Weather in Italy in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across Italy in March run from 12.3°C (Venice) to 16.8°C (Sicily). Even in Sicily only 1% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 6.5°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Venice fall to 2°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Sicily the driest (8 days) and Taormina the wettest (12 days). The wettest March at Sicily between 1991 and 2020 was 2020 with 164 mm; the driest was 2000 with 14 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 13.3°C around Italy in March - warmest at Sicily (14.6°C). That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.7 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in Italy

March is the 9th warmest month of the twelve in Italy. It is 3.0°C warmer than February and 3.1°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (29°C) and the coolest January (10°C).

Which part of Italy in March?

• Most sunshine: Sicily, 6.4 h a day.
• Driest: Sicily, about 8 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sicily, 15°C.
• Hottest: Sicily, 17°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Venice, 12°C.

What to pack for Italy in March

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 14°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 6°C; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of Italy's March daytime average: Athens (16°C, sea 14°C), Barcelona (16°C, sea 13°C), Bodrum (16°C, sea 16°C), Valletta (16°C, sea 15°C), Madrid (16°C). See the full ranking for March.

Where to go for the mildest weather

Sicily stands out for warmth, with daytime temperatures averaging 17°C and 8 rainy days, making it a sensible choice if outdoor time is your priority. Local differences still matter: Taormina is cooler and wetter, so do not assume everywhere on the island feels the same. Sardinia and Puglia both have relatively mild nights at 9°C, useful if you dislike a sharp chill after sunset. Rome and Naples offer comfortable daytime averages of 15°C, though rain needs a place in your plans. Choosing the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento does not buy you extra daytime warmth: both average 14°C. Venice is the coolest option at 12°C, better suited to travellers happy to keep a coat handy.

Pack for changing conditions, not summer

The main catch is the gap between a mild afternoon and a cold evening. Florence and Verona both average 14°C by day but fall to 4°C at night, so a light daytime outfit alone will not cover the whole day. Bring layers, a warmer outer layer and a waterproof jacket, with footwear you are comfortable wearing in rain. Italy averages 9 rainy days in March, so leave room to move outdoor plans around rather than relying on every day staying dry. Average sunshine of 5.7 hours gives some scope for time outside, but it is not a promise of uninterrupted sun. March suits travellers who can adapt their day more than those seeking dependable warmth.