I'm travelling to the Cinque Terre in early March? What kind of weather should I expect? What sort of tourist population?

Hi,
I hate to say this because it could be different this year and I hope it is but I was there 2 years ago for 4 days second week of March and it rained on and off the whole time. It was about mid 40's -low 50's in temp. The trails connecting the towns were closed due to rain and wind and hardly anyone there. Also not alot was open in the five towns after 7pm. One restaurant was open in Monterosso. I did go to Santa Margherita one day , more was open there. It was my only time in the cinque terra, I thought it was beautiful none the less and it was kind of cool to watch the thunderstorm roll in off the water- I got some great pix of that. Hoping you have better weather.

PS . Stayed at a great place called Locanda Gigante.

Hate to be a wet blanket BUT be careful there in bad weather - a young fellow from Canada stood too close to the edge and was washed out to sea watching a storm there 4 or five years ago. His parents placed a memorial plaque near where it happened.

You might not want to listen to me, because I am the ultimate CT naysayer. I think it is an ok place for a quick visit in very nice weather. Other than that, I am totally amazed by its popularity. Scenery and hiking are the reasons to go there. No art treasures, museums, famous churches, great architecture, historical monuments or anything of that sort that would make it a year round destination. There aren't even a great number of good choices for accomodations, when taking the popularity of the place into consideration. It isn't where I'd go in March, but I guess I already make that clear.

... made that clear.

I passed through the area in March, by train, 37 years ago, long before it became fashionable. I couldn't have been impressed as it didn't rate a mention in my diary.

I will be there in late March and have similar concerns but my thinking is that even if it's cold, it will still be beautiful, right? Was in Taormina same time a few years ago and it was rather cold and rainy but absolutely gorgeous. Any other thoughts/opinions?

The weather will be worse in the Cinque Terre than in Taormina.

In March you are going to get rains, winds, and an occasional sunny day(s) interspersed in between. But definitely bring your mini umbrella and some walkable, ankle boots as the main streets often become running streams of mud and very soggy. I usually bring a pants-length leather jacket and a scarf, and wear layers underneath, so if you catch a sunny day, you can always take off your coat and carry it. I save the bulkier coat for the winter time (Dec/Jan/Feb) as it doesn't seem to be needed in March. The evenings will definitely be cool still.

The walking trails, with the possible exception of the more public 'Via dell'More' between Riomaggiore and Manarola, may be closed due to muddy hillsides falling down, slippery, etc. Despite all this, March is still a better time to visit than in December or January. I actually prefer March and the early spring time before the heat sets in and the droves of tourists hit. In March, you will have some Easter travelers and some German tourists in the area, but other than that, you should find the Cinque Terre relatively tranquil.