Positano in March: Is It Worth Visiting? [My Honest Opinion]

When most people think of Positano, they picture summer in full swing— teal-and-orange striped umbrellas lining the beach, sun-drenched Aperol spritzes, and long, lazy days soaking in the sea. But Positano isn’t only a summer destination… in fact, I personally really loved it in March.

OK, granted, March won’t show you Positano at its most glamorous—but for the right kind of traveler (hi, I’m talking about myself here!), it offers a completely different kind of magic.

Believe it or not, the Amalfi Coast actually can be quiet—and March is when that stillness begins to stir back to life, juuuust enough that you can start to properly enjoy it (I wouldn’t recommend going earlier than March).

Some hotels and restaurants remain closed until April, but a handful will begin to open their doors in March.

The middle of March starts to see a slow return to life before the busy season explodes in July and August, making it one of the few times you can see this cliffside town without the crowds (while businesses are still also open).

No, it’s not quite the postcard version of Positano you’re envisioning—but what you’ll find instead is something arguably more special: empty and tranquil villages neighboring Positano along the coast, uncrowded (and not too hot) hiking trails, and prices that feel are (almost!) reasonable.

Admittedly, you may need to be a bit flexible and plan a bit ahead—hotel options will be more limited, some restaurants will keep unpredictable hours, and March weather can lean towards the drizzly end if you’re lucky, and downpours if you’re very unlucky—but these are generally small trade-offs, not trip-ruiners.

And really, those pastel cliffside houses? They look just as dreamy under a moody sky.

But I’ll be the first to give the caveat that visiting Positano in March is not to everyone’s tastes. The key is having the right expectations (namely, jackets, not bikinis) and understanding the pros and cons of visiting in the low season, as this small seaside town starts to emerge from its winter hibernation.

Here’s my honest opinion of visiting Positano in March after my visit last year, to help you make the decision if it’s right for you as well!

Pros of Visiting Positano in March

The weather is generally quite pleasant.

While you can get a bit of rain, if you like cool, mild weather, March in Positano tends to deliver. You’ll want a light jacket and jeans, but you certainly won’t be shivering.

Personally, I struggle far more with the heat of summer in Italy than I do with the ‘cold’ of late winter or early spring. When I visited in March, most days hovered in the 60s°F (around 16°C), with just the occasional light drizzle—and for me, that was perfect.

That said, if you’re hoping to break out your sundresses and channel that “Euro summer” aesthetic… March likely won’t give you the chance, unless you get very lucky.

There are virtually no crowds.

Unlike in cities like Rome or Milan, where crowds are just part of the deal year-round, Italy’s coastal regions—like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre—still have a genuine off-season. I visited both coastlines during my March trip, and the difference between a March visit and a summer visit is truly remarkable.

You’ll still see fellow travelers here and there, but tour groups are rare, and it’s entirely possible to get people-free photos of nearly any street scene. You can actually walk through town without having to dodge selfie sticks or line up for a shot at the most iconic places in town.

That’s something I personally love when traveling, and why I often pick “shoulder season” times to visit.

You can still go hiking.

One of the best hikes in the region—and in all of Southern Italy, in my opinion—is the Path of the Gods. As long as the weather stays in your favor, March is a fantastic time to do this hike!

Personally, I didn’t have time on this trip as I was visiting several Amalfi Coast towns in a short amount of time, but it’s something I hope to return and do.

This famous hike starts in Bomerano and winds along the cliffside with jaw-dropping views the entire way. The cooler temperatures mean you’ll feel less exhausted while hiking (as it is still a fairly challenging hike!), and best of all, you’ll likely have the trail (mostly) to yourself.

You can do the hike yourself if you’re an experienced hiker by following the AllTrails guide, or better yet, go with an experienced guide on a small group hiking tour — they will make sure you have an incredible time and be aware of any changes based on the recent weather.

Cons of Visiting Positano in March

You can’t visit by boat.

One of the easiest and most scenic ways to get around the Amalfi Coast is by boat. Not only does it spare you from the traffic that clogs the narrow coastal roads, but it’s also just a beautiful way to see the coastline.

Unfortunately, in March, most boat operators haven’t resumed service yet. In general, ferry routes between Amalfi, Sorrento, Salerno, and other key stops start running in April—definitely by May.

While ferries won’t be running just yet, SITA buses connect all the major towns along the coast. Sit on the sea-facing (right if you’re heading towards Salento) side of the bus for some of the best views!

There can be some rain.

My experience with March weather in Positano was fairly balanced—some sunshine, some drizzle, and a few moments where the sea looked like it belonged on a postcard.

I didn’t mind carrying an umbrella for a few damp strolls, and there are enough indoor options to duck into—like the church, the museum, or the Roman villa and crypts. But it’s worth knowing that the weather is a bit of a gamble, and if you’re unlucky, you might encounter a full-on downpour or two.

Hotel and restaurant options are more limited.

As mentioned earlier, many hotels don’t open until April, and even some that technically “open” in March may only do so later in the month. It’s easy enough to check hotel availability using Booking, Expedia, or your preferred platform—but restaurants are a little trickier.

That said, your hotel staff will be a great resource for what’s open and worth checking out. Keep in mind that many restaurants will have shorter hours, so I recommend eating on the earlier side—otherwise, you could end up missing dinner entirely. Alternately, you can opt to take a cooking class, for a guaranteed delicious meal!

Positano Weather in March

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect, weather-wise, in Positano (and the Amalfi Coast in general) throughout March:

So, Is It Worth It?

In my opinion? Absolutely, as long as you’re not expecting to wear a bikini and sit on the beach all day.

March isn’t the Amalfi Coast’s high season…. but that’s exactly why I love it. If you’re okay with a little unpredictability in exchange for a more low-key version of Italy’s most coveted coastline, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Allison Green

Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016, visiting 75+ countries in total. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. As a former educator, she merges her writing and educational experience to encourage ethical, sustainable travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and TBEX. Her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Bangkok, Thailand.