Things to Do in Lausanne in March

March Weather in Lausanne

12°C (54°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

85mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Spring awakening: Lake Geneva's famous jet d'eau fountain resumes full operation after winter maintenance, shooting water 140m (459 ft) high - perfect photo conditions with fewer tourists
Wine region accessibility: Lavaux UNESCO terraces become walkable again as snow melts, with vineyard tastings resuming after winter closures. Temperatures ideal for 2-3 hour hikes without summer heat
Museum and indoor culture peak: Rainy days drive locals indoors, making March the best month for Olympic Museum visits and art galleries without summer crowds. Average wait times drop 60%
Budget advantage: Hotel rates drop 30-40% from winter ski season prices but spring attractions are fully operational. March sits perfectly between expensive ski season and costly summer tourism

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings: Temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) within 24 hours. Morning frost at 3°C (37°F) can become afternoon warmth at 15°C (59°F), making outfit planning difficult
Limited daylight hours: Sunset at 6:30pm restricts evening lakefront activities. Many outdoor restaurants don't open terraces until April, limiting dining atmosphere
Frequent rain disruption: 10 rainy days means 30% chance of precipitation during any planned outdoor activity. Lake steamers reduce schedules, and some hiking trails remain muddy or closed

Best Activities in March

Lake Geneva Steamer Cruises

March marks the return of regular steamer service across Lake Geneva after reduced winter schedules. Cool, crisp air provides exceptional visibility of the Alps, and heated indoor cabins make the 1-2 hour journeys comfortable even during rain showers. Tourist crowds are minimal, allowing better deck positioning for photography.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead through CGN company or licensed tour operators. Regular service resumes mid-March with routes to Montreux and Evian. Typically CHF 25-45 for standard routes. Check current schedules in booking widget as weather can affect departures.

Olympic Museum and Ouchy District Walking

Perfect indoor-outdoor combination for March's variable weather. The museum provides 2-3 hours of shelter during rain, while the lakefront Ouchy promenade offers stunning Alpine views during clear spells. March's cool temperatures make the uphill walk to the museum comfortable, and indoor heating provides respite from damp conditions.

Booking Tip: Museum tickets CHF 18-25, book same-day online to avoid queues. Combine with self-guided Ouchy walks when weather clears. Allow 4-5 hours total. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Lavaux Vineyard Terraces Hiking

March offers ideal hiking conditions in UNESCO-listed Lavaux - cool enough to prevent overheating on steep terrace paths, but warm enough for comfortable 2-4 hour walks. Snow has melted, but summer crowds haven't arrived. Many family-run wine cellars reopen for tastings after winter break, offering intimate experiences impossible in busy summer months.

Booking Tip: Self-guided hiking is free, but guided wine tours with tastings typically CHF 60-90. Book tastings 1-2 days ahead as many cellars operate limited March hours. Train access via Cully or Epesses. Check current wine tour options in booking widget.

Gruyères and Chocolate Factory Day Trips

March weather makes this indoor-heavy day trip perfect - Gruyères castle provides shelter during rain, while the medieval village charm is enhanced by misty, moody weather. Chocolate factories offer warm, dry activities ideal for unpredictable March conditions. The 1.5-hour journey by train showcases Swiss countryside awakening from winter.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically CHF 120-180 including transport and tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend trips. Independent travel possible via Golden Pass train line. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Thermal Spa and Wellness Experiences

March's damp, cool weather creates perfect conditions for thermal spa visits. Locals traditionally visit spas during transition months to boost immunity and combat weather-related fatigue. Outdoor thermal pools provide unique experience of warm water amid cool air, while indoor facilities offer refuge during rain showers.

Booking Tip: Day passes at thermal centers typically CHF 40-70. Book spa treatments 3-5 days ahead as March is popular with locals. Many hotels offer spa packages during shoulder season. See current spa and wellness options in booking widget.

Vaud Alps Day Hiking

Lower elevation trails in the Vaud Alps become accessible in March as snow melts, but higher peaks remain snow-capped for dramatic views. Cool temperatures prevent overheating on ascents, and March's variable weather creates stunning cloud formations around peaks. Perfect month for moderate hikes without summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Guided hiking tours CHF 80-150 depending on difficulty and duration. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm weather conditions. Independent hiking requires proper gear as conditions change rapidly. Current guided options in booking section.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Salon du Livre et de la Presse

Switzerland's largest book fair transforms Beaulieu Exhibition Center into a literary wonderland. Features international authors, publishing workshops, and cultural discussions. Perfect indoor event for March's unpredictable weather, offering intellectual stimulation and local cultural immersion.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with breathable lining - March rain showers last 30-60 minutes but can soak through regular clothing in cool temperatures

Layered clothing system: light base layer, warm mid-layer, waterproof outer - temperature swings of 15°C (27°F) daily require adaptability

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestone streets become slippery when wet, and muddy vineyard trails require good traction

Compact umbrella - locals always carry one in March for sudden downpours while exploring outdoor markets and lakefront areas

Warm accessories (hat, gloves, scarf) - morning temperatures at 3°C (37°F) require winter gear, even though afternoons warm up

Quick-dry pants or hiking trousers - regular jeans take too long to dry in 70% humidity conditions

Moisturizing lotion - combination of cool air and indoor heating creates dry skin conditions

Portable phone charger - shorter daylight hours mean more reliance on phone navigation and indoor photography

Small daypack with waterproof cover - essential for carrying layers as you strip down during temperature swings throughout the day

Insider Knowledge

Local secret: Visit Parc de Mon-Repos during March rain - the Japanese garden's carefully planned drainage creates temporary waterfalls and streams that locals consider more beautiful than summer's static displays

Money-saving March strategy: Many Lausanne hotels offer 'shoulder season' packages including spa credits and restaurant vouchers for 30-40% less than summer rates, but only advertise them locally through tourist office

Transportation hack: March's unpredictable weather makes the Lausanne Metro your best friend - 2km (1.2 mile) system connects major attractions and provides shelter during sudden storms. Day passes CHF 9

Cultural timing: March is 'vernissage season' when local art galleries launch new exhibitions before tourist season. Free wine and cheese openings happen most Thursday evenings - check local newspapers for listings

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature swings: Tourists dress for morning cold at 3°C (37°F) then overheat at midday 15°C (59°F), or vice versa. Always pack layers you can easily add or remove

Booking inflexible outdoor plans: March weather changes rapidly. Rigid hiking or lakefront dining reservations often get cancelled. Keep 50% of plans flexible and have indoor backup options

Assuming winter closures: Many tourists skip Lavaux vineyards thinking they're closed, but most reopen for tastings in mid-March after winter break - call ahead to confirm rather than assuming