March offers travelers an ideal opportunity to explore, as the biting cold of winter begins to fade and many southern regions start welcoming spring sunshine. With summer crowds yet to arrive, you can enjoy peaceful sightseeing and discounted rates.

If you are looking for the best places to travel in Europe in March, you have a unique menu of options. You can still chase the Northern Lights in Norway, or you can wear a t-shirt and sunglasses in Portugal. So we’ve compiled a list of European cities to visit in March, featuring lively festivals, early spring blooms, and mild weather to meet your destination expectations and requirements.

The temperature of Europe in March

Generally speaking, Europe is split into two during this month.

Northern Europe: For instance, in Scandinavia, the UK, Germany, and other regions, the weather remains cold, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (35°F) to 10°C (50°F). Snowfall is still possible, especially during the first few weeks.

Southern Europe: Countries in the Mediterranean region, such as Spain and Portugal, are quite warm, with daytime highs expected to range between 15°C (59°F) and 20°C (68°F).

Best Destination in March Europe

European countries in March offer diverse charms: some cities are gearing up for festivals, others are welcoming beautiful blooms, while still others are savoring winter activities for the last time. The destinations below will cater to your preferences and make your trip truly distinctive.

Travel Style	Destination	Average Temp
Festivals & Culture	València, Spain	8°C – 19°C
	Dublin, Ireland	4°C – 10°C
	Maastricht, Netherlands	3°C – 10°C
	Munich, Germany	1°C – 9°C
	Florence, Italy	5°C – 15°C
Spring Blooms	Amsterdam, Netherlands	3°C – 10°C
	Seville, Spain	9°C – 21°C
	Porto, Portugal	8°C – 16°C
	Paris, France	5°C – 12°C
Warm Weather	Granada, Spain	4°C – 17°C
	Pisa, Italy	6°C – 15°C
	Cinque Terre, Italy	7°C – 14°C
	Lisbon, Portugal	10°C – 18°C
	Nice, France	8°C – 15°C
Winter & Adventure	Tromsø, Norway	-6°C – -2°C
	Reykjavik, Iceland	-2°C – 3°C
	Dubrovnik, Croatia	8°C – 15°C
	Zermatt, Switzerland	-5°C – 5°C

For Festivals & Culture

If you want to dive into local traditions, March is surprisingly busy. It’s not just about waiting for summer; the locals are out celebrating ancient traditions.

València, Spain

Temperature this month: temperatures range from approximately 8°C (46°F) to 19°C (66°F).

València, located along the Mediterranean coast, is Spain’s third-largest city. It is also the birthplace of authentic paella and offers a more relaxed pace of life compared to bustling cities like Madrid. If you like loud noises, fire, and giant art installations, València is hands down the best destination in March in Europe. The city transforms completely for its biggest festival of the year.

Highlights of March

Valencia hosts Las Fallas in March, running from the 15th to the 19th. This is more than just a parade; neighborhoods construct massive satirical sculptures made of wood and papier-mâché, some towering several stories high. The city is filled with the smell of gunpowder due to the mascletà, a rhythmic fireworks display held every afternoon at 2 PM. The climax occurs on the night of March 19th, La Crema, when every single sculpture is burned to the ground.

Dublin, Ireland

Temperature this month: Temperatures will range from 4°C (39°F) to 10°C (50°F), with rain expected.

Experiencing St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland’s capital is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Dublin, the nation’s heart, straddles the River Liffey and offers not only rich history but also famously traditional pubs.

Highlights of March

March 17th is the big day. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade snakes through the city center with marching bands from around the world. But the real fun happens in the pubs in the Temple Bar district. The atmosphere is electric. Everyone is friendly, the Guinness flows freely, and live fiddle music spills out of every doorway.

Beyond the festival, March is a cozy time to explore the literary side of Dublin. Visit the Trinity College Library or warm up with an Irish coffee after walking through St. Stephen’s Green.

Maastricht, Netherlands

Temperature this month: Temperature ranges from 3°C (37°F) to 10°C (50°F).

Maastricht is a hidden gem in the Netherlands, nestled in the southernmost part of the country and surrounded by Belgium and Germany. Its old town features ancient city walls and streets steeped in medieval history and elegance. Combined with the TEFAF art fair in March, it’s an ideal destination for art enthusiasts.

