Florence in March – yes or no? It all depends on what your vacation goals are!
Florence in March is typically chilly and rainy, with the sun shining brightly some days, giving us a peek of what’s to come. But the so-so weather forecasts also guarantee fewer crowds and lower prices on hotels than other times of the year.
If you’re looking to explore the Uffizi without the crowds, look up at David’s uhhh… handsome face in a quiet Accademia Gallery, cook some pasta, relax in a cozy bookshop, or stroll along the Arno sidewalk without having to move every 5 seconds for someone taking a selfie… March could be your month!
I’m a mamma of three living just outside Florence and we’re exploring in the city twelve months of the year. I’ve also worked in Florence, lived in Florence, and spent plenty of time here in my 2+ decades of living in Italy… including in March! You can rely on my advice based on extensive first-hand experience here.
Check out my monthly guides to visiting Florence: January – February – March – September – October – November – December
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Table of Contents
Typical March Weather in Florence
March in Florence isn’t all sunshine and unicorns. In fact, you may not see either on your March visit.
While weather has been a little all over the place in Florence and Italy the past few years, we do have some historic weather to help you make a decision.
Florence weather in March is typically chilly, rainy, and sometimes windy.
Typical temperatures in Florence in March range from 41-59 °F (5-15 °C) and the city sees just over 3 inches (80 mm) of precipitation. Source: Il Meteo (ilmeteo.it)
Why You Should Visit Florence in March
Florence in March has fewer crowds than most other months of the year. If you enjoy museums, it’s a perfect month to sneak in and visit world-famous paintings and sculptures without gaggles of others.
You’ll find cheaper rates on hotels and flights (to Florence Peretola) than busier months like May through September.
It’s a good month to visit if you don’t like to plan your itinerary to the minute. In busier months, you need to make reservations and purchase tickets in advance, or you risk missing out. In March, you can be a bit more flexible with your plans.
Florence has a much more local feel in March than say, June.
Helpful Tip: If you’ve got a site, museum, or activity on your must-do list or you need to visit on a specific day, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance. Sell-outs can happen any month in Florence.
Reasons to Skip a Visit to Florence in March
March is not the season for dining outdoors in Florence (although some restaurants have outdoor areas that are walled and have space heaters).
The weather can be poor – with rain and cool temperatures. It’s not as nice to stroll the streets when you have to dodge puddles and carry an umbrella. If you’re visiting as a family, it can also be tough to keep kids dry and mud-free in March.
It’s not a great month to combine Florence with a Tuscan countryside visit. Many smaller Tuscan villages are still closed up in March. Late spring through early fall is a better time to visit.
Things to See & Do in March in Florence
This isn’t a list of every possible thing you can do in Florence in March… just some of my favorites.
Walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo – Along with winter, early spring is one of the best times of the year to walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo. You may even end up alone, which is unheard of in summer months. The sunsets are still gorgeous (although earlier, so check the sunset timing before you head up so you’re not walking in the dark) and the piazza isn’t packed with people and vendors.
If you’ve still got pep in your step when you get to Piazzale Michelangelo, you can keep walking up to San Miniato al Monte for a higher viewpoint (and check out the frescoes inside the church too).
Read more about Visiting Piazzale Michelangelo
Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower – Giotto’s bell tower climb is our family’s favorite climb in Florence and a March climb means you won’t be sweating profusely as you make your way up to the top!
If you like views, you can also climb the Duomo or have a rooftop aperitivo!
Visit Florence’s Museums – March is a great month to visit Florence’s museums without feeling like you’re elbow-to-elbow with other visitors. Head to the classics like the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery, or find a new love:
- Stibbert Museum
- Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum (with fewer people, you’ll be able to tinker with all of the exhibits as much as you want!)
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Palazzo Vecchio (I adore being in here in the winter when it’s empty, especially in the Hall of the 500)
- Galileo Museum (have some one-on-one time with Galileo’s finger)
Helpful Tip: If you must visit a museum on a particular day, reserve your ticket in advance, even if it’s not a busy time of year. Sell-outs can happen, even in March!
Good To Know: The first Sunday of the month, Florence’s national museums participate in Domenica al Museo, which means you can enter for free.
Take a Cooking Class – Join a cooking class and learn typical dishes that you can recreate at home. We love Jacopo & Ana’s classes, and we recently took this pasta and gelato class with Towns of Italy.
Eat Truffle Panini and Sip Wine at Procacci – This place is a great find, but it’s tiny so it can be tough to get a spot to sit. In March, I still recommend calling ahead if you can, but you can always try to walk-in. Sip some vino toscano and sample Procacci’s mini truffle sandwiches… and then go window shopping on Via Tornabouni.
Hang Out in the Odeon Bookshop – It’s a cinema… and a bookshop! Head upstairs and sit in the theater seats if you need a break from museums and walking around Florence. Unfortunately, you can’t eat up in the cinema seats, but don’t worry, there’s a café adjacent to the bookshop.
Pick up a Tuscan cookbook or a book on Michelangelo to take home with you.
Good To Know: You can also see a film at the Odeon, and they’re often in English (with Italian subtitles).
