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Packing for Rome in March
Packing for Rome in March?
Wondering what to bring and what to wear when you visit Rome in March?
Find out what kind of weather to expect, how to dress, and what not to leave at home!
Packing for Rome in March- what to bring and how to dress
The most important tip for packing for Rome in March is to bring layers, as the weather can change a lot from day to day.
March in Rome can have some beautiful sunny days but also some grey, rainy days, so come prepared for both situations!
Regardless of whether you’re visiting Rome in early March, mid-March or at the end of March, it’s crucial to bring lots of layers along with a waterproof jacket, so that you can adjust your clothing if it gets warmer or starts raining while you're here.
On this page you'll find:
- Preparing for rain in Rome
- My suggestions for packing for Rome in March
- What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late March
- More suggestions for things to pack no matter what the season
- How to dress in Rome in March
The BEST packing cubes!
One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality packing cubes.
They are super-sturdy, waterproof, and expandable.
They help me organize everything and keep stuff from moving around in my suitcase.
The packing cubes come in different sizes so it's also great for lumping together workout clothes or toilettries.
Dressing for the rain in Rome
Rain in Rome in March is fairly likely, especially at the start of the month when it is still winter in Rome, although snow is very rare.
Even if we usually don't get torrential downpours in Rome, if it does rain at some point during your visit, it shouldn't stop you from having a great time.
I always recommend bringing a rain-hat, which is small and light and easy to pop in your bag.
When packing for Rome in March I would also suggest bringing a quality travel umbrella along with a waterproof jacket or coat.
Packing for Rome in March - Essentials
After nearly 20 years of living here and experiencing the weather in Rome in March, I have lots of experience with dressing comfortably for walking around the city a lot throughout the month, just like you’ll be doing when you visit!
These are my personal recommendations for packing for Rome in March:
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The weather in Rome in March can be very iffy at times, with rain showers, and sometimes even hail appearing out of nowhere!
A rain hat like this quilted one is ideal as it is small and warm, yet so lightweight you can easily pop it in your bag and have it ready in case of an unexpected rain shower.
This waterproof rain hat is similar to the one my husband wears when walking around Rome.
When it's raining in Rome, he doesn't leave home without it!
These e-tip gloves are ideal for cold weather as I can keep them on while I use my phone to make calls or take pix.
My pair of these gloves still look great after many uses and being washed.
A scarf should be on your packing list whenever you visit Rome.
In winter and early spring, I find that a large pashmina such as this one is a better option compared to a regular scarf, as it can be used in multiple ways.
I prefer to go for a scarf with a blend of cashmere and silk because it's not too hot, and also doesn't make me itch.
In Italy, scarves are worn by women and men year-round.
This is in part due to the fashion for wearing scarves, but mostly because Italians have a firm belief that you should always keep your neck warm!
The best jacket you can wear when sight-seeing in Rome in March is a waterproof hiking jacket, with removable lining, unless you have an event or fancy dinner.
I have several of these jackets which are mainly worn when I go hiking, but I also wear them during Rome in winter and early spring when it can be colder than you might expect!
I have a Colombia jacket (like the one pictured) and a North Face jacket but there are a lot of great brands you can choose from.
This is a men's version of the same type of jacket: waterproof, sporty, and with removable lining.
It's actually 3 jackets in one so this is perfect for including in your packing for Rome in March!
I will always bring a good travel umbrella with me wherever I travel.
When packing for Rome in March it's definitely a good idea to include one like this - you can always buy one here if you forget, even off a street vendor, but the quality likely won't be as good.
I love mine which has features like wind-resistant ribs, and a cool open AND close button as well as being small enough to carry in a backpack.
Heavy cotton pants or comfortable jeans are an excellent idea for men, women, and children alike.
A warm cardigan, pullover, or turtleneck is also a good idea so that if you want to take off your jacket, you will still be warm and cozy.
Another handy thing to pack for rainy weather in Rome is a light rain poncho.
I've seen so many people shelling out money to street vendors when it rains unexpectedly in Rome in March.
Bring your own and come prepared.
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When packing for Rome in March, don't forget to include the following items in your packing list:
For more packing inspiration, watch my guide about what to pack for winter in Rome:
The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome
Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.
In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.
And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.
Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.
What to wear in Rome in early, mid, and late March
You can expect the weather in Rome in March to be downright cold at the start of the month, but as the days go on the weather gets better and better as we approach the start of spring.
The temperature in Rome at the beginning of March averages around 50-54 Fahrenheit/10-12 Celsius during the day and around 40-45 Fahrenheit/4-7 Celsius during the night.
By the end of the month it feels noticeably warmer during the day, averaging around 55-60 Fahrenheit/12-16 Celsius, while the nighttime remains pretty cold.
Packing for Rome in March? It is still winter for most of the month so be sure to pack plenty of layers!Whether you're packing for Rome in March for the beginning, middle or end of the month, you'll definitely want to bring some good basics for layering such as cotton t-shirts or long-sleeved tops, jeans/cotton pants, a cardigan or pullover, and a rain-jacket with removable lining.
If the sun is out it will feel warm so a mix of lighter and heavier layers is ideal.
