March Visitor & Travel Guide to Greater London

Spring Awakes: March Weather in Greater London

March marks an atmospheric transition across Greater London, as the chill of winter yields to the fresh, vibrant energy of early spring. While mornings often retain a crisp frost, afternoons gradually warm up, with daytime highs averaging between 10°C and 13°C, dipping to around 4°C to 6°C overnight.

Daylight stretches significantly as the month progresses, culminating in the start of British Summer Time (BST) on the final Sunday of the month. Pack versatile layers: a sturdy waterproof coat, comfortable walking boots, and an umbrella will keep you prepared for sudden showers and blustery March breezes.

Top Seasonal Highlights and Events

Yellow Daffodils and Early Blossoms

Greater London’s royal parks transform into sweeping palettes of colour throughout March. St James’s Park and Green Park become carpets of golden daffodils and purple crocuses. Further west, the historic Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, puts on a spectacular display with magnolias, camelias, and early cherry blossoms bursting into flower across the gardens.

St Patrick’s Day Festival

Mid-March brings the exuberant St Patrick’s Day Parade to Central London. The energetic procession weaves through Piccadilly and Whitehall before culminating in Trafalgar Square, where visitors can enjoy live Irish folk music, traditional step dancing, artisan food stalls, and an infectious, family-friendly atmosphere.

The Boat Race on the Championship Course

One of London’s oldest sporting traditions, the historic Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge universities often takes place in late March. Crowds gather along the 6.8-kilometre Championship Course between Putney and Mortlake. Secure a vantage point along the riverside embankments or outside the historic pubs of Hammersmith and Chiswick to soak up the riverside camaraderie.

Lively Markets for a Spring Weekend

• Columbia Road Flower Market, Bethnal Green: March is an exceptional time to browse Columbia Road, where East End traders sell early spring bulbs, fragrant mimosa, cut tulips, and potted shrubs to bustling Sunday crowds.
• Borough Market, Southwark: Escape brisk March weather beneath the Victorian glass roofs of Borough Market. Warm up with artisan toasties, hot spiced ciders, and seasonal British produce like purple sprouting broccoli and forced Yorkshire rhubarb.
• Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey: Tucked into railway arches, this weekend foodie haven offers gourmet street food without the summer peak-season queues.

Actionable Tips for Visiting in March

• Embrace the Shoulder Season: March offers a welcome lull between winter breaks and the Easter school holidays. You will encounter shorter queues at world-class cultural institutions like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Tap and Go on the Underground: Save time by using contactless bank cards or mobile payments across London Underground and red double-decker buses to benefit from daily fare caps.
• Combine Indoors with Outdoors: Match dynamic weather by planning morning walks along the South Bank or through Hyde Park, keeping grand covered galleries or cosy historic pubs lined up for any afternoon drizzle.