Marseille in March

In March, Marseille averages 15°C (59°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (40 mm total).

High season

Conditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

March in Marseille is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

15°C
Avg high
6°C
Avg low
5
Rain days
40 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Marseille

8th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
11 h 53 min
daylight on the 15th

March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Marseille (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (20°C). March runs 3°C warmer than February (12°C) and warms a further 3°C into April (18°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Marseille

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:51 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:43 PM
Day length
11 h 53 min

Times shown for Marseille local time (Europe/Paris), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Marseille — March

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Marseille's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:51 AM – 6:31 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:31 AM – 7:31 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:03 PM – 7:03 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:03 PM – 7:43 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Marseille.

📅 When to book — Marseille in March

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on March's tier (High season) and Marseille's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — March in Marseille

High season

This is a busy month in Marseille — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Marseille

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.2
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Marseille — March

13.9°C (57°F)
very cold
thick wetsuit; tolerable only for short dips

Across the year Marseille's sea swings from 13.7°C (February) to 23.2°C (August) — March sits at 13.9°C.

Marseille in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 11°C / 52°F 3°C / 37°F 55 mm 5 0
February 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 40 mm 5 0
March 15°C / 59°F 6°C / 43°F 40 mm 5 0
April 18°C / 64°F 9°C / 48°F 55 mm 7 0
May 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 40 mm 5 0
June 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 25 mm 4 0
July 30°C / 86°F 19°C / 66°F 15 mm 2 0
August 30°C / 86°F 19°C / 66°F 25 mm 2 0
September 25°C / 77°F 16°C / 61°F 65 mm 5 0
October 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 54°F 95 mm 6 0
November 15°C / 59°F 7°C / 45°F 75 mm 6 0
December 12°C / 54°F 4°C / 39°F 65 mm 6 0

Other cities with similar March weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Marseille in March →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Marseille in March?

In March, Marseille averages a high of 15°C (59°F) and a low of 6°C (43°F) — generally cool.

Does it rain a lot in Marseille in March?

March sees occasional rain in Marseille, with about 5 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Marseille?

March is cool and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Marseille in March?

Pack a warm jacket and layers. See the full March packing list for Marseille for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Marseille on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.