March is a great month to visit Paris. You can witness the first signs of spring in Paris if you travel there during this month. City parks will soon be filled with blooming trees and the first signs of springtime flowers emerging from their wintertime beds.
These last weeks of winter have temperatures that are mild enough to be enjoyable in the mornings and evenings, yet warm enough to soak up the rays of the sun during the day.
You should be able to spend the entire day outside, basking in the sun and enjoying the pleasant breeze (though a scarf may still be necessary). March is still “low season,” so you won’t have to deal with the crowds or the long wait times.
You may take your time appreciating the environment and taking stunning photographs because even popular destinations get very few people. You might as well have the city of Paris to yourself.
There are significant savings on lodging, transportation, and airfare in comparison to the peak summer season, which ends this month.
Booking your trip to France in March, just a few weeks before the hectic spring season, can help you save hundreds of dollars whether you’re traveling on a budget or just want to get a better deal. You’ll be able to pick your seats, reserve a room, and even haggle for an upgrade.
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Paris In March: Weather, Things To See And Travel Tips
RELATED READ:
- Paris in January
- Paris In February
- Paris In April
- Paris In May
- Paris In June
- Paris In July
- Paris In August
What is the weather like in Paris in March
The weather in Paris in March is frequently chilly and gloomy, with a few days featuring either partial or full sunshine.
Temperatures in Paris in March
The average high temperature in the afternoon during the first half of March is in the upper 9-10C (40s F), and by the end of the month, it has risen to 12-13C (or mid-50s F).
Towards the end of the month, the month’s few warm days are expected to reach the mid to upper 19-20C (60s F).
Early in the month, overnight lows average around 2-3 °C (or mid to upper 30s F), but by the end of the month, they have risen to 4-5 °C (or low 40s F).
The -2 to -3 degrees Celsius(upper 20s Fahrenheit) might be expected on a few mornings in March.
Rain/ Snow in Paris in March
On average, 18-19 days in March will be gloomy or mostly cloudy, while 12-13 days will be bright or partly sunny. It is more likely to see sunshine toward the month’s end than at its beginning.
Even though rain is likely to fall in 10-14 days, only 7-8 days will see at least 1 mm (0.04 in) of precipitation. Infrequent snow or ice accumulations are possible on 1–2 days.
Wind in Paris in March
March’s average wind speed is around 10 kilometers per hour (6 miles per hour), with occasional gusts up to 27 kilometers per hour (17 miles per hour).
Daylight in Paris in March
The number of daylight hours will grow throughout this month, going from around 11 hours on January 1 to slightly under 13 hours by the month’s end.
What to wear in Paris in March
You could compare Paris to a runway show, so it’s best to exert extra effort in what you wear while here. Experts say that if you don’t have time to shop for spring clothes before your trip to Paris, you shouldn’t bother because the season shifts from autumn to spring there swiftly.
Parisians’ seasonal wardrobes don’t vary much from spring to fall or winter to spring. Choosing pieces in muted or earthy tones and mastering the skill of layering and mixing and matching is all that’s required. You should pack the following items for your trip to Paris in March:
- Warm jacket
- Striped shirt (not too loud contrast)
- Maxi skirt
- Jeans
- Scarf and hat
- Comfortable weatherproof shoes
The classic Breton striped shirt, flared skirts, trousers, and denim jackets all make an appearance in Parisian fashion during March. You can wear these stripes but don’t accessorize with a beret. Wear your knit winter cap instead.
Where to stay in Paris in March
Budget hotel in Paris
The Mama Group’s initial outpost, which was located in the city’s eastern neighborhood, caused a stir in the hotel industry. It also sparked the beginning of a new wave of hip hotel launches.
A bustling central bar and dining room with whimsical accents such as table football and board games are featured in their second Paris address, just as they are in the establishment’s larger sister.
The neighborhood is residential and lies on the very outskirts of Paris proper; but, thanks to Line 12 of the Metro, it is possible to reach the heart of the city in significantly less than half an hour. The stay is made easier and more stress-free by the pleasant demeanor and laid-back attitude of the staff.
Luxury hotel in Paris
In this exotic retreat designed by the great French architect Jacques Garcia, “Arabian Nights” meets “Napoleon III.” Garcia has left the outside simple to evoke the building’s history as a high-end brothel in the early 1900s.
Then they added oil paintings of sultry ladies to the walls and adorned the rooms with swaths of luxurious velvet, Moorish tiles, antique furniture, and more. Whether you’re a solitary traveler looking to indulge, a couple, or a group of friends, this 5-star establishment is the ideal place to stay.
Things to do in Paris in March
1. Celebrate Food In Paris
Each year, the city of Paris hosts a wide variety of exciting food festivals in March. Best Parisian Baguette Contest Kicks Off the Month. The grand prize of this highly anticipated Parisian competition is a year’s supply of baguettes for the President of France at his official residence, the Elysée Palace.
Macaron Day (20 March) and National Cheese Day (27 March) are also celebrated in Paris. You can use these celebrations as an excuse to sample two of Paris’ most renowned dishes.
Over 600 independent wine growers from the top wine regions in France will be showcasing their newest releases of reds, whites, and rosés at the Salon des Vignerons Indépendants in late March in Paris.
2. Witness Holi Festival in Paris
The world-famous Indian festival HOLI takes place in the Jardin d’Acclimatation every March.
