Springtime In Austria: Is March The Perfect Time To Visit?

March is a great month to visit Austria if you want to keep costs low and avoid the crowds. It's the beginning of spring in Austria, so you can expect slightly warmer temperatures and some rainfall, but there will still be snow in the mountains, making it ideal for winter sports. The cities will be less crowded than in peak season, and you can take advantage of end-of-winter discounts on accommodation. It's also a great time to visit Vienna, with its beautiful architecture, galleries, museums, and Easter markets.

Weather in Austria in March

March is a transition month in Austria, with the country moving from winter to spring. You can expect cool temperatures, and even snow at higher altitudes and rain at lower levels. The average daytime temperature in winter is around -5°C, though it can fall as low as -15°C. In the cities, daytime temperatures hover between 10°C and 17°C (50s and 60s °F). In Vienna, for example, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 10°C (50°F).

March is a good month to visit Austria if you want to take advantage of end-of-winter discounts and avoid the busy winter season in the mountains. There will still be snow in the Austrian Alps, and conditions are ideal for winter sports.

The further into March you get, the more light you'll have during the day. The month also brings festivities, including Easter markets and the Vienna City Marathon.

If you're planning a trip to Austria in March, make sure to pack some woollen clothes and a waterproof coat to protect yourself from the cold and rain.

Places to Visit in March

• Vienna: The capital city is beautiful and offers a blend of tradition and modernisation. You can visit the Easter markets, take in the architecture, and explore the city's art galleries.
• Hallstatt: This village is located on a lake and has a small population. In the first half of March, there is usually slight snowfall, and in the second half, the snow melts away to reveal lush greenery.
• Gosau: An ideal place for those seeking a calm atmosphere and nature. In March, you can experience the cold wind of the winter season.
• Innsbruck: A great place for trekking as the snow density in the mountains starts to reduce.
• Graz: Known as the Knowledge Hub of Austria, Graz is one of the oldest towns in Europe and retains its vintage vibe and cultural traces of the Balkan states and Italy.

Things to do in Austria in March

March is a great time to visit Austria, especially if you want to keep costs low, with end-of-winter discounts to be found. It is the beginning of spring in Austria, but temperatures will still be chilly, and there will be some snowfall.

Skiing and Snowboarding

As March is still likely to have good snow conditions, you can enjoy winter sports at a lower price. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and grab an end-of-season bargain on accommodation before ski resorts close for the summer.

Cities of Vienna and Salzburg

Vienna and Salzburg are lively all year round, and hotel prices will be cheaper than in spring or summer. Vienna is a year-round destination, with beautiful architecture and fantastic galleries and museums.

Easter Markets

In March, you can experience the Easter markets set up in Austrian towns and cities a couple of weeks before Holy Week. In Vienna, the Easter market in the forecourt of the Schönbrunn Palace is highly recommended. More centrally located markets are held at Am Hof and Freyung public squares. Look out for egg painting activities and wine tasting.

Vienna Blues Spring

This is one of the largest blues festivals in the world, lasting two months from mid-to-late March and continuing into May.

Foto Wien

This journalistic photography festival is held in March, with exhibitions, workshops, and talks.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a village located on the lakeside with a small population. During the first half of March, there is usually slight snowfall, and in the second half, when the snow melts, you can see the lush green plants. The aesthetically pleasing buildings around the lake reflect on the water, creating a magical sight.

Gosau

Gosau is an ideal place for those who want to spend time in nature. In March, you can experience the cold wind of winter. This place is calm and quiet, with a rare crowd, giving you ample time to explore.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a place for those who love trekking. In March, the density of snow in the mountains starts to reduce, making it an ideal place for trekking and other recreational activities. You can also trek to the rugged, snow-covered mountain of Hafelekarspitze.

Graz

Graz is considered the knowledge hub of Austria, with six world-renowned universities. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe, retaining its vintage vibe and the cultural traces of the Balkan states and Italy.

Places to visit in Austria in March

March is a great time to visit Austria. It marks the beginning of spring, and the weather is pleasant, with a gradual increase in temperature. You can still experience the last snow showers, and the country is less crowded than during 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 city with a rare blend of tradition and modernisation. It offers a wide range of activities, cultural shows, and Easter markets in March. You can explore the city's stunning architecture and visit its fantastic galleries and museums. The Easter market at Schönbrunn Palace and the centrally located markets at Am Hof and Freyung public squares are particularly noteworthy.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a picturesque village located on a lakeside. In March, you can witness the transition from slight snowfall to lush greenery as the snow melts. The aesthetically pleasing buildings around the lake reflect on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.

Gosau

Gosau is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking tranquillity. It boasts rich wildlife and dense forests. In March, you can enjoy the calm before the summer crowds arrive.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a trekker's paradise, known for its artistic and royal architecture. It is a great base for trekking and other thrilling recreational activities. The density of snow in the surrounding mountains starts to reduce in March, making it perfect for trekking and snowshoe hiking.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is a mountain spa resort town nestled in the Gastein Valley. It offers stunning views of the forested valley and thermal hot springs within belle-époque buildings.

Graz

Graz is a vibrant student city and one of the oldest towns in Europe. It is a cultural hub influenced by the Balkan states and Italy. You can explore its museums, gastronomic experiences, and vintage vibes.

Is March a crowded month in Austria?

March is a shoulder season month for travel to Austria, which means it is not as crowded as the peak winter months. The ski season is coming to an end, but conditions for skiing and snowboarding are often still good.

March is the beginning of spring in Austria, and temperatures will be chilly throughout the country. In the Austrian Alps, there is still snow, and in cities like Vienna, temperatures will be around 50°F (10°C) during the day.

While you won't find many other travellers beyond the mountains, some smaller towns in the Salzkammergut lake district may still be closed for the winter. However, bigger cities like Vienna and Salzburg are lively throughout the year, and hotel prices will be cheaper than later in spring or summer.

If you're looking for a relaxing escape, head to the mountain spa resort town of Bad Gastein. The views of the forested Gastein Valley from the hillside town are beautiful, and you can soak in thermal hot springs located within belle-époque buildings.

March is also a good time to visit Vienna, as it is a year-round destination thanks to its beautiful architecture and fantastic galleries and museums. There are also Easter markets set up throughout the city, usually a couple of weeks before Easter.

Is March a good time for outdoor activities in Austria?

March is a transitional month in Austria, with the country shifting from winter to spring. While you can expect cooler temperatures, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

The beginning of March marks the end of the winter ski season, and the snow lingers in the Austrian Alps, making it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. The temperatures in the cities will be around 50°F (10°C) during the day, and you can expect fewer crowds than in the peak winter months.

If you're looking for outdoor activities, March is a great time to visit the capital, Vienna. The city offers beautiful architecture, galleries, and museums to explore. The Easter markets, including the one at Schönbrunn Palace, are a highlight, with egg painting and wine tasting. The Vienna Blues Spring, a renowned blues festival, also starts in mid-to-late March and continues into May.

For nature lovers, the mountain spa resort town of Bad Gastein provides stunning views of the forested Gastein Valley. You can soak in thermal hot springs within belle-époque buildings or enjoy hiking if the snow conditions aren't ideal.

If you're an adventure seeker, Innsbruck is ideal for trekking in March as the snow density gradually decreases. The city boasts breathtaking architecture set against a backdrop of snow-tipped mountains.

Overall, March is a great month to visit Austria if you want to take advantage of lower prices and enjoy outdoor activities without the peak-season crowds. The weather can be unpredictable, but if you're prepared for cooler temperatures and the occasional snowfall, you'll have a wonderful time exploring all that Austria has to offer.

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