France, Europe
Paris in March
Early blossoms by late month, gardens stirring, prices still soft. A sleeper pick.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit Paris. Early blossoms by late month, gardens stirring, prices still soft. A sleeper pick.
- Weather
- Waking up, highs near 54F (12C), changeable
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What March is like in Paris
March is Paris waking up. Highs climb to near 54F (12C), the weather swings between bright spring days and cold showers, and the first blossoms appear by late month. Gardens start to fill, cafe terraces reopen on sunny afternoons, and prices are still soft. Crowds are light outside of Easter week when it falls in March.
This is a sleeper pick for couples and flexible travelers who want spring hints without spring prices. Pack for all four seasons in one day. If you need reliable warm weather for walking and picnics, aim for the second half of April or May instead.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Paris this month.
First blossoms
Magnolias and early cherry trees start to bloom in late March in the city parks and gardens.
Terrace season returns
The first sunny afternoon brings every Parisian outside. Grab a sidewalk table with a coffee and watch.
Soft prices, open city
Hotels are well below spring peak, and museum timed entries are easy to get a few days out.
What to pack for March
- A packable rain shell
- A warm mid layer for cold mornings
- Comfortable waterproof walking shoes
- Sunglasses for the bright days
Our timing tip
Book the last ten days of March if you can; the odds of mild weather and blossoms rise noticeably by then.
Book Paris for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ParisOpens a hotel search for Paris 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 ParisWhole 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 ParisTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Paris for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Paris
The Louvre
Book the first timed slot and go straight to what you came for; Wednesday and Friday evenings run late and calmer.
Musee d'Orsay
The Impressionist floor is the best single museum floor in Europe. Thursday evenings stay open late.
Eiffel Tower
Summit tickets sell out weeks ahead in season. The classic photo is from Trocadero at sunrise.
Notre-Dame and the islands
Reopened after the fire restoration; entry is free but the timed-entry app queue moves fast in the morning.
Montmartre at first light
Sacre-Coeur steps before 9am belong to locals and bakers. By noon in season it is a scrum.
Luxembourg Gardens
The city's living room: toy sailboats, chess games, and the chairs you are actually allowed to move.
Beat the crowds
- Book the Louvre's first entry slot of the day, enter at the Carrousel or Porte des Lions entrances, and see your must-list in reverse order from the crowds.
- Do headline sights before 9:30am or in the last two hours before closing; spend the middle of the day in gardens, food streets, and lesser museums that never queue.
- Museums with timed reservations reward booking two to four weeks out in spring and fall; same-week almost always works in November through February.
- The first Sunday of the month is free at many museums: wonderful for the budget, terrible for the lines. Know which trade you are making.
Know before you go
- August: many family-run restaurants and small shops close two to four weeks for annual vacation. Major museums, department stores, and sights all remain open. Check any specific restaurant before you build a day around it.
- Most museums close one day a week: the Louvre on Tuesdays, Orsay and Versailles on Mondays. Plan the pairings accordingly.
- May is a minefield of public holidays (May 1, May 8, Ascension, Pentecost). May 1 in particular closes nearly everything, including the Louvre.
- December 25 and January 1 close most sights; the days around them are open but run holiday hours.
Paris in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Paris?
March is a good month to visit Paris. Early blossoms by late month, gardens stirring, prices still soft. A sleeper pick.
What is the weather like in Paris in March?
Waking up, highs near 54F (12C), changeable.
Is Paris crowded in March?
March is one of the quieter months in Paris; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Paris.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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