Things to Do in Germany in March

March Weather in Germany

10°C (50°F) High Temp

1°C (34°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at major attractions - Munich's Neuschwanstein Castle sees 40% fewer visitors than summer peak, allowing better photos and shorter queues
Spring markets begin - Traditional Ostermarkt (Easter markets) start mid-March with regional specialties like fresh asparagus and spring wines unavailable other seasons
Perfect hiking weather - Cool temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) ideal for Rhine Valley walks and Black Forest trails without summer heat exhaustion
Lower accommodation rates - Hotel prices drop 25-35% compared to April-September peak season, especially in tourist-heavy Bavaria and Rhine regions

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - Temperatures can shift 15°C (27°F) within 24 hours as winter transitions to spring, requiring layered packing
Limited daylight for sightseeing - Sunrise around 6:30am, sunset by 6:15pm gives only 11.5 hours of daylight for outdoor activities
Some Alpine attractions closed - Cable cars and mountain huts in Bavarian Alps often closed for maintenance until Easter weekend

Best Activities in March

Rhine Valley Wine Trail Walks

March marks the start of vineyard preparation season when winemakers prune vines and prepare for spring growth. Cool 8-10°C (46-50°F) temperatures are perfect for 5-8 km (3-5 mile) walks between wine villages. Early spring means fewer tourists but open Straußwirtschaften (traditional wine taverns) serving new wine and local specialties. Rain gear essential as March sees 12 rainy days.

Booking Tip: Book guided wine walks 7-10 days ahead through local tourist offices. Tours typically cost €25-45 per person and include 3-4 wine tastings. Look for operators offering indoor tasting alternatives during weather changes. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Berlin Historical Walking Tours

March's cool, crisp weather is ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours covering 6-8 km (3.7-5 miles) through Berlin's historical districts. Comfortable 5-8°C (41-46°F) temperatures prevent overheating while exploring Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island. Fewer crowds mean better access to outdoor memorials and clearer photos. Indoor museum stops provide warmth during rain breaks.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 5-7 days ahead, typically €15-25 per person for group tours. Choose operators offering flexible indoor alternatives during March's variable weather. Most tours run rain or shine with covered stops planned. See current options in booking section below.

Munich Beer Hall Cultural Experiences

March's cool weather makes Munich's historic beer halls particularly welcoming. Traditional Bavarian restaurants serve seasonal specialties like fresh asparagus (Spargel season begins) and spring beers. Smaller crowds mean easier seating at famous halls without summer tourist crush. Cool evenings perfect for hearty German comfort food and local brewing culture immersion.

Booking Tip: Traditional beer halls don't require reservations except weekends. Cultural tours including beer hall visits cost €30-50 per person and book 3-5 days ahead. Look for tours combining food culture with historical context. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

Black Forest Hiking Trails

March offers perfect hiking conditions in the Black Forest with cool 6-10°C (43-50°F) temperatures and emerging spring flowers. Snow cleared from lower elevation trails but higher peaks still snow-capped for photos. Early spring waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt. 5-15 km (3-9 mile) day hikes possible without summer heat stress.

Booking Tip: Book guided hiking tours 10-14 days ahead, typically €40-65 per person including transport and guide. Choose operators with indoor cultural stops as backup for rainy days. Trail conditions change rapidly in March so local guides recommended. See current hiking options in booking section below.

Dresden Art and Architecture Tours

March's moderate crowds and cool weather ideal for exploring Dresden's rebuilt baroque architecture and world-class museums. Indoor/outdoor combination tours work well with March's variable conditions. Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche less crowded for detailed exploration. Cool temperatures comfortable for 4-5 hour cultural immersion without fatigue.

Booking Tip: Book comprehensive tours 7-10 days ahead, typically €35-55 per person including major museum entries. Choose tours with significant indoor components for weather flexibility. Many operators offer skip-the-line access more valuable in shoulder season. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

Romantic Road Castle Tours

March provides excellent castle-hopping conditions along Bavaria's Romantic Road with cool, clear air perfect for photography. Neuschwanstein and other fairy-tale castles see 40% fewer visitors than peak season. Interior tours more readily available and grounds accessible for walking. Snow-dusted Alpine backdrop creates magical photo opportunities unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Book castle tours 10-14 days ahead as March begins popular season buildup. Day tours typically €75-95 per person from Munich including transport and entries. Choose operators with indoor backup activities for weather changes. See current castle tour options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Hamburger Dom Spring Fair

Northern Germany's largest folk festival runs for 30 days starting late March. Traditional carnival rides, regional food specialties, and local crafts in a authentic German fair atmosphere without tourist crowds. Features unique Hanseatic cultural elements not found elsewhere.

Mid March

Leipzig Book Fair

Germany's second-largest book fair attracts international authors and publishers. Cultural events, readings, and literary discussions throughout the city. Excellent opportunity to experience German intellectual culture and emerging spring literary scene.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking shoes - March sidewalks often wet from 12 rainy days, cobblestones in old towns become slippery

Layered clothing system - Temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) daily require base layer, warm mid-layer, and removable outer shell

Compact umbrella - March rain showers brief but frequent, typically lasting 15-20 minutes with little warning

Light wool sweater - Indoor heating in restaurants and museums often minimal, 18°C (64°F) standard indoor temperature

Comfortable day pack - March sightseeing requires carrying layers as weather changes throughout day

Power bank - Cold weather drains phone batteries 30-40% faster when using maps and translation apps outdoors

Moisturizing cream - 75% humidity combined with central heating causes skin dryness, especially hands and face

Sunglasses - Low spring sun angle creates glare, especially with wet pavement reflections in cities

Quick-dry socks - Essential for multi-day trips as laundry drying time doubled in March's cool, humid conditions

Light scarf - Wind chill factor significant in open squares and along rivers, feels 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder than actual temperature

Insider Knowledge

Easter market timing varies by region - Southern Germany starts Easter markets first week of March, northern cities wait until mid-month, check local calendars before planning specific market visits

Restaurant seasonal menus change mid-March - Traditional spring ingredients like wild garlic, asparagus, and spring onions appear on menus, often cheaper and fresher than imported winter vegetables

Museum heating schedules reduce in March - Many museums lower heating to save costs as tourism drops, dress warmly for indoor cultural sites, especially smaller venues

Local transport apps essential - March weather changes cause frequent train delays and route modifications, DB Navigator app provides real-time updates unavailable at stations

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild spring weather - March can still bring snow and freezing temperatures, especially in southern Bavaria and higher elevation cities

Assuming all outdoor attractions are open - Many castle grounds, gardens, and mountain attractions close for maintenance between winter and peak season, check individual venue websites

Booking accommodation last-minute - While less crowded than summer, March begins conference season in major cities like Frankfurt and Munich, causing unexpected price spikes