Rome in March

By Robert Heaney
Published: July 18, 2024
St. Peter's Basilica viewed from St. Peter's Square

As the clocks prepare to jump forward, Rome is propelled into one of its most eventful months of the year so far. From religious festivities to athletic events, the city takes on a whole new buzz throughout this period. Between the newfound electric atmosphere and more pleasant springtime weather, Rome in March has plenty to offer.

Visiting Rome in March

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Average Temperature: 43 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day

Spearheading the beginning of spring, March stands to many as one of the truly best times to visit Rome. Though still in its low season with much of the capital remaining relatively quiet by tourism standards, a number of events see Rome take on more of a charged atmosphere throughout the month.

What that typically means is that, outside of large event days, many of the city’s top attractions and landmarks should be relatively straightforward to visit and absent of too many crowds. On top of that, visitors throughout this period can usually benefit from off-peak airfare and hotel rates, sometimes making for quite the substantial discount against high-season summertime prices.

To further sweeten the pot, March typically sees the weather in Rome begin to improve significantly. Temperatures throughout the month tend to range from comfortably cool to rather warm, and while you’d be best advised to pack an umbrella for the relatively high likelihood of rain, you’ll most likely be treated to largely clear, sunny days throughout most of your trip.

Things to do in March

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No trip to Rome is ever complete without touring some of the ancient city’s most lauded historical landmarks. The famous Colosseum remains the world’s largest standing amphitheater and provides a window into the gory pastimes of the lost civilization, while the Pantheon remains a marvel of religious architecture.

While you’re at it, be sure to take some time to explore the world’s smallest country with a jaunt into Vatican City. Despite its mere 0.2-square-mile footprint, the site is home to some of the most stunning and historically-rich buildings on the planet. As the beating heart of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican boasts the masterful architecture and artwork of the Sistine Chapel, as well as one of the world’s most precious historical collections within the Vatican Museums.

For some stellar photo ops, make your way to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, where the smaller crowds of Rome in March should hopefully allow you the freedom to snap that perfect shot. But if you’re looking for something a little different, the likes of the Pyramid of Cestius and the ruins of the Roman Forum make for some slightly more niche photos.

If you find yourself with enough time during your trip, why not try to fit in a little more of Italy? Destinations such as Naples, Florence and historic Pompeii serve as a fantastic opportunity to experience more of the country’s celebrated history, architecture, cuisine and culture. Sitting only a short train journey from Rome, they each make for a great day trip away from the capital.

For those with a taste for the macabre, there’s somewhat of a darker and lesser-seen side to the Italian capital. The Roman Catacombs, for example, are a set of over sixty subterranean passages running for miles beneath the city, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletal remains of a civilization long since passed. In the same vein, the Capuchin Crypt is a small space located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, adorned with the skeletons of thousands of Capuchin friars buried by their order in centuries gone by.

What's On in March

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Easter

As the proud home to one of the world’s most important religious sites, it should come as no surprise that Rome takes its Catholic celebrations very seriously. Thousands of faithful pilgrims make their way to the Vatican each year to join in what may be the most significant Easter celebration on the planet, complete with a full program of masses, processions and traditions overseen by the Pope himself. While Vatican events are entirely free, those interested should be sure to book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

Throughout the Easter period, many retailers, bakeries and cafés throughout Rome offer up a whole host of festive fare. Most common among these treats is colomba, a traditional dove-shaped cake made from a soft dough, not too dissimilar to panettone more commonly eaten around Christmas time.

Somewhat ironically given the brief influx of visitors is the fact that Easter is one of the few times when Rome is almost completely empty. With most visitors and locals alike taking part in celebrations at the Vatican or at home, this is the perfect opportunity for those with less of an interest in the holiday to enjoy some of the city’s often busiest attractions and venues at their quietest – most of which remain open throughout the Easter period.

Festa della Donna

Coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, Italy’s Festa della Donna sees Rome in bloom with bright yellow Mimosa flowers in honor of its female population. The day serves as somewhat of a more Italian Valentine’s Day, with many men traditionally treating their partners to dinner and a bunch of pretty Mimosas.

