What’s the weather like in London in March?

Is March a good time to visit London?

Yes. March is one of the better months if you want a lively city without peak summer crowds. Parks start blooming, events pick up, and you usually get better value than in June–August.

Does it rain a lot in London in March?

Rain is always possible, but March is usually more about scattered showers than all-day downpours. A light waterproof jacket matters more than a bulky umbrella.

How crowded is London in March?

Overall crowds are moderate. The main spikes come around St Patrick’s Day weekend, Mothering Sunday, and the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race weekend.

What should I pack for London in March?

Bring layers, a waterproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes, and something warm for evenings. You probably won’t need heavy winter gear every day, but you’ll want a coat.

Are the parks worth visiting in March?

Absolutely. March is when you start seeing crocuses, daffodils, camellias, and the first magnolias. Kew Gardens, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens are especially good then.

Do I need to book attractions in advance in March?

For major attractions, weekend theatre, and observation decks, yes. For weekdays, you often have more flexibility. Central hotels on event weekends should definitely be booked ahead.

What are the biggest March events in London?

The headline dates in 2026 are St Patrick’s Day on March 15, BFI Flare from March 18–29, Head of the River Race on March 28, and the Boat Race on March 29.

Is March too cold for a Thames cruise?

Not usually. A daytime cruise is very doable if you dress properly, and a dinner cruise works well too. Just expect wind to make it feel colder on open decks.

Do the clocks change in London in March?

Yes. The clocks move forward to British Summer Time on the last Sunday of March. In 2026, that happens on March 29.

Is March a good month for West End shows?

Yes. It’s one of the easiest months to mix sightseeing with theatre because the weather still encourages indoor evenings, but you’re outside the December holiday crunch.

Are restaurants busy in March?

Usually manageable, except on Mothering Sunday and around major event weekends. If you want afternoon tea or a popular Sunday roast, reserve ahead.

Can I do day trips from London in March?

Yes. Oxford, Cambridge, Windsor, and Warwick Castle all work well in March, especially if you like cooler walking weather and smaller crowds than summer.

Is March better than April for London?

It depends on what you want. March is usually less crowded and better value. April looks greener and feels more springlike, but Easter and Marathon dates can make it busier.

What’s the best free thing to do in London in March?

A South Bank walk, St James’s Park in early bloom, Columbia Road Flower Market, and Boat Race viewing all make excellent March choices without requiring a ticket.

London in March: Spring Events, St. Patrick’s Day & More

March in London brings the first crocuses and daffodils, with temperatures rising to 7–12°C (45–54°F) and sunrise around 6:20am by month's end. The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race and St Patrick's Day Parade fill the Thames and Trafalgar Square with crowds. Holi celebrations add color to Wembley. Rain is still likely, but longer days and spring blooms make city walks inviting. It's a lively time, but bring a light jacket for cool evenings and book ahead for major events.

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London in March at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 12°C

Minimum temperature: 7°C

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Daylight

Around 12 hours 15 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 6:20am

Sunset: 6:35pm

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Key events

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival, BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Six Nations Rugby (Twickenham), Head of the River Race

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Crowds

Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.

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What to pack

Light waterproof jacket, layers, comfortable shoes, scarf, small umbrella, sunglasses for longer days.

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Seasonal treats

Hot cross buns, spring greens, jellied eels, full English breakfast, Borough Market cheeseboards, masala chai

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How March compares with February and April

Category	February	March	April
Weather	5–9°C, colder, greyer, and more wintry overall	7–12°C, brighter, with early-spring swings between crisp and mild	9–15°C, softer and greener, but showers are common
Crowds	Low to moderate outside Fashion Week and Chinese New Year	Moderate, with spikes around St Patrick’s Day and Boat Race weekend	Moderate to high around Easter and Marathon weekend
Atmosphere	Cosy, indoor-focused, and post-winter	Fresh, lighter, and noticeably more outdoorsy	Fully springlike, busier parks, and more terrace culture
Key events	Chinese New Year, London Fashion Week, Six Nations fixtures	BFI Flare, St Patrick’s Day, Holi, Head of the River Race, Boat Race	Easter weekend, Vaisakhi, London Marathon
Public holidays	None	None, but Mothering Sunday falls on March 22, 2026	Good Friday to Easter Monday, April 3–6, 2026
Budget	Usually one of the cheaper months	Good value overall, except event weekends	Prices rise around Easter and Marathon dates
Best for	Museum-heavy city breaks and lower hotel rates	Balanced trips with events, walks, and indoor classics	Garden lovers, longer outdoor days, and spring sightseeing
Book early?	Only for major event weekends and premium shows	Yes for central hotels on March 15 and March 28–29, plus popular shows	Yes for Easter, Marathon weekend, and major attractions
Transport tips	Smooth enough, with fewer tourist crowds	Plan around central parade closures and heavy Thames foot traffic on race weekend	Expect road closures for the Marathon and bus diversions in central London