Go to a Fiorentina Soccer Match – Put on your purple and head to Franchi stadium to cheer on Florence’s team, Fiorentina. Before heading to a match, read my guide to Going to a Soccer Game in Italy.
Drink Hot Chocolate and Eat Pastries – We’ve got thick, delicious hot chocolate here, and some of the best can be had at Rivoire in Piazza della Signoria. And as a bonus, you can sit on the piazza and enjoy the views of the piazza and Palazzo Vecchio.
If you want to get extra fancy, head to Iginio Massari for bite-sized pastries.
Walk in a Garden – Sure, Florence’s gardens aren’t yet blooming, but to be honest, that’s not really their forte anyway. Leave the museums and city streets behind and get some fresh (cool) air on a stroll in one of Florence’s giardini (gardens).
I enjoy quiet Boboli Gardens this time of year, and you can also head to places like the Rose Garden for lovely views of Florence.
Read my guides to
Boboli Gardens
Gardens in Florence
The Best Views in Florence
Taste Tuscan Wines – Park yourself in an enoteca or restaurant in Florence and sip on Tuscan vini. A few places to check out:
- Enoteca Pitti Gola e Cantina
- Le Volpi e L’Uva (tip: order crostini to go with your wine)
- Cantinetta Antinori
Try Florentine Street Food – Head to Il Trippaio di Sant’Ambrogio for a lampredotto panino, Pugi for schiacciata, Il Coccolo fortakeaway coccoli, or Semel for panini.
Go to a Concert or Performance – Florence has multiple venues, including Teatro Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (calendar), Teatro Verdi (calendar), Teatro del Sale (website), and Teatro della Pergola (calendar).
March Events in Florence
Festa del Papà (Father’s Day) on March 19th – Italy celebrates fathers in March. Give your papa fritelle (buy them at a pastry shop, bakery, or the grocery store. Buona Festa del Papà!
Florentine New Year on March 25th – This is the second New Year in Florence (the first being on January 1st). March 25th is the celebration of the Annunciation, 9 months after Christmas (December 25th). The highlight of the celebration is a parade that travels through the city center (I’ve run into it in Piazza della Repubblica) and finishes at the Basilica di Santissima Annunziata, home to a famous fresco of the Annunciation. Pisa also celebrates this second New Year.
Easter (in 2027) – While typically in April, Easter does occasionally fall in March. The main Easter event in Florence is the Scoppio del Carro (explosion of the cart) in Piazza del Duomo.
Fiera del Cioccolato di Firenze (Florence Chocolate Festival) – Head to Piazza Santa Croce to sample chocolate treats, listen to speakers talk about chocolate, and watch cooking demonstrations.
What to Do Near Florence in March
While I’m not super enthusiastic about visiting Chianti towns and other small villages near Florence in March (everything feels a bit too closed up and quiet), there are still things to see and do near Florence.
Soak in Hot Springs – Hop in the car and head to Tuscan hot springs. Popular Saturnia is quieter this time of year, as well as Bagno Vignoni.
Go for a Drive in the Crete Senesi – Spring is my favorite time of year to drive in the Crete Senesi near Siena. The bright green hills look like a computer screensaver.
Explore the Val d’Orcia – Head to the Orcia Valley to sample pecorino cheese in Pienza, wander through quiet Monticchiello, or sip Vino Nobile in Montepulciano.
Take a Cooking Class in the Tuscan Countryside – While you can easily do this in Florence, you could also head into the countryside to take a class. I enjoy Toscana Mia’s class, as well and Jacopo & Anna’s classes.
Go for a Hike – If the weather looks good, head out into the Tuscan countryside and go for a walk!
Go Wine Tasting – Visit Tuscan wineries to sample vino toscano at the source. Be sure to contact wineries in advance to make sure they’re open. Larger wineries (like Antinori in Bargino) are open throughout the month.
Take a Last-Minute Trip to the Cinque Terre – I say last-minute because you should make sure the weather forecast looks decent before you commit. You can take a day trip from Florence on your own or head to the Cinque Terre on a group tour.
Shop at Tuscan Outlets – The Mall has a collection of luxury brands (but heads up, it’s outdoors, so come prepared with an umbrella if the weather looks iffy). You can take a special bus from Florence or drive your own car. Prada fan? Don’t miss the Space Outlet (you’ll need to drive there). The Barberino and Valdichiana outlets (north and south of Florence, respectively) have a mix of Italian and international fashion brands. Both can be reached by car.
Take a Venice Day Trip – Yes, it’s about 2 hours by train (each way), but Venice in March is still blessed with light crowds and cooler weather – a dream come true. Our family loves visiting Venice in the chillier months.
Head to Bolgheri – If you’re a fan of Super Tuscans,make your way to Bolgheri and its surrounding vineyards. Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Tenuta Guado al Tasso, and friends are all waiting for you.
Eat Your Way Through San Miniato – This little town east of Florence is a foodie paradise. Have aperitivo and dinner or come early and visit Enoteca Marilu for a tasting or cooking class.
