornings can transform into foggy afternoons, etc. 

In March, Romes’ climate is not as hot as in the summertime. But also, it’s not as cold as it would be in December and January. In March, the average temperature in Rome is around 17 Celsius (62 Fahrenheit) during the day and 7 Celsius (44 Fahrenheit) at night. 

March is also not very rainy in Rome, making it a great month to visit.

What Should I Wear In Rome in March

Europe is a vast continent with many countries and cities. A trip to Rome will undoubtedly raise questions about what you should wear.

December and January are the coldest months. When March comes around, flowers bloom, which means lighter clothing.

Rome during March is mild, with some occasional showers. During this time, think “less is more.” Pack comfortable and versatile clothes, as temperatures can range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit. Light pants, hoodies, and comfortable walking shoes will go a long way for your trip.

One interesting thing to note is that Italians typically dress by season and not by weather. So, you’ll often find Italians dressed in heavy clothing, while tourists dress much lighter.

Is Rome Safe?

Italy, as a whole, is absolutely save, and yes, that includes Rome. Like any other major city, you must be cautious and watch for your belongings.

Avoid the gypsies begging for money along the streets, as they often try to pickpocket tourists. 

Also, avoid street vendors and big gatherings of people. Other than that, walking around and enjoying the fantastic streets of Rome is perfectly safe any month of the year.

Rome is Less Busy In March

Rome Sunset with st. peter's in the background on a march evening

You can also eat outside at most Roman restaurants in March. And the fact fewer people are crowding the streets is one reason Rome is so romantic during this time!

If you visit Rome in March, remember that this month tends to be less busy than the summer months. And in March, many tourists prefer to spend their holidays in the south of Italy – making Rome a GREAT choice!

Rome is a city that offers plenty of things to see, and this means that some monuments can be crowded with tourists – even in months like March. However, you won’t find nearly as many crowds as you would between April and October.

In March, most cruise lines are still not running their Mediterranean routes. For this reason, cruise passengers do not flood Rome in March as they do during the summer months. 

Even though Rome in March is less busy, many tourists still visit famous attractions like the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. For that reason, we strongly suggest you book your tickets in advance. And booking in advance is especially important if you plan to visit Rome on the weekend.

Rome is Cheaper in March

Rome hotels are notoriously expensive all year round. However, if you’re looking for an affordable holiday in Rome, visiting Rome in March is a great idea! March is an ideal time to score some fantastic hotel deals. 

March in Rome is known as the “Shoulder season.” The shoulder season means in between peak seasons. For this reason, hotels, restaurants, and flights can be much more affordable.

Because Rome in March is not as busy, it is much easier to find great hotels right in the city center close to the best attractions. 

Flying to Rome in March

Rome is a popular place to visit, and it’s easy to find cheap flights here, especially in March. 

Two international airports serve Rome. The larger one is Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), located 30 km outside Rome. Getting to downtown Rome from Fiumicino is easy and cheap. You can read our guide for full instructions on how to get from Fiumicino airport to Rome. 

Rome-Fiumicino Airport is the busiest airport in Italy, and almost every major airline flies into Rome.

Getting around Rome in March

Rome has an extensive transportation system consisting of buses, trams, metro, light rail, and trains. However, most of the best attractions in Rome are within walking distance. Walking is probably the best way to visit and explore Rome.

Rome also has a well-laid-out Metro System that is convenient and very affordable. The Rome Metro is also a great way to avoid traffic, a big problem in the city center. 

Taxis are another good alternative to get around Rome. It is very easy to find taxis around the city center. 

Rome’s Best Attractions To Visit in March

Rome has a lot of unique attractions, some of which are known more than others.  But, the combination makes Rome such a beautiful and unique city. 

Rome in March is very different from Rome in any other month. So, if you have been to Rome before, it is worth seeing the difference between one season and another for a second time.

Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

The Sistine Chapel is one of Rome’s most famous sites. The Michelangelo frescoes that adorn the chapel is a top thing to see. You have to go through the Vatican Museums to visit the Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel, the amazing Ceiling

The Vatican Museums are enormous and often cater to thousands of tourists – at once. However, visiting the Vatican Museums with fewer visitors is possible in March. And for that reason, it’s one of the best months to visit.

