March Snow In Austria: What's The Deal?

Austria is renowned for its Alpine mountains, which are a magnet for snow in the winter months. While snowfall in March signals the onset of spring, the Alps often still have a fair amount of snow, with skiing possible until April. In lower elevations, snow becomes less frequent as the first buds of spring appear. The coldest month experienced by Austria is usually January, with the winter snow cover lasting from late December through March in the valleys, and from November through May at about 5,905 ft or 1,800 m.

Snowfall in Austria in March

Austria is known for its Alpine mountains, which are usually covered in snow during the winter months. While the coldest month in Austria is usually January, the winter snow cover typically lasts from late December through March in the valleys, and from November through May at higher altitudes. The snow starts melting in March, signalling the onset of spring, but there are still some of the last snow showers of the season.

The average daytime temperature in March varies between 7°C and 15°C, with the third week of the month being quite warm. The weather is usually windy, with a gentle breeze and some precipitation. The temperature can, however, vary depending on the altitude and location within the country. The lowland regions in the north and east have more continental-influenced conditions with colder winters, while the western part of the country has milder winters due to the influence of the temperate Atlantic climate.

The amount and frequency of snow differ across Austria. While the Alpine regions experience abundant and long-lasting snow, especially from December to March, the winters in cities like Vienna and Graz are milder, with sporadic and less intense snowfall.

In March, some of the best places to visit in Austria are:

• Vienna: The capital city of Austria, known for its mesmerizing localities and rich culture.
• Hallstatt: A beautiful lakeside village surrounded by snow-covered mountains, which starts to melt away in March.
• Gosau: An ideal place for nature lovers, with dense forests and a plethora of wildlife.
• Innsbruck: A paradise for trekkers, with artistic and royal architecture, and the starting point for journeys to snow-covered mountains.
• Bad Gastein: Sitting in the Hohe Tauern National Park, this town offers pure and fresh mountain air, natural hot springs, and stunning landscapes.
• Graz: A mecca for students, with six big universities, vintage vibes, museums, and gastronomic experiences.

Spring season in Austria

Spring in Austria is a beautiful time of year, with the season commencing in March and lasting until June. The country welcomes tourists to enjoy the last snow showers of the season, with temperatures rising above zero and marking the end of the ski season. The transition to spring sees an increase in temperature, with an average high of 15°C and a low of 1°C in March. The days are getting longer, with four hours of sunshine expected in March, and six hours in April.

Spring is a great time to be outdoors in Austria, with plenty of festivals and celebrations to enjoy. Austrians celebrate Easter with religious traditions, and May 1st marks Labour Day, a national holiday. The season is also a foodie's dream, with markets prevalent across the country, showcasing the best of local produce.

Lower Austria, in particular, has much to offer in spring. The Mostviertel region is a sight to behold, with thousands of fruit trees in bloom. The Wachau region, with its terraced vineyards, is another popular destination for tourists wanting to sample the local cuisine. The Vienna Woods offer spring-green gardens and regional delicacies, while the region around Bad Schönau and Krumbach is ideal for hiking and mountain biking.

Spring is also a good time to visit the mountains, as the weather is calmer than in winter. The town of Innsbruck, for example, offers the ideal setting for trekking and snowshoe hiking, with its rugged, snow-covered mountains.

So, if you're planning a trip to Austria in spring, make sure to pack accordingly. Bring those woollens, as it can still be quite chilly, especially at higher altitudes.

What to wear in Austria in March

March in Austria is a transition month, marking the start of spring and the end of winter. You can expect crisp, chilly weather, with a gradual increase in temperature throughout the month. There may be some snowfall, but it's more likely to rain, and you can also expect fog. So, what should you pack for your March trip to Austria?

Clothing

• Layers are key. Pack clothes you can layer to adapt to changing temperatures.
• Take a mix of lightweight and warm clothing.
• Waterproofs are a must, with rain likely.
• Pack smart casual or business casual clothing for sightseeing and eating out. Austrians tend to dress quite formally and stylishly.
• Dark, solid colours are popular.
• Avoid anything too casual, baggy, or ill-fitted.
• If you're heading to religious sites, remember to dress modestly (no sleeveless tops or shorts; wear knee-length dresses, etc.).
• Pack clothes that are comfortable and suitable for walking, as you'll likely be doing a lot of exploring on foot.

