March is a shoulder season month for travel to Austria, after the winter ski season and before the warmer days of April and May. But this can be ideal if you want to keep costs low, with end-of-winter discounts to be found. March is also a good month for spending time in the capital of Vienna, touring art galleries and Easter markets. Find out more about traveling to Austria in March below.

Weather

March is the beginning of spring in Austria, but temperatures will still primarily be chilly throughout the country, from the mountains to the lower-lying cities and towns. Snow lingers in the Austrian Alps, and conditions are still ideal for winter sports, while temperatures in cities like Vienna will be around 50°F (10°C) in the daytime. 

Crowds & Costs

March is a shoulder season month for travel to Austria. The busy winter season in the mountains is over, but that doesn't mean the conditions for skiing and snowboarding aren't good. As long as you keep an eye on the weather forecast for any unseasonably warm temperatures, you can enjoy snow sports in Austria this month and at a lower price, too. Grab an end-of-season bargain on accommodation before ski resorts shut up shop for the summer.

Beyond the mountains, you won't find too many other travelers, either. Some smaller towns, such as those in the Salzkammergut lake district, may still be closed for the winter, but bigger cities like Vienna and Salzburg are lively throughout the year, and hotel prices will be cheaper than later in spring or summer.

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Where to Go

Vienna is a year-round destination, thanks to its beautiful architecture and fantastic galleries and museums. Still, a reason to visit in March is the Easter markets set up throughout the city. These usually appear a couple of weeks before Easter. The Easter market in the forecourt of the Schönbrunn Palace is excellent; after you've done some shopping, drop into this summer palace of the Habsburgs. More centrally located markets are held at the Am Hof and Freyung public squares. Look out for egg painting activities for the kids and wine tasting for the grown-ups. Other towns and cities beyond the capital hold Easter markets.

If you're looking for a relaxing escape surrounded by beautiful nature and stunning architecture, head to the mountain spa resort town of Bad Gastein. The views of the forested Gastein Valley from the hillside town are beautiful, and you can spend your days soaking in thermal hot springs located within belle-époque buildings.

What to Do

While the peak season for skiing and snowboarding has passed by March, that's good news if you're looking for a bargain or are making last-minute bookings. Although rising temperatures (and melting snow) mean you'll need to keep an eye on local weather, you can still find ski resort towns with good conditions, especially earlier in the month. Look out for end-of-season discounts; if the snow conditions are less-than-ideal during your visit, you can always hike or simply enjoy the mountain scenery.

If you find yourself in Vienna in March, make the most of the city's enormous collection of fine art and architecture on an art tour. Whether you know nothing about European art or majored in art history, there will be a tour to suit you. Art Nouveau and Baroque are the major styles of Vienna to seek out. Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss" might be the city's most recognizable masterpiece, but there's a lot more to discover, too.

Events in March

Steiermark Frühling festival, Vienna. This cultural event celebrates the Austrian province of Styria in March or April with apples, beer, wine, pumpkins, and traditional lederhosen dress and crafts like basket weaving.

Easter, nationwide. Catholicism is the dominant religion in Austria, and other forms of Christianity are also prominent, making Easter an important festival in Austria. Easter can fall in March or April, and Easter markets are typically set up in Austrian towns and cities a couple of weeks before Holy Week. 

Salzburg Easter Music Festival, Salzburg. Listen to opera and classical music performances during Easter week. 

Vienna Blues Spring, Vienna. One of the largest blues festivals in the world, the two-month Vienna Blues Spring starts in mid-to-late March and continues into May.

Foto Wien, Vienna. This journalistic photography festival puts on exhibitions, workshops, talks, and more over two to three weeks in March.

More Helpful Information

Austria in February
Austria in April
Best Time of Year to Visit Austria
How Many Days to Spend in Austria