Month guide · Chamonix · France
Chamonix in March
What March is really like in Chamonix: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kristoferb, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Chamonix. Expect average highs of 8°C (46°F), lows of -3°C (27°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. Longer, sunnier days and still good snow at altitude; a popular month for the Vallée Blanche.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 8°C (46°F) / -3°C (27°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in March
March is the 8th-warmest month in Chamonix: days average 8°C (46°F) against a yearly average high of 12°C (54°F), and nights fall to about -3°C (27°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with February (4°C (39°F)), March is warmer; by April highs climb to around 12°C (54°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:46
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:38
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
Spring (March–May). Sunny spring skiing at altitude through March and April, then a quiet May when many lifts and businesses close and trails are still snowbound.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 4 for crowds (the peak is February at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in February). Book accommodation early: March is one of the pricier months.
Events in March
March has no major recurring festival in Chamonix, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in March
With cold days, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Zoo · Les Houches
Parc de Merlet
Bring proper shoes; the paths through the park are steep in places.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Nature
- Outdoors
Experience · Les Houches
Mont Blanc Tramway
France's highest rack railway climbs from Le Fayet near Saint-Gervais via Col de Voza to the Nid d'Aigle at about 2,380 metres, close to the Bionnassay glacier and the start of the classic climbing route up Mont Blanc.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Expensive
- Kids
- Views
- History
Experience · Chamonix centre
Tandem paragliding
Book with an established school and keep a flexible day; flights are cancelled in strong wind or poor visibility.
- Time needed
- 2 hours including the lift
- Cost
- Expensive
- Active
- Views
- Couples
Nature · Le Tour and Montroc
Domaine de Balme
At the head of the valley above Le Tour, this broad area of open slopes rises to the Col de Balme on the Swiss border.
- Time needed
- Half a day or full day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 8°C, lows near -3°C and 10 wet days: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Chamonix?
One of the best months to visit Chamonix. The other best months are January and July–September. Compare every month.
Chamonix in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Chamonix?
It is one of the best months to visit Chamonix. Longer, sunnier days and still good snow at altitude; a popular month for the Vallée Blanche.
+How warm is Chamonix in March?
Average highs are around 8°C (46°F) and lows around -3°C (27°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Chamonix in March?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.