What March feels like in Paris
For Paris, March is early spring on the calendar. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. After dark the temperature drops clearly: nights are cold. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Paris in March
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. Each rainy day adds about 4.8 mm (0.2 in), a proper wetting rather than a sprinkle. Across the year Paris averages about 5.4 mm per rainy day, so March is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, Paris gets 11 h 48 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:06 am to sunset near 6:54 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 39 min more daylight than in mid-February. Measured sunshine covers about 64% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, March comes out as the 5th coolest month in Paris. Afternoons run 3.2°C (5.8°F) warmer than in February, with 6 mm more rain. The warm-up continues into April. The next month's average high: 15.9°C (60.6°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Paris in March
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Paris in March?
Expect around 12°C (53.6°F) in the afternoon and 3.6°C (38.5°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in March?
It does: about 12 rainy days bring roughly 58 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Paris in March?
Based on the averages: versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Add a layer for after dark.
Is March or April better for visiting Paris?
On our 12-month climate ranking, April comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #7). April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.