Weather
March begins to warm up as the days grow longer (six hours of sunshine), though the weather is quite unpredictable, ranging from clear and sunny to windy and rainy, and the sea is still far too cold for a swim (52°F/ 11°C). The western plains and the cities along the northern Adriatic coast, like Piran and Izola, see average daily temperatures fall between 43°F–52°F (6°C–11°C), while inland sees a colder 34°F–52°F (1°C–11°C). There’s still plenty of snow on the ground in areas like Kranjska Gora, while the daily temperature averages around 37°F (3°C).
Crowds & Costs
Still considered the off-season for most of the country, March is a great time to explore Slovenia without the hordes of tourists you can expect during peak season. The first week, however, is a school holiday, so you can anticipate prices to go up moderately for hotels and attractions.
Although March marks the beginning of the end of ski season, there are still a couple of international ski events that take place at the start of the month, drawing crowds to the slopes, and resulting in resorts and hotels filling up quickly. Be sure to book in advance.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Most travelers visiting Slovenia will start or end their holiday in Ljubljana for a little cultural exploration: great restaurants, historic and trendy neighborhoods, and plenty of venues offering artistic performances, dance, music, and theater. Ljubljana is also a great jumping-off point for the nearby ski slopes still seeing action in the mountains north of the city, like Kravec Ski Resort. Though keep in mind road closures due to snowy conditions, the Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps, for one, is likely closed.
Meanwhile, popular destinations like Lake Bled and Bohinj and Triglav National Park offer plenty of peaceful views over swaths of snowy land, especially at the start of the month when the weather hovers around freezing. A popular route is to head to the picturesque coastal towns like Piran or Koper for milder weather and pretty views of the northern Adriatic, turning inland to the Škocjan Caves and through Goriška Brda wine country.
As the winter snows are starting to melt, it’s worth your time to check out the rising Soča River in the mountain town of Bovec. For more ideas, read on about the top regions of Slovenia.
What to Do
Ski season is coming to a close, though you’ll still be able to get in a few runs and even catch a couple of international ski competitions (see events below). And if the weather is rainy, choose one of Slovenia’s many caves in the Karst region to avoid the rain and wind. Ride the electric train through 15 miles (24 km) of the Postojna Cave system or head to the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves.
Meanwhile, now is a great time for urban sightseeing in historic centers like Radovljica and Ljubljana. Delve into Slovenia’s past and visit Plečnik House, a museum set in the home of Ljubljana’s famed architect. If the weather turns bad, head to the Museum Quarter for your choice of museums: the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova, the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, and the National Museum of Slovenia, art enthusiasts will want to pop into the Alkatraz Gallery for a look at local artists’ works.
Find more Slovenia activity ideas in this article.
Events in March
Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen), Ljubljana. An outdoor food festival in Ljubljana that takes place every Friday from March through October.
The Pokal Vitranc Cup, Kranjska Gora. Annual men’s Slalom & Giant Slalom ski competition that takes place in Kranjska Gora in early March.
Planica Ski Jumping, Planica. A great spectator sport, this World Cup event sees ski jumpers fly through the air.
Drežnica Carnival, Drežnica. Boys and unmarried men put on handmade wooden masks and celebrate the Sunday before Lent.
More Helpful Information
Slovenia in February
Slovenia in April
Best Time of Year to Visit Slovenia
How Many Days to Spend in Slovenia