London in March: A Local’s Guide to Weather, Events & What to Pack
What’s London like in March? Honestly, it depends.
Having lived here most of my life, I’ve seen March bring everything from icy winds to surprisingly bright afternoons. It’s not the warmest month, but it does feel like a shift. By the end of March, the clocks go forward and you get that extra hour of daylight – enough to stay out longer, see more, or just notice people looking a bit less fed up on their commute.
I usually find myself outside more often too – not because it’s suddenly sunny, but because London starts to feel less shut-in. The parks aren’t quite in bloom, but they’re not bleak either. You’ll still need to plan for changeable weather, but if you get lucky, March can be one of the most comfortable times to explore the city.
This guide covers what to expect from the weather, what to pack, and which types of activities make sense for March – whether you’re ducking into a museum during a cold snap or catching a clear day for a walk through the park.
Quick Answer: What to Expect in London in March
March is a mild, early-spring month with longer days, fewer crowds, and unpredictable weather. Here’s the quick version:
- Weather: 5°C to 11°C, with sunny spells and scattered showers.
- Daylight: Increasing sunlight; clocks go forward on the last Sunday.
- Crowds: Quieter than April and May; easier access to major sights.
- Seasonal highlights: St Patrick’s Day, spring blossoms, new exhibitions, the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, and the London Coffee Festival.
- Top things to do: Museums, theatre, canal walks, Kew Gardens, skyline views, food halls, and easy day trips.
Don’t forget to check out my London Travel Guide for more helpful posts.
Why Visit London in March?
1. Spring starts to show – but it’s still early
March doesn’t bring instant sunshine, but it does start to feel different. The sky is lighter, the parks begin to green up, and Londoners collectively start spending just a little more time outside.
Daffodils pop up across the city – especially in places like St James’s Park and Green Park – and for the first time in months, I actually find myself wanting to walk through them.
In January and February, the parks can feel bare and grey – there’s no holiday sparkle and no real spring colour yet. I’ve even labelled February one of the worst months to visit in my worst time to visit London guide. But by March, the city starts to feel alive again – not quite spring in full bloom, but the change is in the air.
If you want a more direct comparison, I have guides to London in January, and a February London guide as well.
2. Fewer Crowds and Better Deals:
March is quieter than peak travel months, so you’re less likely to face long queues at major attractions like the British Museum or Tower of London. Hotels and flights also tend to be cheaper, especially in the first half of the month.
If you’re looking to see London without the crowds – or the peak season prices – it’s a solid time to plan a visit.
3. Seasonal Events and Exhibitions:
March tends to have more going on than people expect. St Patrick’s Day is a big one – particularly around Trafalgar Square, where there’s usually a parade and live performances. Some pubs in areas like Camden and Hammersmith also put on themed nights.
You’ll also find new exhibitions opening at major galleries like the Tate or V&A. Most theatres run a full programme in March, and it’s generally easier to get decent seats without needing to book far in advance.
Weather in London in March
March is unpredictable. You might get crisp, clear skies – or end up soaked in a downpour. I don’t always trust the forecast, so if I’m out all day, I bring an umbrella just in case. It’s the start of the shift away from winter, but it’s still very much coat weather.
Temperatures usually range from around 5°C (41°F) in the mornings and evenings to 11°C (52°F) during the day. It’s milder than January or February, but not warm – layers are still essential.
According to the Met Office (the UK’s official weather service), London sees around 35 mm of rain spread across 8 days in March. You’ll find different figures depending on the source, but that’s the one I use. You’ll get mostly dry days, but expect to get rained on at some point.
I nearly always wear too much and end up overheating while walking around, so I’ve learned to stick to layers. You want clothes you can add or take off easily, depending on whether you’re sitting indoors or walking around warming up.
Spring Things to Do in London in March
1. Visit London’s Museums and Galleries
If the weather turns and I’m already out, I usually pick a museum based on where I am. If I’m central, it’s often the National Gallery or the British Museum. If I’m near South Kensington, I might head to the V&A or Natural History Museum.
London’s museums are spread across the city and many are free, so I tend to stay flexible and decide last minute. March is a great time to visit because they’re quieter than in peak season – you can actually see the exhibits without weaving through crowds.
If the weather is reasonable, check out the Tower of London. You sometimes have to queue to get in to see the Crown Jewels, and the free Yeoman Warder tours are excellent but outdoors so it’s not the best option for a rainy day.
My 24 hours in London guide has tips on how to fit a museum into a busy day.
2. See a Show or Attend a Museum Late
Evenings are still dark early in March, so it’s a good time for indoor activities. Theatres run a full schedule, and you can often grab same-day tickets (except for the biggest shows). Many museums also offer late-night openings during the week, which can be a nice way to spend an evening indoors.
If you’re not into theatre, I’ve got a guide to evening activities in London with more ideas.
