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Packing for Rome in March? Let's Make It Easy!
Packing for Rome in March?
After more than 20 years living Rome through this winter-to-spring month, I can tell you just what to pack, how to manage fluctuating temperatures and weather, and how not to overpack.
Find out what kind of weather to expect, how I dress in Rome in March, and what not to leave at home.
Packing for Rome in March - what to bring and how to dress
March in Rome can have some mixed weather - sometimes you'll find beautiful sunny days, and other times, grey, soggy ones.
A waterproof hiking jacket with removable lining is a great item to bring with you to Rome this month, since it's three jackets in one and gives you lots of flexibility.
Bring jeans, long-sleeved cotton tops, and closed-toed, comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Even better if one pair is waterproof.
On this page, you'll find:
- What weather to expect in Rome in March
- Dressing for the rain in Rome
- How I dress in Rome in March - my best advice
- Things to pack in any season
Weather in Rome in March
I always think of March as the beginning of spring, but most of March is technically winter, and it usually feels like winter, especially at the start of the month.
The weather improves as spring approaches.
This is me on March 1, when it still felt like winter. I am wearing a wool pea coat and a warm winter scarf, but I didn't need a hat or gloves.The temperature in Rome at the beginning of March averages 50-54°F (10-12°C) during the day and around 40-45°F (4-7°C) at night.
By the end of the month, the temperature feels noticeably warmer during the day, averaging around 55-60°F (12-16°C), while nighttime temperatures are still cold.
Throughout most of March, I wear jeans, tennis shoes, and a waterproof jacket or windbreaker.
Even at the start of the month, it can feel warm during the day, so I layer my tops. I wear short- and long-sleeved cotton tees or sometimes a light sweater.
On March 1, we are still in full-on winter, as you can see from how these people are dressed at the Spanish Steps.Depending on the weather, I might wear or bring a cardigan.
And as always, I never leave the house without a scarf. In early March, I wear warm winter scarves, and by the end of the month, I wear lighter cotton scarves.
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.Daylight Saving Time starts on the last Sunday in March, so the days feel even longer.
And by then, the weather is warming up to the point where you probably don't need any winter sweaters or coats.
Dressing for the rain in Rome
March is a rainy month, or it can be.
On the rare occasion that it's snowed in Rome, it was in February, so you are unlikely to encounter snow on your visit this month.
But hail and sleet are possible, so come prepared.
Even if we usually don't get torrential downpours in Rome, a quick rainshower shouldn't stop you from having a great time.
The wisteria on via Margutta is getting set to bloom sometime in April, but in March, it's still mostly winter, and it can look and feel like it.For March, I always recommend bringing a fabric rain hat that you can easily fold up and carry in your bag.
I also suggest bringing a quality travel umbrella along with a waterproof jacket or coat.
Packing for Rome in March - How I Dress
I walk around Rome year-round.
I walk to meet people, I walk to sightsee (yes, I do a lot of that).
And I walk as much as I can because, well, it's Rome.
So believe me, I know how to dress in Rome, for any month.
These are my recommendations for packing for Rome in March, many of which I own and use:
The weather in Rome in March can be 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 Alessandro wears when walking around Rome.
When it's raining in Rome, he doesn't leave home without it.
At the beginning of March, you may want to have some gloves with you just in case.
These e-tip gloves are ideal for cold weather as I can keep them on when I make calls or take pix.
A scarf is a must in Rome any time of year.
In early March, I wear heavier woolen scarves, and by the end of the month, I usually wear lighter cotton or silk scarves.
In Italy, scarves are worn by women and men year-round.
This is partly due to a sense of fashion, but mostly because Italians have a firm belief that you should always keep your neck warm.
My favorite jacket to wear in winter and early spring is my waterproof hiking jacket with a removable shell. It's like having three jackets in one.
This is a great item to pack for your March visit to Rome, as you can adapt it to the varying weather you'll likely encounter this month.
This is a men's version of the same type of jacket: waterproof, sporty, and with removable lining.
Since March can be rainy, you may want to come ready with a good-quality travel umbrella.
Yes, you can always buy one here if you forget, even from a street vendor, but these are usually poor quality.
I love mine, which features wind-resistant ribs and a cool open AND close button. It's also small and doesn't weigh a lot, so I just pop it in my backpack when I leave the house, and then I have it if I need it.
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.
In March, I wear cushioned Tennis shoes, but if it rains, I get out my waterproof hiking shoes, like these.
This men's waterproof, lightweight hiking shoe is perfect for sightseeing in Rome in March.
PRO TIP
Plan for 4-6 outfit combinations with 3-5 pieces.
Voilà!
Your carry-on stays under 10 kg.
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.Jump start your trip to Rome with a free ebook 😀
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General Rome packing tips for any time of year
What else do you need to consider when packing for Rome in March?
These are just a few of my recommendations for what is essential to pack for Rome, any time of year:
I don't leave the house, let alone travel, without my handy portable charger. Since I use my phone for so many things, such as taking photos, watching videos, getting directions, checking mail, etc., the battery can deplete pretty quickly.
This charger quickly brings the battery up to full, so I don't have to worry about running out while I'm on the go.
Any medications you take, along with a list of these medications - I recommend keeping these with you in your carry-on, rather than packing them in your checked luggage.
Photocopies of your passport (or a scan on your phone or tablet).
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.
One of my favorite things to help me pack are these high-quality compression 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 toiletries.
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.
No matter the season, I almost always walk around Rome with a small comfortable backpack.
I like keeping my hands free, and I like having a place to keep all my stuff, especially clothing layers, including a scarf.
But most importantly, I need to keep the weight balanced on my back. For some, a messenger bag or crossbody bag could work too.
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, flights cancelled or delayed, or 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.
Find more information on what to expect when traveling to Rome in March here, here for general tips about visiting Rome in winter, here for Rome in spring, and here for current exhibits and events in March in Rome.
Visit our dedicated pages about what to pack for Rome for every month:
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