Florence in March | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More

Considered the birthplace of the Modern Renaissance, Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region in Italy. It is also one of the most populated cities in Italy that bears impressionable characteristics of modern art, architecture, and cultural heritage from the past. The Historical Center of Florence was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. Once a major economic and cultural center of the world economy, especially Europe, the region is now a significant tourist and fashion hub of the world.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Florence?

Florence in March - Why You Should Visit Florence in March

Why You Should Visit Florence in March

  • The temperature has not soared high, nor is it too chilly. 
  • The moderate temperature allows one to participate in the adventure and outdoor activities too.
  • The weather is a mix of warm, rainy, and at times cold temperatures distributed throughout the month.
  • The flower gardens start blooming and it is a sight that you cannot miss.
  • The Florentia New Year is celebrated during the month which gives a nice peek into the local culture of Florence. 
  • Tickets are cheap as it is off-season.
Florence in March - What to Look Out for in Florence in March

What to Look Out for in Florence in March

  • Some of the rainy days might curb you from visiting outdoor locations and look towards more indoor destinations like museums, and galleries. 
  • The tourist influx is low, and you might find the streets without many touristy crowds.
  • Weather may not always be sunny, so try carrying your waterproof jackets or shoes to avoid untimely rains.

Overview of Weather in Florence in March

Florence in March - Best Time to Visit Florence

The weather during March is a cocktail of warm, cold, and rainy seasons. Being one of the starts for the pleasant weather in Florence, the tourist crowds are very less during March which makes it ideal for people who want to avoid crowds during travels.

  • Average Temperature: High - 16 ℃ Low - 5 ℃
  • Average Rainfall: 64 mm
  • Average Wind Speeds: 7.3 miles per hour
  • Average Daylight Hours: 12.1
Best Time to Visit Florence

More About Weather in Florence in March

How hot is Florence in March?

Florence has a mixture of warm and rainy days during March with temperatures soaring maximum to 16℃.

Can you swim in Florence in March?

It is ideal that one does not take up swimming during the month of March as the temperatures are not way too high and the water is still a bit freezing.

Is it sunny in Florence in March?

Sun occasionally shows up in March with an average of 153 hours during the entire month.

Is it rainy in Florence in March?

Yes, it rains at times during March in Florence, With an average of 64mm rainfall, it usually rains on around 8 days of the month. Be wary of carrying your umbrellas and waterproof clothes too.

Best Things to do in Florence in March

Florence in March- Uffizi Gallery

1. Uffizi Gallery

The gallery is a repository of art and sculpture from the Medieval to the Modern Age. It has a collection of masterpieces from different artists famous during the Renaissance period like- Giotto, Simone Martini, Beato Angelico, Mantegna, Correggio, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Raffaello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. The collection of paintings, architecture, prints, drawings, sculptures, books, and archives differs from all the other galleries. You can visit the gallery throughout the week except on Monday.

March Timings: 8.15 AM to 6.30 PM (Monday closed)

from €30
Florence in March - Florence Duomo

2. Florence Duomo

UNESCO Site | Tourist Hotspot

The Florence cathedral or Florence Duomo construction took almost 200 years to complete. The exterior of the cathedral has a polychromatic marble panel and a 19th-century Gothic Revival Façade (the architectural transformation), which gives it a grand look. The cathedral complex in Piazza del Duomo also includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile, which forms part of a World Heritage Site UNESCO.

March Timings: 

Cathedral Timing: 10:15 AM to 04:15 PM (Monday to Friday)

Brunelleschi's Dome Timing: 12:45 PM to 06:45 PM (Monday to Friday)

Closed: Sat, Sun

from €16
Florence in March - Galleria del Academia

3. Accademia Gallery

Housing some of the finest sculptures, paintings, and art forms from the world, Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Some famous paintings in the gallery are Venus and Cupid, Descent from the Cross, Annunciation, etc., famous among art enthusiasts for their realistic models and forms. Sculptures like David, The Young Slave, and St. Matthew are prominently placed in the gallery. One of the most loved sections of the Gallery is the Hall of the Prisoners which houses some of Michelangelo’s work, including the unfinished Slaves.

March Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:45 PM ( Tuesday to Sunday )

from €20
Florence in March - Boboli Gardens

4. Boboli Gardens

Open-Air Museum | UNESCO Site

The Boboli Gardens or Giardino di Boboli is a public park in Florence that is an open-air museum having statues from various periods and eras. The garden was originally designed for Medici and is one of the inspirations for the European gardens in later eras. The 16th-century garden is just behind the Pitti Palace. Various designers like  Niccolò Tribolo, Bartolomeo Ammanati, Giorgio Vasari, and Bernardo Buontalenti contributed to the construction of gardens and sculptures there.

