Best Places to Visit in Italy in March & April: Where to Go for Good Weather and Less Crowds
March and April in Italy are that sweet spot between the tail end of winter and the start of the busy tourist season. You get longer daylight hours, mild weather, and—if you play it right—fewer people clogging up the major sites. But not everywhere is ideal this time of year. Some places are still shaking off winter, coastal towns can feel half-asleep, and mountain weather is unpredictable.
I know because I live in Italy and have traveled to all 20 regions year-round. I’ve seen which places thrive in early spring and which ones aren’t worth your time. So, where should you go for the best experience? Let’s break it down.
Best Destinations in Italy for March & April Based on Weather
1. Rome & Central Italy (Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio)
- Why? By March, Rome shakes off its winter gloom, and by April, it’s full-on spring. The same goes for Florence, Siena, and Perugia. You’ll get sunny days, pleasant temperatures (highs of 15-20°C / 59-68°F), and trees bursting with blossoms.
- Perfect for: Sightseeing without sweating, leisurely walks through historic centers, vineyard visits, and countryside escapes.
- Don’t Miss:
- Rome’s Appian Way on an e-bike – fewer crowds, gorgeous scenery.
- Val d’Orcia in Tuscany – rolling green hills, wildflowers, and scenic drives.
- Perugia & Spello in Umbria – hill towns with fantastic food and wine, minus the summer crowds.
2. Sicily & Southern Italy (Naples, Puglia, Sicily)
- Why? If you’re craving warmth, the further south you go, the better. By April, Sicily and Puglia are comfortably warm (18-22°C / 64-72°F), while Naples and the Amalfi Coast begin to open up for the season.
- Perfect for: Beachside towns without the peak-season madness, exploring ancient ruins, food-focused travel.
- Don’t Miss:
- Palermo’s street food scene – Pane ca meusa (spleen sandwich), arancini, and sfincione (Sicilian pizza). I’m a sucker for street markets in Palermo.
- Alberobello in Puglia – The trulli houses look even better in spring sunshine.
- Hiking Mount Etna – Snow may still be on the summit, but the lower slopes are hikeable.
3. Northern Italy’s Cities (Milan, Bologna, Venice, Verona)
- Why? While the Alps still hold onto winter, the big cities are waking up. Milan, Bologna, and Verona get pleasant temperatures by April, making them perfect for exploring on foot. Venice is also great in early spring—April is your last chance to enjoy it before the tourist tidal wave arrives in May. For reference, the photo at the top of this article was taken of me in Venice in April.
- Perfect for: Art, history, food, and city breaks.
- Don’t Miss:
- Milan’s Navigli District for a pre-dinner aperitivo by the canals.
- Bologna’s portico-covered streets—so you can walk for miles, even if it rains.
- Venice’s quieter canals—April’s the last month to enjoy it before it’s flooded with tourists (figuratively, and sometimes literally).
Where to Go for Fewer Crowds but Great Experiences
If you want even fewer crowds, go for these spots:
- Le Marche (instead of Tuscany) – Same rolling hills, charming hill towns, and top-notch wine, but without the hype.
- Abruzzo (instead of the Amalfi Coast) – A hidden mountain-meets-sea region with great hiking, medieval villages, and wild beaches.
- Orvieto (instead of Florence) – A stunning clifftop town in Umbria with one of Italy’s most beautiful cathedrals.
- Bergamo (instead of Milan) – The upper city (Città Alta) is medieval, atmospheric, and perfect for slow travel.
Destinations to Avoid in Early Spring
Some places don’t shine in March and early April:
- The Dolomites & Italian Alps – Ski season is winding down, but hiking trails aren’t fully open yet. If you’re into winter sports, go in early March. Otherwise, wait until late May or June for hiking.
- Cinque Terre & Amalfi Coast (March) – Too early. Many hotels and restaurants are still closed, the weather can be unpredictable, and the sea isn’t warm enough for swimming.
- Beaches in Sardinia & Southern Italy – While scenic, the water is still freezing in early spring, and many beach towns feel like ghost towns until May.
Seasonal Activities: What to Do in Italy in March & April
1. Springtime Food Experiences
- March: Artichokes (carciofi) are at their best. Rome’s Jewish-style fried artichokes are a must-try.
- April: White asparagus season begins in northern Italy. Pair it with risotto in Venice or Verona.
2. Festivals & Events
- Rome’s Easter Celebrations (March/April) – Easter in Rome is crowded, but seeing the Pope at St. Peter’s Square is unforgettable (if you’re into that sort of thing)
- Florence’s Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart, Easter Sunday) – A massive firework-laden cart explosion in front of the Duomo.
- VinItaly (April, Verona) – Italy’s biggest wine fair, where the best of Italian wines are showcased.
3. Outdoor Adventures
- Hiking the Path of the Gods (Amalfi Coast) – By April, the trails are dry, the air is cool, and wildflowers are in bloom.
- Exploring the Roman countryside – Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana in Tivoli are perfect for a spring day trip from Rome.
What to Pack for Italy in March & April
Packing for this time of year requires layers. The weather changes quickly—mornings can be chilly, afternoons warm, and evenings cool again.
- Jacket – A lightweight waterproof jacket for unexpected rain.
- Sweaters & Layers – Mornings and evenings are cool, even in southern Italy.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Cobblestones are unforgiving. Skip the sandals unless you’re in Sicily in late April.
- Sunglasses & Sunscreen – The sun is stronger than you’d expect, especially in April.
- Scarf & Hat – For warmth in March and sun protection in April.
- Umbrella – Spring showers happen, especially in northern and central Italy.
Final Thoughts
Italy in March and April is the perfect blend of good weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer tourists (if you choose wisely). Stick to central and southern Italy for the best climate, go for cities and countryside over beach resorts, and take advantage of seasonal food and festivals. If you plan it right, you’ll get the best of Italy without the summer chaos.