Things to Do in Catania in March

March Weather in Catania

18°C (65°F) High Temp

6°C (43°F) Low Temp

43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather on Mount Etna with clear visibility - temperatures at 1,900m (6,234 ft) range from 2-8°C (36-46°F), ideal for volcano tours without summer heat exhaustion
Almond blossoms peak in late February through mid-March across the Etna foothills - creating spectacular pink and white landscapes for photography and agriturismo visits
Tourist crowds are minimal before Easter rush - major sites like Castello Ursino and Via Etnea have 60-70% fewer visitors than summer months, meaning shorter queues and better photo opportunities
Spring vegetable season brings peak flavors to local markets - blood oranges from nearby groves are at their sweetest, and restaurants feature seasonal dishes like pasta con i tenerumi and caponata with fresh ingredients

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires flexible planning - you might experience 6°C (43°F) mornings requiring winter jackets, then 18°C (65°F) afternoons perfect for t-shirts, sometimes within the same day
Beach activities are limited - sea temperature around 16°C (61°F) makes swimming uncomfortable for most visitors, and beach clubs remain largely closed until April
Reduced ferry schedules to nearby islands - Aeolian Islands connections run less frequently, and some smaller tour operators don't begin full schedules until April

Best Activities in March

Mount Etna Volcano Tours

March offers ideal conditions for exploring Europe's most active volcano. Cool temperatures prevent overheating during crater hikes, while winter snow creates dramatic contrasts. Morning tours (8am-2pm) provide clearest visibility before afternoon clouds form. Cable car to 2,500m (8,202 ft) operates daily with reduced crowds.

Booking Tip: Book volcano tours 5-7 days ahead through certified guides. Tours typically cost €35-65 depending on altitude reached. Choose morning departures for best weather conditions. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Historical Walking Tours Through Baroque Catania

Perfect weather for exploring UNESCO World Heritage baroque architecture. Cool mornings are ideal for Via dei Crociferi and Piazza del Duomo photography. March light enhances the black lava stone buildings' dramatic contrasts. Less crowded streets allow better access to architectural details.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, or book guided tours 2-3 days ahead for €15-25 per person. Morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best lighting and temperatures. Check current guided options in the booking section below.

Sicilian Cooking Classes

March brings peak season ingredients - blood oranges, wild fennel, and fresh ricotta. Indoor activities perfect for variable weather days. Learn traditional recipes like arancini, caponata, and cannoli with seasonal ingredients from local markets.

Booking Tip: Book cooking classes 1-2 weeks ahead, typically €45-85 per person including meals. Morning classes (10am-2pm) often include market visits. See current cooking experiences in the booking section below.

Fish Market and Food Tours

La Pescheria fish market operates at full capacity in cooler weather - more comfortable for browsing the famous morning chaos. March seafood includes fresh anchovies, swordfish, and sea urchins. Best visited 7am-11am when activity peaks.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost €25-45 per person and should be booked 3-5 days ahead. Choose morning tours ending before noon. Look for tours including market visits plus tastings at 4-5 locations.

Wine Tours in Etna Region

March marks pruning season in volcanic soil vineyards - perfect for learning about unique terroir. Cool weather ideal for cellar visits and outdoor vineyard walks. Some wineries begin early tastings of previous year's harvest.

Booking Tip: Half-day wine tours cost €40-75 per person including transportation and tastings. Book 1 week ahead as some smaller wineries have limited March schedules. See current wine tour options in the booking section below.

Day trips to Taormina and Syracuse

Comfortable temperatures for exploring ancient theaters and archaeological sites. March offers clear views of Etna from Taormina's Greek Theater without summer heat haze. Syracuse's archaeological park is pleasant for walking in moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost €35-60 per person for group tours, or rent a car for €25-35/day. Book 3-5 days ahead. Train to Taormina takes 1 hour 45 minutes. See current day trip options in the booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Festa di Sant'Agata Follow-up Celebrations

While the main festival occurs in February, smaller neighborhood celebrations and markets continue into early March. Local pastry shops maintain special Sant'Agata sweets (minne di Sant'Agata and olivette) through mid-March.

Mid to Late March

Almond Blossom Season

Peak blooming occurs in orchards around Etna's foothills and Alcantara Valley. Not an organized festival but a natural phenomenon - locals visit specific viewing areas like Zafferana Etnea and Santa Venerina for photography and picnics.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - pack t-shirts AND sweaters for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings between morning and afternoon

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for volcano tours and wet volcanic terrain, plus comfortable for cobblestone streets

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - March averages 10 rainy days with brief afternoon showers lasting 15-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8, intensified by reflection off volcanic rock and reduced cloud cover at elevation

Warm jacket for evening - temperatures drop to 6°C (43°F) after sunset, requiring winter layers for dinner walks

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet volcanic stone becomes slippery, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Small daypack - for carrying layers as you shed/add clothing throughout the day due to temperature changes

Portable phone charger - cool temperatures drain batteries faster, and you'll use GPS frequently for navigation

Cash in small denominations - many markets and small eateries don't accept cards, typical spending €20-40 daily for snacks and market purchases

Insider Knowledge

Visit Mount Etna on weekday mornings - weekend tours can be 3x more crowded, and afternoon clouds frequently obscure summit views after 2pm

Locals eat dinner later in March as daylight extends - restaurants don't fill until 8:30pm, giving you better service and table choice if you arrive at 7:30pm

Free museum entry first Sunday of each month draws huge crowds - avoid Castello Ursino and Diocesan Museum on these days unless you arrive before 9am

Buy blood oranges directly from roadside vendors along SP92 toward Paternò - half the price of city markets and picked same morning, available through April

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for Etna tours - many visitors bring only light layers and struggle with 2-8°C (36-46°F) temperatures at elevation, even when Catania city feels warm

Planning beach days - sea temperature of 16°C (61°F) and occasional rain makes beach activities uncomfortable, focus on cultural and volcano activities instead

Booking accommodations too close to departure - March marks the beginning of tourist season, and best-value hotels fill up 2-3 weeks ahead as visitors avoid winter months