Weather in France in March

March climate overview

Daytime highs across France in March run from 11.8°C (Paris) to 14.6°C (Nice). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in France in March. Nights average 5.3°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Paris fall to -1°C or below.

Rainfall in March

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in March, with Nice the driest (8 days) and Paris the wettest (10 days). The wettest March at Nice between 1991 and 2020 was 2013 with 238 mm; the driest was 2019 with 5 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 13.4°C around France in March. That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.0 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 11.7 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

March against the rest of the year in France

March is the 8th warmest month of the twelve in France. It is 3.0°C warmer than February and 2.8°C warmer in April. The hottest month here is August (26°C) and the coolest January (9°C).

Which part of France in March?

• Most sunshine: Nice, 6.1 h a day.
• Driest: Nice, about 8 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Nice, 13°C.
• Hottest: Nice, 15°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Paris, 12°C.

What to pack for France in March

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 13°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 5°C; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in March

Within 1.5°C of France's March daytime average: Puglia (15°C, sea 13°C), Mykonos (15°C, sea 15°C), Naxos (15°C, sea 16°C), Parga (15°C, sea 15°C), Menorca (14°C, sea 14°C). See the full ranking for March.

Nice for milder days, not warm seas

Nice is the warmer choice, with daytime temperatures averaging 15°C and nights falling to 7°C. That makes it more comfortable for spending time outside than Paris, but a jacket still belongs in your bag, especially if you plan to stay out into the evening. With 8 rainy days, keep outdoor plans flexible rather than relying on dry weather throughout your stay. The main catch is the sea: at 13°C, it is cold for casual holiday swimming. Choose Nice for milder walks and time by the water, not for a warm-water beach break. Pack layers you can adjust as the day cools.

Paris for exploring with a coat and flexible plans

Paris averages 12°C by day and 4°C at night, so plan for a distinctly cool trip rather than an early taste of summer. Walking can be comfortable with suitable layers, but you will want a warmer coat once you stop moving or head out in the evening. Its 10 rainy days make waterproof outerwear a sensible choice, and indoor alternatives will help keep showers from dictating your day. Across France, the average of 5 hours of sunshine suggests scope for brighter spells, not uninterrupted clear skies. Paris suits travellers who do not mind dressing for the weather; Nice is preferable if warmth matters more.