Things to Do in Strasbourg in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Strasbourg

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening begins with first blooms along the Ill River - cherry blossoms appear around March 20th, creating perfect photo opportunities without summer tourist crowds
Restaurant terraces start reopening for lunch service on sunny days (typically after 11am when temperatures reach 8°C/46°F), giving access to outdoor dining that's been closed all winter
Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to peak summer rates, with excellent availability at boutique properties in Petite France - expect to pay €80-120 for quality 4-star rooms versus €150-200 in summer
Perfect layering weather for walking the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) historic center circuit - cool mornings ideal for cathedral visits, warmer afternoons perfect for riverbank strolls without summer heat exhaustion

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires constant outfit changes - morning frost at 2°C (36°F) can shift to afternoon warmth at 12°C (53°F), then sudden rain showers lasting 30-45 minutes
Many seasonal attractions remain closed - boat tours on the Ill River typically don't resume until April 1st, and some outdoor Christmas Market infrastructure creates construction zones through mid-March
Daylight hours are still limited to 11.5 hours with sunset at 6:30pm, restricting golden hour photography and evening outdoor activities compared to summer's 16-hour days

Best Activities in March

Strasbourg Cathedral and Astronomical Clock Tours

March offers perfect indoor refuge during rain showers, with the astronomical clock's daily 12:30pm show drawing smaller crowds than summer months. Cool temperatures make climbing the 330 steps to the cathedral platform comfortable, offering spectacular views over the awakening spring cityscape. The Gothic interior provides ideal shelter during the 10 average rainy days.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for individual visits. Entry to cathedral is free, platform access costs €8-10. Arrive 15 minutes before 12:30pm for optimal astronomical clock viewing position. Peak visiting hours are 10am-2pm when tour groups arrive.

Petite France Walking Tours

March's cool, crisp air makes the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) walking circuit through half-timbered houses comfortable without summer heat. Early spring light creates dramatic photography conditions, especially during brief sunny breaks between rain showers. Fewer crowds mean unobstructed views of the iconic Ponts Couverts and Barrage Vauban.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work best in March due to weather unpredictability. Download offline maps before starting. Allow 2-3 hours with indoor stops at museums. Guided tours typically cost €15-25 and run weekends only during off-season.

Alsatian Wine Tasting Experiences

March marks the beginning of wine tourism season in nearby Alsace villages, just 20-30 km (12-18 miles) from Strasbourg. Cooler weather makes wine cellar visits particularly appealing, and March tastings often feature last year's harvest alongside aged vintages. Indoor venues provide perfect rainy day alternatives.

Booking Tip: Book wine tours 5-7 days ahead through local operators. Half-day tours typically cost €45-75 including transportation and 4-5 tastings. Many venues closed Mondays. See current wine tour options in booking section below.

European Parliament District Tours

March's moderate crowds allow easier access to European Quarter tours, with the modern architecture providing striking contrast to medieval old town. Indoor Parliament sessions are in full swing (unlike August recess), offering authentic glimpses of European democracy in action. Climate-controlled buildings offer comfort during variable weather.

Booking Tip: Parliament tours must be booked 2-3 weeks ahead through official EU channels. Free guided tours run Tuesday-Thursday. Allow 3-4 hours total including security screening. Alternative architecture walking tours cost €12-18.

Covered Market and Food Hall Tours

March brings spring vegetables and early local produce to covered markets, with Marché des Bresseurs offering year-round indoor food exploration. Cool weather makes walking between food stalls comfortable, and March sees the return of outdoor market vendors who disappear in winter's harsh conditions.

Booking Tip: Markets operate Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8am-1pm. Food tours typically cost €35-55 including tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead. Indoor portions of covered markets provide rain shelter while maintaining authentic local experience.

Rhine River Valley Day Trips

March's cooler temperatures make bus and train day trips comfortable, with destinations like Colmar and Riquewihr beginning their tourist season. Early spring atmosphere in medieval villages offers authentic local life without summer crowds, and indoor attractions like museums and wine cellars provide weather-flexible options.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost €65-95 including transportation and guided portions. Book 7-10 days ahead for guaranteed departure. Train connections run every 2 hours to major destinations. Check current valley tour options in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Festival du Film Fantastique

Annual fantasy and horror film festival showcasing European cinema in intimate theater settings. Perfect for March's variable weather with indoor venues and evening screenings. Features premieres and director Q&As typically unavailable in mainstream festivals.

Late March

Printemps de l'Art Contemporain

Contemporary art exhibition opening season across multiple galleries in the European Quarter. March launches new installations and rotating exhibitions that run through summer. Indoor cultural activities ideal for unpredictable spring weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - cobblestone streets in Petite France become slippery during March's 10 average rainy days, especially around morning frost periods

Compact umbrella that fits in day pack - sudden 30-45 minute rain showers are common, and many medieval streets lack covered walkways

Layering system: base layer, fleece, and waterproof shell - temperatures swing from 2°C (36°F) at dawn to 12°C (53°F) by afternoon, requiring quick adaptation

Lightweight wool or synthetic socks - feet stay damp from morning dew and occasional puddles during extensive old town walking tours

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite cool temperatures - March UV index reaches 3-4, and reflection off wet cobblestones increases exposure

Portable phone charger - shorter 11.5-hour daylight periods mean more navigation app usage, and cold weather drains batteries 20-30% faster

Small dry bag for electronics - protects camera and phone during unexpected showers while walking the 2.5 km (1.6 mile) historic circuit

Comfortable walking pants that dry quickly - avoid jeans which stay damp for hours in 70% humidity conditions

Light scarf or neck gaiter - wind chill along the Ill River can make 8°C (46°F) feel like 4°C (39°F), especially during evening strolls

Insider Knowledge

Locals avoid outdoor dining until 11am when morning frost clears and temperatures reach 8°C (46°F) - follow their lead to avoid uncomfortable early restaurant terraces that tourist guidebooks recommend

March is when Strasbourg residents do their annual apartment hunting and moving - avoid the last weekend of March when moving trucks congest Petite France's narrow streets, creating photo obstacles

University of Strasbourg students return from winter break in early March, bringing life back to student quarter restaurants and bars that were quiet in February - great for authentic local nightlife without tourist crowds

Many locals use March's variable weather as natural interval training for walking tours - they duck into museums or cafés during rain, then emerge for intensive sightseeing during sunny breaks