March Timing: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (Daily)

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from €20
Florence in March - Palazzo Pitti

5. Palazzo Pitti

Museum | Historical Monument

The historical monument, also known as the Pitti Palace, dates back to 1458 AD and is considered the township of a wealthy and prosperous Florential banker- Luca Pitti. However, it was later bought by the Medici family. You will be amazed to know that the palace was once made a political seat of power by  Napoleon Bonaparte. The Palatine Gallery houses in the Pitti Palace make it a worthwhile visit for art admirers and showcases the grandeur of various art forms of medieval Italy.

March Timing: 1:30 PM - 6:50 PM (Tuesday-Sunday)

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from €15
Florence in March- Palazzo Vecchio

6. Palazzo Vecchio

Town Hall | Top Attraction

The palace was built for Signoria, who was the father of the Florence republican government during the early years of 1299. The impressive architecture was built in the Tuscan Gothic style by Arnolfo di Cambio. The most significant sculptures are those of Adam and Eve, Hercules and Caucus, the Fountain of Neptune, and the statue of Cosimo I. The high-rise bell towers for public announcements, Gothic windows, and civic architecture are some of the beautiful eye-catching structures of the monument.

March Timing: 9 AM to 7 PM (Friday-Wednesday)

9 AM to 2 PM (Thursday)

from €18.50
Florence in March - Museo del Bargello

7. Museo del Bargello

Art Museum | Historical Monument

The Bargello National Museum was a palace whose construction started in 1255 and was also the residence of the city magistrate of Florence. It once served as a prison and barrack and now contains a collection of Renaissance sculptures. It also houses works by famous artists like Michelangelo, Donatello, Cellini, Miguel Angelo, Verrochio, and De la Robbia, to name a few. Even though it is a small museum compared to some of the famous museums in Florence, it cannot be missed.

March Timing: 8:15 AM to 1:50 PM (Daily)

from €17
Florence in March - Medici Chapels

8. Medici Chapels

Tomb Museum | Top Attraction

To celebrate the grandeur of Medicis, the two structures- Sagrestia Nuova and Cappella dei Principi *were constructed in 16th and 17th century Florence as an extension to the main church. Sagrestia Nuova was designed by Michelangelo. Sculptures of unfinished Madonna and Child* flanked by the Medici patron saints and sculptures of days, nights, dawn, dusk, and tombs were also built within the premise. The striking look of Cappella dei Principi is due to the high-rise structure that rises to 59m. Designed by Matteo Nigetti, it is one of the finest examples of court art.

March Timing: 8:15 AM to 2 PM (Daily); Closed on 6 March, 12 March, 20 March, 26 March

from €15
Florence in March - Siena Cathedral

9. Siena Cathedral

Church | Historical Monument

The UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by a 1000-year-old walled chamber, which has been important since the medieval era. Siena lies in the Tuscany region of Italy, and its huge popularity is because it was the seat of the Diocese of Siena in earlier times. The mesmerizing art, architecture, sculpture, and paintings hold a lot of prominence. The black and white pattern of the monument is due to the black and white horses of the city's founders, Senius and Aschius.

March Timing: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Monday - Saturday)

1:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Sunday and other public holidays)

from €12
Florence in March - Pisa

10. Day Trip to Pisa

Day Trip | International Landmark

From church architecture to splendid monuments and Italian squares, Pisa is a place that is worth visiting apart from the regular leaning tower of Pisa. Pisa, the city of the famous leaning tower, is quite near Florence, and a daily train takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to reach. The tower in the Tuscany region is known for its imbalanced architecture and can be climbed and captured from different angles. Do not forget to score Gelato ice cream when in Pisa.

from €24
Florence in March - Wine Tasting at Chianti

11. Wine Tasting at Chianti

Day Trip | Culinary Experience

Chianti is a hub of wine production and is emerging as a big hit among young people who want to go for wine tasting at some of the offbeat locations. The place offers some breathtaking places to visit in the form of the wavering hills and plains that makes the place worth visiting. The fine arts of medieval times. The marvelous vineyards are eye-catching. You can even participate in organized and self-wine tasting based on the appointments at various restaurants.

