Switzerland in March : Complete Travel Guide for Winter and Early Spring

Visiting Switzerland in March offers the best of both worlds: guaranteed snow in high-altitude ski resorts and emerging spring weather in Swiss cities. This comprehensive Switzerland guide covers everything you need to know about March’s weather, costs, activities, and planning tips. Whether you're interested in late-season skiing in Zermatt, exploring Lucerne's lakeside charm, or experiencing Basel's famous Fasnacht carnival, March provides excellent value with smaller crowds than peak winter months. Learn what to pack for Switzerland in March and budget breakdowns for day trips.

• Late-season skiing at glacier resorts (Zermatt, St. Moritz)
• Fewer tourists compared to February and the summer months
• Lower accommodation prices (15-25% less than peak season)
• Spring awakening in cities and valleys
• Fasnacht celebrations in Basel and Lucerne
• Extended daylight (11-12 hours daily)

Explore More: Best Places to Visit in Switzerland

• Temperature: -5°C to 5°C
• Snow Conditions: Excellent, 100% coverage
• Best For: Skiing, glacier tours, photography
• Top Destinations: Zermatt (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise at 3,883m), St. Moritz, Jungfraujoch

• Temperature: 0°C to 10°C
• Snow Conditions: Variable, snowline around 1,500-2,000m
• Best For: Scenic train rides, spa retreats
• Top Destinations: Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lucerne, mountain excursions

• Temperature: 4°C to 12°C
• Snow Conditions: Rare, mostly rain
• Best For: Museums, city walks, wine tours
• Top Destinations: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern

Know more about: Switzerland Travel Guide

• Zermatt: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (skiing up to 3,883m)
• St. Moritz: Corvatsch and Diavolezza glaciers
• Saas-Fee: "Pearl of the Alps" with year-round glacier skiing
• Tip: Book lift passes directly from resort websites after checking real-time conditions

• Day pass: CHF 70-89
• Equipment rental: CHF 45-60/day
• Ski lessons (group): CHF 55-75/hour

• Basel Fasnacht: March 2-4, 2026 (starts 4 AM Monday)
• Lucerne Carnival: February 26 - March 4, 2026
• These are Switzerland's most vibrant street festivals with costumes, parades, and traditional music

• Zurich: Old Town, Lake Zurich promenade, Kunsthaus museum
• Geneva: International district, Jet d'Eau, Old Town
• Lucerne: Chapel Bridge, lakeside walks, Mount Pilatus cable car
• Bern: UNESCO Old Town, Bear Park, Zytglogge clock tower

• Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz (8 hours, reservation required)
• Gornergrat Railway: Zermatt to 3,089m viewpoint (33 minutes)
• Jungfrau Railway: To "Top of Europe" at 3,454m

• Available above 1,800m with guided tours
• Popular regions: Bernese Oberland, Engadin Valley
• Cost: CHF 80-120 per person (guided half-day tour)

• 3 consecutive days: CHF 232 (2nd class) / CHF 369 (1st class)
• 4 consecutive days: CHF 281 / CHF 448
• Covers most trains, buses, and boats; 50% discount on mountain railways

• Moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool recommended)
• Insulated mid-layer (fleece or down)
• Waterproof, windproof outer shell jacket
• Warm hat, insulated gloves, neck gaiter
• Offline maps downloaded
• Travel insurance documentation
• Emergency contacts: Swiss emergency number 112

Swiss trains are punctual and scenic. March conditions rarely affect rail schedules, though mountain railways may have weather delays.

Reserve panoramic seats on Glacier Express and Bernina Express 2-4 weeks ahead

Mountain railways (Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat) require reservations even with Swiss Travel Pass

Half-Fare Card (CHF 120) pays for itself after 2-3 mountain excursions

Only necessary for remote valleys. March driving challenges:

• Winter tyres mandatory (included in rentals)
• Snow chains may be required on mountain passes
• Many high passes are closed until April/May
• Parking is expensive in cities (CHF 3-5/hour)

• Never ski off-piste without a certified guide
• March sees increased avalanche risk due to warming/thawing cycles
• Weather changes rapidly above 2,000m
• Carry an emergency whistle, a headlamp, extra warm layer
• Share the itinerary with the accommodation host
• Download offline maps (Swiss Mobility app recommended)

Visiting Switzerland in March rewards travellers with excellent late-season skiing, emerging spring beauty, and fewer crowds than peak months. Whether you're chasing guaranteed glacier snow in Zermatt, exploring Lucerne's cultural attractions, or timing your visit for Basel's spectacular Fasnacht carnival, March offers exceptional value and diverse experiences. Book mountain railway seats early, pack versatile layers, and check real-time snow conditions before finalising ski plans. Customise your Switzerland tour packages for a balanced travel experience from the visa process to accommodations with ease.