A Complete Guide to Visiting Florence in March

I love Florence in March because the temperatures finally start to warm (a bit), and you can feel the city slowly waking up again. And it feels especially fitting: the name Firenze is believed to derive from the Latin Florentia, meaning “to flourish” – so spring truly suits Florence.

Here’s what you need to know about coming to visit Florence this time of year:

• Where to stay in Florence in March?
• What’s the weather like? Does it rain a lot?
• What to pack for visiting Florence in March? What to wear?
• Is March a good time to visit Florence?
• What food is in season in March?
• What are some things to do in Florence in March?

San Giovanni, the central district surrounding the Florence Duomo, is an excellent place to stay during this month. 

Staying here means you can step out of your door and already be close to Florence’s most famous landmarks without having to do too much walking/navigating. 

March is also a good moment to enjoy the city before the spring crowds start to form. You’ll still find tables at restaurants relatively easy, and shorter lines at some of the city’s most popular spots. 

Of course we still recommend book bucket-list places in advance – always better to be safe than sorry.

Before getting too excited (myself included) it’s important to remember that March is early spring. This means that while there is a gradual increase in temperatures, unfortunately the first of the month is not going to be light jacket weather. 

The official start of spring is March 20, but early in the month Florence still feels transitional. While you’ll likely enjoy some beautiful sunny days, rain is still common, especially in the first half of March.

The upside? Cooler temperatures and occasional showers help keep crowds lower than in peak season, making it much easier to take in the city’s beauty without feeling rushed.

I’ve learned to embrace March rain in Florence. Some of my favorite days exploring the city have been on cooler, drizzly afternoons – as long as you’re dressed for it of course.

As for rain, well yes, March can be a rainier month than others, because it’s spring/pre-spring. But it’s hit or miss, and sometimes you just have glorious blue-sky days.

Weather-wise, March begins on the cooler side. Nighttime lows typically range from 40–44°F (4–6°C), with daytime highs around 54–58°F (12–14°C). By the end of the month, spring truly starts to settle in, and average daytime temperatures rise to 60–64°F (16–18°C).

Packing tips for March in Florence

Packing for Florence in March is relatively straightforward – but layers are always key. The weather can shift throughout the day, so it’s important to dress in pieces you can easily add or remove.

When it comes to long sleeves vs. short sleeves it really comes down to personal preference. I tend to lean toward long sleeves since I get cold easily, and you can always take off a top layer if the sun comes out.

For March specifically, I recommend packing at least one rain-resistant layer. A good rain jacket makes all the difference, and paired with warm layers underneath, you’ll be comfortable even on stormy days.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of good-quality socks. There’s nothing worse than walking around all day with soggy feet, so I always make sure to wear my warmest, most reliable pair when I’m out and about – sometimes I’ll even pack an extra pair into my bag, just in case.

What to wear in Florence in March

Consider skipping the stilettos (a nightmare with the cobblestones), and instead opt for a nice pair of boots or flats, and comfortable sneakers for during the day. 

Also, If umbrellas aren’t your thing, I’ve noticed rain hats becoming more popular – and honestly, I think they’re pretty chic. They pull an outfit together and keep you dry at the same time – truly a win-win.

Of course I am biased and think that every month is perfect for visiting Florence, but March does have a special appeal. 

How crowded is Florence during March?

You may not notice it if it’s your first visit, but March in Florence is still relatively quiet. The most popular areas will have visitors – of course – but overall the city feels calmer and less crowded.

If you’re hoping to save a bit of money, March can also mean lower hotel and accommodation rates compared to peak season.

That said, the city does begin to pick up toward the end of the month, so it’s still wise to book any must-visit experiences in advance.

One experience I highly recommend securing early is the Vasari Corridor – the Medici family’s secret elevated passageway that runs above the city.

It is still artichoke season in March so I will definitely be enjoying those, but you will also still see plenty of winter greens too: broccoletti, broccolo romanesco, and chicory.

As the weather begins to warm, early signs of spring start appearing too. Asparagus and strawberries begin to show up toward the end of the month, along with fresh peas and fava beans.

There is also a very particular green to get in early spring: agretti. Agretti look like grass, taste like spinach, and are a very seasonal, very Italian green. Try it with pasta, in omelettes, or simply sautéed and served alongside Florentine steak.

And don’t miss one of March’s most beloved treats: Bignè di San Giuseppe. These pastries appear around March 19 for the Feast of Saint Joseph and are only available for a short time each year.

March holidays and special dates in Florence

Special dates in March include International Women’s Day, the Feast of the Annunciation, Father’s Day and sometimes Easter.

March 8 – International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day or Festa della Donna on March 8 is a major international holiday around the world.

Although it’s not a public holiday, it’s still widely recognized.

The tradition in Italy is to give some yellow mimosa flowers to the women in your life so in early March, you will see a lot of these yellow flowers for sale in Florence.

On this day, some of Florence’s civic and state museums are free for women to enter so expect big queues for popular sights.

March 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day

Saint Patrick’s Day is not a huge celebration in Florence, but you will find plenty of bars and Irish pubs in the city center getting in on the Irish spirit.

March 19 – Father’s Day

In Italian Father’s Day is called La Festa di San Giuseppe. Giuseppe is Italian for Joseph, and of course the day celebrating fathers here is named for the one of the most famous fathers, at least in Catholic history.

Why is this important if you’re visiting Florence? Because you will want to load up on some bignè di San Giuseppe, sweet fried dough filled with custard made only at this time of year.

March 25 – Feast of the Annunciation

Florence traditionally celebrated the New Year on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, marking both the start of spring and the biblical announcement to Mary – nine months before Christmas.

Even after the Gregorian calendar introduced January 1 as New Year’s Day, Florence continued observing March 25 for nearly two centuries. Today, the city still commemorates its historic “New Year” each year on this date.

Nowadays you will find the Piazza Santissima Annunizata full of stalls around March 25, selling all sorts of items. You can also attend a special morning mass in the church on the piazza – be aware that this is very popular with the locals so plan ahead.

Last Weekend Of March – Daylight Saving Time Begins

The last Sunday of March is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in Europe. This date differs from the U.S. and some other parts of the world. We LOSE one hour. Be aware of this if you have any Sunday morning plans like a tour or flight.

Carnival Sunday & Fat Tuesday

Often some of the Easter celebrations take place in March, especially the pre-Lent Carnival festivities.

Find out all about Easter in Florence in our dedicated page.

Free Things to do in Florence in March

On the first Sunday of each month you can access Florence’s state museums, archeological parks and cultural sites for free – yes, completely free. This includes the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, Accademia Gallery and many more.

These free entrance events are very popular, so plan to arrive early to be sure you get in.

More ideas for things to do in Florence in March

Looking to see more of Italy during your trip to Florence? Siena is one of the best day trips for the first month of Spring.

In March, cooler temperatures and lighter crowds make it especially pleasant to explore the city’s historic center. Wander through Piazza del Campo, admire the black-and-white marble of the Siena Duomo, and take in views of the Tuscan countryside.

And of course, there’s the food – Tuscan dishes like pici pasta and wild boar ragù feel especially fitting this time of year. Just over an hour from Florence by train, Siena makes for an easy and unforgettable Spring day trip.