Windsor in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Windsor

11°C (52°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect walking weather for Windsor Great Park - cool 8-11°C (46-52°F) temperatures ideal for the 4.8 km (3 mile) Long Walk without overheating, plus deer are most active in early spring
March marks the opening of Windsor Castle's East Terrace Garden (closed November-February) - exclusive access to 0.8 hectares (2 acres) of early spring bulbs and views unavailable in winter months
Significantly fewer crowds at Windsor Castle - March sees 40% fewer visitors than peak summer, meaning 15-20 minute waits instead of 90+ minutes for State Apartments
Thames riverside walks are at their most atmospheric - bare trees offer unobstructed castle views, plus spring floods create dramatic riverside scenery perfect for photography

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layered clothing - temperatures can swing 8°C (14°F) in one day, from frosty 3°C (37°F) mornings to mild 11°C (52°F) afternoons
Limited daylight hours restrict outdoor activities - sunset around 6:15pm means rushed afternoon visits to Great Park if you start after 3pm
Many outdoor events and markets haven't resumed - Royal Windsor Horse Show and most outdoor festivals don't start until May

Best Activities in March

Windsor Castle State Apartments Tours

March offers the perfect combination of shorter queues and reopened East Terrace Garden access. Cool weather means comfortable walking through extensive castle grounds without summer heat. Queen Mary's Dolls' House is less crowded, allowing proper viewing of intricate details. The 3°C-11°C (37-52°F) temperature range is ideal for indoor-outdoor castle exploration.

Booking Tip: Book online 2-3 days ahead for guaranteed entry and £2.50 discount. Royal Collection Trust tickets typically cost £28.50-£31.50 for adults. Arrive by 10:30am for best light in State Apartments and to avoid afternoon coach groups. Audio guides included.

Thames Path Riverside Walking

March weather is perfect for the 8 km (5 mile) Thames Path section through Windsor - cool enough to walk comfortably but mild enough to enjoy riverside pubs. Spring floods often create dramatic water levels and excellent photography opportunities. Bare trees offer unobstructed castle views impossible in summer foliage.

Booking Tip: Self-guided activity requiring no booking. Download OS Maps app for detailed route guidance. Walk typically takes 2-3 hours at leisurely pace. Best done 11am-3pm when temperatures peak around 10°C (50°F). Check Environment Agency flood warnings before setting out.

Windsor Great Park Deer Watching

March is prime time for red deer activity as they prepare for spring. Cool 8°C (46°F) morning temperatures make the 4.8 km (3 mile) Long Walk comfortable, while deer are most visible in early spring before trees leaf out. The Copper Horse monument offers panoramic views back to castle without summer heat haze.

Booking Tip: Free access year-round. Best viewing 7:30-9:30am when deer are most active and light is perfect for photography. Park at Snow Hill car park (£1.50/hour) or Savill Garden car park (£3.50 all day). Bring binoculars - deer maintain 50-100m (165-330ft) distance from paths.

Historic Eton College Walking Tours

March offers ideal conditions for exploring Eton's outdoor courtyards and cloisters - cool enough for comfortable walking but dry enough to appreciate architectural details. School term time means authentic atmosphere with students in residence. The 1.6 km (1 mile) walk from Windsor Castle across Thames is pleasant in cool weather.

Booking Tip: Public tours run Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 3:15pm. Book online 7-10 days ahead as tours are limited to 20 people. Cost typically £15-18 per adult. Tours last 75 minutes and involve significant outdoor walking - dress warmly.

Savill Garden Early Spring Displays

March marks the peak of Savill Garden's spring bulb display - 14 hectares (35 acres) of daffodils, crocuses, and early azaleas. Cool, humid weather (70% humidity) is perfect for spring flowers and comfortable woodland walking. The Temperate House provides warm shelter during March's changeable weather.

Booking Tip: Adult entry typically £12-15 in March (cheaper than summer peak season). Online booking saves £1-2. Best visited mid-morning when flowers are open and before any afternoon showers. Allow 2-3 hours for full garden circuit. Café provides warm indoor break during changeable March weather.

Royal Windsor Riverside Walking Tours

March's cool weather and occasional dramatic skies create perfect conditions for photographer-led walks around Windsor's riverside areas. Lower tourist numbers mean unobstructed shots of castle from Eton Bridge. Thames-side paths are less muddy than winter but still atmospheric with bare riverside trees.

Booking Tip: Photography tours typically cost £25-35 per person for 2-hour sessions. Book 5-7 days ahead through local photography groups. Self-guided walks are free - download Royal Borough of Windsor heritage trail app. Best light 11am-3pm when March sun is highest.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Mother's Day at Windsor Castle

Special family activities in castle grounds including children's trails and extended East Terrace Garden access. Traditional afternoon tea service in castle vicinity with spring flower displays. Perfect for family photography with fewer crowds than summer.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system essential - start with base layer, add fleece/jumper for 3°C (37°F) mornings, remove for 11°C (52°F) afternoons

Waterproof jacket with breathable fabric - March showers are frequent but brief, typically lasting 15-30 minutes

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Thames Path and Great Park paths can be muddy and slippery

Lightweight scarf and gloves for early morning castle visits - East Terrace Garden opens 10am when temperatures often still around 5°C (41°F)

Compact umbrella for sudden showers - much more practical than heavy rain gear for brief March downpours

Warm hat for Great Park walks - open parkland is significantly windier and colder than sheltered town center

SPF 30+ sunscreen despite cool weather - March UV index of 3 still requires protection, especially with reflection off Thames

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery faster, crucial for OS Maps app and photography

Cash for parking - many Windsor car parks still don't accept cards, typical costs £2-4 per hour

Thermos flask for hot drinks - perfect for Great Park walks and riverside benches during cool spells

Insider Knowledge

Visit Windsor Castle immediately after 10am opening or after 3pm - most coach tours arrive 11am-2pm, creating significant crowds in otherwise quiet March

Park at Alexandra Gardens car park (£1.20/hour) rather than central Windsor - 800m (0.5 mile) walk through pleasant residential streets and £1+ per hour cheaper

March is perfect for photographing castle from Eton Bridge around 4pm - low sun creates dramatic lighting on west-facing castle walls, impossible in summer crowds

The Copper Horse monument in Great Park offers the best castle views in March - bare trees don't obstruct sightlines, and cool weather eliminates heat haze that ruins summer photos

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating weather variability - tourists wearing just light jackets for 11°C (52°F) forecast get caught in 3°C (37°F) morning temperatures or sudden rain showers

Planning Great Park visits after 3pm - with sunset at 6:15pm and open parkland cooling quickly, you'll be cold and rushed for the 4.8km (3 mile) Long Walk circuit

Expecting summer opening hours - many Windsor attractions have reduced March hours, Royal Collection shops close 4:30pm instead of 5:30pm