Rome in March: What to Expect

Rome in March is excellent, and it is one of those travel facts that is still not as widely known as it should be. The Colosseum queues are shorter, the Vatican Museums are manageable, and the city's piazzas and trattorias operate without the overwhelming summer density. Temperatures are pleasant, prices are lower, and the city still does everything that makes Rome Rome. March is a genuinely strong recommendation.

Weather

March temperatures in Rome range from 7°C at night to 14°C to 16°C during the day. Rain is a real possibility, particularly early in the month. A light jacket and layers are sensible. Late March regularly delivers afternoons in the 17°C to 19°C range, and the city's outdoor eating culture starts returning in force. The light in Rome in spring is famously good for both walking and photography.

Crowds and Prices

Rome is never truly uncrowded, but March is significantly more manageable than May through October. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel are all accessible with advance timed entry tickets, and those tickets are easier to obtain in March than in summer. Hotel prices across the city are lower. If Easter falls in late March, Rome sees one of its biggest annual influxes: the Vatican and St Peter's Square are at their most spectacular but also most crowded for Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Book months ahead for Easter dates.

What's On

If Easter falls in March, Holy Week in Rome is one of the most significant religious events in the world. The Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum on Good Friday, presided over by the Pope, and the Easter Sunday mass in St Peter's Square are two of the most remarkable events the city offers. These draw enormous crowds but are extraordinary experiences. Carnival in Rome runs in February and early March depending on the year.

One Thing to Watch

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel require advance booking year-round. In March the availability window is longer than in summer, but do not leave it until you arrive. Book before you travel. The Colosseum similarly requires timed entry: skip-the-line tickets for specific time slots are available online and are worth every penny given the queue for walk-up entry.

Our Rome travel guide covers the ancient sites, the Vatican, the best neighbourhoods to eat in, and the transport and booking logistics so you can actually enjoy the city.