Oxford in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Oxford
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Daffodil season peaks in University Parks and Christ Church Meadow - March brings 6 weeks of brilliant yellow blooms covering 2.4 hectares (6 acres) of meadowland
- Rowing season intensifies with Torpids races (usually first week of March) - witness Oxford's most authentic student tradition with 8 days of competitive racing on the Thames
- Tourist crowds drop 40% compared to summer months - you'll actually get photos of iconic spots like Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs without crowds
- Perfect walking weather for the 9.6 km (6 mile) Thames Path between Oxford and Godstow - crisp mornings ideal for covering long distances before afternoon rain
Considerations
- Daylight hours still short at 11-12 hours - many college chapels close by 4:30pm, cutting short afternoon exploration time
- Frequent light rain showers require constant umbrella carrying - 10 rainy days means you'll encounter drizzle during most outdoor activities
- Many college gardens remain dormant - famous walled gardens at Worcester and St John's won't show their full glory until late April
Best Activities in March
College Walking Tours
March offers perfect conditions for exploring Oxford's 39 colleges on foot. Cool temperatures between 3-11°C (37-52°F) make 2-3 hour walking tours comfortable, while reduced tourist numbers mean easier access to normally crowded spots like the Bodleian Library's Duke Humfrey's medieval reading room. Many colleges extend opening hours in March as student term begins.
Thames Path Walking
The 9.6 km (6 mile) stretch from Oxford to Godstow runs through water meadows that flood naturally in March, creating temporary lakes perfect for birdwatching. Cool mornings with 70% humidity provide ideal conditions for longer walks before afternoon showers. March is when Oxford's famous 'Port Meadow' cattle return after winter housing.
Covered Market Food Tours
March showcases Oxford's 700-year-old Covered Market at its best - fewer tourists mean you can actually talk to stallholders and sample local specialties. Cool weather perfect for warm pasties and mulled cider. March brings spring lamb from surrounding Oxfordshire farms and early English asparagus to market stalls.
Punting on the Thames
March punting offers unique advantages - no summer queues, and experienced punters can enjoy the river in crisp conditions. Water levels higher due to March rainfall, making navigation easier for beginners. Bare trees provide clearer views of college architecture from the water. Some punt stations offer heated blankets in March.
Ashmolean Museum and Indoor Cultural Sites
March's variable weather makes Oxford's world-class indoor attractions particularly valuable. The Ashmolean's Egyptian and Greek collections provide perfect rainy-day retreats. Bodleian Library tours showcase medieval manuscripts in climate-controlled environments. March often brings special exhibitions timed for the start of university term.
Cotswolds Day Trips
March offers ideal conditions for exploring nearby Cotswolds villages - cool weather perfect for walking cobbled streets, fewer tourists, and early spring flowers beginning to bloom. Villages like Chipping Norton and Woodstock (8km/5 miles from Oxford) showcase traditional honey-colored limestone architecture without summer crowds.
March Events & Festivals
Torpids Rowing Races
Oxford University's premier rowing competition where college crews race in divisions over 4 days. Watch from Donnington Bridge or Christ Church Meadow as crews 'bump' competitors ahead of them. Free spectating with traditional Pimm's and champagne celebrations along the riverbank.
Oxford Literary Festival
Week-long celebration featuring 200+ authors, poets, and speakers across 40 venues throughout the city. Events range from £5 student talks to £25 headline author sessions. Book accommodations early as this draws 45,000+ visitors annually.