To be more specific:
Packing for Rome in early march
In early March, the weather in Rome will likely be on the colder side, so be sure to pack heavier layers and a good waterproof coat or jacket.
It's definitely not shorts weather yet so packing jeans or heavy cotton pants is a good idea, although some days in early March when the sun is out you may feel comfortable in a t-shirt.
The temperature will drop in the evening even if the sun has been shining during the daytime, so be sure to bring a jumper or cardigan with you to stay warm.
On March 1, we are still in full-on winter, as you can see from how these people are dressed at the Spanish Steps.It's also more likely to rain at some point during a trip to Rome in early March so I'd recommend keeping an umbrella and/or good rain hat with you at all times.
Packing for Rome in Mid-march
By mid-March, the weather is starting to improve and there's a good chance you will have lots of sunny days while exploring the city.
Pack some lighter tops as well as a jacket with removable layers, so you can remove the heavier layer during the day when it feels warmer.
Looking at the people at the Colosseum on this sunny day in mid-March, they tend to be wearing lighter tops without coats or scarves, but still long pants.Spring is just around the corner so there will likely be days where it feels really warm so you could pack some short-sleeved tops for these days.
The temperature can change quite quickly so take a cardigan or sweater with you.
Even if the sun has been shining in the daytime, it will feel much cooler in the evening, so you will definitely need to wear a sweater/jumper as well as a jacket.
And don't forget that scarf!
Packing for Rome in late march
By the end of March, spring has properly started.
Daylight Saving Time starts on the last weekend in March so the days get even longer and the weather is usually sunny and mild during in the middle of the day.
By the end of March in Rome, spring has kicked in and even if it's still not as warm as you might think, you will most likely want to wear lighter clothes in the middle of the day.If you're packing for a trip to Rome in late March, it still isn't really shorts weather, but you will feel comfortable in a short-sleeved top and long cotton pants - just remember to pack a jacket or coat to put on when the sun starts to set.
You may still want to bring a warm scarf for the evenings when the temperature drops after the sun starts to set.
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General Rome packing tips for any time of year
So what else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in March?
These are just a few of my personal recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:
Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I would recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
Photocopies of your passport.
Plug converters for your dual-voltage appliances. Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. Most electronic devices (cameras, cell phones, laptops, electric shavers) default to dual voltage, but you will need a plug adapter as the plug shapes are different here. This universal adapter covers you in multiple locations if you travel to different parts of the world.
Carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit will ensure peace of mind when traveling. I always like having one with me when I travel, it’s very handy for when you need something quickly.
Travel insurance isn't something to pack but it is something not to forget!
I can't tell you the times our B&B guests had lost luggage that never arrived, had flights cancelled or delayed, or had documents/wallets pickpocketed. Double check what your credit card covers - chances are you are not covered for what you need when these things happen!
I've got lots more suggestions for what to bring when you visit Rome.
As well as the specific information here about packing for Rome in March, see my page about What to Pack for Rome where you can download a handy packing list, and visit my Amazon page for all my shopping recommendations!
What to wear in Rome in March
So how should you dress when you visit Rome in March?
My top tip for any time of year is to wear comfy shoes, as you'll most likely be doing a lot of walking.
Rule 1: Be Comfortable!
My number one rule for sightseeing in Rome, all year round: be comfortable.
This is most important for your shoes.
It is crucial to wear good walking shoes, and good quality socks.
I would recommend only bringing shoes you have already broken in, and don’t worry about looking like a tourist - that’s exactly what you are!
While it is starting to feel warmer in Rome in March, I would recommend only packing closed-toe shoes.
No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 essential things we recommend never leaving home without:
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Rule 2: Dress in Layers
The next rule, which is very appropriate for March is: dress in layers.
Since the weather in Rome in March can vary a good deal from day to day, as well as from day to night, it's essential to wear breathable layers that you can remove/put on easily such as light cotton t-shirts, cardigans/pullovers/jumpers and waterproof jackets.
I would also recommend wearing a backpack as you walk around Rome, so you can have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your umbrella or rain hat ready in case it rains.
Bottom line, to sightsee comfortably in Rome in March:
- Wear good walking shoes
- Dress in jeans or heavy cotton pants
- Wear a light cotton top with a sweater/cardigan
- Bring a waterproof coat/jacket
- Bring a rain hat and/or an umbrella
- Last but not least, don't forget the Italian MUST WEAR - a scarf. Always a scarf.
Unless you are planning on attending a special event, there is no need to bring dressy clothes to Rome.
When packing for Rome in March, it is fine to wear more casual clothes to eat out at many restaurants in Rome so you do not need to pack much, if any, evening-wear.
Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in March here or watch my video:
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
Romewise's Top Travel Resources
Ready to book your trip to Rome? Take a look at these helpful links to companies we use and trust:
- Keep your travel spending simple with the Wise card, which removes all the worry about exchange rates and high transaction fees all over the world
- Search for and book your perfect accommodation
- Our complete guide to what to pack for Rome
- The number one travel accessory, a multi-point travel adapter and voltage converter
- Browse a huge range of tours in Rome and beyond
- Experience unique tours and special access to Rome's most popular sights
- Protect yourself with comprehensive travel insurance
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