Things to Do in Austria in March

March Weather in Austria

12°C (54°F) High Temp

2°C (36°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Easter markets begin appearing in late March with authentic local crafts and seasonal treats like Osterpinze bread - fewer tourists than April peak season
Alpine skiing remains excellent with 150-200 cm (59-79 inches) base depths at higher elevations, but lift ticket prices drop 15-20% after mid-March school holidays end
Vienna's concert season reaches its crescendo before summer break - Wiener Staatsoper and Musikverein offer their best programming with easier ticket availability than winter months
Daylight extends to 6:30 PM by month's end, allowing full afternoon exploration of outdoor attractions like Schönbrunn gardens which begin showing early spring blooms

Considerations

Weather unpredictability means you might experience snow, rain, and sunshine in the same day - pack layers and waterproof gear essential
Many hiking trails above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) remain snow-covered and inaccessible, limiting mountain activities to skiing or lower elevation walks
Tourist season shoulder period means some alpine cable cars and mountain restaurants operate reduced schedules or close for maintenance

Best Activities in March

Vienna Classical Concert Experiences

March represents the final month of Vienna's premium concert season before summer break. The city's world-class venues offer their most ambitious programming while tourist crowds remain manageable. Evening concerts perfectly suit March weather - crisp walks between venues, warm concert halls. Wiener Staatsoper typically schedules major productions, while smaller venues like Musikverein offer more intimate chamber music perfect for the season's contemplative mood.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead for premium venues. Tickets range €25-150 depending on seating and venue. Look for weeknight performances for better availability and pricing. Many venues offer same-day standing room tickets for €8-15. Reference booking widget below for current concert tours and experiences.

Salzburg Mozart Heritage Tours

March weather perfectly suits Salzburg's compact old town exploration - cool enough for comfortable walking, mild enough for extended outdoor time. The city feels authentically Austrian without summer's tour bus crowds. Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, and Mirabell Palace gardens (showing early spring growth) create ideal full-day experiences. Late March brings occasional warm afternoons perfect for Sound of Music location visits.

Booking Tip: Combine multiple attractions with city cards offering 15-20% savings. Walking tours typically cost €20-35 and work well in March's mild weather. Book Mozart dinner concerts 1-2 weeks ahead - indoor venues perfect for unpredictable March evenings. See booking section below for current guided tour options.

Innsbruck Alpine Sports Adventures

March offers Austria's best dual-season mountain access - ski excellent powder conditions above 1,500 m (4,921 ft) while exploring valley attractions in mild spring weather. Nordkette cable car provides dramatic Alpine views without extreme cold. Many visitors miss this sweet spot when snow sports remain excellent but weather allows comfortable base-level exploration of Innsbruck's historic center and nearby Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

Booking Tip: Lift tickets cost €45-55/day in March versus €60+ in February. Multi-day ski passes offer better value. Book cable car experiences for clear weather days - check forecasts closely. Adventure tours typically range €80-150 depending on activity level. Current mountain tour options available in booking section below.

Hallstatt Lake District Exploration

March transforms Hallstatt from winter's stark beauty to early spring charm without summer's overwhelming crowds. The lake reflects snow-capped peaks while lakeside paths become accessible for comfortable walks. Morning mist creates photographer's dream conditions, and the town's 4,000 annual visitors concentrate in warmer months - March offers authentic small-town Austrian atmosphere. Indoor salt mine tours provide perfect rainy-day activities.

Booking Tip: Accommodation prices drop 25-30% compared to summer peak. Book lakeside hotels 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend stays. Day trips from Salzburg work well - 1.5 hours each way by car or train. Salt mine tours cost €25-30 adults and operate year-round. See current area tour packages in booking section below.

Austrian Wine Region Tastings

March marks the beginning of Austria's wine country awakening - vintners prepare for growing season while offering previous year's wines in cozy tasting rooms. Wachau Valley and Burgenland regions provide indoor wine experiences perfect for variable March weather. Local Heuriger taverns serve hearty seasonal dishes alongside new wine releases. Cool weather enhances wine tasting focus without summer heat affecting palate.

Booking Tip: Wine tours typically cost €65-95 including tastings and transportation. Book weekend wine experiences 1-2 weeks ahead. Many wineries offer March-specific events featuring winter wines before spring releases. Look for tours including indoor cellar visits ideal for unpredictable weather. Current wine tour options available through booking section below.

Austrian Thermal Spa Retreats

March's cool, variable weather makes Austria's thermal spas particularly appealing - contrast between crisp outdoor air and warm mineral waters creates perfect relaxation conditions. Bad Gastein, Baden bei Wien, and Geinberg offer outdoor thermal pools surrounded by snow-dusted landscapes. Many spas feature March wellness packages before peak season pricing begins. Indoor/outdoor pool combinations suit unpredictable weather perfectly.

Booking Tip: Day passes range €25-45 at major thermal complexes. Multi-day spa packages offer 20-30% savings. Book spa hotels midweek for better rates - weekends fill with Austrian day-trippers. Look for spas with covered walkways between pools for March weather flexibility. Current spa experience packages shown in booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Wiener Festwochen Preview Season

Vienna's major arts festival begins preview events and smaller performances throughout March, offering visitors access to world-class theater, dance, and music before the main May festival. Venues across the city host experimental and traditional performances at reduced preview pricing.

Late March

Austrian Easter Markets

Traditional Easter markets begin appearing in major cities during late March, featuring handcrafted decorations, seasonal foods like Osterpinze bread, and local artisan goods. Vienna's Freyung and Salzburg's Domplatz host the most authentic markets with traditional Austrian Easter customs.

Mid to Late March

Spring Skiing Championships

Many Austrian ski resorts host final seasonal competitions and festivals celebrating winter sport season's end. These events combine competitive skiing with traditional music, local food, and community celebrations - offering visitors authentic Alpine culture experiences.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - fleece or wool sweater plus light jacket for 2-12°C (36-54°F) temperature swings throughout single days

Waterproof jacket with hood - March brings 8 rainy days averaging 45 mm (1.8 inches) total precipitation

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, common in March

Warm accessories for morning and evening - hat, gloves, scarf needed for 2°C (36°F) early mornings

Umbrella - compact, wind-resistant model for sudden spring showers lasting 15-30 minutes

Sunscreen SPF 30+ - UV index reaches 4, intensified by reflection off remaining snow in Alpine areas

Thermal base layer for mountain activities - essential for skiing or cable car rides above 1,500 m (4,921 ft)

Dressy outfit for Vienna's concert venues - many require business casual or formal attire for evening performances

Daypack with rain cover - ideal for day trips between indoor/outdoor attractions as weather changes

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours and cold temperatures drain batteries faster than summer months

Insider Knowledge

Austrian school holidays end mid-March, causing immediate 15-20% drop in ski lift ticket prices and hotel rates in Alpine regions - book after March 15th for savings

Viennese locals begin outdoor café season in late March when temperatures hit 10°C (50°F) - join afternoon coffee culture at Landtmann or Hawelka during mild spells

Many mountain cable cars operate reduced schedules or close completely for annual maintenance in March - always verify operating schedules before planning high-altitude attractions

Austrian thermal spas experience peak local visitation on rainy March weekends - visit midweek or during clear weather when locals choose outdoor activities instead

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all hiking trails are accessible - most paths above 1,200 m (3,937 ft) remain snow-covered and dangerous without proper equipment

Packing only for cold weather - March afternoons can reach 12°C (54°F) making heavy winter coats uncomfortable during city exploration

Not checking concert and cultural event schedules in advance - March represents final month of winter season programming with limited summer alternatives if venues close