A Guide to Visiting Paris in March | Attractions, Weather & Museums

Contents

Paris, the romantic capital of the world, is the most visited city on the planet. The French metropolis, which attracts more than 20 million visitors each year, is home to some of the most recognizable structures, including the Eiffel Tower, museums like the Louvre, lively boulevards, and cultural masterpieces. No matter which month of the year you are planning to visit the City of Lights, Paris will serve up a great trip for you. However, since you have chosen March, you are in for some great memories. Read on to more about visiting Paris in March.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Paris?

Whatever way you define the start of the spring season, one thing is certain: warmer weather is on the way, Paris is lightening up, and the days in Paris begin to grow longer in March. This month is the last chance to avoid long queues at famous attractions before the peak season begins.

Why You Should Visit

The hint of warmth in the air is one of the most important reasons to visit Paris in March.
Paris in March is still quite devoid of the tourist crowd. It is one of the last months you can enjoy relatively empty Paris before the high season begins.
There are several concerts and events going on in Paris in March to take advantage of the change in the weather.
Because the high season has yet to arrive in Paris, hotels, and flights are available at a discount in early March.
Walking around the City of Lights is much more pleasurable in March after the winter season.

What to Look Out For

Staying out late at night in Paris in March can be an uncomfortable prospect because it tends to get cold during the late hours of the day.
Packing for a visit to Paris in March is a difficult affair as you will need to bring both light clothes and layers to combat the fickle weather.
There would be more tourists in Paris in March trying to take advantage of the waning low tourist season in March, so it might dampen your experience.
Several sites may be closed or open for limited hours in March depending on the weather, so you may be disappointed.

Overview of Weather in Paris in March

In Paris, March marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The days get longer as the month progresses and warm wind can be felt during the day.

Average Temperature: 8℃ to 15℃
Average Rainfall: 20 mm, 9 Rainy days (Unlikely to see snow)
Average Wind Speeds: 12 miles per hour

Best Time to Visit Paris

More About Weather in Paris in March

The days start getting longer in Paris in March. There are fewer cloudy days as well this month, leading to fewer days with rain disruptions.

How hot is Paris in March?

In March, Paris starts getting warmer. Spring closes in as the month advances, with typical high temperatures of around 15°C and low temperatures of around 8°C.

Does it rain in Paris in March?

For around 9 days in March, rain in Paris is high. Because the cloud cover in March is substantially lower, you will have clear skies for more than 20 days. There is an extremely slim possibility of snow in March.

Is Paris windy in March?

There is a continual mild wind current in Paris throughout March, with speeds reaching 12 miles per hour.

Best Things to do in Paris in March

1. Eiffel Tower

City Landmark

Any journey to Paris, regardless of the month, must involve a visit to the world-famous Eiffel Tower. The fact that it is March means fewer people and shorter lines are added rewards. The Eiffel Skyscraper stands at a height of 324 meters and is named after Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who conceptualized the tower.

March Timings

9:30 AM - 11:45 PM, with the last elevator ascending at 10:30 PM

from €34

2. Louvre Museum

Museum | Learning Experience

When it comes to sights and places to visit, Paris is like a gift that keeps on giving, and the famed Louvre Museum should be next on your list. The museum, which spans 72,735 square meters, is also the world's most visited art museum and you should definitely take advantage of the lower crowd in March to come here.

March Timings

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

from €17

3. Disneyland Paris

Themepark| Kid-Friendly

You will be able to submerge yourself in the magical world of Disney and rediscover the childhood memories of your favorite characters by visiting Disneyland Paris. Enjoy the 'Frozen Celebration,' which includes live shows, musicals, and Frozen-themed illuminations and floats that are best experienced in the bright March sunshine.

March Timings

9:30 AM to 8:00 PM

from €59

4. Arc de Triomphe

City Landmark | Historic Arch

This beautiful 1836 monument celebrating Napoléon's triumph at Austerlitz rivals the Eiffel Tower as the icon of Paris. This beautifully sculpted triumphal arch stands guard in the heart of Europe's most congested traffic circles, the Étoile roundabout. From this vantage point, you can see a dozen avenues, including the famous Champs-Élysées.

March Timings

10 AM to 10:30 PM

Know More

5. Seine River Cruises

Cruise | Sightseeing

After a day of walking around Paris, a relaxing cruise on the historic Seine River sounds like a dream come true. There are Seine cruises specifically designed for you to enjoy one of Paris' most beautiful boulevards. The Seine Dinner Cruise, which usually lasts 1.5-2.5 hours, includes lavish extras such as live music, wine, and even a wonderful three-course dinner.

