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Naples in March is a classic shoulder season month, with pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds at the start, but by the end of the month the city is already getting busier. Keep reading to find out what to expect from a visit at this time of year!
March marks the transition from the quiet winter period to the busier spring months
Everything you need to know about Naples in March
March in Naples is one of my absolute favorite months to be in the city. The days are fast getting longer and warmer, the spring flowers start to bloom but the summer crowds are still not on the horizon so getting out and exploring is simple.
As temperatures rise you will find the opportunity to sit outside in March and enjoy a spritz in the evenings
All of a sudden after the colder months of January and February, March definitely feels like spring in Naples. It’s still too early to think about heading to the beach, but sunshine-filled afternoons are common and conditions are perfect for visiting outdoor sites like Herculaneum, the gardens at Caserta, and Pompeii.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Naples at this time of year:
Naples weather in March
There is quite a difference in the average temperatures from the start to the end of March in Naples. At the beginning of the month, the average temperature during the day is 57°F/14°C but by the end of the month this rises to 63°F/17°C. This rise, combined with the reduction in wind and increased sunny days makes the city feel much warmer.
The temperatures at night see a similar rise through the month, but cooler evenings are still normal through March.
It isn’t uncommon to have very warm and sunny days in this part of Italy during March
We do have some rain, especially at the start of the month, but this is generally in short showers and never really lasts long.
Planning to travel further south to Capri, Sorrento or the Amalfi coast? The weather here is similar to Naples but can feel a little cooler due to the sea breezes.
What to pack for Naples Italy in March
Packing for a trip to Naples in March is all about layering.
Strolling around the historic center on a sunny afternoon? A lighter long-sleeve top and jeans or cotton pants will be fine. Planning day trips to climb Mount Vesuvius and visiting Pompeii? You’ll want something warmer with you for the mornings and when you’re high up at the crater that you can take off when the sun is shining.
Bringing a mix of clothing that can layer with each other as needed makes a lot of sense in March, and don’t forget a small travel umbrella or waterproof light jacket ready in case you get caught in a rain shower.
Discover all our must-have items for any trip to Italy in the spring:
General Naples packing tips
There are certain things you’ll want to include in your packing whatever time of year you visit Naples, and I recommend that you keep these travel essentials with you in your carry on bags to avoid any problems, including:
You should also make sure to have copies of your passport (either paper photocopies or digital copies on your cell phone), the details of your travel including hotels and transfers and any medications that you need to take regularly.
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
What to wear to visit Naples in March
There are two rules that apply year-round when deciding what to wear in Naples, but really, they apply anywhere in Italy!
Rule 1 – Be comfortable
I cannot stress this enough, keep your comfort in mind when planning what to wear in Naples. This applies to your shoes above everything else – you’ll probably end up walking around a lot more than you expect, so having comfortable shoes is absolutely essential.
I always bring two pairs of walking shoes/sneakers, as I can change them out from day to day if my feet are particularly tired, and good quality socks to go with them which can make a big difference.
You shouldn’t worry about looking like a tourist or trying to blend in, it’s more important that you have the right footwear for your planned activities!
Rule 2 – Dress in layers
As I talked about above, dressing in layers is my top recommendation. Since the Naples weather in March can vary a good deal from day to day, as well as from day to night, it’s essential to wear breathable layers that you can remove and put on easily, such as light cotton t-shirts, cardigans or jumpers and waterproof jackets.
I would also recommend wearing a backpack when you’re out during the day so you have a place to put your layers if you take them off, along with your umbrella ready in case it rains.
Want to know more about what to pack for a trip to Naples & Campania?
Check out our guide dedicated to what to pack including recommended and must have items, and our personal tips from years of travel experience:
Is March a good time to visit Naples Italy?
I will always say that March is a good time to come to Naples. The days are comfortably warm (especially towards the end of the month), there is a lovely atmosphere in the city and while the visitor numbers are picking up, we are nowhere near high season yet.
March is a great time to explore some of Naples’ parks as the flora begins to bloom
The ferry services start to increase in March with the better weather and shops, restaurants and hotels start to open in Sorrento and along the Amalfi coast so you can take day trips to these places before the summer crowds hit. It’s not yet warm enough for beach days but it’s still fun to explore the towns, do some shopping and enjoy the sunshine.
Prices for accommodation and transport are also still on the lower side, although if Easter falls in March this does make things more expensive so always check those dates before booking travel!
How crowded is Naples in March?
The answer to this, it that it depends. At the beginning of March, no, it is not crowded in Naples, hotel rates are pretty low, getting into restaurants is easy and you don’t need to book tickets for top sights months in advance.
