Weather in France in March

With spring in the air, visiting France in March means discernibly warmer temperatures, though you should still come prepared for chillier days, and some rain. Get lucky, and outdoor adventurers can catch the last of the season’s snow in the mountains, while culture-vultures will enjoy exploring cities and villages before bigger crowds descend. Sound appealing? Read on for detail on the weather in France in March along with intel on events and a few itinerary ideas.

France in March at a glance

• Low temperature range of 38°F to 45°F (3°C to 7°C); high range of 50°F to 58°F (10°C to 15°C).
• Expect a mix of chilly and milder weather, with some rain showers.
• Mountain regions see the last ski-season snow.
• Tourist crowds are still relatively low, which makes March less expensive than the upcoming shoulder season.

What is the weather like in France in March?

March sees France start to shift towards spring, with warmer weather and lengthening days taking over from winter’s chilly temperatures, especially in the south.

March also sees pretty moderate rainfall —  expect occasional showers, with rain more frequent in the north and west.

In terms of the numbers, Paris and Northern France typically experience 1.8 to 2.3 inches (45 to 60 mm) of rainfall through March, while Southern France sees an average of 1.5 to 2.0 inches (38 to 50 mm).

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

As for the snow, March is considered the tail end of the peak ski season in France's ski regions. 

While conditions remain pretty good, especially at higher elevations, the weather’s transition from winter to spring means snow quality can become more variable as the month progresses. 

In essence, snow has a tendency to become slushy at lower altitudes, particularly in the afternoons, so if want to max out your time on the slopes, visit in January or February, and wise up on where to go skiing in France.

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

Average daily temperatures in March

The weather in France in March sees average lows ranging from 38°F to 45°F (3°C to 7°C), and an average high range of 50°F to 58°F (10°C to 15°C).

For context, December sees average lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C), while average highs typically span 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

At the other end of the scale, during summer, the average low temperature range sits around 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), with average highs ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C).

March’s regional temperature variations are as follows:

Paris and Northern France

• Highs: 50°F to 54°F (10°C to 12°C)
• Lows: 38°F to 41°F (3°C to 5°C)

Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur)

• Highs: 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)
• Lows: 43°F to 48°F (6°C to 9°C)

Western France (Bordeaux, Loire Valley)

• Highs: 52°F to 58°F (11°C to 14°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)

Eastern France (Lyon, Alsace)

• Highs: 48°F to 54°F (9°C to 12°C)
• Lows: 36°F to 40°F (2°C to 4°C)

French Alps and Pyrenees

• Highs: 40°F to 48°F (4°C to 9°C)
• Lows: 28°F to 35°F (-2°C to 2°C)

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

Is March a good time to visit France?

March is a really great time to visit France. With warmer weather heralding the start of spring, tourist crowds are still relatively low — all the better for exploring Paris’s museums, galleries and landmarks, like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Eiffel Tower.

Outside France’s cities, you could catch some late-season skiing action in the French Alps, Pyrenees and Vosges Mountains in early-to-mid-March. Or how about seeing blossoms in Provence and the Loire Valley, the latter of which is also a great place to travel greener?

If you’re into fine wine, as the weather warms, vineyards in France’s famous wine regions (such as (Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne) begin to prepare for the growing season, which makes March a satisfying — and quieter — time to take vineyard tours and enjoy wine tastings.

Alternatively, visit southern France in March —  especially the Côte d'Azur and Provence — to hike and bike.

Overall, March is a top time to enjoy a massive variety of the best things France has to offer — from cultural exploration, to outdoor activities in the south, and late-season skiing in the mountains. 

Shoulder-season March is also less expensive compared with the summer high season, and hosts a number of festivals, as detailed below.

Not set on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in March, and discover some of the best places to visit in spring.

On a budget? Read up on some of the cheapest places to travel in spring.

What about the crowds and cost?

Sitting in a shoulder season for tourism, visiting France in March means major attractions in cities and towns are pretty quiet.

As the same time, ski resorts start to see fewer visitors by mid-March as the season winds down.

In line with moderate visitor numbers, you can also expect more moderate travel costs for flights, accommodation and tours.

In addition, ski resorts may offer discounted rates toward the end of the month.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in March

Read on to find out about notable festivals and events in France in March. From fashion to fromage, pretty much every taste is covered.

Paris Fashion Week

Held from the end of February into early March, Paris Fashion Week — one of the biggest events in the fashion world — showcases the latest collections from top designers. 

While most events are invite-only, the city buzzes with fashion-focused energy, and some public events and exhibits are available.

Banlieues Bleues, Paris

Held across Paris from mid-March through to mid-April, Banlieues Bleues showcases incredible jazz, blues and world music.

Lemon Festival, Menton

Held annually in Menton on the Côte d’Azur across the second half of February and into early March, the zesty Fête du Citron sees parades, floats, and intricate displays made entirely of fruit showcase the diversity of juicy citrus specimens.

Festival of Violets, Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Provence

Held in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, Provence, in March the Festival of Violets is a delight for the senses.

Expect the entire village to take on a violet scent, with farmers markets and a "battle of the flowers" parade adding up to a lively vibe.

La Trace du Fromage de Lagouile

Fans of fromage will want to experience the annual La Trace du Fromage de Lagouile in the department of Aveyron, southern France, in mid-March.

Planning a trip to France? Our 7-day Southern France itinerary might be just what you’re looking for.

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Before booking you dream trip to France, browse our France itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

• Active Walking Tour from Paris to Southern France: this active itinerary will see you explore the length of France. After spending a few days in Paris, your southbound journey will see you traverse scenic hills, mountains and villages en route to Uzés and Avignon, with opportunities to enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences long the way.
• A Taste of Eastern France: kicking off in Lyon, this 4-day walking itinerary combines fine food and fresh-air experiences in immersive style. After enjoying delicious food tours in Lyon, you’ll embark on a scenic walk through the beautiful Beaujolais region, with pretty much every day rounded off with a wine-tasting experience.
• Scenic Southern France: this spectacular tour starts in the coastal city of Marseille. After taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll uncover captivating Cassis by bike before venturing to the Alpilles to explore Provence, taking in Les Baux and St Remy, ending your trip in Avignon.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to France.