March Timing:

10:30 AM to 10:00 PM

from €69

6. Versailles Palace

Historic Palace

At the time of its construction, the Palace of Versailles was France's appointed royal residence, and it today serves as a historic monument. The Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its historical significance in France. The fascinating Hall of Mirrors and the majestic Garden of Versailles are two of the most popular attractions on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

March Timings

9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, every day except Monday

from €18

7. Musée Rodin

Art Gallary

Even if you're not a fan of art, it's worth paying a visit to this well-known museum to immerse yourself in its charming gardens, particularly in late March. Auguste Rodin, a sculptor, painter, sketcher, engraver, and collector, surrendered his complete collection to the French state in 1908 on the condition that his former workshop and showroom, the lovely 1730 Hôtel Biron, be dedicated to showcasing his works.

March Timings

Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM

from €13

Paris Pantheon

Historic Palace | Learning Experience

The huge neoclassical cupola of the Left Bank's famed Panthéon is an emblem of the Parisian cityscape, elegant and regal in equal measure. Around 1750, Louis XV ordered the massive architectural marvel as an abbey dedicated to Ste Geneviève. The abbey was turned into a mausoleum for some of France's most prominent citizens in 1791, based on Rome's Pantheon.

March Timings

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Know more

9. Moulin Rouge Show

Live Show | Entertainment

If you want to spend a day indoors on your trip to Paris in March, this may be a great option for you. Purchase a ticket to the city's premier cabaret, The Moulin Rouge, and enjoy an exciting evening in the company of stunning dancers and professional performers without compromising the fun and glitz. At the concert, you will also receive a complimentary glass of champagne.

Know more

10. The Sainte-Chapelle

Historic Palace | Learning Experience

The Sainte-Chapelle was erected to celebrate Christendom and contain sacred relics like the Crown of Thorns. It is a beautiful 13th-century Gothic church with some of the world's most exquisite glass-stained window work. On the interior, it's warm and comforting, making it the ideal spot to spend an uncharacteristically chilly March day in Paris with your fellow travelers.

March Timings

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

from €31

11. The Grévin Wax Museum

Museum

The famed Grévin Wax Museum would be an amusing spot to visit if you wanted to get away from a rainy day in Paris in March. The time spent visiting this museum, which is filled with wax figures ranging from comical to historical figures, will be well spent and will result in a plethora of interesting images to remember your trip to Paris.

March Timings

Monday to Friday, 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM, and from 9:30 AM to 6 PM on weekends

12. Paris Catacombs

Landmark

A visit to the eerie Catacombs will add a touch of mystery and intrigue to your French vacation. The Catacombs, which are underground passageways that preserve the bones of Frenchmen from centuries ago, are a refreshing break from the magnificence and glory that can be found all across Paris. With a guided tour of the Paris Catacombs, you can learn about the long history that led to their formation.

March Timings

10:00 AM to 8:30 PM

from €29

Top Experiences & Things to do in Paris in March

Festivals in Paris in March

Holi Festival

Venue: Jardin d’Acclimatation

Dates: Mid March

In March, Holi – a well-known Indian festival – is held in Western Paris. With good spirit and a variety of events, the Holi festival in Paris commemorates the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The most anticipated event occurs in the afternoon when people smear and drown each other with various colors. Water pistols and water-filled balloons are also used to color and have fun with one another. Then there will be traditional dances, delectable Indian cuisine, and Bollywood-style entertainment.

St. Patrick’s Day

Venue: Throughout Paris

Dates: March 17

St. Patrick's Day in Paris is a pleasant and unforgettable experience thanks to the vibrant Irish population. Traditional Irish folk music performances to drinking a good pint of Guinness in one of the city's greatest pubs are all available. It's typical to see people dancing on tables near the end of the night, although it's not a mandate.

Events in Paris in March

Paris Book Fair

Dates: Late March

The Paris Book Fair, which takes place every March, delights book enthusiasts with a packed schedule of readings, book signings by well-known writers, discussions, and opportunities to locate the perfect new mystery or graphic novel. Every year, there is a huge part dedicated to books for children and young people, so your children will be able to discover something appropriate to read as well.

Know more

Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival

Dates: Mid March

This yearly festival, held in March at the Centre Georges Pompidou Cultural Center, is a must-see for documentary film fans. Enjoy film premieres, Q&A sessions with up-and-coming and established documentary filmmakers, and a schedule chock-full of the genre's most intriguing new releases, hand-picked from all around the world.

Know more

The Banlieue Bleues Jazz Festival

Dates: March to April

This is the event for you if you are a jazz aficionado interested in learning more about the exciting present-day scene in Paris. The Banlieue Bleues Jazz Festival brings outstanding jazz and blues concerts to the northern suburbs of the city every year from late March to April. It's one of the city's most exciting international music concerts of the year.

Know More

Know Before You Visit Paris in March

Travel Essentials

What to Wear

What to Pack

Transport

Stay

Food

Time Zone: GMT +1

Currency: Euro EUR (€)

Country code: +33

Emergency numbers: 112

Paris Travel Guide

What to Wear in Paris in March

For the few rainy and snowy days, a thick waterproof coat should be enough.
Good walking sneakers, a warm night jacket, and a windcheater will be helpful for an evening stroll.
March has warm days, so you will need to wear breathable clothes for the sunny days with no wind. Throw a light jacket on if the weather changes as it so often does this month.