If you want to visit the Vatican museums, avoid weekends because they are usually much busier. Also, remember that visiting those vast museums will take almost an entire afternoon. 

If you plan to visit the Vatican Museums, remember to buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket office.

St Peter’s Basilica 

Rome is no stranger to famous places of worship. But St. Peter’s certainly stands out above the rest. You can’t miss Rome’s beautiful and ornate cathedral; March is a perfect time to go.

Pantheon 

The Pantheon is Rome’s best-preserved ancient building and is always worth a visit, especially because it is free! 

Inside the Pantheon, you can see its majestic dome. The Pantheon has the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. It is pretty impressive if you consider it nearly two thousand years old.

While in the past visiting the Pantheon was free, today it costs €5 for the upkeep.

The Dome of the Pantheon

Trevi Fountain 

Rome is full of beautiful fountains that are worth seeing. But the Trevi has a unique charm and beauty that makes it one of Rome’s best attractions no matter what time of year you see it in. 

Rome’s Trevi Fountain is free of charge. And this is a complete list of other free things to see in Rome.

Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps are a famous set of steps in Rome, Italy.

Located in the Piazza di Spagna, the steps are made up of 135 steps that lead from the Piazza to the Trinita dei Monti church.

The steps were built in 1723 and became a popular tourist attraction early on. Today, they remain a popular spot for visitors and locals alike.

The Spanish Steps are stunning during Rome’s springtime, such as March and April when all the flowers bloom.

The steps are surrounded by charming restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it the perfect afternoon or evening spot.

A lovely fountain is also located at the bottom of the steps, making for a great photo opportunity.

The Spanish Steps

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is an oval square in Rome filled with beautiful fountains and sculptures.

It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions and is always packed with people. There are several restaurants and cafes around the square and street performers.

One of the most famous fountains in Piazza Navona is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, which Bernini sculpted.

Fountain of the Four Rivers – Piazza Navona – Rome

The Colosseum

For a good reason, the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations. 

Construction on the Colosseum began in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus. The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater that could seat 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, executions, and dramas.

Today, visitors can explore the Colosseum’s three levels.

Sunset at the Colosseum

The first level of the arena is where the contests once took place. 

The second level housed the animal pens, and the third level is where the gladiators prepared for combat. 

The Colosseum is a remarkable sight and a must-see on any Rome itinerary. As we mentioned before, make sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.

The Forum

The Roman Forum is Rome’s first and most important ancient site. Indeed, many of Rome’s oldest and most significant monuments got built on this site.

The Forum from the Campidoglio

The forum was Rome’s political, commercial, and religious heart for centuries. The ancient city of Rome grew around the forum, and many prestigious buildings got built there.

Rome’s birthplace was said to be the Asylum, an indentation in the terrain home to a settlement around 600 BC. The Asylum’s hill later evolved into Rome’s seven hills. 

Rome’s first rulers established a Senate around 550 BC, and the Forum became Rome’s public center. The forum was Rome’s political, commercial, and religious heart for centuries. The ancient city of Rome grew around the forum, and many prestigious buildings got built there.

Today visitors can wander among Rome’s earliest monuments and see how Rome evolved from its beginnings to the Rome of today. 

The Forum is home to Rome’s most celebrated architectural works, including the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta, and the Tabularium. 

Highlights of the archaeological site include the Basilica Aemilia, three temples dating from Rome’s Republican period (fourth-first century BC), and Rome’s first basilica (a building for judicial use), Basilica Porcia. 

Rome’s Forum is a must-see Rome attraction and a great way to spend time exploring Rome’s historical center.

Theater of Marcellus and the Jewish Ghetto

The Theater of Marcellus Rome is Rome’s oldest existing permanent theater. 

Rome’s first permanent theater was constructed in the late third century BC, which is Rome’s most famous example of its type. Marcus Marcellus built the theater in 13 BC on the same site that staged plays since 187 BC.

Teatro Marcello Rome

Today is a great place to stroll around history and the gateway to the Rome Jewish Ghetto.

The Jewish Ghetto is Rome’s only Jewish district and home to Rome’s main synagogue. 

Rome has had a Jewish community since Biblical times. The Romans tolerated Rome’s ancient religions despite sharing different faiths. 

