Lyon in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Lyon

13°C (56°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

48 mm (1.9 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring emergence creates perfect walking weather - 10-15°C (50-59°F) afternoons ideal for exploring Vieux Lyon's traboules without summer crowds or winter ice
Restaurant terraces reopen along Saône riverbanks - locals emerge for first outdoor dining of the year, creating authentic neighborhood atmosphere
Presqu'île shopping district has pre-season sales (soldes flottants) with 30-50% discounts before Easter tourist influx
Croix-Rousse silk district's outdoor markets resume full operation - morning fog clears by 10am revealing panoramic city views

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layering - morning frost at 4°C (39°F) can shift to 13°C (56°F) afternoon sunshine within hours
Frequent light drizzle (10 rainy days) makes outdoor markets less comfortable - indoor backup plans essential
Daylight still limited - sunset around 6:30pm means evening activities start earlier than summer months

Best Activities in March

Traboules Discovery Walking Tours

March's cool, stable temperatures (10-13°C/50-55°F) make exploring Lyon's Renaissance-era hidden passageways comfortable without summer heat. Rain drives fewer tourists into these covered corridors, giving you authentic access to Vieux Lyon's architectural secrets. Morning starts work best before afternoon drizzle.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours 5-7 days ahead through certified Lyon tourism operators. Tours typically cost €15-25 per person and last 2-3 hours. Look for operators offering indoor alternatives during rain. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Covered Market Food Tours

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse and other covered markets are perfect for March weather - protected from spring rain while sampling seasonal specialties. Local vendors showcase spring vegetables and Easter preparations. March is when restaurants test new seasonal menus before spring tourists arrive.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically range €45-75 per person including tastings. Book 10-14 days ahead as group sizes are smaller in shoulder season. Morning tours (9-11am) offer freshest selections. See current culinary tour options in the booking widget below.

Museum and Gallery Hopping

March's variable weather makes Lyon's world-class museums ideal - Musée des Beaux-Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and contemporary art spaces in Confluences district. Reduced crowds mean intimate viewing experiences, and many venues extend hours as daylight increases.

Booking Tip: Lyon City Card offers museum access plus public transport for €25-45 depending on duration. Purchase online 2-3 days ahead or at tourist office. Many museums are free first Sunday of month. Current cultural tour packages available in booking section.

Presqu'île Architecture and Shopping Walks

The peninsula between Rhône and Saône rivers is walkable in March's moderate temperatures. Historic architecture viewing is enhanced by clear spring air, while indoor shopping provides rain backup. Place Bellecour (Europe's largest pedestrian square) is less crowded than summer months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided architecture apps cost €5-10, or join group tours for €20-30 per person. Combine with shopping for efficient use of time during weather changes. Afternoon timing works best after morning fog clears. Check guided options below.

Silk District Historical Tours

Croix-Rousse neighborhood's steep streets are manageable in cool March weather without summer heat exhaustion. Historic silk workshops (canuts) offer indoor cultural experiences during rain, while panoramic viewpoints shine on clear spring days. Local artisans are less busy than peak season.

Booking Tip: Specialized silk history tours cost €18-35 per person and include workshop visits. Book 5-7 days ahead through Lyon tourism office or certified guides. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and staircases. Current historical tour options available below.

River Cruise and Confluence Exploration

March marks the beginning of river cruise season on Rhône and Saône. Modern Confluence district with its futuristic architecture provides interesting contrast to historic Lyon, while indoor shopping center offers weather protection. Spring river levels are ideal for cruising.

Booking Tip: River cruises resume regular schedules in March, typically €12-18 for 1-hour trips. Book day-of unless weekend/holiday periods. Confluence Museum and shopping require 2-3 hours. Evening cruises limited due to shorter daylight. See current cruise options in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Printemps des Poètes (Spring of Poets)

Annual poetry festival featuring readings, performances, and literary events across Lyon's cultural venues. Mix of French and international poets with some English-language events. Indoor venues perfect for March weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 4°C (39°F) require warm jacket, but afternoon 13°C (56°F) needs lighter layers you can remove

Waterproof walking shoes with good grip - Lyon's cobblestone streets become slippery during the 10 rainy days expected

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - afternoon drizzle is common but rarely lasts more than 30-45 minutes

Long pants and closed-toe shoes - cool mornings and professional dress expectations in restaurants and cultural venues

Light scarf or neck warmer - morning fog and river winds create chill factor below actual temperature

Small daypack for layer storage - temperature swings of 9°C (16°F) between morning and afternoon require clothing flexibility

Comfortable walking boots - Lyon's hilly terrain and 500m (1,640 ft) elevation changes between districts demand proper footwear

Power bank and waterproof phone case - frequent weather checks and indoor/outdoor navigation essential

Evening jacket - restaurants with outdoor terraces still require warm outer layer after 6:30pm sunset

Moisturizer and lip balm - 70% humidity combined with variable temperatures can dry skin

Insider Knowledge

Lyon's covered traboules (hidden passageways) provide perfect rain shelters - download the free traboule map app to navigate between districts without getting wet

Restaurant lunch menus offer better value than dinner in March as establishments compete for early season customers - many offer €15-20 fixed menus versus €35+ evening prices

Public transport day passes (€5.30) are more economical than individual tickets if visiting multiple districts - March weather makes metro/tram connections more comfortable than walking

Local supermarkets (Monoprix, Carrefour City) in Presqu'île district stock better rain gear and layers than tourist shops at half the price

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for mild weather - March mornings at 4°C (39°F) catch tourists unprepared, especially coming from heated hotels to outdoor sightseeing

Expecting consistent spring weather - Lyon's continental climate creates daily temperature swings requiring flexible clothing choices and indoor backup plans

Underestimating walking distances between districts - 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) between major areas becomes challenging in cool, damp conditions without proper footwear