The first sunny and warm days of spring are upon us. Nature comes alive and the soul yearns for something out of the ordinary. A trip to Salzburg, for example, can help shake off the winter doldrums.
Good weather, no crowds yet, plenty of beautiful architecture and delicious food — what more do you need to rejuvenate your body and soul! And if March is the right time to visit the city of Mozart, let's find out.
Holidays in Salzburg in March: pros and cons
Reviews of March holidays in Salzburg are full of warmth and euphoria. After a gloomy winter, this city will give you plenty of sunshine. And with it, good spirits and the anticipation of new adventures.
Because when spring arrives, you really feel like it's a new year. Why is that? Probably because:
- Salzburg is a truly beautiful city in March, a month when the soul of spring bursts forth and the birdsong that fills the city makes you want to sing and flutter.
- The first days of sunshine help us bring back vivid images from our travels, unencumbered by crowds of tourists.
- It's a very dry and sunny month, neither cold nor hot, and one of the most pleasant times to visit Salzburg.
- In March you can also enjoy music at one of the music festivals for which the city is so famous.
There's little to spoil your experience of Salzburg, but it's worth bearing this in mind:
- It's not summer yet and the weather can be very changeable, so it's worth bringing some warm clothing.
- The second half of the month and the end of the month see the arrival of music festival-goers, which slightly raises hotel prices and makes public transport more difficult.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance for most popular events.
- Some outdoor museums are still closed, such as the Trick Fountains and Helbrunn Palace, which only open in April.
Weather in Salzburg in March
The weather in March and April offers plenty of sunny days. It is truly spring-like. The weather at the beginning of March is already showing a positive reading on the thermometer.
Temperatures in Salzburg are a few degrees warmer in mid-March because the sun has peeked out. The weather in Salzburg at the end of March is also not much different from the rest of the month, as it transitions seamlessly into the greenery of April. During the first month of spring the air gradually warms up to +5-+7°C.
Air and water temperature
Salzburg has one of the most pleasant climates in this part of Europe. You won't find stifling heat or freezing winters here. All the seasons come at their classic time of year and pass seamlessly from one to the next.
You could say that the harmony of nature has found its place here. In March, the temperature in Salzburg is just as it should be, so that spring can be felt with enthusiasm.
Air temperature in Salzburg in March
The average daytime temperature in Salzburg in March is around +8°C to +9°C, while +7°C is more typical at the beginning of the month, rising to +13°C towards the end.
The average night temperature barely reaches -1°C, but from the middle of the month it is above 0°C and reaches +4°C by the end of March. There's none of the humid feeling you get in river cities like Salzburg. The long hours of daylight allow for long walks in the fresh air, which are suitable for adults and children alike.
Amount of precipitation
The average rainfall in Salzburg in March is around 62.3 mm. This means that there are only 5 days of rain in the month. This means that March is the third driest month of the year, which is not the case for the other spring months. That's why it's a good time to visit Salzburg with children. There's no need to bring rubber boots as the risk of getting wet is minimal.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
47% of the months in Salzburg are sunny. 33% are cloudy days. And only 20% of the days in March are cloudy. This means you can take different pictures of the same sights. After all, buildings look completely different when the sun is shining and when it is cloudy. There's also very little chance of walking in the rain, so you don't have to worry about going on an all-day excursion.
Excursions: the best places to visit in March
The city is divided into two parts by the River Salzach. The left bank is the historic part. You can stroll through the historic streets and admire the beautiful baroque fountain on the Residenzplatz.
Although the fountain is not yet operational at the beginning of March, it blends in beautifully with the overall view and is an incredible addition to the city with its undulating architecture, a hallmark of the Baroque style.
St Peter's Benedictine Abbey, the Franciscan Church and the Cathedral are also a sight to see — so beautiful and appealing to passers-by.
The right bank of Salzburg is interesting in its own way. It is home to Mozart, who was born in this beautiful city, Mirabel Park and St Sebastian's Church. The locals take great pride in the fact that Salzburg is the hometown of famous people such as Wolfgang Mozart and Stephan Zweig. To hear them tell it, it is easy to see how the beauty of the city influenced the works of these geniuses.
The Hohensalzburg Fortress is also a freestanding structure of which the locals are very proud. From its height, you can admire the beauty of the city below and take impressive photographs.
If you're travelling with children, a visit to the local Toy Museum is a must, with a huge collection from all over Austria and Europe. A visit to the Salzburg Zoo is also a must.
At the end of March, the Fantasiana amusement park opens, a 40-minute drive from the city. Weather permitting, this is a great family day out.
Holidays, events and festivals
Music is at the heart of Salzburg's celebrations in March:
- From mid-March, the city hosts the Festival of New Music, also known as the Biennale of Contemporary Music. The festival has been established since 2009. A special feature of the festival is that it offers a wide range of exhibitions, video installations and lectures for everyone, in addition to the expected musical performances. Each year the festival expands to offer visitors something new and exciting.
- At the end of the month is the Salzburg Easter Festival, now over fifty years old. This festival is considered to be exclusive to the European cultural scene. Here you can enjoy highly cultivated opera productions, performances by European philharmonic orchestras and a children's concert by young talents.
- Although not an annual event, Salzburg hosts the International Wine Fair in March, showcasing new products from vineyards in France, Italy, Spain and Austria itself. If you are lucky enough to catch the event, there is a free wine tasting and buffet.
Cost of vacation
Prices in Salzburg in March are much cheaper than during the winter holidays or the summer festival. However, during these festivals, some hotels close to the event may increase their prices by 10-20%. It is therefore advisable to look for hotels some distance away from the cultural venues to save money.
Airline tickets
The average price of an air ticket in March is 4% lower than the average price for the year. Compared to February prices, airfares have risen slightly.
Food
An average lunch for one person in an inexpensive café or restaurant costs about €15, a dinner for two in a medium-priced restaurant about €60. A bottle of water (0.33l) costs 2.5-3 Euros in Salzburg, a cup of cappuccino — 3-4 Euros, local draught beer (0.5l) — 3.7 Euros.
Tips for parents planning a trip to Salzburg with children
We advise you to buy the Salzburg Card, which allows free public transport and access to many of Salzburg's attractions and museums. It can be purchased at all the tourist information centres, press shops and hotels in Salzburg.
Spring is beautiful in all its forms, especially here in Salzburg. The weather is fine and you don't have to turn down a trip with the kids. So do not be afraid to take them with you. The main thing is to have warm clothes, comfortable shoes and an inquisitive spirit.
