When travelling to Venice in March, what can you expect?
Venice is always a good idea and I believe that one of the best moments to be around here is definitely from March onwards when finally spring starts.
The capital city of Veneto, known for its beautiful bridges and romantic canals, comes to new life when the days begin getting longer and temperatures rise.
This is a city where everything is within walkable distance and it’s nice to be able to spend time outside exploring the streets and piazzas without getting too cold.
Venice in March
So if you’re wondering just how nice the weather is in Venice in March, as well as other things going on in this city, then keep reading below to find out more.
Is Venice Worth Visiting Venice in March?
You’re planning to travel to Venice in March but are still not sure if it’s really worth visiting the city during this month, check out a few reasons why I think it is.
- The number of tourists visiting the city in March is quite low, therefore, you have the chance to experience the city in peace, avoiding endless queues at the entrance of the main attractions, a phenomenon that happens quite often during the high season.
- Even if the Carnival is most certainly gone by the time you’ll be here, there are a couple of events worth attending. For example, the Venetian New Year called in dialect ‘Cao de ano’, an occurrence dating back to the Serenissima Republic days and Palm Sunday, is celebrated with a procession that starts from Campo Santa Maria Formosa to reach the St. Mark’s Basilica.
- If travelling in March, you’ll still be able to find good deals with hotels and flights since it’s not the most touristic period of the year. Even if, you can easily plan this trip last minute, I always recommend booking accommodation and flights a few months before in order to get even more advantageous prices.
If you’re concerned about the mild weather or leaning towards another season, see my guide on the best time to visit Venice for more ideas on when to travel.
Venice in March weather
Temperatures in Venice in March are still not that warm and they range between 8°C and 14°C. Compared to the previous months, you’ll certainly find more sunny days and higher temperatures.
You can expect to get from 3 to 8 rainy days during this month. For this reason, I suggest carrying along a compact travel umbrella so you won’t be caught off guard by the rain. Carry with you a warm jacket or a light coat and get dressed in layers.
You feel getting warmer after a bit of walking around, and if you have layers of clothes you can also easily get rid of one. Wear comfortable sneakers or boots as you’ll most certainly walk around a lot.
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Things to do in Venice in March
Now that you have a better idea of why Venice is a great place to be during this month, keep reading to find out some unique things to do in Venice in March.
Attend the Venetian New Year
The Venetian New Year is also called ‘Cao de ano’ in dialect. The traditional event exists since the Serenissima Republic era but sinks its roots before the Roman Empire, with the Veneto populations who first inhabited this part of Italy.
In fact, at the time, the 1st of March coincided with the beginning of the new year, establishing the end of the cold period and the arrival of spring, when everything comes back to life.
Today the Venetian New Year is still celebrated in the city. Every year numerous shows and events take place all around Venice, with music, entertainment for everyone and typical Venetian dishes to taste.
Go for a gondola ride
There’s no better thing you can do in Venice than go for a gondola ride from one of the most popular starting points: Rialto and St. Mark’s Square.
In fact, during the summer months, these places are particularly busy as most people want to ride a gondola from here. If you’re in Venice in March, you’ll certainly find fewer crowds at the docking points.
From this month, temperatures are getting higher (but still not too hot) with more sunny days which will make the experience even more enjoyable! I always recommend booking your gondola ride in advance, so the only thing you’ll have to think about is getting to the starting point of your ride.
Visit the main attractions
Around this time of the year, the weather can also be a bit unstable and you can expect to find sunny as well as rainy days. In the last case, the city offers many indoor activities. The beauty of this city doesn’t end with its streets, piazzas and bridges but continues in the interiors of churches, palaces, museums and theatres.
Take the opportunity to visit the museums of the city: the Accademia Gallery to admire Venetian’s artists masterpieces, The Peggy Guggenheim Collection for contemporary art, the Correr Museum or the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery for modern art.
Do not miss the chance to visit the classic places of interest, such as Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica.
Do you want to save time by booking your tours or tickets in advance?
These are my recommended tours:
Explore Murano, Burano and Torcello
Spring is a great time to explore the Venetian lagoon. Take advantage of the clear and sunny days of March for a boat trip to discover the most famous Venetian islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello.
Watch master glass-blowing craftsmen in Murano, stroll around the colourful fishermen’s houses and the lace shops of Burano, or take a dip in Venice’s past by visiting the first island where Venice’s people settled down and by discovering the ancient Byzantine churches of Torcello. You can book in advance your day trip here: Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands full-day trip.
Go shopping around the Venetian markets
Another activity you can do in Venice in March is discovering the local markets scattered all around its neighbourhoods. Walking around the markets’ stalls is the best way to get a glimpse of the most authentic side of this city.
The oldest and most popular one is the Rialto market. This is a large market you can explore, open daily from 7.30 am to 1.30 pm and closed on Sundays.
Take your time to enjoy all the colours and scents of the stalls, and the way merchants invite you to try and buy their products.
If you’re staying in an apartment in Venice and have the chance to cook, do your fruit and vegetable shopping from the Venetian markets’ stalls to feel like a real Venetian!
Other markets to visit in Venice:
- Mercato Di Rio Terà San Leonardo in Cannaregio: open from Monday-Saturday
- Mercato Di Via Garibaldi in Castello: open daily from 7 am to 2 pm
- Mercato Di Campo Santa Margherita: open daily every morning, just a few minutes walk from here you can find the market boat of campo San Barnaba
Celebrate Women’s Day in Venice
In Venice, there’s a lot happening on the 8th of March that corresponds to Women’s Day. There’s no better time than this to organize an ‘girls only’ holiday or surprise your partner by taking her to one of the most romantic cities in the world!
You can stay reassured that with a gondola ride through the Venetian canals and a candlelit dinner in one of the many panoramic restaurants in Venice, you’ll make her the happiest woman on Earth!
On this day you can also assist at the Women’s Regatta (Regatta delle Donne) on caorline, colourful six-oared boats once considered for the exclusive use of men due to their heavy vessels.
Celebrate Palm Sunday or Easter in Venice
If you’re in Venice for Palm Sunday, it’s worth taking part in the solemn procession that starts from Campo Santa Maria Formosa and ends at St. Mark’s Basilica, where the Holy Mass takes place.
The Easter holidays is a great time to be in Venice and if they fall in March then, you should know that there’s a lot you can do in Venice.
A great way to spend your Easter Sunday in Venice could be to book a lunch with the whole family in some Venetian restaurant. For the occasion, various fish-based menus are offered at a fixed and affordable price.
Here’s a list of traditional restaurants I recommend:
- Osteria Al Cantinon
- Antico Pignolo Ristorante
- Osteria Al Cason
- Restaurant Vinaria
- Cantina Do Spade
- Osteria Ae Botti
Once lunch is over, why don’t go for a peaceful walk in one of the many Venetian parks? These are the most beautiful ones: Parco delle Rimembranze, the Biennale Gardens, the Savognan Park and the Papadopoli Gardens.
Venice in March
Now you should know what to expect from Venice in March.
I think this month is a good one to travel to the lagoon city, avoiding the large crowds that you can usually find during the summer. Expect to find rainy days and get equipped for that too!
In Venice there are always things you can see and do even during rainy days. Why not read my 3 days in Venice itinerary if you’re looking for travel tips and ideas?
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