3. Explore Indoor Markets and Food Halls
For rainy days, markets like Borough, Spitalfields, Mercato Metropolitano, and Market Hall Victoria are ideal. You can stay indoors, pick up lunch, and still feel like you’ve experienced London. I often end up at Spitalfields when the weather shifts unexpectedly. More ideas are in my rainy day London guide.
4. Visit a Historic House or Indoor Classic
March still has plenty of cold or rainy days, and historic indoor sites are a reliable backup. Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, and the Churchill War Rooms all offer a quieter experience this time of year. The Wallace Collection is another good pick if you want something central and less crowded.
5. Catch a City View from Above
Sky Garden and Horizon 22 are both free with advance booking, but the experience is a bit different. Sky Garden is brighter and feels more like a destination thanks to the greenery and café setup.
Horizon 22 is more stripped back – just the view, really – but usually less crowded. March is a decent month for this if you get a clear day, since visibility is often better than in winter.
The Shard is higher, but the open-air section isn’t ideal on cold days and tickets are pricey. Primrose Hill is another good pick if the sun’s out and you want a quick scenic stop.
6. Walk Along the Canal or South Bank
March is a nice time for city walks — not too crowded, not too hot. The Regent’s Canal route from Camden to Little Venice is calm and easy, with cafés and narrowboats along the way. For a more central route, the South Bank walk takes you past the Tower of London, Globe Theatre, and Houses of Parliament.
7. Wander London’s Parks and Kew Gardens
By mid-March, the city’s green spaces start to feel more alive. Daffodils bloom across Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, and Green Park.
Kew Gardens is especially good for early spring — you might catch the tail end of the Orchid Festival or see the first magnolia blooms.
8. Attend March Events and Festivals
The London Coffee Festival is one of my favourites — it’s busy, but worth it if you like coffee culture. I used to be able to get trade tickets in my previous career, but alas, no longer!
St Patrick’s Day brings music and crowds to Trafalgar Square and nearby pubs.
The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge usually happens at the end of the month and is fun to watch if you’re near the river. I’ve never been in person, but I used to watch it on TV every year – my dad went to Cambridge, so it was a bit of a family tradition to see if they’d win.
9. Take a Guided Tour or Easy Day Trip
Walking tours around Westminster or the City are easier to enjoy in March without summer crowds. For day trips, Oxford, Cambridge, and Windsor are simple by train. Places like Stonehenge or Stratford-upon-Avon work well with a coach tour. My London history tour guide has more ideas.
10. Try a Classic Pub Quiz
Pub quizzes run all over London, and many of them have a group of regulars who turn up every week. I used to go to one near work with a particularly quirky quizmaster – we’d spend the day guessing which obscure news stories he’d turn into questions.
Every quiz varies depending on who’s running it, so don’t expect a standard format. And unless you’re a regular, you probably won’t beat the teams that are used to their host’s style – but that’s not really the point. They’re informal, fun, and very British. I’ve got a pub etiquette guide if you want to know how it all works.
11. Spot Early Blossoms Around the City
Magnolia trees are usually first to appear — look in Chelsea and South Kensington. By the end of the month, you might spot cherry blossoms in Notting Hill or Greenwich Park. It’s not full bloom yet, but you’ll notice the difference from the start to the end of the month.
12. Visit Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays Only)
This market is a classic spring stop, though it’s not the most central and only runs on Sundays. Expect seasonal flowers, independent shops, and a busy, local atmosphere. If markets are your thing, visit this one — just be aware it takes more effort than Borough or Camden.
13. Go to a Sporting Event
Football (soccer for my US friends) season is in full swing by March. My dad tries to get me to go each year, but I don’t even consider it until this point in the season when the weather’s less grim. The Six Nations rugby tournament also wraps up this month, with a match or two at Twickenham if you’re lucky with timing.
14. Browse London’s Spring Shopping Streets
Shops like Liberty, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden start switching to spring stock, and it’s a good time to browse before the summer crowds return. The atmosphere is lighter and the streets feel less chaotic than they will in April or May.
An Activity to Skip in March
Open-top bus tours look appealing, but March isn’t the best time for them. The top deck is cold and windy, and if it rains you’ll end up sitting inside where the windows often steam up.
It’s much easier to see London on foot or by using the regular buses, and you can save the open-top version for a warmer month when the weather actually cooperates.
What to Pack for London in March
The key to packing for London in March is flexibility. The weather can’t make up its mind, and neither can I when it comes to dressing for it. I always bring a tote bag when I’m out for the day, so I’ve got somewhere to stash a layer when I inevitably overheat walking around.
You’ll want to pack layers you can take on and off easily—a jumper over a t-shirt, or a light jacket over a long sleeve top. There’s no need for anything bulky like hats or scarves unless you feel the cold more than most. A waterproof jacket is more useful than an umbrella if you’re moving about a lot, though I usually carry one anyway in case I get caught out.
