Vatican City Weather in March

March weather in Vatican City

March feels like early spring: cool mornings, mild afternoons and the odd wet spell. The average high is 16°C, with rain on about 10 days, so a shower can interrupt a long outdoor visit. February is cooler and wetter, while April is warmer and drier.

You can comfortably explore St Peter's Square, stroll along Via della Conciliazione and spend time in the Vatican Museums. Save the open-air parts for a dry spell, and don't count on a full day of sunshine. The gardens are lovely, but visits are usually guided and need arranging through the Vatican Museums.

Events and crowds

The Catholic calendar marks the Feast of St Joseph on March 19. Holy Week and Easter sometimes fall in March, bringing major services and more visitors around St Peter's Basilica. Their dates change each year, so check the calendar for your trip.

If you hate crowds, avoid planning your visit around Holy Week. Outside that period, March is generally calmer than the busy late spring and summer months. It's a shoulder-season choice, and stays in nearby Rome can cost less than during peak periods, though prices vary.

Make your visit smoother

Travelling with kids? The Vatican Museums are a good rainy-day option, but the route is long and can feel tiring. Give yourself time for pauses rather than trying to see every gallery.

For St Peter's Basilica, enter through St Peter's Square and allow time for security checks. Dress modestly: visitors can be turned away if shoulders or knees aren't covered. If you're visiting during a papal audience or a major church service, access around the square may change, so check the Vatican's official schedule before setting out.