Top things to do in London in March

St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

Why this month: London’s biggest Irish celebration takes over central streets and Trafalgar Square on March 15, 2026.
Best time: Late morning to mid-afternoon
Book by: No ticket needed, but reserve nearby lunch spots 1–2 weeks ahead
Crowds: High around Trafalgar Square and Whitehall
Central London feels louder, greener, and more playful than usual, with music, parade groups, and food stalls.
Don’t miss: The main parade route into Trafalgar Square
Insider tip: Stand slightly off Whitehall rather than directly at the square if you want more breathing room.

Watch the Boat Race on the Thames

Why this month: The Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race lands on March 29, 2026, and gives the river a proper big-day buzz.
Best time: Early afternoon
Book by: Reserve pubs or riverside restaurants 2–4 weeks ahead
Crowds: High along Putney and Hammersmith
It’s one of those very London days where sport, river walks, and pub watching all merge into one plan.
Don’t miss: Hammersmith Bridge viewpoints
Insider tip: Arrive early and use the walk from Putney to Hammersmith as your viewing strategy.

Westminster Abbey

Why this month: March usually means shorter queues than Easter and a better chance of dry weather around Westminster.
Best time: Opening hour
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead for weekend slots
Crowds: Moderate, rising on weekends
Experience match: Westminster Abbey Tickets. The Abbey suits March especially well when you want a grand indoor anchor for the day.
Don’t miss: Poets’ Corner and the Coronation Chair
Insider tip: Pair it with a quick St James’s Park walk once the midday light improves.

Churchill War Rooms

Why this month: It’s one of London’s best cold-weather historical sites, and March still has plenty of bunker-weather days.
Best time: Late morning or mid-afternoon
Book by: 1 week ahead for weekends
Crowds: Moderate
Experience match: Churchill War Rooms Entry Ticket with Audio Guide. It’s absorbing, central, and completely weather-proof.
Don’t miss: The preserved Map Room
Insider tip: Give yourself at least 2 hours; this is not a quick pop-in museum.

Thames River Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views and Drinks

Why this month: Sunset edges later through March, so you get better light and a less wintry feel on the water.
Best time: Sunset sailing
Book by: 1–2 weeks ahead, earlier for Saturdays
Crowds: Moderate
Experience match: Thames River Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views and Drinks. A very good March date-night move.
Don’t miss: The stretch past the Houses of Parliament after dusk
Insider tip: Bring one warmer layer than you think you need, even if you stay indoors most of the cruise.

Kew Gardens for early spring bloom

Why this month: Crocuses, daffodils, camellias, and the first magnolias start making the gardens look alive again.
Best time: Mid-morning on a bright weekday
Book by: A few days ahead for weekends
Crowds: Low to moderate
March gives you the feeling of spring without the fuller April crowds, especially in the glasshouses and broad lawn areas.
Don’t miss: The Orchid Festival if it’s still running during your visit window
Insider tip: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting slightly muddy after rain.

Arsenal FC Stadium Tour

Why this month: Football season is in full swing, and a stadium tour feels especially relevant when the calendar is busy.
Best time: Late morning
Book by: 3–7 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate
Experience match: Arsenal FC Stadium Tour with Audio Guide. Good for sports fans and good value on damp days.
Don’t miss: The players’ tunnel and press room
Insider tip: Check matchday and event schedules before choosing your date.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Why this month: March is when the market starts looking properly springlike, with bulbs, branches, and armfuls of fresh flowers.
Best time: Before 10am on Sunday
Book by: No booking needed
Crowds: High from late morning onward
It’s less about efficient shopping and more about East London at full Sunday volume: colour, shouting traders, and coffee lines.
Don’t miss: Buckets of tulips and early blossom branches
Insider tip: Go early, buy first, then circle back for coffee once the narrow street gets packed.

