Paris in March: What to Expect

Paris in March is exactly what you want from the city, without the summer chaos. The Eiffel Tower queue is shorter, the Louvre is manageable with timed entry, and the covered passages and bistros are at their most atmospheric. The city is waking up for spring, outdoor terraces start reappearing as the month progresses, and prices are noticeably lower than April through September. Paris in March rewards people who like the city for the city.

Weather

March temperatures in Paris range from 5°C at night to 11°C to 13°C during the day. Rain is a regular feature, grey skies are common, and wind through the boulevards can make it feel colder than it is. A light-to-medium jacket, layers, and a compact umbrella are sensible choices. Late March brings warmer days reaching 15°C to 16°C, and the outdoor market culture picks up. The gardens at Tuileries and Luxembourg are quieter but starting to show spring flowers.

Crowds and Prices

March is solidly shoulder season for Paris. The Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and the Palace of Versailles are busy but not at summer levels. Timed entry tickets are required for all three and are easier to obtain in March than in July. Hotels across Paris, from the Marais boutiques to the Saint-Germain classics, are priced below peak season.## What's On

Paris' Saint Patrick's Day celebrations are modest compared to Dublin or London, but the Irish bars in the Bastille and near Saint-Michel area have their moments. The Printemps (spring) fashion season runs in March, making the city feel particularly fashion-conscious. The Paris Marathon is in April, so training runs around the city increase through March. Salon du Livre (Paris Book Fair) sometimes falls in late March and is worth visiting if you are interested in French literary culture.

What to Watch

The Versailles gardens are not at their best in March: the fountains are on a limited schedule and the formal gardens are not in full spring bloom. The Palace interior is worth the visit regardless of season, but if the gardens are a priority, late April to October is the better window. For a March Versailles visit, focus on the interior and the Trianon palaces and treat the gardens as a bonus rather than the main event.

Our Paris travel guide covers the arrondissements, the best cafes and bistros, the museum logistics, and how to use the city like someone who has been before.