Many women also take the day as an opportunity for a girls’ night out, gathering for dinner and drinks and often dressing fittingly in all yellow. A staple of Roman life for the best part of a century (or even longer, depending on who you ask), the Festa della Donna serves to recognize women’s day-to-day efforts and sacrifices.

St. Patrick’s Day

Second home to all manner of expats from around the world, Rome makes sure to put on a show for some of the year’s most popular international events. Early on March 17, one or more of Rome’s central churches will host a mass in honor of Ireland’s patron saint for the city’s growing Irish population, and many venues throughout the city host special events throughout the day (many alcohol-related).

If you’re looking to celebrate in true Irish fashion, you’ll want to make your way to one of Rome’s Irish pubs to sink a few pints of Guinness with your fellow visitors and expats. Some of the most popular venues include The Druid’s Den, The Fiddler’s Elbow, Finnegan’s and Scholars Lounge, most of which have live bands playing traditional Irish ditties through to the wee hours of the morning.

As you stumble between pubs or back to your hotel in the evening, keep your eyes peeled to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks bathed in a lush Irish green as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening marketing campaign. Having now run for over a decade, this campaign has in previous years seen the likes of even the Colosseum and Trajan’s Column don their Irish jackets for the day.

Run Rome Marathon

Get your training shoes ready and lumber up ahead of your trip to Rome in March for one of the world’s most stunning marathons. Each March, Run Rome draws in hundreds of Romans and visitors alike for an exhilarating 26-mile exploration of the eternal city.

The course takes avid athletes on a whirlwind tour across the antique cobblestones of Rome, beginning by the Colosseum and continuing along the Fori Imperiali and through St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Passing by many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, a ticket for the Run Rome Marathon means admission to a rare open-air museum available only to the athletically ambitious.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Ponte Sant'Angelo leading to Castel Sant'Angelo
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Best Time to Visit Rome