Offbeat experiences in March

Billingsgate Fish Market

Location: Trafalgar Way, London E14 5ST
When: Tuesday–Saturday in March from 4am
The city is barely awake, but traders are already moving boxes at speed in one of London’s oldest wholesale markets.
Tip: Arrive by 5:30am if you want the full atmosphere without turning it into an endurance test.

Crossness Pumping Station open day

Location: Belvedere Rd, Abbey Wood SE2 9AQ
When: Scheduled Sundays in March
A wildly ornate Victorian sewage station sounds absurd on paper and fascinating in person. The ironwork is the draw.
Tip: Pair it with the Elizabeth line so the long east-London journey feels much easier.

Postman’s Park and the Watts Memorial

Location: King Edward St, London EC1A 7BT
When: Any dry weekday lunchtime in March
This tiny park near the City feels hushed, with ceramic memorials to ordinary heroism and very little tourist spillover.
Tip: Combine it with the Barbican or St Paul’s instead of treating it as a standalone stop.

Leadenhall Market at dusk

Location: Whittington Ave, London EC3V 1LT
When: Weekdays after 6pm in March
Once commuters thin out, the painted roof and Victorian metalwork look much better than they do in the lunch rush.
Tip: Go after rain if you like reflections and easier photos.

Greenwich Foot Tunnel to Island Gardens

Location: Cutty Sark approach to Island Gardens, SE10 / E14
When: Clear mornings or blue-hour evenings in March
It’s a slightly surreal walk under the Thames, and the skyline reveal on the north side feels better in cool spring light.
Tip: Do it one way, then take the DLR or riverboat back.

Nunhead Cemetery spring walk

Location: Linden Grove, London SE15 3LP
When: Weekend mornings in March
Overgrown paths, old monuments, and a surprisingly good skyline angle make this one of south London’s best low-key walks.
Tip: Go in dry weather; the atmosphere is great, but the paths can get slick.

Festivals and events in London this March 2026

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

Dates:January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Die Königlichen Botanischen Gärten von Kew

A themed tropical orchid takeover inside Kew’s conservatory. It signals London’s winter cultural season. Weekends get busy, book ahead.

BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival

Dates:March 18, 2026 to March 29, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:BFI Southbank

UK’s largest LGBTQIA+ film festival at BFI Southbank. Expect premieres, archive titles, and talks. Book early for big screenings.

WOW — Women of the World Festival

Dates:March 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Southbank Centre

A Southbank Centre festival of talks, workshops, and performances for International Women’s Day. It mixes politics and culture. Book key sessions.

Holi Celebrations

Dates:March 3, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Wembley

South Asian Festival of Colours events around Wembley and other venues. Music and colour powder define the day. Check entry rules and costs.

Six Nations Rugby (Twickenham)

Dates:February 7, 2026 to March 21, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Twickenham-Stadion

England home fixtures in the Six Nations take place at Twickenham during the tournament window (7 Feb to 21 Mar 2026). Expect busy trains and pubs.

Head of the River Race

Dates:March 28, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Der Fluss Tamisa

A major rowing race on the Thames from Mortlake to Putney, with hundreds of eight-oar crews. Crowds line the towpath. Get there early for views.

Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race

Dates:March 29, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Der Fluss Tamisa

The annual university rowing race runs along the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. Thousands watch from the embankments. Arrive early for a clear spot.

St Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

Dates:March 15, 2026
Event type:Parades
Location:Whitehall

London’s official St Patrick’s Day celebrations run from Whitehall to Trafalgar Square with a parade and stage programme. Central roads close. Use the Tube.

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Planning your March visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
2–4 months ahead	Central hotels for St Patrick’s Day weekend and Boat Race weekend	March 15 and March 28–29 drive up rates in Westminster, South Bank, and west Thames areas	Event weekends: +15–30% vs early-March weekdays
3–6 weeks ahead	London Eye Fast-Track Tickets	Sunny Saturday slots and sunset views go first once forecasts improve in late March	Weekend sunset slots: +10–20% vs weekday morning rates
2–3 weeks ahead	Westminster Abbey Tickets	Weekend mornings are the pressure point, especially in the second half of the month	Mostly stable; premium guided slots can run +5–10% vs basic timed entry
1–2 weeks ahead	Thames Sightseeing Cruise with Flexible Time and Departure Pier	March weather can change your plan, so flexible indoor and river options are useful to lock late	Usually flat; warm, bright weekends can bump live inventory slightly
4–10 days ahead	Mothering Sunday lunches, afternoon tea, and dinner reservations	March 22, 2026 is a major dining date, especially for central hotels and classic tea rooms	Mothering Sunday weekend dining: +15–25% vs a standard March Sunday

March highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers

Families with kids

Must-experience: Matilda The Musical or The Lion King for a weather-proof afternoon with enough spectacle to justify booking ahead.
Better in March: Parks start waking up, so you can split the day between a show and a real outdoor runaround.

Couples

Must-experience: Thames River Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views and Drinks for dusk river views, city lights, and a built-in dinner plan.
Better in March: Later sunsets make evening plans feel less wintry, but prices are usually softer than summer.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Frameless London: Immersive Art Experience Tickets plus BFI Flare if your dates line up.
Better in March: You can do serious indoor culture without peak-season queues or summer heat.

Solo travellers

Must-experience: Westminster Abbey Tickets followed by a South Bank walk or BFI screening. Go early and keep the rest flexible.
Better in March: The city feels active again, but you can still move around comfortably on your own.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Columbia Road Flower Market and Mothering Sunday gifting runs through central London.
Better in March: You get fresh spring stock, flowers, and fewer tourist crowds than December shopping season.

Friend groups

Must-experience: Pick a Boat Race pub plan or a St Patrick’s Day route through central London.
Better in March: Big social weekends land before summer pricing and before London gets fully packed.

Foodies

Must-experience: Borough Market, Sunday roast, Brick Lane bagels, and a classic afternoon tea.
Better in March: The weather still suits comfort food, but outdoor market wandering is much easier than January.

Adventure seekers

Must-experience: Arsenal FC Stadium Tour with Audio Guide or a brisk Thames-side race-day walk with river views.
Better in March: Crisp weather makes long walks enjoyable, and you avoid the stickier heat of high summer.

London in March: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning: Westminster Abbey at opening time. Book the first entry slot and start before the square fills with school groups and photo stops. March’s cooler air makes the walk in from St James’s Park feel sharp rather than miserable, and the lower early light around the Gothic exterior is excellent for photos.
Breakfast: Regency Café near Pimlico for a full English and strong tea. Go classic and keep it quick.
Midday: Walk past Big Ben, then head into the Churchill War Rooms. This is the best kind of March sightseeing switch: cold pavement outside, immersive bunker inside.
Lunch: The Cellarium Café near Westminster Abbey if you want something close, or hop on a short bus ride toward Borough Market for a longer lunch.
Afternoon: Ride the London Eye Admission Tickets or take a Thames Sightseeing Cruise with Flexible Time and Departure Pier if the sky looks clear. In March, it’s worth choosing by forecast rather than locking both too tightly.
Evening: Dinner on the South Bank, then cross the river for a West End show. Six, Wicked, or The Play That Goes Wrong all fit well here. If you’re using the Tube, Waterloo to Embankment or Charing Cross keeps things simple.

Morning: Start at Tower Bridge and Engine Rooms if you want a heavier history morning. March mornings are cool but usually manageable for this stretch, and the bridge views look especially crisp after rain.
Breakfast: Grab a bagel from Beigel Bake on Brick Lane if you’re happy to move east early, or do coffee first near Tower Hill and save Brick Lane for later.
Midday: Walk or Tube to Spitalfields and Brick Lane. This part of the day is less about ticking landmarks and more about London texture: market halls, curry houses, vintage shops, and side-street murals.
Lunch: Poppies Fish & Chips in Spitalfields if you want something classic and warming, or go lighter with stalls around Old Spitalfields Market.
Afternoon: If it’s Sunday, make Columbia Road Flower Market your main move. If it’s not, swap in Frameless London: Immersive Art Experience Tickets for a weather-safe cultural stop.
Evening: Head back west for dinner in Soho or Covent Garden. Then catch live theatre if you skipped it on Day 1, or keep it simple with a long walk through Chinatown and Leicester Square while the city still feels lively but not summer-crowded.

