Paris In March – What’s on, Weather & Best Things To Do
March welcomes early spring in Paris with slightly longer days and the hint of better weather to come. Crowds remain calmer but begin to build as April holidays approach. Sunnier days bring people outside – particularly for the Paris Half-Marathon on March 7 and for the Foire de Chatou Antiques Market March 13-22.
📅 March At A Glance
🌸 March Average Temperatures: High 57°F (14°C) | Low 37°F (3°C)
🧡 Sunrise/Sunset: 7:30am | 7:15pm
🎫 Booking Urgency: March is the cusp of spring and crowds begin to build as the month progresses. Advance bookings at major sites are recommended.
📶 Crowd Meter: Building
🇫🇷 Notable Dates: Paris Half-Marathon March 7 | Easter Sunday March 28 + Monday March 29 (national holiday)
🛍️ Events: Foire de Chatou Antiques Market March 13-22
🛥️ Getting Around: Batobus Hop on Hop Off Boat. Learn More Here →
🗼 Les Frenchies Recommendation: Take advantage of spring weather to visit the Palace of Versailles – Our Complete Guide →
Paris Weather in March & what to pack
March is the beginning of spring. Days remain crisp but the sun shines more predictably and buds appear across Paris’s green spaces and parks. Although spring is on the rise, the crowds remain manageable and it is still possible to enjoy the major monuments and sites in a calmer atmosphere before the Easter holidays and French school breaks in April bring larger crowds.
- Average Temperatures: High 57°F (14°C) | Low 37°F (3°C)
- Precipitation: On average March has 9 days of rain
What To Pack For Paris In March
March is the start of spring but it remains a cooler month – so bring along a light jacket and scarf to keep warm on cool spring mornings and evenings. March can have some rainy periods but as a transitional month it is usually drier than April or May. Still packing a travel umbrella is a good idea or be prepared to pick one up if needed. As always we recommend a versatile capsule wardrobe with mix and match pieces. As temperatures remain cool – particularly in the mornings and evenings – bring pieces you can layer to keep you cozy as you explore the sites. Paris in spring brings people back outside – and you will see Parisians layered with some sort of jacket or coat with simple but sylish outfit below. Opt for stylish sneakers with warm socks to allow you to walk in comfort.
🇫🇷 Les Frenchies Tip
When packing for your trip less is more. Leave behind your “just in case” items. Paris has stores at all price points and pharmacies in every neighborhood. Anything you forgot you can buy and believe us you will never use that extra thing you brought “just in case”. Read our full packing guide here →
What’s On In Paris In March
🛍️ Foire de Chatou Antiques Fair
Admission: €10 general public | Hours: 10am to 7pm | Location: Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou RER Train A: Direction Saint-Germain-en-Laye to Rueil-Malmaison then catch the FREE shuttle
In mid-March (March 13-22), Paris hosts one of the largest regional antiques fairs in France. The fair hosts more than 300 exhibitors displaying a range of antique and vintage goods. The fairground is located in the municipality of Chatou – a 30 minute RER A ride from central Paris. As you stroll looking for treasures you can also take a break at one of the many food vendors. If you love antiques and vintage goods this is a don’t miss opportunity! For more details visit the official website at foiredechatou.com
🏃 March Sports Events
Paris hosts a half-marathon on March 7. The route runs from Saint-Germain and ends at Place de la Bastille. Be prepared for crowds. The event is a large, averaging 50,000 runners. It serves as a sort of spring welcome event with a fun atmosphere of cheering crowds and bands along the route. For more information visit the official race website hoka.com/semi-de-paris
March is an exciting and busy time for Paris Saint Germain, the city’s premier league football (soccer) team. March is later in the season and often features high profile matches for the club. For more information visit the club’s official website in English at psg.fr/en
🌸 Spring at Versailles
March is a good time to visit the Palace of Versailles with fewer crowds. The palace isn’t just a tourist attraction — it’s one of the most extraordinary places on earth. The seat of French royal power for over a century, it is a building that was literally designed to make your jaw drop. Even Antoine, a Paris local who’s visited dozens of times, still catches his breath walking through the Hall of Mirrors. Even in March we highly recommend pre-booking to avoid a wait at the ticketing booth.
🇫🇷 Les Frenchies Tip – March Versailles Visit
March is a marvelous time to visit Versailles with a calmer feel and time to enjoy the Palace and the Trianons. The Palace of Versailles isn’t just a tourist attraction — it is a building designed to make your jaw drop. The Palace is crowded most of the year but a March visit definately is calmer and gives you the time to enjoy. Plan a full day for your visit to see the Palace and the smaller Trianon palaces.