What to Pack in Paris in March

It's a good idea to have an umbrella because rain or snow is possible in March.
Because the sun can be very bright, sunglasses are also recommended.
Comfortable walking shoes are also required for moving around and seeing the attractions.
In Paris, a type E or type C plug would suffice.
Bring a daypack with plenty of compartments to carry all of your items during the day.
Both warm and breathable clothes are necessary for a trip in late March.

Getting Around Paris in March

By Train: In the greater Paris region, there are suburban rapid transit lines in all six zones. These RER trains also cross with metro lines to give visitors in Paris a complete transport network.
By Metro: The Métro is a highly efficient mode of transportation that will carry you anywhere you need to go within the city borders of Paris, and sometimes even further.
By Bus: Buses in Paris are less reliable, but they still provide a good service and have a large network. During the night, you can ride the Noctilien bus.
On Foot: If the weather permits, you can also take a walk around the city and see a lot of it if the weather is pleasant.

Where to Stay in Paris in March

A stay in Paris can be expensive due to the city's appeal to foreign visitors. However, if you plan to visit Paris in March, you may be able to get great housing deals. Here are several options for lodging, depending on your budget:

Budget: Hotel Montparnasse Alésia, Hôtel Home Moderne Paris, Hôtel de Venise Paris 12

Mid-Range: Louison Hotel, Hôtel Left Bank Saint Germain des Prés, Les Jardins d'Eiffel

Luxury: Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, Bvlgari Hôtel Paris

What to eat in Paris in March

The food scene in Paris is particularly cosmopolitan because it is a melting pot of cultures. In addition to the local staples like crepes, you may experience dishes from all over the world in Paris.

Hachis Parmentier: This dish is named after Antoine Parmentier, a French dietician who championed the potato as a food source.

Hot Chocolate À L’ancienne: On a cold afternoon, a steamy mug of hot chocolate is divine, and we know just where to acquire this mug of molten chocolate.

Hacks & Tips to Visit Paris in March

March is the last month you will be able to benefit from discounted hotel and flight deals before the high season arrives.
If you chance to be in town when the winner of the best baguette contest is revealed, make a dash for the winning bakery to sample the year's perfectly crispy, sticky, grainy baguette.
Book the tickets for the attractions online as this is the time of the year when box offices begin running out of tickets on the day of the visit.
The weather in Paris in March is unpredictable, so do your research about the weather as much as possible, but be prepared with both light and heavy clothes for your trip.
This is the official beginning of the cherry blossom season in Paris, so bring your camera and be ready to capture some beautiful shots.
Attend Le Mondial du Tatouage or the tattoo festival, which is one of the newest regular events in Paris in March.

Explore Paris Through the Year

All Your Questions About Visiting Paris in March Answered

Is March a good time to visit Paris?

Yes, March is a good time to visit Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris in March?

Some of the best things to do in Paris in March include visiting streetside cafés for hot beverages, enjoying a bird's eye perspective of the city from Center Pompidou, and seeing the Paris Catacombs at night.

Is Paris cold in March?

Yes, Paris is cold in March with temperatures dropping down to 5ºC in the night.

How hot is Paris in March?

Paris isn’t too hot at all in March. The temperature reaches up to 14ºC, which is not hot at all.

Can you swim in Paris in March?

No, you won't be able to swim in Paris in March unless you go to a heated indoor pool.

Is it sunny in Paris in March?

There are over 20 sunny days in Paris in March.

What clothes to wear in Paris in March?

For the few rainy and snowy days, a thick waterproof coat should be enough. Good walking sneakers, a warm night jacket, and a windcheater will be helpful for an evening stroll. March has warm days, so you will need to wear breathable clothes for the sunny days with no wind. Throw a light jacket on when the weather changes as it so often does in this month.

Is it rainy in Paris in March?

Yes, Paris in March can be a bit rainy.

Is Paris expensive to visit?

Yes, Paris is relatively expensive.

How safe is Paris?

Pickpocketing and other forms of street crime are known to happen, but Paris is otherwise fairly safe.

What can I see in Paris in March ?

You can visit the Eiffel Tower, Palace of Versailles, Paris pantheon, and many other Paris landmarks in March.

What are the major events in Paris in March ?

Major events in Paris in March include St. Patrick’s Day, Paris Book Fair, and the Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival.

What is the average temperature in Paris in March?

The average temperature in Paris in March is between 8℃ and 15℃.

What are the best things to do with Kids in Paris in March?

Kids will love to visit Grévin Wax Museum, have a fun-filled day at Parc Asterix, and go to Disneyland Paris.

What are the main festivals in Paris in March?

The main festivals in Paris in March are St. Patrick’s Day, Holi, and Easter.

What are the major events in Paris in March?

The main events in Paris in March include The Banlieue Bleues Jazz Festival, Cinéma du Réel International Documentary Film Festival, and The Best Baguette in Paris Contest.