Morning: Choose between Kew Gardens for early spring bloom or the Arsenal FC Stadium Tour with Audio Guide if you want a sports-focused indoor morning. Kew works best on a bright weekday, when crocuses and early magnolias start earning their keep. Arsenal works best when the weather looks rough and you want a fixed plan.
Breakfast: If you’re going west, keep breakfast near your Tube line and stay practical. If you’re heading north, stop near Highbury and Islington before the stadium tour.
Midday: If you picked Kew, stay outdoors longer and walk toward the Palm House before lunch. If you picked Arsenal, pair the stadium with a slower neighbourhood wander around Islington.
Lunch: Go for something relaxed rather than central and rushed. A Sunday roast is the obvious play if your dates line up, because March still very much suits roast weather.
Afternoon: Spend your final stretch at The View from The Shard Tickets or Madame Tussauds London Tickets, depending on what your trip lacks. The Shard is your skyline closer on a clear day. Madame Tussauds is the safer foul-weather pick.
Evening: End with a proper London dinner and one last walk. If you’re near the river, the lit-up bridges and cooler March air make a final South Bank stroll feel earned.

Best day trips from London in March

Windsor

Travel time: About 35 min by rail
A good March choice for royal history and a manageable castle day before the heavier spring and summer tourist flow.

Oxford

Travel time: About 55 min by rail
Colleges, covered lanes, and museum stops make Oxford especially useful in March, when you want a walkable day with indoor backup.

Cambridge

Travel time: About 50 min by rail
Still crisp in March, but the lighter days make college courts and riverside walks feel much more inviting than mid-winter.

Warwick Castle

Travel time: Around 1.5–2 hours depending on route
Experience match: Warwick Castle Entry Tickets. A solid pick if you want a full medieval-leaning day out from London.

What to eat in London in March: Seasonal delicacies

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Whelks and Cockles [shellfish with vinegar]

March starts peak season for whelks and cockles. Snack by the river, add malt vinegar and pepper.

Where to get: London

Sunday Roast [roast with Yorkshire pudding]

March stays cool, so roast meat with gravy and potatoes fits. Book a pub table for Sunday lunch.

Where to get: London

Cornish Pasty [handheld meat pasty]

March park days suit beef, potato and swede in pastry. Eat at lunchtime, and keep napkins handy.

Where to get: London

Brick Lane Bagels [East London bagels]

March Sundays suit dense boiled bagels with salt beef. Go early, eat while walking Shoreditch streets.

Where to get: London

Ethiopian Injera and Stews [injera with wots]

March chill suits sour injera with slow stews. Share a platter, and eat with your right hand.

Where to get: London

Go shopping in London in March

When: Every Sunday in March
Where: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG
Buckets of tulips, narcissi, blossom branches, terracotta pots, and indoor spring bulbs take over the narrow street. Go to the north end first for better bunch selection before the crowd thickens.

When: March 1–22, 2026
Where: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
This is the polished option for hampers, tea tins, biscuits, and smoked-salmon gift boxes. Visit on a weekday morning if you want to browse instead of shuffle.

When: Thursday–Sunday throughout March
Where: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Better for jewellery, prints, candles, and smaller giftable pieces than for serious fashion shopping. Start inside the covered hall, then branch out once you’ve spotted the repeat stalls.

When: Saturdays in March
Where: Portobello Rd, London W11
March is a good time to look for lighter jackets, glassware, old maps, and lower-key souvenirs before the busiest spring Saturdays hit. Arrive early and work from the antiques end first.

Pro tips for visiting London in March

• Book tickets for the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race viewing spots along the Thames early, as riverside spaces fill quickly on race day.
• Head to Kew Gardens for the Orchid Festival—purchase timed entry tickets in advance, especially weekends from mid-March.
• Go early to Trafalgar Square for St Patrick's Day Parade and Holi celebrations, as crowds gather by late morning.
• Reserve seats for BFI Flare Film Festival screenings at BFI Southbank as soon as the program is announced.
• Choose Regent's Park or Kew for spring blooms; arrive at opening for the quietest experience.
• Avoid driving in central London during major event weekends due to road closures and heavy traffic.
• Skip late evening outdoor activities, as temperatures drop quickly after sunset in early spring.
• Book hotel rooms near event venues 2–3 weeks ahead for best rates and availability.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting London in March

London in March is cool and changeable, with average temperatures around 7–12°C. You’ll likely get a mix of sun, cloud, drizzle, and breezy evenings rather than one steady pattern.