Highlights of March

The European Fine Art Fair is the most captivating attraction; this is no ordinary marketplace. It stands as the world’s premier exhibition of art and antiques, encompassing paintings, ancient jewelry, and modern art. The city itself is charming, featuring cobblestone streets and a culinary scene that rivals Paris. Visit the Dominicanen Bookstore, a 700-year-old church converted into a bookshop, which makes for a perfect hideaway on a chilly March afternoon.

Munich, Germany

Temperature this month: Average temperatures range from 1°C (34°F) to 9°C (48°F).

How could we not talk about Munich? It boasts a rich royal and religious history, yet is also brimming with modern technology and industrial prowess. There are diverse architectural landmarks and parks, not to mention its world-renowned beer culture.

Highlights of March

Welcome to Starkbierfest. It usually runs for a few weeks in March during Lent. Monks originally brewed this extra-strong beer to keep them full during their fasting period. Today, locals gather in beer halls like Nockherberg or Augustiner-Keller.

Compared to the famed Oktoberfest, Starkbierzeit in March draws fewer tourists, offering visitors a chance to experience authentic local culture.

Florence, Italy

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F).

Florence, as the birthplace of the Renaissance, is always well worth a visit. Beyond its vast collection of artistic treasures, the city also offers Tuscan cuisine and wine, making it a destination that delights both the eyes and the palate. The Capodanno Fiorentino celebration further immerses visitors in local traditions.

Highlights of March

Until 1750, the city celebrated the New Year on March 25th. They still celebrate this tradition today with Capodanno Fiorentino. You can watch a grand historical parade with men in medieval tights and armor marching through the streets to the Santissima Annunziata basilica.

Aside from the parade, this is a strategic time to visit. You can actually see the David or enter the Uffizi Gallery without booking three months in advance. The crisp air makes climbing the Duomo’s dome much more pleasant than in the summer sweat-fest.

For Early Spring Blooms

For nature lovers, nothing compares to the flowers of early spring. Tulips, magnolias, and camellias transport you into spring’s dreamlike realm.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Temperature this month: Temperature from 3°C (37°F) to 10°C (50°F).

Amsterdam, with its charming canals, ubiquitous bicycles, and picturesque scenery, has always been a popular European city. But the tulips in March make this city even more special.

Highlights of March

March marks the beginning of tulip season. The world-famous Keukenhof Gardens usually opens its gates around March 20th. While the outdoor fields might not be in full “technicolor carpet” mode until April, the indoor pavilions are bursting with perfect blooms, and millions of crocuses and daffodils are out. Back in the city, the Tulip Festival kicks off, placing planters filled with rare tulips on bridges and street corners. Visiting at this time allows you to avoid the crowds and high prices of April.

Seville, Spain

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 9°C (48°F) to 21°C (70°F).

Compared to summer, Seville‘s March temperatures are pleasant. This city lies at the heart of Andalusian culture, renowned for flamenco, tapas, and stunning Moorish architecture like the Alcázar. Life unfolds on its streets, moving at a slow and cheerful pace.

Highlights of March

The city is home to over 40,000 bitter orange trees, and this is the month they blossom. The scent of Azahar is thick in the air, especially in the Santa Cruz neighborhood. It is one of the most romantic smells in the world.

Depending on the moon, March often hosts the lead-up to Semana Santa. You might catch rehearsals for the processions or see the city dressing up for its most solemn and spectacular event. The tapas bars are buzzing, and the weather is warm enough to sit outside until late at night.

Porto, Portugal

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 16°C (61°F).

Porto, located in northern Portugal, is a city built on steep cliffs. You can admire its granite architecture, azulejos tiles, and the distinctive Port wine. Combined with its lower prices, it offers a more affordable destination compared to other European cities.

Highlights of March

Porto is known as the “City of Camellias.” These flowers were brought here from Asia centuries ago and have thrived in the damp, mild climate. In March, the city hosts camellia exhibitions, and the gardens, like the Crystal Palace Gardens, are filled with pink, red, and white blooms.

March is also a great time to take a boat up the Douro Valley. The vineyards are just starting to show green shoots, and the river is quiet; it’s also a good time for wine tasting.

Paris, France

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) to 12°C (54°F).

Paris needs no introduction; it’s the dream city for countless people and the epitome of European cities. With the return of sunshine in March, you can once again enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors while taking in the city views.