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from €46
Florence in March - Train Rides at Cinque Terre

12. Train Rides at Cinque Terre

Day Trip | Adventure Experience

Cinque Terre is one of the most popular destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that characterizes Florence in world postcards and photographs. The daily express train runs between La Spezia and Levanto in Sestri Levante and stops at all five fishing villages- Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. The breathtaking place is famous for its vineyards, windy cliffs, sumptuous cuisines, and wines has many hiking places and Instagrammable sites that you just cannot miss.

from €84

Festivals in Florence in March

Florence in March - St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day

Venue: Florence
Dates: March 17

Irish pubs in Florence brim with lights and decorations on the occasion of St. Patrick’s Day. The pubs are generally flooded with student crowds and touristy crowds who flock in large numbers to celebrate the day with their favorite pint of Guinness.

Florence in March - Carnevale

Carnevale

Venue: Piazza Ognissanti, Florence
Dates: March

The celebration of Carnevale dates back to the times of the Medicis in the 15th century. Even then, the nobles and lower strata of citizens celebrated the festival with colorful masks and vibrant music. The parade starts at Piazza Ognissanti and wraps up near Piazza Della Signoria.

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Florence in March - Scoppio del Carro

Scoppio del Carro

Venues: Florence
Dates: Easter Sunday

The word translates to Explosion of the Cart, an event that was very famous during the medieval era. The event takes just after the Easter Mass when fireworks and different forms of pyrotechnics take place in front of the Duomo. The traditional event dates back to the 15th century, which marks the return of Pazzino de Pazzi (city resident) from the Crusades to Jerusalem.

Events in Florence in March

Florence in March - Festa della Donna

Festa della Donna

Venue: Florence
Dates: March 8

March 8th, also celebrated as International Women's Day is known as Festa Della Donna in Florence. A Group of men and fellow women give each other a bunch of yellow flowers to mark the occasion and women flock to restaurants and pubs in large numbers to celebrate the day. In fact, many public spaces, galleries, and museums offer entry to women at a lower price on this day.

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Florence in March - Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) Concert

Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) Concert

Venue: Florence
Dates: March 25

Also celebrated as the Feast of the Annunciation, the day marks the official arrival of spring in Florence. It is generally done on March 25 and there are various parades and musical grandeurs to mark the occasion. Food, drinks, dance, and music, mark the celebration of the new year in full pomp.

Know Before You Visit Florence in March

Hacks & Tips to Visit Florence in March

  • Tipping is very common in Florence. Carry cash accordingly.
  • Instead of spending plenty of bucks on normal Internet charges, try to use the free WiFi network available around the city. 
  • March may be rainy in Florence, so do not forget to carry your own umbrella and waterproof jacket, and raincoats
  • Try to make time to watch the golden sunrise over River Arno. 
  • Carry plentiful cash from your country, as the ATMs around Florence tend to levy high charges on transactions using Mastercard and Visa. 
  • As Florence is a small city, you can manage to walk on foot to some historical places nearby and save quite a few bucks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Florence in March

Is March a good time to visit Florence?

March is definitely one of the best months to visit Florence, considering the pleasant weather, lesser crowds, and good airfare deals.

What are the best things to do in Florence in March?

March is one of the ideal seasons to visit Florence as the weather is quite mild and the tourist influx has not yet begun, so you can visit all the architecture and galleries without tourist lines.

Is Florence cold in March?

No, it is not too cold in March. The temperature can dip to a minimum of 5 ℃.

How hot is Florence in March?

The weather has not started to get hotter in March and the maximum that you can expect is around 16 ℃.

Can you swim in Florence in March?

It is advisable not to take a dip in waters for swimming during March as waters are still a bit freezing.

Is it sunny in Florence in March?

Yes, with an average daylight hour of around 11 hours, it is sunny in Florence in March.

What clothes to wear in Florence in March?

Try to opt for waterproof clothes, layered jackets, and light fleece during your visit to Florence in March.

Is it rainy in Florence in March?

On an average, it is expected to be a bit rainy during the month of March with an average of 64 mm rainfall.

Is Florence expensive to visit?

If you are making an advance travel booking, the travel might not be that costly. Overall, as compared to other European cities, Florence is not that expensive to visit.

How safe is Florence?

Florence is quite safe for solo as well as group travelers. However, one has to be aware of thefts and pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas.

What can I see in Florence in March?

You can travel to Uffizi Gallery, Boboli gardens to watch the blooming flora, and go wine tasting in Chianti.

What are the major events in Florence in March?

During March, expect to witness Festa della Donna or International Women Day along with Florentian New Year.

What is the average temperature in Florence in March?

Average temperature in Florence is around 5℃-16℃ in Florence in March.

What are the main festivals in Florence in March?

The main festivals in Florence in March are Scoppio del Carro and Carnevale which are some of the traditional festivals that have been celebrated for centuries in the city.