Month guide · Nara · Japan
Nara in March
What March is really like in Nara: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Nara. Expect average highs of 14°C (57°F), lows of 3°C (37°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11.9 hours of daylight. Spring arrives, with the dramatic Omizutori fire rituals at Nigatsu-do in the first half of the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 14°C (57°F) / 3°C (37°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in March
March is the 9th-warmest month in Nara: days average 14°C (57°F) against a yearly average high of 21°C (70°F), and nights fall to about 3°C (37°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with February (10°C (50°F)), March is warmer; by April highs climb to around 20°C (68°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 06:08
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 18:05
- Daylight
- About 11.9 hours
Spring (March–May). Omizutori fire rituals in March, cherry blossom in early April and fresh green in May; busy at Golden Week.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 3 for crowds (the peak is April at 5) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in April). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in March
- Omizutori (Shuni-e) — fire rituals at Nigatsu-do (1–14 March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Nature · Nara Park
Kasugayama Primeval Forest
Walk the trail in the morning and carry water; it is quiet and has few facilities.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Nature
- Free
- Outdoors
- Off the beaten path
Religious site · Takabatake
Shin-Yakushi-ji
A small 8th-century temple in Takabatake whose main hall holds a seated Healing Buddha surrounded by twelve clay Heavenly Generals, eleven of them original National Treasures, arranged in a dim circle.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Art
- Off the beaten path
Historic site · Nishinokyo
Heijo Palace site
It is large and exposed; visit in spring or autumn and rent a bike from near Yamato-Saidaiji station.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- History
- Free
- Outdoors
- Architecture
Religious site · Nishinokyo
Yakushi-ji
One of Nara's great temples, Yakushi-ji has twin pagodas: the East Pagoda, from 730 and restored in a recent long renovation, and the rebuilt West Pagoda.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Art
What to pack
For highs near 14°C, lows near 3°C and 10 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is March a good time to visit Nara?
One of the best months to visit Nara, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and October–November. Compare every month.
Nara in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Nara?
It is one of the best months to visit Nara. Spring arrives, with the dramatic Omizutori fire rituals at Nigatsu-do in the first half of the month.
+How warm is Nara in March?
Average highs are around 14°C (57°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Nara in March?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.