- 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.
London in March: Weather, events, crowds and things to do
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
Offbeat experiences in March
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
London in March: Your perfect 3-day itinerary
Best day trips from London in March
Go shopping in London in March
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