Statia

Planning to take my mom to Rome for her birthday the second/third week of March (16-23) and have been checking out weather statistics for that time of year. The temperature probably won't be a problem with the average being about 55-60 degrees, but I'm wondering if the cafes will have their outdoor tables set up this time of year. Anyone have any advice?

Also, I'd greatly appreciate comments regading the weather from anyone else who has been this time of year.

Thanks!

buongiorno

Iwas there this past March which happened to be the coldest in 15 years. So, you've got that out of the way. The temps s/b as you noted and I did see outside cafe tables.

lippy

I was in Rome March 2004 -- and many cafes had their outdoor tables set up. It was a wonderful time to visit... good weather, no lines at the attractions, no waits at restaurants. Have fun.

JSLee

When I went the first two weeks of March, the weather was 50-55 degrees with 2 days of light drizzle. Many of the cafes had their outdoor tables set up.

If needed, a light jacket is fine.

A big advantage to this off season time is few lines and no crowds. You can see twice as much in half the time. But make reservations anyway at museums.

Suki

I was also in Rome last March, and the weather was in the 70's and sunny during the day. I was there from the 19th to the 22nd, and I guess that whoever said that it was rainy and chilly was there earlier in the month. March is an unpredictable month for weather.

Statia

Thanks so much for the replies! Looks like the time we've picked will work out wonderfully.

SharonG

I was there this past March when the weather changed to gloriously warm, sunny weather. Around the 10-13th. Have a wonderful time. Rome is lots of fun.

kayd

An advantage of March, you may be able to take advantage of off-peak rates for lodging -- many switch to high-season prices around the middle to end of March. I experienced warm days and cool nights, so a light raincoat that will fit over a sweater or blazer will take care of all weather possibilities.

tcreath

I agree with everyone else. We were in Rome in March 04. The weather was fine and we had plenty of outdoor dining experiences. In the evenings the restaurants and cafes all had heat lamps on that made eating outside, even in chilly evenings, quite pleasant.

By the way, we too loved Rome in March. The weather was mild and pleasant (especially compared to a cold midwestern March), hotels were cheaper, and there were little to no lines anywhere. Wonderful!

Tracy

donco

Hub and I do all our travelling in March and have been to Rome 3 times in that month. The first year, 1999, we were cold so bought some long silk underwear. Since then, we've never needed it! Do layers (a raincoat with a zip-out liner if poss) and you should be fine. Yes, crowds much easier. There is seating outdoors if it's warm enough. You shouldn't have a problem at more travelled places like Piazza Navona. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!

Statia

Thanks so much for the further info. Great!

blissa

I spent the week before Palm Sunday of 2004, If I remember, it was mid March, and I the the weather was fine, but did include one day of pouring rain. I did the Marathon, and that day it was chilly in the early morning but noon, it was sunny and mild.

I ate several meals outdoors, even in the evenings, both in Trastevere and in the
area behind the Colosseum.

I prefer Rome at that time of year, it has a less frantic feel. You' might need a light jacket or shawl at times.
I wish you all the best on your trip!

I'm planning a trip toItaly with my Mom this year too- maybe around Easter.
she's 86, and right now I'm trying to figure out the right itinerary for us.

sammyc

I was in Rome last February and the outdoor cafes were open...some with heating lamps if the weather's still a bit cold. You shouldn't have any problem in March!