Home to some of the most iconic monuments, attractions and historical sites both in Europe and the world as a whole, Rome is consistently one of the continent’s most popular destinations for its unique blend of culture, history, climate and cuisine. Though many of the eternal city’s top sights are very much evergreen, making for a fairly dependable trip no matter the time of year, the exact period in which you choose to visit comes with its own unique set of characteristics. Between varying weather, seasonal events and changing tourism rates, each quarter of the year offers something slightly different. Naturally, there can be no definitive best period to visit Rome, and the benefits of one season easily match up against those of another. As such, we’ve summarized the best of each season to help give you more insight into their individual characteristics, which we hope will help you figure out the best time to visit Rome according to your own preferences. Winter (December – February) Average Temperature: 37 - 59°F • Average Rainfall: 6 - 9 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 3 - 5 hours/day For the most part, winter in Rome typically stands among the quietest periods for the city. In the absence of the glorious summertime weather and the waves of family-oriented holidaymakers, the Italian capital falls into somewhat of a relaxed lull throughout winter. Though Rome can never truly be considered quiet at any given time, owing to its largely evergreen attractions and lauded reputation for city breaks, this is by far its most serene period of the year. Most attractions and venues, while still somewhat busy, are likely to be much more smooth to visit, without nearly as many crowds as the busier months. There is, of course, a brief caveat in this trend, namely the holiday season. Proud home to the beating heart of Roman Catholicism, Vatican City, many visitors and devotees alike flock to the eternal city throughout December to revel in its impressive array of cultural and religious events. Between the city’s comparatively quiet nature and the thrilling bustle of the holiday season, many consider winter to be the best time to visit Rome. By visiting off-season, you’ll also often benefit from some of the lowest airfare and hotel prices of the year, sometimes at quite a hefty discount on peak-season rates. Things to do in Winter Should you find yourself in Rome during the holiday season, you’ll find the city awash with delightful installations and festive events. Naturally, the Vatican tends to be the epicenter of it all, adorned with festive displays to complement the famous mass headed by the Pope himself. Throughout Rome itself, you’ll also find a smattering of delightful European Christmas markets, alongside temporary ice rinks at the Auditorium Parco della Musica and the Ice Space Village. For the rest of winter, you may want to take advantage of the smaller throughput of tourists to enjoy some of the city’s top attractions and landmarks at their quietest. Of course, the likes of the Colosseum and Vatican City will inevitably top the list, but you’ll see some of the greatest differences around the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, usually packed with visitors and therefore tricky to capture just right. What’s On in Winter The winter season in Rome is largely dominated by religious events. Aside from those taking place throughout the holiday season, there’s also the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, an impressive Hanukkah celebration, the parade of the Three Kings for the Epiphany and the oddly animal-oriented Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate. That being said, the few non-religious events to take place throughout the season also happen to be some of the country’s biggest of the year. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in a big way in Rome, with impressive light shows and street parties taking place throughout the night. In February, the centuries-old Carnevale erupts in a city-wide party held over several days ahead of the traditional coming of Lent. Spring (March – June) Average Temperature: 43 - 84°F • Average Rainfall: 4 - 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 - 9 hours/day Springtime launches Rome into its early-year shoulder season, with average tourism rates resting somewhere between the quiet of winter and the bustle of summer. For the most part, though you can expect plenty of crowds, most attractions and venues should be smoothly accessible for much of the season. Even better, this period still tends to offer somewhat discounted rates on airfare and hotel prices. The weather differs quite drastically throughout spring, depending on when exactly you choose to visit. Temperatures tend to flirt between rather cool and very pleasantly warm, getting warmer and more consistent the closer to summer you get. With a relatively good chance of rain throughout the season, you’d be best advised packing an umbrella just in case, as well as some warmer clothing options. Things to do in Spring This period is best spent balancing the middling tourist scene in spring with those slightly lesser-visited attractions to get the maximum possible experience. The ruins of Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, for example stand as mere whispers of their former glory, offering some brief but mesmerizing insights into the lifestyles and daily practices of everyday folk in a civilization now long since passed. For somewhat of a whirlwind tour of Rome’s top attractions and a more convenient means of getting