Things to Do in Venice in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Venice
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- March sits perfectly in shoulder season - hotel rates drop 30-40% from February peak while weather remains crisp and pleasant for walking the city's 400+ bridges
- Acqua alta (flooding) season typically ends in March, with tides averaging just 80-90 cm (31-35 inches) versus winter's problematic 110+ cm (43+ inches)
- Venice Carnival often extends into early March, giving you authentic costume parades and masked balls without December-February's crushing crowds
- Perfect light for photography - March's softer sun creates that golden Venetian glow on canal reflections between 4-6pm daily
Considerations
- Unpredictable weather swings from sunny 15°C (59°F) mornings to rainy 8°C (46°F) afternoons - pack layers and waterproof everything
- Many seasonal restaurants and some outlying island services run limited schedules until Easter, reducing dining and excursion options
- March can feel surprisingly quiet in residential neighborhoods as locals hibernate before tourist season - some authentic neighborhood trattorias close Mondays-Wednesdays
Best Activities in March
Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica Skip-the-Line Tours
March's moderate crowds mean 20-30 minute waits versus summer's 2+ hours. The Basilica's mosaics shine brilliantly in March's angled light, and you can actually hear the guide speak in the Doge's Palace chambers. Cool temperatures make the steep climbs comfortable.
Murano and Burano Island Hopping
March's crisp air provides crystal-clear lagoon views, and you'll avoid summer's stifling glass furnace heat on Murano. Burano's colorful houses photograph beautifully in March's softer light. Vaporetto rides are comfortable in cool weather with fewer crowds on boats.
Venetian Food Walking Tours Through Castello
March is white asparagus season in Veneto - you'll taste it fresh at bacari (wine bars) before tourist season inflates prices. Cool weather makes walking comfortable, and locals are more talkative before summer crowds arrive. Perfect timing for fresh seafood from winter catches.
Gondola Rides at Sunset
March sunsets occur around 6pm with dramatic light on canal walls. Cool air means comfortable seating under blankets, and gondoliers are more relaxed without peak season pressure. You'll have more privacy as fewer tourists book evening rides in cooler weather.
San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower Climbs
March's clear skies offer spectacular 360-degree views across Venice with minimal haze. The elevator ride and tower visit are comfortable in cool weather, and you'll avoid summer's blazing sun on the observation deck. Perfect photography conditions for the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square panorama.
Venetian Mask-Making Workshops
Many workshops extend Carnival season through March with authentic papier-mâché techniques. Cool indoor activity perfect for rainy March afternoons. Artisans have more time for detailed instruction before peak tourist season begins.
March Events & Festivals
Venice Carnival (possible extension)
While Carnival officially ends before Lent, many private events and costume parties continue through early March. You'll see elaborate masks in shop windows and occasional costumed locals in St. Mark's Square, especially on weekends.
Su e Zo per i Ponti Walking Event
Annual non-competitive walk crossing Venice's bridges, typically occurring in mid-March. Locals and visitors walk a 5.5 km (3.4 mile) route through all six districts. Registration includes route map and commemorative medal.