Italy in March: Weather, Easter 2027, Events and Where to Go (2027)

Italy in March sits on the edge between winter and spring. Days grow longer, almond and wisteria start to bloom in the south, and the big crowds have not yet arrived. In 2027 the month also ends with Holy Week and Easter, which changes the plan for the final days.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Italy in March at a glance

The month splits into three distinct periods in 2027. Pick the one that matches your goal.

On the other hand, March is still too early for most beach holidays. Many seaside hotels and seasonal ferry routes only restart around Easter.

Italy in March: weather by region

March is noticeably milder than February, yet it can still swing from sun to cold rain within a day. The figures below are 1991–2020 climate normals for four airport stations, based on NOAA’s WMO climate normals and Italian weather-service data (checked September 2026). They are rounded averages, not forecasts.

In other words, afternoon highs are similar from north to south, while nights differ a lot. Milan and Florence can feel wintry after dark. By contrast, Palermo stays mild, and sunny days in Sicily already feel like spring. In the Alps, meanwhile, winter conditions continue at altitude for most of the month.

Easter 2027 and Holy Week

Easter Sunday falls on March 28 in 2027, so Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday on March 21 to Easter Monday, called Pasquetta, on March 29. Pasquetta is a national holiday, and Italians traditionally spend it on a picnic or a trip to the countryside. As a result, trains and roads get busy on that Monday.

We cover the processions, the papal liturgies in Rome and Florence’s exploding cart in our guide to Easter in Italy. For planning purposes, three points matter most. First, hotel rates in Rome and Florence rise over the Easter weekend. Second, many restaurants switch to a set Easter menu. Finally, some museums change their hours or close, as explained below.

Festivals and events in March 2027

Women’s Day on March 8

On March 8, the Festa della Donna, Italians give women sprigs of yellow mimosa. You will see bunches on sale everywhere. It is not a public holiday, so shops and museums keep normal hours.

Rome Marathon on March 14

The official Run Rome The Marathon site lists Sunday, March 14, 2027, for the race, with a 5K fun run on Saturday, March 13 (checked September 2026). The course passes many landmarks, so expect road closures and detours across central Rome that morning. If you are not running, plan indoor sights or a walk away from the route.

St. Joseph’s Day on March 19

March 19 is the feast of San Giuseppe, which is also Father’s Day in Italy. Pastry shops sell zeppole di San Giuseppe, rings of choux pastry filled with custard and topped with a sour cherry. In Rome, you may also find bignè di San Giuseppe, small filled cream puffs. Read our guide to Italian pastries for more.

Note that the Vatican Museums close on March 19. The official Vatican Museums calendar lists it among the closing days (checked September 2026). In 2027 it falls on a Friday, so book the museums for another weekday.

Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento

Agrigento’s Mandorlo in Fiore, a folk festival held among the almond trees of the Valley of the Temples, now takes place in March. The City of Agrigento announced March 7 to 15 for the 2026 edition (checked September 2026). Local press reports a shorter edition in early March 2027, but the city had not published it when we checked. A Valley of the Temples tour suits early spring either way.

Clocks change on March 28

Italy follows the European Union rule, so daylight saving time starts on the last Sunday of March. In 2027 that is March 28, which is also Easter Sunday. At 2 a.m., clocks move forward to 3 a.m. Consequently, you lose an hour of sleep on the busiest day of Holy Week. Double-check early train times, tour pickups and flight departures that morning.

The change also brings longer evenings. For example, the Colosseum stays open later from that day, as the next section shows.

Museum hours and free days in March

Opening hours shift several times in March. The Colosseum archaeological park publishes three periods for the month (checked September 2026):

• Until March 15: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., last entry at 4 p.m.
• From March 16 to the last Saturday of March: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., last entry at 4:30 p.m.
• From the last Sunday of March: 8:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., last entry at 6:15 p.m.

Our guide to Colosseum tickets explains which ticket to buy. For the Vatican, the museums close on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free. However, the official calendar excludes a last Sunday that falls on Easter. March 28, 2027 is both, so do not expect a free Vatican Sunday in March. See our guide to Vatican Museums tickets before you pick a date.

In addition, the Domenica al museo program makes state museums and archaeological parks free on the first Sunday of each month (checked September 2026). In March 2027 that should be March 7. Some sites still require a reservation, so check ahead. Our guide to free museum days in Italy lists the rules site by site.

End of the ski season

March is spring skiing season in the Alps and the Dolomites. Days are longer and the sun is warmer. Snow at lower resorts can thin out late in the month, while high-altitude areas usually keep running into April. For reference, the Dolomiti Superski season pass was valid until May 3, 2026; the 2026/27 dates were not yet published when we checked. Our guide to skiing in Italy compares the main areas. Not a skier? A Dolomites day trip from Venice shows the peaks still under snow.

Where to go in Italy in March

The art cities

Rome, Florence and Venice are at their best in early March. Lines are shorter than in spring, and the weather is fine for walking. In Rome, a Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour or a Colosseum tour with the arena floor works well on a weekday. In Florence, the Uffizi Gallery guided tour is easier to book before Easter.

The south and Sicily

For warmer days, head south. Sicily is green and blooming, and Palermo, Agrigento and Syracuse are pleasant for sightseeing. Our guide to things to do in Sicily has ideas. The Amalfi Coast, by contrast, is still waking up, and many hotels and ferry routes reopen only around Easter.

The north and the lakes

Milan and Turin are good city breaks, although the lakes stay quiet. Similarly, the Cinque Terre is in transition: the Cinque Terre tourist consortium reported that the main boat line resumed service on March 1, 2026 (checked September 2026), and the service is seasonal. Check the 2027 timetable before you rely on the boats.

Crowds, prices and what to pack

Before Holy Week, Italy in March is shoulder season. Hotel rates in the cities are often lower than in April or May, and sights feel calm on weekdays. By contrast, Easter weekend and the Rome Marathon weekend can cost more in Rome. Rates change daily, so compare prices for your own dates. Also remember that many cities add a nightly tourist tax; our guide to the Italy tourist tax lists it by city.

For packing, plan for three seasons in one day:

• A light waterproof jacket and a compact umbrella.
• A sweater or fleece for cold mornings and evenings, above all in the north.
• Comfortable, water-resistant shoes for wet cobblestones.
• A scarf or layer that covers shoulders for churches, especially during Holy Week.
• Warm gear if you plan to visit the mountains.

Comparing months? Read our guide to Italy in February for the month before.

Traveling a few weeks later? Our guide to Italy in April covers the weather after Easter, Liberation Day, Vinitaly, Milan Design Week and where to go.

Comparing March with April and May? See our season guide to Italy in spring.

Italy in March: frequently asked questions

Is March a good time to visit Italy?

Yes, especially in the first three weeks, when the art cities are calm and the weather is mild. In 2027 the last week brings Easter crowds and closures, so plan around it.

How warm is Italy in March?

Based on 1991–2020 climate normals, average highs are about 16 to 17 °C (60 to 62 °F) from Milan to Palermo. Nights range from about 4 °C (40 °F) in Milan to about 10 °C (50 °F) in Palermo.

When is Easter in 2027?

Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027, and Easter Monday is March 29. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday on March 21.

When do the clocks change in Italy in 2027?

Daylight saving time starts on the last Sunday of March, which is March 28, 2027. Clocks go forward one hour at 2 a.m.

When is the Rome Marathon in 2027?

The official race site lists Sunday, March 14, 2027. Expect road closures in central Rome that morning.