around, a Big Bus Rome tour offers just that and more. The tour operates a central route passing by most of the city’s most popular sights, as well as a hop-on, hop-off service and optional audio-commentary in several major languages. What’s On in Spring Embracing the true spirit of spring, Rome puts on a variety of major events and celebrations committed to the themes of rebirth, growth and fertility. Though Easter naturally takes the cake, with an official mass held at the Vatican, there’s also the Festa della Primavera, or Spring Festival, which sees much of the city adorned with blooms of fiery roses and azaleas. Also popular is the Romanesco Artichoke Festival, held in the neighboring coastal town of Ladispoli. Spring also happens to be littered with holidays and festivities, such as Republic Day, marked by a major military parade through the streets of the capital, and the Birthday of Rome, characterized by another procession led by historical re-enactors dressed in clothing from various historical periods. Summer (July – September) Average Temperature: 61 - 90°F • Average Rainfall: 3 - 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 8 - 11 hours/day Summer in Rome is easily the most popular and busy period for tourism. Throughout the season, visitors can expect to queue and book sufficiently in advance for their choice of attractions and venues. Given the higher demand, the likes of airfare and accommodation prices also tend to peak around this time. Though the eternal city has much appeal across the board, one of the defining factors in the summertime rush is its idyllic Mediterranean climate. For most of the season, temperatures remain consistently warm and pleasant, with near-constant sunshine to add to the package. Between the fantastic weather and thrilling bustle of summer, it’s no surprise that the majority of visitors consider this the best time to visit Rome. Things to do in Summer As mentioned earlier, many of Rome’s top attractions can get particularly busy around summer. Though that shouldn’t deter you from exploring some of the continent’s most iconic landmarks and historical sites, you’ll want to plan accordingly to avoid any potential disappointment. Aside from exploring some of the capital’s poster-boy attractions, summertime couldn’t be better for taking some time to enjoy some of Rome’s serene parks and open spaces. Topping the list are the central glades of Villa Borghese, the romantic skyline views atop Pincio Hill and the impressive diversity of international flora houses within the seventeenth-century Botanical Garden. What’s On in Summer Rome’s peak tourism season just so happens to coincide with some of its biggest and most hotly anticipated events. Many events, such as the Isola del Cinema film festival, the Rock in Roma music festival and the Lungo il Tevere exhibition space running along the banks of the Tiber stick around for most of summer, meaning you can usually enjoy your pick of the litter no matter when exactly you choose to visit. Many of these events also turn Rome into even more of a cultural hotspot than usual, such as the Concerti del Tempietto theater series held within the ancient Marcello Theater. Toward the end of the season, the Romaeuropa festival brings together international artists across various disciplines to offer a series of stellar dance, music, theater circus and digital arts performances. Fall (October – November) Average Temperature: 46 - 73°F • Average Rainfall: 8 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 4 - 6 hours/day Fall marks the late-year shoulder season for Rome, characterized once again by tourist traffic somewhere between that of summer and winter. In much the same way as throughout spring, you can be fairly sure of comparatively lower rates on airfare and hotel prices. Much of the fall in Rome offers exactly what you’d expect of the season, with typically cool to mild temperatures dominating much of the month, paired with dwindling daylight hours and sunshine. With at least one day of rainfall likely each week, you’d be best off making sure to pack an umbrella and a waterproof jacket alongside some relatively warm clothing. Things to do in Fall As mentioned earlier, the shoulder seasons in Rome are the best times to explore some of the city’s lesser-visited attractions. Unbeknownst to some, the eternal city has its very own Egyptian-style pyramid, the Pyramid of Cestius, alongside the similarly Egyptian-inspired Flaminian Obelisk and Obelisk of Montecitorio located on Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Monte Citorio, respectively. With the spooky season falling slap-bang in the middle of fall, you may find yourself looking to get into the spirit of Halloween. Many major tourist venues and restaurants throughout Rome offer their own themed parties, but for some truly authentic macabre chills, the likes of the Rome Catacombs and the Capuchin Crypt certainly aren’t for the faint of heart. What's On in Fall Rome truly becomes the national epicenter of cultural events throughout fall. While also continuing to carry the torch of the Romaeuropa festival, the city also hosts the Rome Art Week to showcase hundreds of international artists across various disciplines, alongside the October Rome Film Fest in celebration of all things cinema. Save on attractions in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with the Go City Exporer Pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Robert Heaney
Expertly-crafted interior walls of the Pantheon
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Rome in May