Shoes matter more than people think. You’ll probably be walking more than usual, even if you’re using the Tube. Go for something comfortable and weather-resistant – wet feet can ruin a day fast.
London’s dress code is mostly “wear whatever you like”. You’ll see people in suits, full athleisure, and everything in between. The only real giveaways that someone’s a tourist are sweatshirts with city names on them or baseball caps.
Shorts aren’t that common either, even if it’s sunny. Most places, including theatres and restaurants, don’t require you to dress up. I live in jeans year-round and have never been underdressed.
If you’re packing light, think in outfits you can re-wear with just a change in top or shoes. Comfort is far more useful than formality, and no one’s going to judge your outfit on the District line.
Common Packing Mistakes in March
- Overpacking heavy winter gear – thermals and big coats are usually overkill.
- Forgetting an umbrella or rain jacket – even on a clear morning, it might not stay that way.
- Wearing non-waterproof shoes – especially if you’ll be out all day.
Practical Travel Tips for March in London
Clocks change at the end of the month
The UK switches to British Summer Time on the last Sunday in March. It means longer evenings, but also a lost hour of sleep and the potential to miss a train if you forget. Most phones update automatically, but it’s worth double-checking if you’ve got early plans or a tight schedule.
Expect changeable weather
You’ll want a day bag, like a tote or small backpack, so you can carry layers and an umbrella without thinking about it too much. It can go from dry to soaking in under an hour. Wearing the right shoes matters more than what coat you choose.
Off-peak perks
March is still outside peak tourist season, so you’ll get shorter queues at attractions and slightly less crowded transport. It’s also a good time to find better hotel deals if you’re booking last-minute. Keep an eye out for midweek discounts at shows or restaurants.
Know what’s actually free
Most of London’s major museums and galleries are free to enter. It’s easy to fill an entire day without spending much – just check whether any exhibitions require a timed ticket in advance. And if you’re on a budget, markets and local cafes are better value than sit-down restaurants near tourist spots.
I have a full guide of more than 50 free London activities for more inspiration.
Where To Stay
Not sure where to stay? I’ve put together a guide to where to stay in London that lists reliable hotel options for different budgets and travel styles – whether you want something affordable, central, or a bit of a splurge.
Urbany Hostel
A hostel close to Bayswater tube station and Hyde Park, this is a great option for visitors to London on a tight budget.
Z Hotel Strand
This hotel is very central and reasonably priced. That does mean that the rooms are not very big, but as you’ll be exploring the city you don’t need more than a comfortable place to stay in a great location.
Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
Claridge’s
If money is no object, then Claridge’s is a stunning ultra-luxurious hotel. It sets the bar for many of the best hotels in the city. The price tag reflects the high quality, but if you budget isn’t a concern then this might be for you.
FAQs: Visiting London in March
Is March a good time to visit London?
Yes. March is a comfortable shoulder-season month where the city starts to feel brighter after winter. Crowds are still quieter than in spring and summer, daylight increases as the month goes on, and the weather becomes slightly more predictable. You will still get rain, but there are far more mild days compared with January and February.
How cold is London in March?
Temperatures usually sit between 5°C and 11°C during the day, with colder spells earlier in the month. You will still want a warm coat, especially in the evenings, but it is rarely bitterly cold. If you visit in late March you will notice a clear shift towards spring, with lighter evenings and more comfortable weather for outdoor walks.
Does it rain a lot in March?
March can be rainy, but not to the extent of mid-winter. Showers tend to be short and scattered rather than all-day washouts. It is a good idea to keep an indoor option in mind when you plan your days, such as a museum, food hall, or covered market. Having a compact umbrella or waterproof layer is usually enough.
Is London crowded in March?
London is a busy city, but March is generally quieter than April and May. Early March feels calm, especially on weekdays, while later in the month gets a little busier as schools approach the Easter break. Major attractions are easier to enjoy without long queues, and outdoor areas like parks and markets feel less crowded than they will later in spring.
Are there special events in London in March?
Yes, March often includes the London Coffee Festival, the St Patrick’s Day parade, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, and the first wave of spring exhibitions across museums and galleries. Dates vary each year, so it is worth checking event calendars if you have something specific in mind.
Next steps for visiting London in March
March is a good time to visit London. The weather’s starting to improve, the crowds aren’t overwhelming, and there’s plenty to do — from new exhibitions and theatre trips to early signs of spring in the parks. You’ll still want to pack layers and keep an eye on the forecast, but in exchange, you get a more relaxed version of the city.
If you’re still planning your trip, I’ve written guides on how to spend 24 hours in London, a 5-day itinerary, and whether London is worth visiting. You’ll also find posts on how to get around London, whether London is safe, and a London bucket list to help shape your plans.
Whether you’re coming for the culture, the green spaces, or just hoping to avoid peak season chaos, March offers a well-balanced way to explore the city.
🧳 Once you’ve seen London, there’s a whole country to explore — find more UK trip ideas right here.