However, towards the end of the month, it can get much busier. Depending on when Easter falls, many European countries and schools take vacations and visits to cities like Naples are very popular. You will likely find larger groups around and less availability for top sights like the National Archeological Museum, Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Do not let this put you off though, it is still much calmer than Naples will be in a few months and you should not be overly impacted by the increase in visitors – but maybe secure your Pompeii tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment!
Visiting Naples or Campania from Rome?
If you’re looking to visit Naples or Campania from Rome for a day trip, be sure to check out these incredible tours from our friends at Take Walks.
Each experience offers you an easy way to visit sites like Pompeii, Vesuvius or the Amalfi Coast from Rome. Transport and tickets are all taken care of, leaving you to focus 100% on enjoying your time here!
What food to eat in March in Naples
With March being the very start of spring, there is a good mix of winter and spring produce on the market stalls right now. Broccoli and cauliflower are at their best, but you’ll also see lighter vegetables like fennel and peas start to appear.
A lot of the seasonal food in Naples this time of year is closely associated with Easter and spring rebirth, so you’ll see lots of pastas with spring ingredients and lamb on restaurant menus.
Don’t miss the Zeppole di San Giuseppe which are sold in bakeries on the run up to Father’s Day in Italy (March 19), a light choux pastry bun which is fried, covered in powdered sugar and a dollop of pastry cream before being topped by a dark cherry – delicious!
Another must-try at this time of year is pastiera – a Neapolitan tradition
What to do during March 2025 in Naples Italy
March holidays and special dates in Naples
There are a few holidays to be aware of in March:
March 8 – International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day or Festa della Donna is a major international holiday around the world and although it’s not a national holiday, it’s still widely recognized.
You will see a lot of yellow mimosa flowers for sale in the first week of March, with it traditional to give some to the women in your life.
Nothing will be closed, but on this day, Naples’ civic and state museums are free to enter for women.
Last weekend of March – Daylight Saving Time begins
The last Sunday of March is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in Europe (this date differs from the U.S. and some other parts of the world).
We LOSE one hour.
In 2025, we set our clocks ahead on the night of Saturday March 29 at 2:00 AM (March 30).
The beginning of Lent
In 2025 some of the Easter celebrations take place in March, with Carnival Sunday on March 2 and Fat Tuesday/Shrove Tuesday is on March 4 before Lent officially starts on Ash Wednesday, March 5.
Discover what’s on in Naples and Campania
There’s no shortage of special events, exhibitions and unique experiences happening right now in Naples and Campania! Check out the full listing here:
Make the most of the improving weather by heading to an outdoor site such as Pompeii
Free Things to do during February in March
On the first Sunday of each month, a number of museums, art galleries and archeological sites are open for free to all visitors all over Italy.
In the city of Naples you can get free entry to many places, including these locations:
- MANN – National Archeological Museum of Naples
- Royal Palace of Naples
- Capodimonte Museum
- Castel Sant’Elmo
- The Museum and Charterhouse of San Martino
In Campania, you can visit some locations for free as well, including:
- Pompeii
- Herculaneum
- The archeological park and museum at Paestum
- The ancient Roman villas at Oplontis and Stabiae
- The sites within the Phlegrean Fields area
Booking in advance for the Free Sunday is not generally possible so aim to arrive early and expect large lines at the most popular sights – particularly Pompeii.
If you have another day when you could visit Pompeii, I would recommend avoiding the Free Sunday event and visiting one of the other free sites, saving your Pompeii sightseeing for a different day when it will be easier to get in.
Of course, there are lots of other things you can do for free at any time. Walking around the historic centre, visiting the Naples Duomo or browsing the nativity scenes in San Gregorio Armeno are just some of the possibilities!
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Access over 100 Naples and Campania sites, museums, archeological parks (including Pompeii) with the official tourist pass of the city and region! Save money and make visiting the top sites stress-free – click here to find out more:
More ideas for things to do in Naples during March
If you’ve visited Naples and Campania previously, or you have more time to spend in the city and want to see a different side of Naples, there are lots of different things to see and do here besides the popular must-sees!
Take a look at our page all about exploring beyond Naples for some inspiration, or consider traveling a little further afield in Italy. From Naples you have easy connections to Salerno, Rome or even Florence so you can see other parts of this incredible country!
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To sum up…
March is a wonderful time of year to visit Naples, with the perfect combination of spring weather and low visitor numbers. Make the most of the cooler weather before the summer heat starts to build!
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