As Rome waltzes toward the coming summertime rush, May offers a unique window of idyllic Mediterranean weather, delectable Italian cuisine and the last remnants of a somewhat quieter capital. If you’re looking for the best combination of circumstances to visit the eternal city, a trip to Rome in May is truly the one to beat. Visiting Rome in May Average Temperature: 55 - 75°F • Average Rainfall: 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day May is perhaps one of the most idyllic periods in which to visit Rome. As spring begins drawing to a close, so too does the spring shoulder season as visitors begin flocking to the Italian capital in force for their own brief piece of Mediterranean paradise. This is typically the final hoorah before the coming peak season of tourism, which makes it prime time to experience the best that the city has to offer while it’s still comparatively quiet. Come early enough in the month, and you’re likely to still benefit from off-peak airfare and accommodation rates, with prices not quite as low as winter and early spring but often significantly lower than summertime rates. With summer just around the corner, Rome in May well and truly embraces its renowned Mediterranean climate. Average temperatures range between mild and very pleasantly warm, complemented by regular sunshine ideal for exploring the city or relaxing on a traditional Italian terrace. That being said, at least one day of rainfall per week isn’t yet out of the question, so it’s always wise to pack an umbrella just in case. Things to do in May Just about any visitor to Rome is sure to be keen to tour some of the eternal city’s poster-boy landmarks and attractions. Of course, taking pride of place is the Colosseum, renowned UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest standing amphitheater on Earth. Following closely behind, the Pantheon temple offers a remarkably intact insight into ancient Roman social and religious practices and pastimes. Whether you’re a devout Catholic, an architectural enthusiast or simply a keen traveler looking to tick off the smallest country in the world, Vatican City is certain to be of interest. Home to the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, the vast historical collections of the Vatican Museums and, of course, the famous seat of Roman Catholicism, the Vatican is truly one of Europe’s greatest marvels and a real bucket-list destination. Among the most attractive places throughout Rome to take a break from wandering the busy city streets are the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain. Popular with many tourists for their incredibly photogenic qualities, these are often some of the most crowded places during peak times, so be sure to arrive early enough in the day if you’re looking to snap that perfect shot. For an alternative way to explore the Italian capital and a chance to rest your feet between attractions, a Big Bus Rome tour passes by many of the city’s top landmarks and offers audio insights into their cultural and historical significance. Those looking to discover an otherwise untold underworld of Rome can explore the macabre underground passages of the Rome Catacombs, lined floor to ceiling with the skeletons of a civilization long since passed. If you find yourself in Rome for more than just a few days, why not take advantage of the idyllic weather to experience more of what Italy has to offer? Just over an hour away by train, the likes of Naples, Florence and Pompeii each offer a unique blend of Italian culture, history and cuisine ideal for a delightful day out. What's On in May Primo Maggio May 1 marks a rather important day for Italy, with a national holiday for Primo Maggio, or May Day, offering many businesses and services the opportunity to take the day off. Running in conjunction with the holiday, the Festa dei Lavoratori, or Worker’s Day, commemorates the efforts of the working population and the social and economic achievements of trade unions on behalf of their members. While much of the country takes the day to rest, Rome’s trade unions famously host the annual Concerto del Primo Maggio outside the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, just a short walk from the Colosseum. The concert typically begins in the late afternoon and continues right into the late hours of the night, with performances from a variety of established and upcoming Italian artists. With many stores and services closed for the day, May 1 is an ideal day for outdoor excursions. If the weather’s in your favor, the likes of Palatine Hill, the Botanical Garden, the Orange Garden and the Rome Rose Garden are fantastic for a relaxing day out beneath the sun with a picnic of traditional Italian meats and local wine. Rome Outdoor Festival For the best part of a month in late spring, Rome’s Mattatoio Testaccio museum comes alive as it hosts Italy’s largest annual metropolitan culture festival. Through a vast program of events, the Rome Outdoor Festival serves to celebrate Italian art, music and pop culture in all forms, centered around a different theme each year. The festival spreads itself across several key festival zones. Taking pride of place, the Art Pavilion is home to a variety of engaging and often interactive art installations from both established and rising international artists. The Television Section offers a program of screenings and events dedicated to entertainment, science, culture, sports, TV and movies. Guest speakers and organizations hold performances, debates and lectures on a variety of topics in the Conference Section, while the Market Area offers local and international artisans and designers the opportunity to exhibit and sell their wares. The market typically introduces a new theme each week, making for a rolling catalog of vendors and products, while the city’s best bartenders offer attendees a specialist menu of beverages and refreshments in the food area. Open House Roma In celebration of Rome’s world-class architecture and design, Open House Roma invites the public to explore some of the city’s most lauded buildings for one weekend each spring. The event aims to feature a balanced mix of architecture, from small-scale to large and ancient to contemporary, typically opening the doors to more than 200 sites dating back throughout the vast history of the city. Venues are spread across various categories, including private residences, buildings little known to many of Rome’s residents, hospitality establishments, key locations from throughout various historical eras and a collection of institutes dedicated to knowledge, culture and research. As an Open House event, visitors have a rare opportunity to discover some of Rome’s more exclusive architectural marvels free of charge. For those with more of a specialist interest in the design, heritage and preservation of the venues, the festival also features various talks, tours and special events hosted by experts throughout many of the buildings.
Robert Heaney
Things to do in Rome for a Birthday
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Things to do in Rome for a Birthday

Having some birthday celebrations in Rome? Look no further than our exciting guide on what to do and what to see on the big day! Buon compleanno!
Dom Bewley

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