March signals the arrival of spring in
France, with a noticeable change in weather conditions across the country. The northern coast near the English Channel starts experiencing a rise in temperatures, averaging 8°C (46.4°F), marking a departure from the chillier winter months.
In the Atlantic Coast regions, cities such as Nantes and Bordeaux see an increase in temperature, with averages hovering around 10°C (50°F). While still cool, the climate in March represents a significant shift from the colder
February, and is a harbinger of the warmer spring and summer months ahead.
In interior regions like Paris, the temperature in March starts climbing, often reaching up to 12°C (53.6°F). The snowfall and frost of the previous months become less common, giving way to warmer, albeit often rainy, conditions. The northeastern regions follow a similar pattern, with decreasing snowfall and milder temperatures.
The southeastern part of France and Corsica, including cities like Nice and Marseille, note an appreciable rise in temperatures in March. The chill of winter diminishes significantly, with temperatures regularly reaching up to 15°C (59°F). The Mediterranean influence ensures a gradual transition into the warmer months.
In the alpine regions, the snowfall starts reducing in March, although skiing conditions remain generally good, especially in high-altitude resorts. The weather around Mont Blanc and similar areas is still cold, but with less severe conditions than in the peak winter months.
Sea temperatures in both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic start to warm up in March, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F). The warming trend is more pronounced in the Mediterranean, offering a more pleasant seaside experience.
March witnesses an increase in precipitation levels compared to the winter months, with averages ranging from 40mm (1.57") to 80mm (3.15") across France. This rise in rainfall is a characteristic marker of the changing seasons, ushering in the wetter spring months.
- Paris - March »
In Paris during March, the rain falls for 11.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 35mm (1.38") of precipitation. On the last day of March, in Paris sunrise is at 06:28 and sunset at 19:20 CET. - Marseille - March »
In Marseille, during March, the rain falls for 10.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 28mm (1.1") of precipitation. During 0.1 snowfall days, in March, Marseille aggregates 1mm (0.04") of snow. - Lyon - March »
In March, in Lyon snow falls for 2.5 days. In Lyon, during March, the rain falls for 8.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 50mm (1.97") of precipitation. - Toulouse - March »
During 0.5 snowfall days, in March, Toulouse aggregates 7mm (0.28") of snow. During 0.5 snowfall days, in March, Toulouse aggregates 7mm (0.28") of snow. - Nice - March »
During 0.2 snowfall days, in March, Nice aggregates 1mm (0.04") of snow. During 0.2 snowfall days, in March, Nice aggregates 1mm (0.04") of snow. - Nantes - March »
In Nantes snow does not fall in March, May through October and December. In Nantes in March, during 15 rainfall days, 38mm (1.5") of precipitation is typically accumulated. - Strasbourg - March »
During 2.2 snowfall days, in March, Strasbourg aggregates 18mm (0.71") of snow. During 2.2 snowfall days, in March, Strasbourg aggregates 18mm (0.71") of snow. - Montpellier - March »
In Montpellier, during March, the rain falls for 9.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 24mm (0.94") of precipitation. Entering March, Montpellier's average high-temperature reads a refreshing 14.3°C (57.7°F), indicating a close resemblance to the previous month's climate. - Bordeaux - March »
In Bordeaux, France, during March, the rain falls for 13.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 31mm (1.22") of precipitation. In Bordeaux, during March, the rain falls for 13.2 days and regularly aggregates up to 31mm (1.22") of precipitation. - Lille - March »
During 1.1 snowfall days, in March, Lille aggregates 6mm (0.24") of snow. In Lille, in March, it is raining for 13.3 days, with typically 32mm (1.26") of accumulated precipitation. - Rennes - March »
In Rennes during March, snow falls for 0.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of snow. In Rennes, during March, the rain falls for 13.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 20mm (0.79") of precipitation. - Reims - March »
During 0.8 snowfall days, in March, Reims aggregates 6mm (0.24") of snow. During 0.8 snowfall days, in March, Reims aggregates 6mm (0.24") of snow.