What's the Weather Like in Geneva in March
Temperature
In March, it becomes obvious that winter slackens its grip on the multi-cultural city of Geneva. Average daily temperatures remain above the freezing point, ranging between 1C (33.8F) and 10C (50F). Yet, deviations in this regard are possible, with daily lows falling down to -4C (24.8F) and highs rising up to 19C (66.2F). The comparison of typical temperatures reveals that Geneva, Switzerland, is a slightly colder city than Lyon, France, in March.
Daily temperatures are on the rise in the course of the month in this destination. Minimum and maximum temperatures are higher for a few degrees Celsius (several degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of March than at the beginning. In general, every day has an interval of less cold temperatures (over 7C/44.6F) substituting very cold temperatures (below 7C/44.6F). This interval ranges from around 2 pm to 6 pm at the beginning of March. By the month's end, it lasts from around 10 am until midnight.
Sunshine Hours
The duration of sunny weather is also on the increase in Geneva in the course of the month. The city experiences over 5 hours of sunshine per day on average, which is the increase of around 60% compared to February. Still, the share of cloudy sky above the city is for a hair bigger (approx. 53%) than of the clear sky in March. Furthermore, the possibility of cloudy weather is on a slight increase from 51% to 55% during this period.
Rainfall
The overall amount of rainfall the city receives this time of year is between 70 mm/2.76 in and 80 mm/3.15 in. If you visit the 2nd most populous city in Switzerland during this month, you are likely to experience rain, sleet or snow. However, the possibility of rain to fall is on the rise while the probability of snow is on the decline. In general, the chances of a day with precipitation rise from around 26% to 32% this time of year. Most commonly, the city of Geneva has 9 or 10 wet days in the first month of spring.
From the statistical point of view, the chances of precipitation are almost equal during the day and at night. Variations in this regard are almost insignificant.
Wind speed
During the month of March, days grow a bit windier as time passes. The average wind speed is 2.8 m/s in the beginning of the period and 3 m/s by the end. Days are usually windier than nights. The highest average speed of the wind this time of year is 3.9 m/s (gentle breeze), while the lowest is 2.5 m/s (light breeze).
Humidity
The humidity levels remain low in Ville de Genève in March. The average relative humidity is 72%, which feels dry. The chances of comfortable conditions are non-existent, much less of muggy (humid) conditions.
Sunrise and sunset
The duration of daylight gets longer with every passing day in this destination in March. On March 1, daylight lasts from 7:15 am to 6:21 pm, which is 11:06 hours. On March 31, daybreak takes place at 7:18 am while sunset occurs 12:44 hours later, at 8:02 pm. Just note that the time shifts forward for 1 hour at night between March 30 and 31.
Extraordinary weather occurrences
Albeit air temperatures are on the significant rise, frosty weather is still possible during this period. In recent times, unfavorable weather conditions arriving from Russia brought extensive snowfall that caused trouble all over Europe, including Switzerland. Hence, if you plan to visit the Swiss city of Geneva this time of year, prepare yourself for this possibility.
Geneva Hotels in March
The interesting thing about the city of Geneva is that hotels offer lower rates on weekends than on workdays. That is because business travelers, who are most numerous, aren't here on weekends. Still, hotel rates in March are high due to the ski season. See with the staff to provide you with the free "Geneva Transport Card." It grants you completely free use of the city's public transport (buses, trains and boats) during your entire stay.
Hotel Bel'Espérance
Hotel Bel'Espérance is a mid-range property, located in the downtown area. It disposes of single, double and family rooms and studios. Every unit has a private bathroom, high-speed internet free of charge, direct phone line and a TV with HD channels. The sun terrace is a complimentary facility of the hotel.
Hotel Suisse
Hotel Suisse is a 3-star establishment, which has single and double/twin rooms on offer. In-room amenities guests can enjoy are flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, internet, laundry service, safes and fridges. Lake Geneva and Old Town are minutes away from the hotel.
Tiffany Hotel
Tiffany Hotel is a 4-star property featuring rooms and suites. Some room amenities are internet access, toiletries, minibar, air-conditioning and a safe. The hotel disposes of a wellness center with a fitness room and a sauna, meeting rooms, a bar and a restaurant. Room service and parking are also available.
Hotel President Wilson
Upscale Hotel President Wilson is a 5-star complex located next to Lake Geneva. The hotel features rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, large beds, state-of-the-art technology and high-speed internet among other convenient amenities. A spa, fitness center, salon, swimming pool, parking and several dining venues are additional facilities of Hotel President Wilson.
Bars and restaurants
Geneva has a truly outstanding culinary offer capable of satisfying even the most discerning taste. In accordance to the city's multi-national and multi-cultural character, the gastronomic scene features specialties from all over the world. Bars and restaurants accept credit cards, in general. Just plan a bigger budget for dining since this Swiss city is more expensive than many travelers expect.
La Buvette des Bains
La Buvette des Bains is a budget eatery offering some of the most affordable deals in the city. The property is more like a buffet than a restaurant because the staff prepares meals in advance. Unlike the majority of the city's eateries, La Buvette des Bains accepts only cash. Opening hours are from 7 am to 10:30 pm every day.
Bistrot du Boeuf Rouge
Bistrot du Boeuf Rouge is a French-style restaurant, serving typical Lyonnais specialties. Some great dishes you will find in the menu are fera fish in a tarragon sauce, duckling terrine and Chateaubriand. The restaurant is open from Monday to Friday from noon to 2 pm and between 7 pm and 10 pm.
Inglewood Eaux-vives
Inglewood Eaux-vives is a popular restaurant serving delicious burgers. These come in different varieties accompanied by interesting toppings. Because of the popularity of the restaurant, you may need to wait for a meal, and long at that. You should have the biggest chances to avoid waiting if paying Inglewood a visit before lunch or dinner time. The restaurant is open daily.
Fiskebar
Fiskebar is an exclusive dining venue located in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The restaurant is the pioneer of Nordic cuisine in Geneva, Switzerland, serving pork meat, seafood, fish and else. Fiskebar is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Opening hours are from noon to 2 pm (Tue-Fri) and between 7 pm and 10 pm (Tue-Sat).
Things to do in Geneva in March
Maison Tavel
In Maison Tavel, Old Town, you can gain an insight into the way of life led in the medieval Ville de Genève. Built in the 12th century, the building is also the oldest surviving structure in the city. The Tavel House features various interesting exhibits, including historical objects and artifacts, multimedia, small-scale models of the city and more. Besides elaborating the medieval way of life, Maison Tavel shows how the urbanization of Geneva went on.
Musee Rath
Musee Rath, also referred to as the Temple of Muses, is among the first museums in Europe intentionally devoted to the visual arts. The structure features neoclassical design with a portico decorated with Corinthian columns. Inaugurated in 1826 by the Rath sisters, Musee Rath stages temporary exhibitions of the contemporary art. The museum also has the permanent collection, displaying works by Swiss and international artists.
The Globe of Science and Innovation
The Globe of Science and Innovation is a fascinating landmark of the Swiss city of Geneva. It resembles our planet by shape, and stages exhibitions within. The journey through the exhibition will lead you back to the Big Bang, the point zero of the Universe. The proportions of the Globe are 27 m x 40 m (height x width), which are similar in size to the dome of the Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome.