Highlights of March

Before the tourists flood in for the summer, you can enjoy the “Pink Paris.” The magnolia trees are the stars of March. Head to the Jardin du Palais Royal or the Champ de Mars under the Eiffel Tower to see massive magnolia trees exploding with pink and purple flowers.

For Warm Weather

If you’re tired of the cold weather and searching for hot European destinations in March, set your sights on Southern Europe. These places are bathed in sunshine, and you can even take a walk by the sea.

Granada, Spain

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 4°C (39°F) to 17°C (63°F).

Granada, located in southern Spain, blends Islamic, Jewish, and Christian cultures. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, it was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. The influence is everywhere, from the tea houses in the Albaicín district to the food. It is a university town, which keeps the energy young and the prices low.

Highlights of March

You can stand in the gardens of the Alhambra palace, surrounded by flowers and sunshine, and look up at the snow-capped peaks of the mountains behind it. The weather is perfect for walking up the steep, cobbled streets of the old Arab quarter. In summer, this climb is exhausting; in March, it is invigorating. Plus, Granada is one of the few places left in Spain where free tapas are served with every drink.

Pisa, Italy

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) to 15°C (59°F).

Pisa is a small city where many tourists stop briefly to take photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Yet it is a vibrant university town that grows quieter after visitors depart, making it an excellent, relaxed base for exploration.

Highlights of March

Like Florence, Pisa has its own New Year tradition on March 25th. At high noon, a ray of sunlight enters the Cathedral through a round window and hits a marble egg on the pulpit. It is a unique solar event that locals still observe.

The Field of Miracles is grassy and open. In March, you can lie on the grass and admire the architecture without being trampled by tour groups. The weather is mild, perfect for renting a bike and riding out to the Marina di Pisa to see the sea.

Cinque Terre, Italy

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) to 14°C (57°F).

Cinque Terre is another stunning destination in Italy, comprising five vibrant fishing villages perched on the rugged cliffs of the Italian Riviera. You’ll often see picturesque photos of this area online. Most of the region is car-free, so you can only explore by train or on foot.

Highlights of March

Summer in Cinque Terre is hot, crowded, and expensive. March is the ideal season, because the famous hiking trails that connect the villages are open, and the temperature is cool enough to hike them without risking heatstroke. The hillsides are green and dotted with wildflowers.

While it is too cold to swim, the lack of crowds means you can wander the narrow alleys and get a table at a cliffside restaurant.

Lisbon, Portugal

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F).

The city is famous for its luminosity, reflecting off the white cobblestones and the Tagus River. It is built on seven hills, filled with yellow trams, tiled facades, and viewpoints that overlook the red roofs. Lisbon is equally suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Even as a capital city, its prices are relatively affordable among major Western European cities, and it offers delicious food. This makes it an ideal starting point for a European journey.

Highlights of March

The weather was sunny and the air crisp. This made conquering the steep hills much easier. You can take the famous No. 28 tram during the day, which is usually packed like sardines in summer, but manageable in March. Visit the Belém district to eat the original Pastéis de Nata. Afterward, take a walk along the riverfront. If you get a warm day, a quick train ride to Cascais or Sintra is a perfect day trip.

Nice, France

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F).

Nice is one of France’s most popular vacation destinations, blending Italian roots, French flair, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. The city centers around the Promenade des Anglais, a long curve of coastline bordering the azure sea. It is elegant, artistic, and sunny.

Highlights of March

March in Nice offers exceptional light, with the sea a dazzling turquoise. Though you may not swim, the beach club opens for lunch on sunny afternoons. March is also the tail end of the mimosa season. You can take a short drive or bus ride into the hills to see the “Route du Mimosa,” where the landscape is painted yellow with fluffy flowers. The Nice Carnival sometimes spills into early March, offering flower battles and giant parades.

For One Last Winter Experience

If you want to seize the last chance to enjoy winter or seek out unique activities, these countries will offer you exclusive experiences.

Tromsø, Norway

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from -6°C (21°F) to -2°C (28°F).

Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic, a modern city nestled above the Arctic Circle and surrounded by untamed wilderness. It ranks among the world’s best locations for viewing the Northern Lights, making this the last chance for aurora hunters.

Highlights of March

March is an excellent time to view the Northern Lights. Increased solar activity around the Spring Equinox makes the auroras brighter and more frequent. Unlike December’s 24-hour darkness, Tromsø enjoys normal daylight hours in March. This means you can enjoy dog sledding, snowmobiling, or fjord cruises during the day, then hunt for the aurora at night.

