Portsmouth in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Portsmouth

12°C (54°F) High Temp

4°C (39°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Mild spring weather perfect for walking tours - comfortable 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures ideal for exploring Portsmouth's 2.4 km (1.5 mile) Historic Dockyard without summer heat
Fewer crowds at major attractions like this destination and this destination - March sees 40% fewer visitors than peak summer months, meaning shorter queues and better photo opportunities
Daffodils bloom throughout Southsea Common and Victoria Park creating impressive coastal spring scenes unique to this time of year
Lower accommodation rates - March falls in shoulder season with hotel prices typically 25-35% below summer peaks, plus easier availability near Gunwharf Quays

Considerations

Unpredictable spring showers occur 10 days in March with sudden downpours lasting 30-45 minutes - outdoor plans need flexible timing
this destination observation deck can be closed during high winds which are more frequent in March due to Atlantic weather systems
Some seasonal attractions like Blue Reef Aquarium outdoor areas have limited opening hours until Easter period begins

Best Activities in March

Historic Dockyard Walking Tours

March's cool 8-12°C (46-54°F) temperatures are ideal for exploring Portsmouth's 2.4 km (1.5 mile) historic waterfront without summer heat exhaustion. Spring lighting enhances photography of this destination and this destination. Indoor museum sections provide perfect shelter during March's brief showers. Daffodil blooms around the dockyard create unique seasonal backdrops unavailable in summer.

Booking Tip: Book combination tickets 7-10 days ahead for 15-20% savings. Tours typically cost £25-35 ($31-44) for full dockyard access. Choose morning starts (10am) to avoid afternoon shower periods. Look for operators offering indoor alternatives during weather changes.

Solent Coastal Walking

March offers perfect conditions for Portsmouth's 8 km (5 mile) coastal path with crisp air, clear visibility across to Isle of Wight, and minimal summer crowds. Spring wildflowers begin emerging along Southsea seafront. Cool temperatures prevent overheating on the 2-3 hour circuit. Dramatic March skies create exceptional photography conditions over Portsmouth Harbour.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes are free, guided walks cost £12-18 ($15-23) per person. Book coastal tours 5-7 days ahead through visitor centers. Choose 11am starts for best weather windows. Look for tours including indoor pub stops for shower shelter.

Mary Rose Museum Indoor Experiences

March's changeable weather makes this climate-controlled museum perfect for extended visits. Fewer crowds allow closer examination of Tudor artifacts without summer queues. The museum's 23°C (73°F) interior provides comfortable contrast to March's cool outdoor temperatures. Special March exhibitions often coincide with maritime history month.

Booking Tip: Advance tickets save £3-5 per person, costing £18-25 ($23-31) total. Book 3-5 days ahead for guaranteed entry slots. Combine with this destination tours for package discounts. Choose afternoon slots (2pm-4pm) when outdoor weather is most unpredictable.

Spinnaker Tower Observation

March offers exceptional clear-day visibility up to 37 km (23 miles) across the Solent with crisp spring air. Fewer tourists mean unobstructed views and photo opportunities. Indoor viewing decks provide warm shelter while enjoying panoramic vistas. March sunsets at 6pm create golden hour lighting perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Weather-dependent - book flexible tickets allowing date changes for £20-28 ($25-35). Reserve morning slots (10am-12pm) for clearest visibility. Avoid windy days when top deck closes. Look for operators offering weather guarantees or rebooking options.

Traditional Pub Historic Tours

March weather makes Portsmouth's historic pub circuit ideal - warm interiors provide perfect shelter between stops while sampling local Gales and Goddards ales. Spring evenings starting at 5pm offer cozy atmospheres in centuries-old establishments like The Ship Anson. Cool weather enhances appreciation of traditional British pub culture.

Booking Tip: Guided pub tours cost £25-35 ($31-44) including tastings. Book weekend tours 7-10 days ahead as they fill quickly. Choose early evening starts (5pm-6pm) before dinner crowds. Look for tours including historical context and local brewery information.

Isle of Wight Ferry Day Trips

March offers calm Solent crossings with 20-minute ferry rides in comfortable conditions. Fewer tourists on Wight mean uncrowded attractions and easier parking. Cool weather perfect for exploring Cowes or Newport without summer heat. Clear March days provide impressive views back to Portsmouth from island vantage points.

Booking Tip: Return ferry tickets cost £15-22 ($19-28) per person. Book flexible returns allowing for weather delays. Choose midweek departures for lower prices and smaller crowds. Look for package deals including island attraction entries through the booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Portsmouth Literature Festival

Annual celebration featuring maritime authors and historical fiction writers, with readings held in atmospheric venues like this destination and Historic Dockyard buildings. Perfect indoor cultural activities for March's changeable weather.

Late March

Spring Maritime Heritage Weekend

Special demonstrations of traditional sailing techniques and naval crafts at the Historic Dockyard. Living history presentations by costumed interpreters showcasing Tudor and Georgian maritime life with indoor and outdoor elements.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof walking boots with good grip - Portsmouth's historic cobblestones become slippery during March's frequent showers

Layered clothing system including thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell for 4-12°C (39-54°F) temperature range

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - March showers are brief but intense, occurring suddenly throughout the day

Warm hat and gloves for morning starts and evening activities - coastal wind chill makes it feel 3-5°C (5-9°F) colder

Quick-dry trousers or jeans with waterproof treatment - essential for coastal walking and historic site exploration

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - March sees 45mm (1.8 inches) of rain across 10 days with unpredictable timing

Comfortable walking shoes with warm socks for indoor museum visits after outdoor sightseeing

Small backpack with waterproof liner to protect camera equipment and documents during sudden downpours

SPF 30 sunscreen despite cool weather - March UV index reaches 3 and coastal reflection intensifies exposure

Portable phone charger and waterproof case - March weather makes indoor navigation apps essential for alternative routes

Insider Knowledge

Local commuters avoid outdoor lunch breaks between 1pm-3pm in March due to highest shower probability - plan indoor museum visits during this window

Portsmouth Harbour train station offers better weather protection than Portsmouth & Southsea station, plus direct dockyard access via covered walkways during March downpours

Gunwharf Quays shopping center becomes the unofficial local shelter during heavy March showers - use this as a warm meeting point with free WiFi and facilities

March spring tides create the best conditions for mudlarking along Portsmouth's shoreline near Round Tower, but check tide tables as times vary significantly

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor Portsmouth Harbour boat tours without checking weather forecasts - March winds frequently cancel or delay water-based activities

Wearing cotton clothing layers that take hours to dry after March showers instead of quick-dry synthetic or wool materials

Planning tight schedules without buffer time - March weather delays can add 30-60 minutes to outdoor activities between attractions