Rome was an important center for all three monotheistic religions during the classical period, including Christianity in Rome’s early centuries. 

Rome’s Jewish community prospered throughout history. And Rome’s ghetto remained largely intact after the Nazis invaded the city in World War II.

Today, Rome’s Jewish community is vibrant. And Rome’s synagogue still serves Rome’s small Jewish community of about 1,000 people. 

Portico D’Ottavia Rome – The Gateway to the Jewish Ghetto

The main synagogue is called Tempio Maggiore. Roman tour guides take visitors inside to learn about Rome’s Jewish community and view important historic.

The Jewish Ghetto is also the best place to go and experience Roman Jewish cuisine. It’s a particular fusion of Roman ingredients with a middle eastern influence.

La Bocca della Verità

Rome might be best known for its attractions and monuments. But it’s also full of places known for their bizarre history. 


Rome’s mouth of truth has a rather gruesome tale behind its unusual looks. According to the legend, if a liar puts his hand in the Mouth of Truth, the mouth will bite it off.

Mouth of Truth

The Campidoglio

The Campidoglio of Rome houses Rome’s city council and is Rome’s civic center. Michelangelo designed the beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio. And today, it represents one of Italy’s best examples of Renaissance Piazzas.

In the center of the piazza, you can admire the statue of the emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Piazza Del Campidoglio on March 17

What to eat in Rome in March

Rome has an outstanding selection of local cuisine, and you can try some of the best dishes in March. For example, in March, artichokes are still in season. And these vegetables are a cornerstone of Roman cuisine.

March is the perfect time to try Jewish-style, deep-fried artichokes. Also, in March, you can try the Carciofo alla Romana (Roman Style artichoke) that is braised in white wine and garlic.

in March, Artichokes are one of the staple foods of Rome
Artichokes

Rome’s cuisine is rich in pasta. Some of the most famous pasta dishes are:

Pasta Carbonara

It is made with guanciale (a typical, cured slice of pork), eggs, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

Pasta Amatriciana

The Pasta Amatriciana has guanciale in a rich and thick tomato sauce.

Pasta Cacio e Pepe

The next most famous dish is Pasta Cacio e Pepe which has a pecorino sauce with many freshly ground black peppercorns.

Pizza Al Metro

Another specialty to try in Rome in March is the typical Roman Style pizza. It’s baked in a long oval shape, with a wide variety of toppings, and then cut to order in pieces and sold by weight.
Italian Pizza is not what you think or what you’re used to in your home country; it is an experience on its own.

Top 5 Roman Festivals in March

March is a beautiful time to visit Rome because many festivals and events occur throughout the month.

Here are some of the top festivals in Rome in March:

Festa di San Giuseppe

Festa di San Giuseppe, or the Feast of St. Joseph, is a significant festival in Rome, celebrated on March 19th each year. This festival is dedicated to St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and the patron saint of carpenters and workers.

The festival has religious origins and is associated with the Catholic Church. It is a day of reverence and prayer, and many churches throughout the city hold special Masses and processions in honor of St. Joseph.

The day is also marked by traditional food and drink. One of the most famous treats of the festival is zeppole di San Giuseppe, a delicious pastry filled with cream and topped with cherries. Many bakeries in Rome prepare these sweet treats before the festival, and they are a must-try for visitors.

In addition to food and religious observances, the festival includes parades and cultural events. The Trastevere neighborhood is a great place to experience the festival’s festivities, where you can expect to see colorful processions, street performers, and music.

Overall, the Feast of St. Joseph is a significant and exciting festival in Rome that showcases the city’s rich cultural and religious traditions. It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the authentic side of Rome, enjoy traditional food and drink, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

St. Patricks Day

A Roman in Fedora Hat With Drink in Hand

St. Patrick’s Day may not be an Italian holiday, but it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Rome, especially by the Irish community. March 17th is when many people in Rome don green clothing, adorn themselves with shamrocks, and head out to the streets to celebrate.

Many events and festivities occur throughout the city on St. Patrick’s Day. For example, the Rome St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an annual event organized by the Irish community in Rome. The parade typically starts at Piazza di Spagna and winds through the city, passing by famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.