Reykjavik, Iceland

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from -2°C (28°F) to 3°C (37°F).

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland and serves as a base camp for exploring glaciers, volcanoes, and waterfalls. Of course, the city itself also offers numerous museums and architecture to discover, brimming with Iceland’s unique culture.

Highlights of March

This is your last call for the Blue Ice Caves. These natural wonders, formed inside glaciers, become unstable as the weather warms up and usually close by late March or early April. Seeing the electric blue ice from the inside is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Driving is safer in March than in mid-winter, as the roads are clearer. You can drive the Golden Circle to see geysers and waterfalls, then retreat to one of the many geothermal lagoons to soak in hot water while snow flurries fall around you.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F).

Dubrovnik has gained even greater popularity thanks to Game of Thrones, boasting medieval walls, ancient streets, and azure waters that are well worth visiting. As the filming location for King’s Landing, it has become one of Europe’s hottest tourist destinations.

Highlights of March

In July, you can barely walk through the Pile Gate because of the crowds. In March, you have the city to yourself. Walking the city walls with the wind in your hair and the crashing waves below is moody and atmospheric.

But the real treasure is the Oyster Festival. In the nearby town of Ston, the Feast of St. Joseph in March is celebrated with oysters. The oysters here are considered some of the best in Europe. Eating them fresh from the boat with a squeeze of lemon and a glass of local white wine is pure gastronomic joy.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Temperature this month: Temperatures range from -5°C (23°F) to 5°C (41°F).

Zermatt is one of Switzerland’s quintessential ski villages, where the Matterhorn stands as an iconic landmark. With diesel vehicles banned from the town center, you’ll experience an environment of extraordinary tranquility.

Highlights of March

This is the month for “sunshine skiing,” when days grow longer, sunlight intensifies, and ample snow cover remains. In March, views of the Matterhorn are typically clearer than during the cloudier months of January or February. Combined with fewer visitors than during the Christmas and New Year periods, March ranks among the ideal seasons to visit Zermatt.

What to Pack for a European Trip in March?

Packing for a March trip to Europe requires strategy, as temperatures vary significantly across the continent.

Northern Europe Trip Packing List

• The Heavy Coat: Leave the denim jacket at home. You need a proper wool coat or a puffy down jacket. It will be your best friend when the wind whips off the canals.

• Waterproof Boots: March is rainy and slushy in the north. You need leather boots or treated shoes that keep your socks dry. Soggy feet will ruin your day faster than anything else.

• Thermal Layers: Pack a few thin thermal tops to wear under your sweaters. They take up zero space in your suitcase but make a massive difference.

• Warm Accessories: A beanie, gloves, and a thick scarf are mandatory.

Southern Europe Trip Packing List

• The Onion Strategy: Start with a t-shirt, add a light sweater or cardigan, and top it with a mid-weight jacket. You will likely strip down to the t-shirt for lunch in the sun and bundle up again for dinner.

• Sunglasses: The spring sun in the Mediterranean is surprisingly bright and hangs lower in the sky.

• Stylish Sneakers: You will walk miles on cobblestones; a pair of clean, comfortable walking sneakers is all you need.

• A Compact Umbrella: Southern spring showers are sudden and intense; pack a small umbrella that fits in your day bag.

FAQ

Where is the warmest beach in Europe in March?

If you strictly want beach time, you have to go as far south as possible. The Canary Islands, like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and  Lanzarote, are technically Spanish but located off the coast of Africa. They offer temperatures in the mid-20s°C (70s°F) and are swimmable. Within the continent, Cyprus or the southern coast of Crete are your best bets for warmth.

What are some unique vacation spots for March?

You might consider these destinations, each offering unique scenery and activities.

Matera, Italy: An ancient city carved into rocks. It looks biblical and is hauntingly beautiful in the cool spring air.
Svalbard, Norway: If you want extreme adventure, go here for polar bears and snowy wilderness before the snow melts.
Menton, France: Check out the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron), which often runs into early March.

What are the cheapest countries to visit in March?

Countries seeking affordability may consider Thailand and Vietnam in Southeast Asia, where the weather is warm, and costs are low. For those looking to travel to Europe, Portugal and Hungary are both ideal choices.