Avg High
Zurich in March
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
12h
What to expect
In Zurich, March sits in early spring, a shoulder-season month where the feel can shift as the season turns. Most days sit on the cooler side, with evenings that ease back comfortably. Daylight is moderate, so steady pacing works well. Comfort is usually predictable, so a standard day plan works well.
March in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in Zurich.
Hottest (avg)
#8 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#11 / 12
Daylight Hours
#7 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#1 / 12
Highest UV
#7 / 12
Most Humid
#9 / 12
Monthly climate breakdown
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight hours
- 11.9 h
- UV index (max)
- 5
- Typical sun hours
- 06:36 - 18:31
Rain & Snow
- Total rain
-
- Rainy days
- 15 days
- Cloud cover (avg)
- 62%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 75%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Daily climate explorer
Day 15 selected for March. Typical high 11.8°C and low 1.1°C.
Typical disruptions in March
Based on 30 years of historical data, these are the disruption patterns most likely to affect plans in March.
Cold High impact
Cold feels-like nights Measures: Cold feels-like nights (min <=5C). Observed about 99% of days (30.7 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
30.7 days / month
~99% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 30.7 days / month
- Probability ~99% of days
- Intensity Up to ~3°C (P95)
Cold feels-like nights are possible on ~31 days. Long outdoor blocks become harder to sustain, so layer up and keep a warm indoor fallback nearby.
Cold High impact
Freezing nights Measures: Freezing nights (min <=0C). Observed about 38% of days (11.6 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
11.6 days / month
~38% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 11.6 days / month
- Probability ~38% of days
- Intensity Up to ~-0°C (P95)
Freezing nights are possible on ~12 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Snow High impact
Snow days Measures: Snow days (>=0.1mm snowfall). Observed about 24% of days (7.5 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
7.5 days / month
~24% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 7.5 days / month
- Probability ~24% of days
- Intensity Up to ~7.4mm (P95)
Snowfall is possible on ~7 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Rain High impact
Rain disruption Measures: Likely rain disruption days. Observed about 22% of days (6.9 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
6.9 days / month
~22% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 6.9 days / month
- Probability ~22% of days
- Intensity Up to ~21mm (P95)
Rain disruption risk appears on ~7 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.
Rain High impact
Washout risk Measures: Washout day risk. Observed about 22% of days (6.7 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
6.7 days / month
~22% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 6.7 days / month
- Probability ~22% of days
- Intensity Up to ~21mm (P95)
Washout conditions are possible on ~7 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.
Cold High impact
Hard freeze nights Measures: Hard freeze nights (min <=-2C). Observed about 18% of days (5.5 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
5.5 days / month
~18% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 5.5 days / month
- Probability ~18% of days
- Intensity Up to ~-2°C (P95)
Hard freeze conditions are possible on ~6 days. Long outdoor blocks become harder to sustain, so layer up and keep a warm indoor fallback nearby.
Show all disruptions (19 more)
Wind High impact
Strong gusts Measures: Strong gust days (>=60 km/h). Observed about 7% of days (2.1 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
2.1 days / month
~7% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 2.1 days / month
- Probability ~7% of days
- Intensity Up to ~85km/h (P95)
Strong gusts are possible on ~2 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.
Rain High impact
Washout run Measures: Multi-day washout runs. Observed about 1.5 days/month in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
1.5 days / month
Probability unavailable
Why this matters
- Expected days 1.5 days / month
- Probability —
- Intensity Up to ~23mm (P95)
Multi-day washout runs are possible on ~2 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.
Wind High impact
Stormy conditions Measures: Storm-impact proxy days. Observed about 3% of days (1.1 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
1.1 days / month
~3% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 1.1 days / month
- Probability ~3% of days
- Intensity Up to ~84km/h (P95)
Stormy conditions are possible on ~1 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.
Wind High impact
Severe gusts Measures: Severe gust days (>=80 km/h). Observed about 1% of days (0.3 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
0.3 days / month
~1% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 0.3 days / month
- Probability ~1% of days
- Intensity Up to ~100km/h (P95)
Severe gusts are possible on ~0 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.
Rain Moderate
Heavy rain days Measures: Heavy rain days (>=10mm). Observed about 9% of days (2.8 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
2.8 days / month
~9% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 2.8 days / month
- Probability ~9% of days
- Intensity Up to ~24mm (P95)
Heavy rain is possible on ~3 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.
Cold Moderate
Cold snap run Measures: Cold snap runs (>=3 cold days). Observed about 2.0 days/month in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
2.0 days / month
Probability unavailable
Why this matters
- Expected days 2.0 days / month
- Probability —
- Intensity Up to ~10°C (P95)
Cold snap runs are possible on ~2 days. Long outdoor blocks become harder to sustain, so layer up and keep a warm indoor fallback nearby.
Cold Minor
Cold nights Measures: Cold nights (min <=5C). Observed about 92% of days (28.5 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
28.5 days / month
~92% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 28.5 days / month
- Probability ~92% of days
- Intensity Up to ~4°C (P95)
Cold nights are possible on ~29 days. Long outdoor blocks become harder to sustain, so layer up and keep a warm indoor fallback nearby.
