March is the beginning of spring in the United Kingdom, although winter conditions can linger. Some popular sites can get busy if Easter falls in March. Otherwise, this month is a good time to explore the cities without the crowds. Read on to learn more about visiting the United Kingdom in March.
March in the United Kingdom marks the transition from the grip of winter to the promise of spring. While the days begin to stretch and wildflowers tentatively peek through the thawing earth, it’s wise to remember that March weather in the UK can be delightfully unpredictable. You might experience bright, sunny skies one moment, and a blustery shower the next. The spirit of winter often lingers, particularly in the northern reaches of England, across the rugged landscapes of Scotland, and throughout Northern Ireland.
Expect average spring temperatures across the UK to hover between 48°F and 59°F (9°C and 15°C). However, this general range can vary considerably depending on your location. For example, Edinburgh, nestled in Scotland, typically experiences the chilliest average temperatures, ranging from 36°F to 48°F (2°C to 9°C). In contrast, London, situated further south, tends to enjoy milder conditions, with average temperatures between 43°F and 54°F (6°C to 12°C). Pack layers to prepare for all possibilities!
One of the great joys of March is the gradual increase in daylight hours. Each day gains approximately 4.5 minutes of sunlight, a welcome change after the short days of winter. While the weather might still be cool and damp at times, the evenings no longer descend quite as early, offering more time to explore and enjoy your surroundings.
From a traveler’s perspective, March falls squarely within the low season for tourism in the UK. This generally translates to fewer crowds at popular attractions and potentially lower prices on flights and accommodations. However, it’s worth noting that if Easter falls within March, you may encounter more domestic travelers taking advantage of school vacations, particularly in favored destinations such as the coastal towns of England’s south or east coast, or the picturesque countryside areas.
While overall prices tend to remain consistent with the low season, it’s prudent to plan and book in advance if you are traveling during the Easter period or coinciding your visit with St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Belfast. Securing accommodation and transportation, especially long-distance train tickets, early can help you avoid disappointment and ensure a smoother travel experience.
So, where should you venture during a March visit to the UK? While the weather might not be consistently idyllic, March offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Lake District in Cumbria, northwest England. This national park, renowned for its rolling hills and serene lakes, served as a profound source of inspiration for some of England’s most celebrated Romantic poets, including William Wordsworth and Samuel Coleridge. Embrace the atmospheric mist and drizzle as part of the landscape’s charm. Literature enthusiasts can also attend the Words by the Water festival in Keswick, which often takes place in March.
Alternatively, if your travels take you to Wales, consider visiting Swansea, the birthplace and beloved haunt of the iconic poet Dylan Thomas. Explore his birthplace and immerse yourself in the places that shaped his poetic vision.
If the weather proves particularly uncooperative, the UK boasts a wealth of cultural attractions that offer respite from the elements. London is renowned for its extensive array of world-class art galleries, fascinating museums, and opulent palaces. Similarly, Glasgow and Edinburgh, situated in Scotland’s Lowlands, offer their own unique blend of cultural experiences, while Belfast in Northern Ireland also provides a rich tapestry of history and heritage to explore.
For sports enthusiasts, March offers the thrilling Rugby Six Nations championship. This highly anticipated event features England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, and Italy competing in a series of matches. Games are held in London, Cardiff, and Edinburgh within the UK, and tickets should be purchased well in advance due to their popularity. Even if you are unable to attend a match in person, you can still immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere by joining fellow fans at pubs across the country to watch the games together.
After spending a day braving the elements at the Unesco-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, embarking on a invigorating hike along the rugged trails of the Hebrides in Scotland, or delving into history at the open-air heritage museum of St Fagans in Wales, why not warm up with a comforting dram of whiskey? Take a tour of a distillery or simply relax in a traditional pub. Northern Ireland boasts a growing number of distilleries, with 13 to choose from, while Scotland is renowned for its extensive whiskey heritage, with over one hundred distilleries. Wales may have just a single distillery, but the small country has a rich 1,000-year-old beer production history worth exploring.
Throughout March, several significant events take place across the UK:
* **St. David’s Day, Wales:** Celebrated on March 1st, Wales’ national day is not a public holiday, but it is commemorated with great enthusiasm. Children often wear traditional Welsh national dress, and people enjoy Welsh delicacies such as Welsh cakes.
* **Words by the Water, Keswick, England:** This literary festival, held in honor of the Lake District’s long association with literature, takes place over several days in March. It features readings, talks, and other events.
* **St Patrick’s Day, Northern Ireland-wide:** The official day of Ireland’s patron saint is celebrated on March 17th, but many towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland extend the festivities throughout the entire month, with a variety of events, parades, and lively celebrations.
* **Easter, UK-wide:** As a national holiday throughout the UK, Easter brings business closures and potential restrictions on alcohol purchases over the long weekend. Many residents spend Easter at home with their families or attending religious services. You might also find traditional Easter fêtes in some towns and villages, offering crafts, food, and particularly hot cross buns.
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