Best Places to Go in Europe in March: The Early Bird's Guide

March is Europe's awkward teenager month — not quite winter, not quite spring, and most people skip it entirely. Which is exactly why it's interesting. You're dealing with unpredictable weather, sure, but also some of the lowest prices of the year and virtually zero crowds at major attractions. If you're flexible and strategic, March rewards you disproportionately.

March by the Numbers

Here's the reality: March tourism numbers are roughly 60% below the annual peak. Hotel prices across major European cities sit 35–50% below summer rates. Transatlantic flights average $380–550 round trip. The weather is genuinely variable — you could get 20°C sunshine in Lisbon or sideways rain in Paris on the same day. But that's the gamble that makes March travel cheap.

Top Destinations for March in Europe

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Weather: Average high of 18°C (64°F), 9 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $70–105

Lisbon in March is one of Europe's best early-spring destinations. Temperatures are already pleasant for walking (which is good, because Lisbon's hills are a cardio workout). Tourist numbers are minimal, restaurant reservations are unnecessary, and the light over the Tagus River in late afternoon is photographically perfect.

Pro Tip: Sintra in March is a completely different experience from summer. You might have Pena Palace practically to yourself. The trade-off? Some gardens look less lush. Worth it for the solitude.

2. Valencia, Spain

Weather: Average high of 19°C (66°F), 4 rain days Crowd Level: Low-Medium (Las Fallas spike mid-month) Daily Budget: $75–110

Valencia in March hosts Las Fallas (March 15–19), one of Europe's wildest festivals — giant sculptures, fireworks, controlled chaos. Outside festival week, Valencia is quiet, sunny, and significantly cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid. The City of Arts and Sciences complex is world-class and never as crowded as it should be.

Pro Tip: If you're here for Las Fallas, book accommodation 3+ months ahead. Prices triple during festival week, but the experience is genuinely once-in-a-lifetime.

3. Rome, Italy

Weather: Average high of 16°C (61°F), 8 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $80–120

Rome in March is a strategy play. Easter hasn't hit yet (usually), spring break crowds are minimal, and you can visit the Colosseum, Vatican, and Pantheon with fraction-of-summer wait times. Temperatures are cool but fine for walking. The city looks atmospheric in March light — golden hour over the Forum is genuinely stunning.

4. Marrakech-Adjacent: Southern Spain (Andalusia)

Weather: Average high of 19°C (66°F), 6 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $75–110

I'm clustering Granada, Córdoba, and Ronda together because they work beautifully as a March road trip or train circuit. The Alhambra without summer crowds is transformative — you can actually absorb the detail instead of being herded through. Córdoba's Mezquita is similarly enhanced by thin crowds. Ronda's gorge is dramatic in any season.

Pro Tip: Book Alhambra tickets the day they go on sale (2 months ahead). Even in March, they sell out. This isn't a summer-only problem — it's a perpetual one.

5. Athens, Greece

Weather: Average high of 16°C (61°F), 8 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $65–95

Athens in March is cheap, uncrowded, and historically fascinating without the summer heat that makes climbing the Acropolis feel like an endurance test. The food scene runs year-round, and March is when you start getting the first warm outdoor dining days. Greek coffee in a sunny plaza with zero queue at the Parthenon? That's the dream.

6. Budapest, Hungary

Weather: Average high of 11°C (52°F), 6 rain days Crowd Level: Low Daily Budget: $60–95

Budapest in March is cold but manageable, and the thermal baths make the cold a feature rather than a bug. Soaking in 38°C water at Széchenyi while it's 10°C outside is one of Europe's great experiences. The ruin bars are open year-round, the food scene is booming, and March prices are rock-bottom.

Pro Tip: Go to Széchenyi on a weekday morning. Weekend evenings turn it into a party scene — fun if that's your thing, but not exactly relaxing.

Budget Breakdown: March Travel Costs

Transatlantic flights in March: $380–550 round trip. Norwegian, PLAY, and TAP frequently offer the lowest fares. Flexible date searches on Google Flights can save another $50–100.

Getting Around Europe in March

Flights: Intra-Europe budget flights are cheap and available. $20–50 for most routes booked 3–4 weeks ahead.

Trains: Plentiful availability, no reservation stress. Spain's Renfe Avlo (budget high-speed) runs Madrid–Barcelona for as low as $8. Italy's Italo offers similar deals.

Buses: FlixBus is at its cheapest. Routes that cost $30 in summer are $8–12 in March.

Car Rentals: Low demand = low prices. Southern Spain or Portugal road trips are particularly excellent value in March.

Pro Tip: For a Southern Europe circuit, fly into Lisbon, train/bus through Seville–Granada–Valencia–Barcelona. Total transport cost: $80–120 if booked ahead. That's less than a single domestic US flight.

Weather Reality Check

Let me be honest: March weather in Europe is a gamble. Southern Europe (Iberia, Italy, Greece) generally delivers 15–20°C with manageable rain. Central Europe (Paris, Prague, Munich) hovers around 8–12°C with grey skies. Northern Europe is still winter. Plan accordingly:

• Safe bets for warmth: Lisbon, southern Spain, Greek islands, Canary Islands, Malta, Sicily
• Manageable but cool: Rome, Barcelona, Nice, Split
• Cold but worth it: Budapest (baths), Vienna (culture), Paris (museums)
• Skip unless you love winter: Scandinavia, Baltics, Scotland

FAQ

Is March too early to visit Europe?

Not for Southern Europe — temperatures are pleasant and crowds are minimal. For Northern/Central Europe, it depends on your cold tolerance and whether indoor activities interest you. It's "too early" for beach vacations on the Mediterranean mainland (water is ~15°C), but not for sightseeing.

Is March spring break in Europe?

European schools have varying break schedules (often around Easter, not a fixed March date). Some years Easter falls in March, which creates localized crowd spikes at religious sites and family destinations. Check the calendar for your travel year.

What's the cheapest European country to visit in March?

Portugal, Hungary, Greece, and Poland consistently offer the lowest daily costs in March. Expect $50–70/day mid-range in these countries. Turkey (Istanbul) is even cheaper if you include it in European travel.

Can I ski in Europe in March?

Absolutely. March is actually excellent for skiing — longer days, warmer temperatures, and end-of-season deals. The Alps (Austria, Switzerland, France) and Dolomites have reliable snow through March and sometimes into April.

How do I find the cheapest flights to Europe in March?

Google Flights' "Explore" feature, set to flexible dates in March, is the best tool. Also check Skyscanner's "everywhere" search and sign up for Scott's Cheap Flights or Secret Flying for error fares and deals.

You Might Also Like

• Best Places to Go in Europe in April — When spring fully arrives
• Best Places to Go in Europe in May — The start of perfect season
• Best Places to Go in Europe in November — Another off-peak champion