Footwear

• Comfortable, stylish flat shoes are best for walking on cobblestones.
• Boots are a good option, especially if waterproof.
• Avoid sneakers.
• If you're planning on hiking, make sure your footwear is suitable.

Accessories

• A stylish scarf is a must-pack item.
• A hat can add a stylish touch and provide warmth.
• Sunglasses will be useful, especially when it's sunny.
• For women, a pashmina or shawl is recommended.

Other items

• A small backpack or shoulder bag to carry your essentials.
• A reusable water bottle.
• Sunscreen, moisturiser, and other toiletries.
• Any necessary travel adapters and chargers.

Places to visit in Austria in March

March is a transitional month in Austria, with the last snow showers giving way to spring. The temperature gradually increases throughout the month, making it a pleasant time to visit. Fog is common, and the weather is usually windy with gentle breezes and some precipitation. While it's not peak season, there are still plenty of fun and relaxing activities to enjoy, and you'll avoid the crowds of the peak winter months. Here are some of the best places to visit in Austria during March:

Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a beautiful fusion of tradition and modernisation. It has stunning architecture, mesmerising localities, and rich cultural offerings. In March, you can attend cultural shows and experience the blend of tradition and modernity that makes Vienna unique.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is an idyllic lakeside village nestled among the mountains. In March, as the snow starts to melt, Hallstatt reveals its lush green landscapes. The village is a picturesque paradise with aesthetically pleasing buildings reflected in the lake. It's the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Austria.

Gosau

Gosau is a haven for nature lovers. With dense forests and rich wildlife, it's the perfect place to escape and unwind. In March, as winter transitions to summer, the winds are calm, making it an ideal time to explore the great outdoors.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a trekker's paradise, known for its artistic and royal architecture. It's the starting point for journeys to Hafelekarspitze, a rugged mountain covered in snow. In March, as the snow density gradually decreases, it becomes an ideal place for trekking and other thrilling recreational activities.

Bad Gastein

Sitting in the Hohe Tauern National Park, Bad Gastein offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains. It's a great place to breathe in fresh mountain air, stroll around natural marvels, and soak in natural hot springs. Adventure seekers can also try skiing or mountain biking.

Graz

Graz is a mecca for students, with six big universities, and one of the oldest towns in Europe. It exudes vintage vibes and showcases cultural influences from the Balkan States and Italy. From museums to gastronomic experiences, Graz has something for every type of traveller.

Activities to do in Austria in March

There are plenty of fun activities to do in Austria in March, here are some of them:

• Skiing: Play around the winter wonderland
• Snowshoe hiking and trekking: Get that adrenaline rushing
• Global cuisine festival: Indulge in some mouth-watering delicacies
• Schlegeis Lake: Soak in the beauty
• Admont Abbey Library: Admire the interior
• Visit the Fortress Hohensalzburg: Huge 11th-century fortress complex on a hilltop with views over the city to the Alps, plus museums
• Altstadt Salzburg: Busy Altstadt, the old town, centers on Getreidegasse, a narrow, pedestrian street with shops selling folk costumes and antiques
• Vienna State Opera: World-famous opera house offering major productions, original decor, and multilingual guided tours
• Mozart's Birthplace: Birthplace of Wolfgang Mozart in 1756, now a house museum with tours detailing his young life
• Red Bull Hangar-7: Futuristic building, home to the Flying Bulls display team, plus art shows, restaurants, and bars
• Alpenzoo Innsbruck-Tirol: Mountainside conservation-minded zoo for rare Alpine birds and animals from wolves to golden eagles
• St. Anton am Arlberg: Ski and snowboard areas
• Grossglockner High Alpine Road: This famed Alpine road winds at high altitude through mountain pastures, meadows, rubble, and ice

Frequently asked questions