In addition to the parade, many street parties, concerts, and pub crawls are organized in different parts of the city. The Irish pubs in Rome, such as the Abbey Theatre Irish Pub, the Scholars Lounge, and the Fiddler’s Elbow, are trendy on St. Patrick’s Day, with live music and plenty of beer flowing.

Aside from the festivities, St. Patrick’s Day in Rome is also an opportunity to learn more about Irish culture and history. For instance, you can visit the San Clemente Irish Dominican Church, a church that is dedicated to St. Patrick and was built to serve the Irish community in Rome.

Overall, St. Patrick’s Day is a fun and festive occasion in Rome that brings together people worldwide to celebrate Irish culture and enjoy the city’s lively atmosphere.

International Women’s Day

woman hugging other woman while smiling at beach

International Women’s Day, or Festa della Donna, is celebrated on March 8th each year in Italy and worldwide. This day is a significant occasion to recognize women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality.

International Women’s Day in Rome is a day of demonstrations, rallies, and cultural events. It’s a time when women and their allies come together to celebrate women’s accomplishments and to demand equal rights and opportunities.

Throughout the city, there are many events and activities organized to celebrate International Women’s Day. For example, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions highlight women’s contributions to different fields, such as science, art, politics, and education.

There are also street rallies and marches, where women raise their voices and call for change. These marches often focus on pay equity, reproductive rights, and domestic violence.

Moreover, cultural events such as concerts, art shows, and theater performances celebrate women’s creativity and artistic expression. Many of these events are organized by women artists and writers, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and to connect with other women.

In addition to these public events, International Women’s Day is an occasion for women to come together with friends and family to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. It’s common for women to exchange small gifts or tokens of appreciation, such as the mimosa flower, which is a symbol of women’s strength and resilience.

Overall, International Women’s Day is a meaningful and inspiring celebration in Rome that honors the contributions and struggles of women. It’s a day to come together, raise awareness, and demand progress toward gender equality.

The Marathon in Rome

marathon, rome, italy - rainy day in march

The Marathon of Rome, or Maratona di Roma, is a major event in Rome every March. This international marathon attracts thousands of runners worldwide, making it one of the largest running events in Italy.

The Marathon of Rome is a challenging race that covers a distance of 42.195 kilometers, passing through some of the most iconic landmarks of Rome. The race begins at the Colosseum and takes runners through the city’s historical and cultural sites, such as the Circus Maximus, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Spanish Steps.

The marathon is an excellent opportunity for runners to experience Rome’s unique charm while challenging themselves physically. It’s also an opportunity for spectators to cheer on the runners and experience the event’s excitement.

In addition to the marathon, several other events occur during the Marathon of Rome weekend. For example, there’s the RomaFun 5K, a non-competitive race that anyone can participate in, and the Breakfast Run, where runners can enjoy a light jog around the Colosseum followed by breakfast.

The Marathon of Rome is a highly anticipated event that attracts runners and spectators worldwide. It’s an opportunity to experience Rome’s beauty and culture while participating in a challenging and rewarding athletic event.

Spring Equinox

Selective Focus Photo of White Flowers

The Festival of Spring, or Festa della Primavera, is a March celebration in Rome each year. It’s a joyous occasion that marks the arrival of spring and is a time when people come together to enjoy the season’s beauty and participate in cultural and artistic events.

The Festival of Spring takes place in several locations throughout the city, including parks, museums, and historical landmarks. One of the festival’s main events is the opening of the Rose Garden, or Roseto Comunale, a beautiful garden that features over 1,100 varieties of roses. The garden is open to the public during the festival, and visitors can take guided tours or wander through the fragrant blooms.

In addition to the Rose Garden, many other events and activities are organized during the Spring Festival. For example, there are concerts, art exhibits, and food fairs that celebrate the culture and traditions of Rome. There are also activities for children, such as face painting and storytelling, making it a family-friendly event.

Another important part of the Festival of Spring is the ancient Roman tradition of the Vestalia, which celebrated the goddess Vesta, the guardian of the home and hearth. During this festival, women would bring offerings of flowers and water to the temple of Vesta to ensure the well-being of their families.

The Festival of Spring is a wonderful time to visit Rome and experience the beauty and culture of the city. It’s an opportunity to see the city in bloom, participate in cultural events, and connect with the local community.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our article and consider visiting Rome in March. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. 

Meanwhile happy Traveling