Visit San Casciano and Antinori – San Casciano Val di Pesa is easy to reach by bus (or car) from Florence, and it’s a real town (not set up for tourism). Have a meal with locals, stroll the charming pedestrian center, and check out the views of Chianti. This is also a great pick with kids, as it has one of the best playgrounds in Chianti! Wine lovers with a car can head to nearby Bargino, home of Antinori’s Chianti Classico winery.
You may want to check out
Day Trips from Florence
Family Day Trips from Florence
Florence to Cinque Terre Day Tour
Florence to Cinque Terre Day Trip
How to Get Around Florence in March
If you’ve got the energy and are able to – walk! Florence’s historic center is small and it’s easy to get everywhere by walking. It’s a flat city, but it’s surrounded by hills. The hill you’re most likely to walk up is the one to Piazzale Michelangelo.
Take public transport when needed. For example, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo and take the bus down if it’s rainy and you’re worried about slipping on the walk down.
If you’re coming to Florence by car, you can park in one of the city lots and walk into town. Or, park at Villa Costanza and take the tram into the city center.
If you’re flying into Florence Peretola, you have multiple ways to get into town, including by tram, taxi, or private driver (see my guide in the link below)
Read more about
Parking at Villa Costanza & Taking the Tram into Florence
Renting a Car at the Florence Airport
Traveling from the Pisa Airport to Florence
How to Get From the Florence Airport to the City Center
Where to Stay in Florence in March
No matter the time of year, I always recommend staying in the city center. Florence is very walkable and it’s so nice to be able to reach your hotel on foot after a fabulous dinner. Or, to wake up in the morning and stroll over the Ponte Vecchio or into Piazza della Signoria.
You can find my recommendations on neighborhoods and specific hotel recommendations in Where to Stay in Florence.
What to Wear in Florence in March – Printable Packing List
I’m including my printable Florence spring packing list below, and here are some things to keep in mind when you’re packing for your March trip to Florence.
- March in Florence = layering!
- I recommend dark colors, so spills (that delicious pasta) and dirt (from the puddle on the cobblestone street) don’t show up on your clothing.
- Have at least one pair of water-resistant shoes in case your visit to March has rain. I wear leather sneakers often because I can wipe them off if they get dirty and they aren’t too tough to dry if they get a little wet. Also, make sure your shoes have good tread because wet streets, stairs, and museum or shop floors can be slippery.
- Lightweight scarf
- At least one warm layer like a fleece or sweater. Make sure it’s one that doesn’t smell funny after one wear (you’re giggling right now, but trust me on this one). I find cashmere sweaters work well as do high-quality fleeces (like Patagonia).
- A jacket that you really like because it will likely be what’s showing of your outfit most of the time. I take my jacket off in restaurants and cafés but if it’s chilly I leave it on inside museums and shops.
- I still avoid long skirts (with tights) in March because I find my skirt always gets wet – either by brushing up against something wet or when I sit down it ends up on the wet ground.
- Slippers or warm socks for the hotel are handy for chilly evenings!
- Have a plan for the rain that covers you and your bag/purse/backpack. For example, an umbrella will cover you and your bag. If you wear a rain jacket, make sure you can fit your purse (or even a waist pack) underneath your jacket so it doesn’t get wet.
Not-To-Miss Foods in Florence in March
I’m all about cozy and warm food in March in Florence. You may want to sample:
- Ribollita – vegetable and bread soup
- Fagioli all’uccelletto – cannellini beans in tomato sauce
- Pasta al ragù di cinghiale – pasta with a wild boar sauce (Don’t miss this! Unless you’re vegetarian….)
- Schiacciata – our typical bread, like focaccia but even better
- Pappa al pomodoro – bread and tomato soup
- Lampredotto panino – tripe sandwich (this is a big-time Florentine specialty)
- Panino – skip the long lines and find amazing panini at Semel and Ino
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina – massive steak cooked rare
- Coccoli – fried dough balls
And remember, when you’re in Italy, any time is gelato time. These are my recommendations for the Best Gelato in Florence.
Florence in March with Kids – A Few Tips
Our kids are in school for all of March (unless Easter happens to fall in March), so you’ll see local kids going to and from school and playing at playgrounds in the afternoons (as long as the weather cooperates).
Pack rain jackets and water resistant (or waterproof) shoes. You’ll likely catch some rain here in March and I find that kids in rain jackets are easier to manage on Florence streets than kids with umbrellas (if you know, you know).
My boys are usually wearing down coats in March, and if it’s really chilly, they’ll wear hats and scarves.
I always make sure to carry some extra tissues or baby wipes for inevitable mud on clothes and shoes and wet playground equipment.
Be sure to check out
Visiting Florence with Kids
Things to Do in Florence with Kids
Kid-Friendly Museums in Florence
Florence Bookshops for Kids
Our Favorite Toy Stores in Florence
Where to Get a Snack in Florence with Kids
What to Do with Kids on a Rainy Day in Florence
I hope this has helped you work through whether or not you should visit Florence in March. And, if you are coming, that you’re full of good ideas for how to spend your time in bella Firenze!
Read more about
Tuscany in the Spring
Best Times to Visit Tuscany – Month-by-Month
