Things to Do in Munich in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Munich
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Season) runs through March - locals pack traditional beer halls for seasonal brews you cannot get any other time of year, creating an authentic alternative to October's tourist-heavy Oktoberfest
- Significantly lower accommodation costs compared to summer peak season - typically 30-40% cheaper than July-August rates, with better availability in central neighborhoods like Maxvorstadt and Schwabing
- Museums and indoor attractions operate at comfortable capacity levels - you can actually spend time with the Alte Pinakothek masterpieces without fighting crowds, and booking same-day tickets is usually possible
- Late March brings genuine spring weather transitions - by the third week you might catch 15°C (59°F) days when beer gardens start reopening their outdoor sections and locals emerge for the first proper outdoor season
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability makes packing genuinely challenging - you might experience everything from snow flurries to sunny 13°C (55°F) afternoons within the same week, requiring layered clothing strategies
- Many traditional beer gardens keep outdoor sections closed until late March or early April depending on temperatures - if outdoor beer garden atmosphere is your primary goal, you are gambling on weather cooperation
- Daylight hours are still limited in early March (around 11.5 hours) though this improves significantly by month end - affects how much you can pack into sightseeing days compared to summer's long evenings
Best Activities in March
Starkbier Festival Beer Hall Sessions
March is THE month for Starkbierzeit, when Munich breweries tap their strongest seasonal beers (7-9% alcohol) in traditional ceremonies dating back to monks' fasting traditions. Unlike Oktoberfest's tourist circus, these events in halls like Paulaner am Nockherberg attract primarily locals. The atmosphere is rowdier and more authentic, with political cabaret performances mixed into the drinking. Weather is irrelevant since everything happens indoors in heated halls. This tradition runs specifically from mid-February through early April, making March the sweet spot.
Museum District Deep Dives
March weather makes this the ideal month to properly explore Munich's Kunstareal museum quarter without summer crowds or October festival chaos. The Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, and Pinakothek der Moderne form one of Europe's greatest art concentrations, but tourists typically rush through. In March, you can spend 3-4 hours in a single museum without feeling rushed. Sunday admission costs just €1 at state museums - locals know this but tourists rarely take advantage. The indoor focus perfectly matches March's variable weather.
Alps Day Trips for Late Season Skiing
March offers the last viable skiing conditions in Bavarian Alps resorts within 90-120 minutes of Munich. Snow quality varies significantly - early March typically maintains better coverage while late March becomes unreliable, but when conditions cooperate you get spring skiing advantages: warmer temperatures, longer days, and cheaper midweek rates compared to peak winter season. Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Zugspitze (Germany's highest peak) are the primary destinations. This works as a day trip if you start early.
Traditional Market and Food Hall Tours
Viktualienmarkt operates year-round but March brings specific seasonal advantages - spring vegetables start appearing, the outdoor biergarten section begins reopening during warmer afternoon spells, and the lack of summer tourists means you can actually talk to vendors about products. March is also white asparagus pre-season (the real harvest starts April) so vendors get excited discussing the upcoming crop. The covered sections make this weather-proof. Combine this with Schrannenhalle, the restored historic market hall, for authentic local food culture.
Dachau Memorial Site Visits
The former concentration camp memorial site located 16 km (10 miles) northwest of Munich center deserves 3-4 hours of thoughtful attention. March's cooler, often grey weather actually suits the somber nature of the visit better than summer's bright sunshine. Significantly fewer tour groups visit in March compared to peak season, allowing for more reflective experience. The extensive indoor exhibition spaces provide shelter from variable weather while the outdoor areas of the former camp remain accessible year-round.
Castle Day Trips to Neuschwanstein Region
March presents trade-offs for visiting King Ludwig II's famous castle near Füssen. Advantages: dramatically fewer tourists than summer months, easier same-day ticket availability, snow-covered Alps backdrop creates stunning photos, and accommodation in Füssen costs 40% less than peak season. Disadvantages: Marienbrücke viewing bridge often remains closed due to ice/snow until late March, hiking trails around the castle may be inaccessible, and weather can limit mountain visibility. The 2-hour train journey and castle interior tour remain worthwhile regardless of exterior conditions.
March Events & Festivals
Starkbierzeit (Strong Beer Festival Season)
This uniquely Bavarian tradition runs from mid-February through early April, with March representing the peak period. Major breweries host ceremonial tappings of their strongest seasonal beers in traditional beer halls. Paulaner am Nockherberg hosts the most famous event with political cabaret performances roasting local politicians - a tradition locals take seriously. Unlike Oktoberfest's tourist focus, these events maintain authentic local character. Expect packed halls, communal seating, and significantly stronger beer than standard offerings.
Munich Spring Festival (Frühlingsfest) Setup
While the actual festival typically begins in late April, late March sees Theresienwiese grounds transforming as ride operators begin setup. Not an event to attend per se, but if you are visiting late March you will notice the activity. Worth mentioning because some visitors confuse this with Oktoberfest preparations and wonder about timing. The actual Frühlingsfest offers similar atmosphere to Oktoberfest but with locals instead of international tourists - though it falls outside March dates.