summero

We have traveled to Europe for 10 to 14 days in mid-March during spring break each of the past three years, and the weather was usually good, sometimes very good. March 2007, Rhine/Mosel and Amsterdam, rained about every third day, but only one day of cold weather; otherwise the weather was very good. March 2008, Vienna and Florence, occasional showers but no cold weather, warm, beautiful weather in Salzburg. March 2009, Paris, gorgeous weather, like June. That is no guarantee for the future, of course.

travelgourmet

Not sure I understand the point of anecdotal evidence about one's past trips. Average temperature and precipitation data is readily available with a quick search of google. That sort of data is infinitely better than tales of random good or bad luck, weather-wise.

JeanneB

hckypris98,
You didn't mention Paris. We were there during a very cold week in February, but we didn't let the weather get us down. All the fountains were frozen solid. But we simply bundled up, taking cabs a little more than usual.

We don't mind the short days...Paris is so beautiful at night!

Vttraveler

We had wonderful spring-like weather in Rome late Feb/early March of 2007. It was warmer than usual that year but even in an average year you should have pleasant temperatures, at least by Vermont standards! We find cooler weather much better for sightseeing than hot weather. And as others have noted there is plenty to see indoors if the weather is cool and rainy

NanBug

I've traveled all over Europe for years in the winter. I've always said I'd rather be cold in Europe than cold in my own town at home. But I'm never cold because I bundle up and there are always things to do, even when it's dark early.

Just be sensible: Wear layers that you can peel off for those warmer days, make sure you have a waterproof outer layer, comfy/waterproof shoes and keep tabs on the forecast -- plot indoor activities for inclement days.

The benefit to February/March travel -- most places are relatively tourist-free or at least uncrowded and pleasant.

Go for it!

southeastern

We loved the main land in Greece in January. Metsovo (up north) had a little snow but the southern part was excellent. Loved the fact that there were no crowds. Rented a car and drove everywhere. The hotels had fires in the fireplaces- charming. The Greeks are such great folks!

latedaytraveler

hcktpris98, from my experience, there are not many tours offered in Europe during those months. If you want a chance at better weather, I would choose Sicily or southern Spain. But if you want culture and night life, I believe you would have a great time in Dublin, Edinburgh, Rome or any other big city. From each of these venues, you can take day tours to points of interest. For example, one February (school vacation) a friend and I spent 10 days in Rome. Chilly but walkable. We took a day tour to Sorrento and the Isle of Capri where the weather was delightful, ate al fresco etc.

Zeppole, thanks for your input. Since you live in Italy, you know. I guess most folks like myself tend to base our suggestions on personal experience from one or two visits to the places in question. Again, my experience in Sicily in 2001 for touring was excellent. I guess we were just lucky.

skibumette

The Norwegians like to say that there is no such thing as poor weather...only poor clothing. If you make your final packing decisions a week or less before departure, you can fine-tune the number of layers you take with you, based on the 10-day forecast.

hckypris98

Madrid sounds like it could be an optimal trip during this time. My problem...is that during the summer months...I have other obligations where it is optimal for me travel in the winter.

Heimdall

For my Feb/Mar trips, if I want summer weather I go to the southern hemisphere. Sydney is wonderful that time of year. How about Cape Town? India, although north of the equator, has 80F weather in February. Anywhere you go in Europe will be a compromise.

JeremyinFrance

I think you should either go for a city tour where you don't worry too much about the weather - or better still, a place that is baking hot in summer and yet pleasantly warm in February/March. Have you thought of Cyprus? http://www.jeremytaylor.eu/nicosia.htm