Cloud Minor
Cloudy days Measures: Cloudy days (cloud cover >=60%). Observed about 60% of days (18.6 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
18.6 days / month
~60% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 18.6 days / month
- Probability ~60% of days
- Intensity Up to ~100% (P95)
Cloudy skies are possible on ~19 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Rain Minor
Wet days Measures: Wet days (>=0.1mm). Observed about 58% of days (17.8 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
17.8 days / month
~58% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 17.8 days / month
- Probability ~58% of days
- Intensity Up to ~17mm (P95)
Measurable rain is possible on ~18 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Rain Minor
Rainy hours Measures: Rain-hours signal (>=3h rain). Observed about 50% of days (15.5 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
15.5 days / month
~50% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 15.5 days / month
- Probability ~50% of days
- Intensity Up to ~24h (P95)
Several rainy hours are possible on ~15 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.
Cold Minor
Cold days Measures: Cold days (max <=10C). Observed about 49% of days (15.2 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
15.2 days / month
~49% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 15.2 days / month
- Probability ~49% of days
- Intensity Up to ~10°C (P95)
Cold daytime conditions are possible on ~15 days. Long outdoor blocks become harder to sustain, so layer up and keep a warm indoor fallback nearby.
Rain Minor
Wet most of day Measures: Wet-most-of-day signal (>=6h rain). Observed about 41% of days (12.7 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
12.7 days / month
~41% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 12.7 days / month
- Probability ~41% of days
- Intensity Up to ~24h (P95)
Wet-most-of-day conditions are possible on ~13 days. Outdoor plans can become unreliable, so keep an indoor backup and flexibility around start times.
Cloud Minor
Mostly cloudy days Measures: Mostly cloudy days (cloud cover >=80%). Observed about 37% of days (11.5 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
11.5 days / month
~37% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 11.5 days / month
- Probability ~37% of days
- Intensity Up to ~100% (P95)
Mostly cloudy skies are possible on ~11 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Humidity Minor
High humidity Measures: High humidity days (RH >=80%). Observed about 30% of days (9.2 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
9.2 days / month
~30% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 9.2 days / month
- Probability ~30% of days
- Intensity Up to ~91% (P95)
High humidity is possible on ~9 days. Comfort and pace can drop quickly, so plan shorter outdoor blocks with air-conditioned backup stops.
Wind Minor
Gusty days Measures: Gusty days (>=40 km/h). Observed about 24% of days (7.5 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
7.5 days / month
~24% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 7.5 days / month
- Probability ~24% of days
- Intensity Up to ~77km/h (P95)
Gusty conditions are possible on ~7 days. Exposed activities and transport links are more likely to be disrupted, so keep sheltered alternatives ready.
Cloud Minor
Overcast days Measures: Overcast days (cloud cover >=95%). Observed about 15% of days (4.6 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
4.6 days / month
~15% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 4.6 days / month
- Probability ~15% of days
- Intensity Up to ~100% (P95)
Overcast skies are possible on ~5 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Other Minor
Heavy snowfall (INACTIVE until snowfall_sum units confirmed; set threshold once units are verified) Measures: Heavy snowfall (INACTIVE until snowfall_sum units confirmed; set threshold once units are verified). Observed about 3% of days (0.8 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
0.8 days / month
~3% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 0.8 days / month
- Probability ~3% of days
- Intensity Up to ~12 (P95)
Heavy snowfall (INACTIVE until snowfall_sum units confirmed; set threshold once units are verified) is possible on ~1 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Visibility Minor
Fog-likely signal Measures: Fog-likely visibility proxy. Observed about 2% of days (0.7 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
0.7 days / month
~2% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 0.7 days / month
- Probability ~2% of days
- Intensity Up to ~96% (P95)
Fog-likely conditions are possible on ~1 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Other Minor
Low visibility proxy: same as fog-likely (RH ≥90% AND cloud ≥95%) — true visibility requires hourly visibility data Measures: Low visibility proxy: same as fog-likely (RH ≥90% AND cloud ≥95%) — true visibility requires hourly visibility data. Observed about 2% of days (0.7 days/month) in March. Historical risk signal only, not a day-by-day forecast.
0.7 days / month
~2% of days
Why this matters
- Expected days 0.7 days / month
- Probability ~2% of days
- Intensity Up to ~96 (P95)
Low visibility proxy: same as fog-likely (RH ≥90% AND cloud ≥95%) — true visibility requires hourly visibility data is possible on ~1 days. Fixed-time outdoor plans are safer with a backup option and flexible timing.
Frequently asked questions
Is March a good time to visit Zurich?
Typical March days in Zurich reach highs of 10°C (50°F) with nights around 1°C (34°F). It usually feels cool by day and very cold after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.
What are temperatures like in March?
In March, you can usually expect highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows near 1°C (34°F). That means cool days and very cold nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.
How much does it rain in March?
Rainfall in March averages 80 mm (3.1 in) across roughly 15 days. Overall it is a very wet time of year, so a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are very handy.
How many hours of daylight are there in March?
You can expect about 12 hours of daylight in March. Sunrise is typically around 06:36 and sunset near 18:31. Daylight is fairly typical, with enough time for sightseeing.
How strong is the sun in March?
UV levels are moderate (around 5); sunscreen and sunglasses are still a good idea.
Is it windy in March?
In March, average wind speeds are around 8 km/h (5 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 55 km/h (34 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.