Germany, Europe
Munich in March
Strong-beer season in Lent at the Paulaner Nockherberg and other halls. Still wintry some years.
The straight answer
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Munich. Strong-beer season in Lent at the Paulaner Nockherberg and other halls. Still wintry some years.
- Weather
- Cool, highs near 50F (10C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Munich
March is the slow turn from winter toward spring. Highs reach about 50F (10C), though some years it stays wintry with late snow. The light gets longer, crowds are still light and prices modest. Beer gardens mostly stay shut, but Lent brings Starkbierzeit, the strong-beer season, to the big halls, and that gives the month its own character.
It suits beer lovers, museum-goers and travelers who like a city with locals rather than tour groups. If you want warm evenings outdoors or clear Alpine hikes, hold off until May, when the beer gardens are full and the mountains open up.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Munich this month.
Starkbierzeit
During Lent, the Paulaner hall on the Nockherberg and other halls pour strong monks' beers with brass bands. It is a local festival, not a tourist one.
Last snow in the mountains
Higher ski areas in the Alps usually still have good snow, so a day on the slopes is still possible.
The Glockenspiel gets a third show
From March, the Marienplatz Glockenspiel adds a 5pm performance to its 11am and noon shows.
What to pack for March
- A warm jacket that works from 30F to 55F
- Waterproof shoes for slushy or rainy days
- Layers you can shed indoors in warm beer halls
- A compact umbrella
Our timing tip
Strong beer is much stronger than the usual Helles, so pace yourself and eat something before the first liter.
Book Munich for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MunichOpens a hotel search for Munich in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MunichWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MunichTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Munich for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Starkbierzeit (strong-beer season)
Lent, roughly March
Monks' strong beers and brass bands in the big beer halls. A local's festival.
Things to do in Munich
Englischer Garten
Bigger than Central Park. Watch the Eisbach river surfers at the park's southern edge, then walk to the Chinese Tower beer garden.
Munich Residenz
The Antiquarium hall and the Treasury are the highlights. A rainy-day half day.
Deutsches Museum
Enormous; pick three sections and stop. Weekday mornings avoid school groups less than you would hope.
Pinakotheken
The Alte Pinakothek's Durer and Rubens rooms are the highlight. Sunday admission is heavily discounted, so crowds rise.
Nymphenburg Palace
Summer palace with a huge park and the royal carriage museum. The park is free.
Neuschwanstein Castle
About two hours away. Timed tickets are required and sell out weeks ahead in summer; book online.
Beat the crowds
- For Oktoberfest, go on a weekday before noon and you can usually walk into a tent. Weekend evenings need a reservation made months ahead.
- Book Neuschwanstein tickets online as soon as your date is fixed in summer, and take an early train to Fussen.
- Hotel rates during Oktoberfest and major trade fairs can triple. If you are flexible, check both before picking dates.
- Visit the Residenz and the Pinakotheken on weekdays; Sunday discounted entry fills them with locals.
Know before you go
- Bavaria has more public holidays than most of Germany (Epiphany, Ascension, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day on August 15, All Saints). Shops close, and many sights run holiday hours.
- Sunday shopping is largely closed by law. Museums and beer gardens stay open.
- Many museums close one day a week, often Monday. The Deutsches Museum is an exception most of the year.
- Beer gardens are weather-dependent: they typically open from spring through early fall and close on cold or rainy days.
Munich in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Munich?
March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Munich. Strong-beer season in Lent at the Paulaner Nockherberg and other halls. Still wintry some years.
What is the weather like in Munich in March?
Cool, highs near 50F (10C).
Is Munich crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Munich; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Munich in March?
Starkbierzeit (strong-beer season) (lent, roughly march).
Keep planning Munich.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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