What is the weather in Paris in March really like?
“Changeable” describes it in one word!
Spring officially arrives on March 21st. But in reality, March weather in Paris offers a few reminders that winter isn’t quite finished along with plenty of beautiful days filled with bright blue skies and warm, almost hot, sunshine.
Planning a Visit to Paris in March?
If you’re planning to come to Paris this month, consider booking tours, cruises, and other activities as soon as possible to make sure of getting your top choices.
Top Paris attractions & experiences:
- 1-Hour Seine River Cruise – Paris’s #1 cruise – perfect way to see the city
- Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor or Summit Guided tour – Sells out fast
- Louvre Museum Masterpieces Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
Most popular Paris destinations this month:
- Guided Day Trip from Paris to Monet’s House & Gardens in Giverny
- Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket – Favorite family-friendly activity
- Versailles Skip-the-Line Guided Tour & Gardens – Optional garden tour
As Paris temperatures in March warm up, magnolias and early-blooming cherry trees light up the city with their gorgeous pink blooms, and sidewalk tables outside of every bistro and cafe fill up with Parisians relaxing in the fresh spring air.
So as long as you pack for a range of temperature and weather conditions during March, you’ll be comfortable indoors and outside.
Plan some fun outdoor activities such as a food tasting walking tour in the Marais or a bike tour of Saint Germain and other iconic neighborhoods to take advantage of the sunny days. And of course, have in mind a few indoor things to do if the Paris March weather turns chilly or wet.
In this article, you’ll everything you want to know about March weather in Paris, packing tips, some fun things to do during your March visit, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.
Article contents:
- Paris weather details for March
- How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during March
- What to pack for your March visit to Paris
- Should you visit Paris during March?
- Activities for March weather in Paris
- Where to stay in Paris during March
Top photo: Sacre Coeur Basilica in Montmartre on a sunny (but cold) March afternoon, (c) Paris Discovery Guide
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What Is Paris Weather in March Really Like?
March in Paris can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the first signs of spring begin to appear, winter hasn’t entirely let go. Some days bring bright blue skies and mild sunshine, while others are chilly, rainy, or even briefly snowy.
Check out the temperature ranges below for an idea of what to expect.
Average Paris Weather in March: Highs & Lows
Here’s a snapshot of typical March temperatures in Paris, in both Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C):
🌡️ Average High: 55°F (13°C)
❄️ Average Low: 39°F (4°C)
🔍 Did you know? Average highs in March have increased by 1-2°F over the past decade.
💡 Important Reminder: These are long-term averages, not a precise forecast. For a more accurate picture, check real-time temperature trends before your trip.
📍 Photo: The Eiffel Tower viewed from Trocadéro on a cold (and soon-to-be stormy) March afternoon
March Weather in Paris: Temperature Ranges & What to Expect
Daily High & Low Temperature Ranges
Looking beyond the averages, here’s a breakdown of the typical temperature fluctuations throughout March in Paris. These ranges will help you better prepare for what to pack.
🌡️ Range of Maximum Temperatures: 44°F to 78°F (7°C to 26°C)
❄️ Range of Minimum Temperatures: 15°F to 50°F (-9°C to 10°C)
📌 Record-Breaking March Temperatures (Since 1991):
🔥 Warmest March Temperature: 78°F (26°C) in 2021
❄️ Coldest March Temperature: 15°F (-9°C) in 2005
While daytime temperatures in the 40s (Fahrenheit) are less common, when they do occur, they often come with overcast skies, rain, and chilly winds. If you’re not dressed warmly, it can feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. So, it’s best to be prepared—just in case.
On the flip side, temperatures in the 70s have become more frequent over the past decade. While a sunny 78°F (24°C) sounds delightful, it can feel surprisingly warm if you’re overdressed. Packing layers—including a lightweight top—will help you stay comfortable.
(And don’t worry, we’ll cover what to pack shortly!)
Sunshine & Cloud Cover: What to Expect in March
📍 Photo: Rue Cler in the 7th arrondissement on a cloudy March day
March in Paris is a mix of overcast skies and brilliant sunshine—often within the same day! You might even witness the unique sight of dark storm clouds in one direction and clear blue skies in the other.
☁️ How cloudy is March in Paris?
- Slightly more than half of March days are overcast or mostly cloudy.
- Even on cloudy days, expect occasional bursts of sunshine lasting from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
☀️ Daylight Hours & Sunshine
- Average daylight per day: 12 hours
- Average hours of sunshine: 4 hours per day
As the month progresses, the days grow noticeably longer. By March 31st, you’ll enjoy 12 hours and 39 minutes of daylight—giving you more time to explore the city!
How Much Rain & Wind Does Paris Get in March?
📍 Photo: Rue Molière in Paris’s 1st arrondissement on a rainy afternoon
March in Paris sees an average of 2 inches (51 mm) of precipitation spread over about 10 days.
🌧️ What Kind of Rain Should You Expect?
- Most rainy days feature light, scattered showers or brief drizzles rather than steady downpours.
- A few days might bring heavier rain, but even on the wettest days, total rainfall rarely exceeds 2.6 inches (6.6 cm).
- While snow is technically possible when temperatures drop to extreme lows (like the record 15°F/-9°C in 2005), it’s rare and typically amounts to just a light dusting.
What About Weather on Day Trips from Paris?
Planning a day trip to Versailles or Disneyland Paris? Expect weather conditions similar to those in the city.
For destinations further afield—such as Mont Saint-Michel or Bruges—temperatures and rainfall can vary slightly. Be sure to check the local forecast before your trip!
What to Pack for Paris in March
📍 Photo: Outdoor diners at a café in the Upper Marais neighborhood
With fluctuating temperatures and occasional rain, packing layers is essential for staying comfortable in March.