→ See Our Complete Guide To Versailles
→ How To Get To Versailles
🐇 Easter In paris – Pâques
Easter (Pâques) comes early in 2027 (March 28) and the holiday is often a vacation period across Europe – so expect crowds to build towards the end of March. Monday, March 29 is an official holiday in France so check for closures as you plan your visits to monuments and attractions. Easter in France is celebrated in ways that may feel familiar to north Americans – with chocolate egg hunts and church services. The Flying Bells (Les Cloches de Pâques) is an easter tradition where church bells fall silent from Thursday through to Easter Sunday, in memory of the crucifixion. Legend says the bells grow wings and fly to Rome for a Papal blessing – arriving back in time to be rung for Easter Sunday services. Traditional Easter lunch or dinner includes lamb and vegetables.
For a special Easter experience in Paris visit the city’s famous chocolate shops to see their easter displays. Taking a pastry class or a food tour offer opportunities to sample Easter treats.
Best Things To Do In Paris In March
🖼️ March Museum Visits
Paris’s museum remain less crowded and calmer in March. Crowds do build as April school breaks and Easter holidays approach. March is the time to visit the Louvre or Musee D’Orsay in a more relaxed atmosphere.
🍷 Plan a Beautiful evening
March brings slightly longer days and cool evenings. It is the perfect time to enjoy dinner on a Seine cruise or an evening of wine tasting. Top off a perfect spring day in Paris with a cozy evening.
⭐ Don’t Miss March Experiences
March offers the chance to get back outside to enjoy slightly longer days and warming temperatures. Consider a walking or bike tour. Try some of the city’s best foods on a food tour. Some of our favorites include:
- Montmartre Walking Tours: Montmartre gives a different perspective on the city. This famous bohemian neighborhood on the hill features cobblestone streets, artists at their easels and Sacré-Cœur glowing from the hillside. Unfortunately it is also easy to get turned around and miss the best spots. A knowledgable guide helps you avoid all that. Our Guide To Best Montmartre Walking Tours →
- Bike Tour: Cycling is one of the best ways to discover Paris. It is also one of the most underrated. In two to three hours on a bike you’ll cover more ground than a full day on foot, glide past landmarks that take your breath away and hear stories about the City of Light that no guidebook will ever tell you. Our Guide To The Best Paris Bike Tours→
- Food Tour: A food tour in Paris isn’t just a way to eat well — it’s the single best way to actually understand a city. You’ll duck into boulangeries that have are baking baguettes that smells through the street, taste cheeses your average restaurant will never serve, and hear stories about the neighborhoods no guidebook bothers to tell. Our Guide To The Best Food Tours In Paris →
Where To Stay In March
If you are planning to visit Paris in March you have a range of options to consider. Below are our guides and picks to help you choose the type of accommodation and area that fits your needs:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is March a good time to visit Paris?
March in Paris is the cusp of spring and offers calmer crowds before the school break and Easter holidays in April usher in bigger crowds. March remains cool – particularly in the mornings and evenings – so you still need a light jacket and warm layers. The Paris half-marathon early in the month brings people outside and welcomes spring with cheering crowds and bands along the route.
What is the weather Like in Paris in March?
March is the beginning of spring but temperatures remain cool, despite sunnier days. Average Temperatures: High 57°F (14°C) | Low 37°F (3°C).
Is March Less Crowded in Paris?
Yes March remains a less crowded time in Paris but crowds begin to build towards the end of the month in anticipation of April school breaks and Easter holidays. Slightly longer days remain cool, particularly in the mornings and evenings. March is a good time to enjoy Paris’s museums without the crowds or take in one of France’s largest regional antiques and vintage fairs – Foire de Chatou Antiques Market.
What should I wear in paris in March?
March is the start of spring in Paris but it remains cool. A light jacket and scarf are recommended. Warm layers are best to enjoy both the indoors and outdoors. As always we recommend capsule wardrobe with mix and match pieces that will keep you cozy as you explore the sites. Opt for comfortable stylish sneakers with warm socks.
Is March a Cheaper Time To Visit Paris?
March welcomes spring and building crowds. In anticipation of April holidays, accommodation prices are in transition and on the rise. However, crowds are lower, so bookings can be available in popular areas at reasonable prices. Generally March offers quieter museums and better hotel rates.