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March is the month London begins to exhale. The light lingers later, the parks shrug off winter, and the first crocus and daffodil blooms appear before the crowds of high season arrive. For the discerning visitor it is one of the most rewarding times to come: galleries and great houses are uncrowded, the cultural calendar is in full swing, and you can still secure tables and tickets that vanish by summer. This guide sets out what to see, where to walk and how to plan a March visit with confidence.
What is the weather like in London in March?
March in London is changeable and cool, with crisp, bright mornings giving way to occasional showers and the odd genuinely mild afternoon. Expect daytime temperatures in the single digits to low teens Celsius, chilly evenings, and the welcome shift to longer days as the clocks spring forward towards the end of the month.
The practical lesson is to dress in layers and assume the day may hold both sunshine and rain. A waterproof, a warm mid-layer and comfortable walking shoes will serve you far better than anything fashion-led but flimsy. The clocks go forward to British Summer Time on the last Sunday of March, which suddenly stretches the useful sightseeing day well into the evening.
- Pack a compact umbrella and a packable waterproof layer.
- Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring gloves and a scarf for early starts.
- After the clocks change, golden-hour light over the river and parks runs noticeably later.
Where to see spring blossom and the parks at their best
The first half of spring blooms across London in March, with crocuses, daffodils and early cherry and magnolia blossom appearing in the royal parks and botanic gardens. St James's Park, Kew Gardens, Hyde Park and Greenwich Park are among the most reliable places to catch the season as it unfolds.
For a concentrated dose of horticulture, Kew Gardens in the south west is unmatched, its glasshouses and woodland walks designed for exactly this transitional season. Closer to the centre, the daffodil drifts in St James's Park make a fine prelude to the view towards Buckingham Palace, while Greenwich Park pairs early blossom with one of the city's great panoramas. For more ideas on filling the day, browse the things to do in London hub.
- Kew Gardens for glasshouses, magnolias and the broadest range of early planting.
- St James's Park and Green Park for daffodils a short walk from the centre.
- Greenwich Park for blossom with a riverside skyline view.
- Hampstead Heath for wilder, less manicured spring walking.
Which cultural events define London in March?
March is a strong month for the cultural calendar, anchored by St Patrick's Day celebrations in mid-March and Mother's Day, which falls on Mothering Sunday in the UK rather than in May. The theatre, opera and gallery seasons are in full flow, making it an ideal time for visitors who come for culture rather than weather.
St Patrick's Day brings a parade and festivities around Trafalgar Square, while major exhibitions typically open across institutions such as the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts. The West End is between its winter and summer programmes, which can mean both established hits and intriguing new openings. Check current listings before you travel, as exact dates shift each year.
- St Patrick's Day festivities centred on Trafalgar Square in mid-March.
- Mothering Sunday, the UK Mother's Day, which falls in March and books out restaurants quickly.
- Spring exhibition openings at the city's major museums and galleries.
What to do indoors when it rains
March showers make a strong case for London's world-class indoor attractions, most of which are at their quietest before the spring break crowds. The great national museums, historic houses and department stores all reward a slow, dry afternoon, and many of the finest are free to enter.
The British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Gallery offer days of culture without stepping outside, while Sir John Soane's Museum in Holborn rewards the curious with one of the most idiosyncratic interiors in the city. For shelter with a view of how London lives, the historic halls of Borough Market and the grandeur of Fortnum and Mason on Piccadilly make satisfying refuges. See the full attractions guide for more.
- British Museum and V&A for free, vast and weatherproof collections.
- Sir John Soane's Museum for an atmospheric small-museum afternoon.
- Fortnum and Mason and the arcades off Piccadilly for covered, civilised browsing.
How to plan a March itinerary
Plan a March visit around flexible days that mix indoor culture with outdoor walks, taking advantage of low-season quiet and the lengthening light after the clocks change. Book marquee exhibitions and any Mothering Sunday dining in advance, but keep parks and riverside walks as adaptable options you can shift to suit the weather.
A sensible rhythm is to anchor each morning on a booked attraction, then leave the afternoon open for a park, a market or a neighbourhood wander depending on the sky. The South Bank walk from the London Eye to Tower Bridge works in most weather, while a clear day is best saved for Greenwich or Hampstead. For structured routes, see our London itineraries, and for getting around, the practical guide.
- Book major exhibitions and Mothering Sunday tables ahead of arriving.
- Keep outdoor plans flexible and ready to swap with indoor alternatives.
- Use a contactless card or Oyster across the Underground, buses and Overground.
Is March a good time to visit London?
March is an excellent time to visit London for travellers who prioritise culture, value and space over guaranteed sunshine. It sits in the shoulder season before Easter crowds and high-summer prices, so attractions are quieter, the parks are coming into bloom and the longer days at month's end give you more time to explore.
The trade-off is the weather, which is cool and unpredictable, and the fact that the school-holiday and Easter period can fall late in the month in some years, lifting demand. On balance, for a discerning visitor who plans for rain and books the essentials early, March offers one of the most relaxed and rewarding versions of the city.
London in March FAQ
When do the clocks change in March?
The clocks go forward by one hour on the last Sunday of March, marking the start of British Summer Time. This shift means lighter evenings almost overnight, giving you a noticeably longer afternoon for sightseeing, riverside walks and park visits towards the end of the month.
Where can I see cherry blossom in March?
Early blossom and magnolia begin to appear in March, with Kew Gardens, Greenwich Park and the royal parks among the best places to look. The fullest cherry blossom often peaks slightly later in spring, so March rewards visitors with the first, quieter flush rather than the absolute height of the display.
Is St Patrick's Day celebrated in London?
Yes. London marks St Patrick's Day each March with a parade and festivities centred on Trafalgar Square and the surrounding streets, usually on the weekend closest to the seventeenth. Expect music, food stalls and crowds, so arrive early and use public transport, as central streets can be busy and partly closed.
What should I wear in London in March?
Dress in warm layers with a waterproof outer and comfortable walking shoes. March days swing between bright sun and cold showers, so a mid-layer you can add or remove is essential, along with a scarf and gloves for chilly mornings. A compact umbrella is a wise addition for sudden rain.
Is March a busy month for tourists?
March is generally quieter than the summer and Easter peaks, making it a good month for shorter queues at major attractions. The main exception is any year when the Easter or school-holiday period falls late in March, which can lift demand, so booking key sights and dining in advance is still sensible.
Where to go next
Continue planning your trip through the rest of the year and the wider city with these guides.
- Browse the full seasonal guide to London for month-by-month planning.
- Look ahead to London in April for the blossom at its peak.
- Compare with London in February if you are weighing up late winter.
- Plan further with London in May for the warmer weeks to come.