Must-Have Items for March in Paris
🧥 Outerwear:
✔ A warm jacket or a trench coat with a zip-out lining (water-resistant is ideal).
✔ A lightweight puffer jacket—compact and perfect for layering.
✔ If you prefer a trench coat, you can easily buy one in Paris! Most clothing stores stock them in March, with prices ranging from €100 at budget shops like Camaïeu to designer options at Isabel Marant.
🧣 Cold-Weather Essentials:
✔ One or two sweaters—great for layering under your jacket on colder days or wearing solo when temps hit the 60s and 70s.
✔ A warm scarf, hat, and gloves—especially useful for evening Seine cruises or open-top bus tours.
✔ Fleece-lined leggings—optional, but a lifesaver if you get cold easily.
👢 Shoes:
✔ Ankle boots—not required, but stylish and practical. Many Parisians wear them in March.
✔ Comfortable walking shoes—1-2 pairs should suffice. Opt for lightweight socks for versatility.
☔ Rain Gear:
✔ A rain hat or a compact umbrella—you can also buy an umbrella in Paris for €5-10 at convenience stores or splurge on a high-end version at boutiques.
👚 Warm-Weather Options:
✔ A sleeveless or short-sleeve top—perfect for those occasional warm days above 70°F (21°C).
✔ Lightweight pants or a skirt for when temperatures climb.
Pro Tip: Before packing, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast for any last-minute surprises.
PARIS WEATHER
Is March a Good Month to Visit Paris?
📍 Photo: A café in Paris’s Saint-Germain neighborhood in early March
Absolutely! March is one of the best times to visit Paris if you’re looking for lower travel costs, fewer crowds, and early signs of spring.
Why Visit Paris in March?
✈️ Lower Airfares & Hotel Rates – As part of the shoulder season, flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper than in peak summer months.
🎨 World-Class Exhibitions & Performances – March offers an exciting lineup of museum exhibitions, concerts, opera, and ballet performances.
🌸 Early Spring Blossoms – Magnolia and cherry trees bloom across the city, daffodils brighten the parks, and Paris florists overflow with colorful flowers.
🍓 Seasonal Delights at Markets – Local street markets showcase the first sweet strawberries, fresh radishes, and other spring produce from the countryside.
🏛️ Fewer Tourists, Shorter Lines – Enjoy top attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d’Orsay without the massive summer crowds.
☀️ Mild Weather – While temperatures can be unpredictable, many days are neither too hot nor too cold—just right for sightseeing.
Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in March
🍾 Champagne Tasting Day Trip – Visit vineyards, taste a variety of Champagnes, and explore the historic Reims Cathedral on this small-group tour from Paris.
💃 Moulin Rouge Show – Experience the magic of Paris’s most famous cabaret, complete with Champagne and optional gourmet dining.
🚌 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – Stay warm and dry while sightseeing from the enclosed lower deck or take in panoramic views from the covered upper deck.
🚢 Seine River Dinner Cruise – Enjoy a gourmet meal in a glass-enclosed boat while passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, or opt for an open-air “Illuminations” cruise.
🏛️ Paris Museums & Attractions – A Paris Museum Pass grants you free access to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and nearly 60 other attractions—perfect for rainy or chilly days.
👉 With fewer tourists, lower prices, and a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences, March is an ideal time to visit Paris!
Where to Stay in Paris During March
March weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so staying in a central neighborhood near top attractions, great restaurants, and metro stations is a smart choice. On warm days, you can enjoy leisurely strolls along the Seine and relax in nearby parks.
Best Areas to Stay in Paris in March
🏛️ Near the Louvre & Tuileries Garden – Stay in the heart of historic Paris, steps from the Louvre Museum, Palais Royal Garden, and Jardin des Tuileries. You’ll also be close to the Seine and an endless array of fantastic restaurants and bistros.
🎭 Paris Opera House Neighborhood – This lively area surrounds the Palais Garnier (Opera House) and is home to Galeries Lafayette & Printemps department stores, the Grévin Wax Museum, and Madeleine Church, which hosts classical concerts.
☕ Saint-Germain-des-Prés – A classic Left Bank choice, this stylish neighborhood offers famous cafés (Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore), fantastic shopping, the Orsay Museum, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church.
🛏️ Find Your Perfect Stay:
Use this hotel booking map to discover top-rated hotels and apartments for your travel dates:
👉 Booking.com
More About Paris in March
🎭 Top March Events in Paris
🌦️ Paris Weather in March
🎶 Concerts in Paris: Classical, Rock, Pop & More
🌸 Best Things to Do in Paris in Spring
Need a Current Weather Forecast?
For real-time Paris weather predictions, check our favorite French source: Meteoblue.
Related Articles
📌 What to Expect in Paris Each Season – Weigh the pros and cons of visiting during different times of the year.
📌 When’s the Best Time to Visit Paris? – Tips on saving money, avoiding crowds, and picking the best weather.
📌 Paris Weather Each Month – Compare different months to find the best one for your trip.
More Information for Your Paris Visit in March
🎶 Paris Church Concerts – Experience classical, baroque, sacred, and choral music performed by professional musicians in historic Paris churches—a perfect way to spend a chilly March evening.
✈️ Cheap Flights to Paris – Find low airfare deals for March.
🎭 Top Paris Events in March – Discover what’s happening in arts, culture, food, and entertainment this month.
📅 When Should You Visit Paris? – A detailed look at each season’s advantages and drawbacks.
📖 Recommended Paris Guidebooks – The best travel guides, from Rick Steves to Michelin, to help you plan your perfect Parisian adventure.
Find Out More About Paris Weather & Packing Tips
Wondering what to expect in Paris during other months? Check out our month-by-month weather and packing guides:
