Things to Do in Vatican City in March

March Weather in Vatican City

15°C (59°F) High Temp

5°C (41°F) Low Temp

58 mm (2.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect spring weather with mild temperatures 5-15°C (41-59°F) ideal for extensive walking through museums and gardens without summer heat exhaustion
Significantly smaller crowds than Easter season - Vatican Museums receive 40% fewer visitors in early-mid March before Holy Week pilgrimage surge
Extended daylight hours with 12+ hours of natural light for photography, plus the Pope's public audiences resume full schedule after winter reductions
Hotel rates drop 25-30% compared to Easter week, with premium properties near St. Peter's offering shoulder season pricing until mid-March

Considerations

Unpredictable spring weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 10°C (18°F) between morning and afternoon, with sudden rain showers
Sistine Chapel heating system creates uncomfortable stuffiness when crowded, contrasting sharply with cool outdoor temperatures
Limited outdoor dining at nearby restaurants due to cool evenings, restricting the authentic Roman dining experience most visitors expect

Best Activities in March

Early Morning Vatican Museums Private Access

March's cool mornings 5-8°C (41-46°F) make the 8am museum opening comfortable for extensive exploration before afternoon crowds arrive. Spring lighting enhances Renaissance frescoes, particularly in the Raphael Rooms where natural light is optimal. The moderate March crowds allow 45-60 minutes in the Sistine Chapel versus summer's 15-minute rushes.

Booking Tip: Reserve skip-the-line tickets 60-90 days ahead for March dates. Early morning slots (8-9am) cost €25-35 versus €17 standard entry. Book through official Vatican website or licensed operators offering small group experiences (see current tours in booking section below).

St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climbing

March's mild temperatures make the 551-step climb to the dome summit manageable without summer heat exhaustion. Clear spring air offers exceptional 360-degree views across Rome, extending 20-25 km (12-15 miles) on clear March days. The narrow spiral staircases are less claustrophobic in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Dome access costs €10 (elevator to first level) or €8 (all stairs). No advance booking required, but arrive by 9am to avoid 2-hour afternoon queues. Allow 75-90 minutes total including climb and viewing time.

Vatican Gardens Walking Tours

March marks the beginning of spring blooming in the Vatican's 23-hectare (57-acre) private gardens. Cool temperatures 8-12°C (46-54°F) are perfect for the mandatory 2-hour guided walks. See early spring flowers, Renaissance fountains, and papal residences not accessible any other way.

Booking Tip: Gardens tours run Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays in March, costing €33 plus museum entry. Book 30-45 days ahead as only 40 visitors per tour are permitted. Tours include transportation within gardens via eco-friendly bus.

Papal Audience Experiences

March features the Pope's return to full weekly schedule after reduced winter appearances. General audiences every Wednesday at 10:30am in Paul VI Audience Hall accommodate 6,400 people versus St. Peter's Square summer crowds of 80,000+. Indoor venue eliminates weather concerns during March's variable conditions.

Booking Tip: Free tickets available Tuesdays 8am-6:30pm at Swiss Guard office in St. Peter's Square. Premium seats €10-30 through authorized vendors. Arrive 90 minutes early for best free seating in rear sections.

Castel Sant'Angelo Combined Visits

March's clear spring air provides spectacular views from the castle's terraces across to St. Peter's Basilica. The 5-minute walk from Vatican City crosses Ponte Sant'Angelo without summer heat. Interior museum visits are comfortable in mild March weather, avoiding winter closure risks and summer overcrowding.

Booking Tip: Entry costs €15 with audio guide included. Open 9am-7:30pm daily except Mondays. Combined Vatican-Castel Sant'Angelo tours available through licensed operators (see booking options below) for €45-65 including skip-the-line access.

March Events & Festivals

March 19

Feast of Saint Joseph

March 19th celebration featuring special papal Mass and traditional Roman pastries (maritozzi and bignè di San Giuseppe) sold throughout Vatican area. Local parishes organize evening processions visible from St. Peter's Square.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - base layer, sweater, and lightweight jacket for 10°C (18°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof jacket or compact umbrella for sudden March showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - Vatican marble floors become slippery when wet from visitors' umbrellas

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees required for all Vatican sites - bring lightweight cardigan for cool mornings

Small backpack or crossbody bag - Vatican security prohibits large bags and offers no storage facilities

Portable phone charger - extensive photo opportunities drain batteries faster in cool weather

Sunglasses despite mild weather - March sun reflects intensely off white marble and travertine surfaces

Light scarf for cool early mornings 5-8°C (41-46°F) during 8am museum entries

Cash in small bills - Vatican gift shops and nearby cafes prefer exact change for purchases under €20

Reusable water bottle - free fountains throughout Vatican City, avoiding €3-5 bottled water costs

Insider Knowledge

Wednesday general audiences end by noon, making Wednesday afternoons optimal for Vatican Museums visits with reduced crowds from departing pilgrims

Vatican post office inside the museums issues unique papal stamps unavailable elsewhere - postcards mailed from Vatican City receive special postmarks

Swiss Guards change shift at 6am and 2pm near Bronze Door - brief ceremony visible to early morning visitors, no crowds in March

Vatican Observatory telescope tours occasionally offered in March during clear spring evenings - inquire at Vatican Information Office for rare access opportunities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating walking distances - Vatican Museums require 4-6 km (2.5-3.7 miles) of walking through galleries, manageable in cool March weather but still exhausting

Assuming spring weather means warm temperatures - March mornings often require winter jackets while afternoons need only light layers

Booking tours during lunch hours 12-2pm when Italian guides take breaks and sites operate with reduced staff, causing delays