Throughout March 17–18, Paris hosts the colorful Holi festival, which marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring with music, dancing, and lots of other fun activities.
Traditional chants in praise of Ganesh, the elephant god, are performed at the opening of the Indian village each morning. Then, there will be concerts in the style of Bollywood movies, delicious Indian food, and traditional dances.
The afternoon event, however, is the most looked forward to, as that is when participants smear each other with colors and drench each other in the water. Coloring each other and playing with water cannons and water-filled balloons is also common.
3. Celebrate St Patrick’s Day on the 17th of March
If you weren’t already planning on visiting Ireland for the holiday, you probably shouldn’t travel to Dublin just to celebrate. Paris is home to a large number of Irish pubs, perfect for relaxing with a pint and catching up with old pals.
Watch as the Arc de Triomphe and the Moulin Rouge, and other well-known Parisian landmarks will be bathed in green light on the evening of March 17th.
4. Experience Car-Free Sundays
Can you picture Paris free of the noise and pollution caused by automobiles?
On the first Sunday of March, as well as on the first Sunday of every month, various districts in Paris host these events. Several neighborhoods also ban cars on Saturdays, and some even go car-free on Sundays.
Get ready to see Paris in a whole new manner by walking or riding a bike in the center of the city’s biggest streets and avenues!
Despite the restriction on most automobiles, you may see the following: Taxis, city buses and ordinary tourist buses (Open Tour and Big Bus lines) also run, although at a slower-than-usual speed to accommodate the emergency and police vehicles.
On days when cars are banned from the city, Paris sees a marked reduction in pollution and noise levels. Just hop on your skateboard, bike, or favorite pair of walking shoes and head outside to soak up some rays and some peace and quiet.
5. Take Part in the Paris Half Marathon (Semi Marathon de Paris)
The Semi de Paris is a half-marathon held annually in Paris in March, serving as a form of tune-up for the Paris Marathon in April.
The Paris Half Marathon is held on March 6, and as many as 40,000 runners are anticipated to take part in the 21.1-kilometer race.
The starting line for the 13.1-mile race is at Pont de Sully on the Left Bank of the Seine, and the finish line is at Rue de Lyon on the Right Bank.
The top racers will go off at 9 a.m., while the rest of the field will begin at various intervals up until 10:40 a.m. The first finishers arrive at the line at around 10 a.m., and the majority of participants will be done running by early afternoon.
6. Join Guided Tours
Whether you’re a lifelong Paris traveler or taking your first trip to the City of Lights, you’re sure to be amazed by the city’s endless array of hidden gems. Small-group guided tours in English take you to iconic Parisian neighborhoods like Le Marais and Montmartre as well as lesser-known neighborhoods in the 12th and 13th arrondissements.
In these places, the local experts teach you about Parisian street art, architecture, history, and even pastries.
The Historical Walking Tour of Central Paris in the Nineteenth Century and the Street Art Tour of Beaubourg or Butte aux Cailles are two of the most fascinating excursions that any visitor must try.
7. Visit the parks and gardens
There are signs of the first spring flowers appearing, so pack up your camera and go for a stroll. In addition to admiring the cherry blossoms that line the city’s most picturesque streets, be sure to spend a full day exploring some of the city’s many beautiful parks and gardens.
- Luxembourg Gardens – A 25-hectare park in the 6th arrondissement, perfect for picnics and rides on pedal karts, swing boats, and even ponies! Take the kids here; they’ll have a blast!
- Tuileries Garden – Located in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, you can easily get here from the Louvre. André Le Nôtre was responsible for the creation of this stunning park. It features terraces, hexagonal ponds, and replicas of works by renowned artists.
- Jardin des Plantes – But this park in the 5th arrondissement has the greatest concentration of flowers (and even a few zoo animals). There are more than ten thousand plant species here, including some exotic varieties housed in tropical greenhouses.
- Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil – This park on Avenue de la Porte d’Auteuil in the 16th arrondissement is a great place to watch flowers and birds. Opened in 1895, its original purpose was to supply the city’s parks, gardens, and other public spaces with plants. Following your tour of the greenhouses, stop through the tropical pavilion. There are a lot of birds, and the ponds are teeming with Japanese carp.
- Palais Royale – The former grounds of this royal mansion in the 1st arrondissement have been transformed into a lovely park that is now home to some of the city’s most prestigious shops and eateries.
Perfumes, antiques, designer labels, and one-of-a-kind wares may all be purchased, and there are also many quaint businesses (like the famous glove-makers Lavabre Cadet and Maison Fabre). Spend some time people-watching, eating lunch outside, and exploring the well-kept grounds.
Travel tips in Paris in March
- Always be prepared for the possibility of rain while in Paris by planning some indoor excursions. You may go to a museum in the morning, then have brunch at a fancy restaurant with a Michelin star in the afternoon.
- Even though March is still considered off-season, you may see an uptick in the number of visitors if the weather improves from near freezing. It’s best to reserve a spot in advance at a trendy restaurant, a hot event, or a must-see museum exhibit to avoid disappointment.
- Keep an open schedule in case of the weather changes throughout the day. Have a Plan B ready in case freezing rain and wind prevent you from enjoying your day at Versailles. Whatever the weather, Paris is always a great vacation destination.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.