Nara Weather in March

As the beginning of spring in Nara, March has an overall increasing but a bit changeable temperature. Early March weather of Nara is still a bit cold, but most of the days in the second half of the month have warm and cozy daytime. You will not encounter much rain but relatively long sunshine hours during your trip. The best news is that Sakura begins to bloom in late March, attracting many visitors.

Not Very Stable, but Overall Warm Temperature

Falling in early spring, the overall temperature of Nara in March starts to climb. The first half of the month remains somewhat cold, with daytime temperatures hovering around 10-15 degrees Celsius (50-59 degrees Fahrenheit). On rainy days, this figure may drop to just 6-8℃ (43-46℉). Nighttime temperatures show greater variation, ranging from a low of 0-2℃ (32-36℉) to a high of around 10℃ (50℉).

During the second half of the month, daytime is mostly warm or cool, with the temperatures hovering around 15-20℃ (59-68℉), though reaching around 25℃ (77℉) is not unusual. Nighttime temperatures are generally between 10-15℃ (50-59℉). However, it’s important to note that temperatures during this period are highly unstable, with frequent drops occurring. Sometimes, the temperature only drops a little bit, by around 5℃ (9℉); but at other times, it drops significantly by around 10℃ (18℉), and the colder weather may persist for several days. For example, from March 27 to 28, 2025, Nara’s daily high suddenly dropped from 25℃ (77℉) to 14℃ (57℉). Moreover, it took about a week for the daily high to rise above 15℃ (59℉) again. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the weather forecast during your trip.

Warm Nara in March

Rising but still Not-High Precipitation

In March, Nara’s average precipitation increases to 104 mm, with rainy days rising to 9 days. However, even if you encounter rain, it’s more likely to be brief showers, still allowing you to visit most locations. Note that rainfall can sometimes bring temperature drops, making you feel a bit cold. While snowfall is possible in early March in some years, such occurrences are rare.

The humidity this month is 61% on average, making weather conditions generally comfortable - neither dry nor uncomfortably humid.

Sunny and Clear March

Relatively Long Daylight Hours/Sunshine Hours

With the arrival of spring, the duration of daylight becomes longer and longer, from 11.3 hours to 12.3 hours. You can expect gradually earlier sunrise times from 06:26 to 05:45, and later sunset times from 17:52 to 18:16. So, you don’t have to worry that you can’t get enough available time to travel around, especially towards the end of the month. But you may want to know that some attractions still have relatively short opening time this month. For instance, Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple opens from 8:00 to 17:00 in April.

You can gain about 5 hours of sunshine per day on average in Nara in March.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Nara?

Yes, and it is actually one of the best visiting months.

First, the climate of Nara this month is relatively good, with increasingly warm temperature and relatively limited rainfall. You will feel comfortable during outdoor visits.

Second, March has beautiful and vivid natural scenery. The grasslands and trees gradually turn green, and plum blossoms and cherry blossoms can be seen.

Third, you have a chance to visit special festivals this month, like the Omizutori Festival.

Fourth, compared with April, the crowded peak season of Sakura, March, especially the early and mid-March, is much quieter.

Cherry Blossoms in Himuro Shrine

Gradually Turning Green Grassland

Packing List for Nara Trips in March

Clothes:
Although the weather in March gets warmer and warmer, thin clothes can’t replace the thick ones at once: on the one hand, temperature drops may occur occasionally but suddenly; on the other hand, there are big temperature difference between day and night

For the first half month: Outer clothes can be thick jackets or woolen coats. For the inner part, thin sweaters and hoodies are recommended. Sweatpants and jeans are suitable for the bottoms. In case of feeling cold at early morning and night, you can also bring long johns.

For the second half month: You can wear outfits like long-sleeved T-shirts, knitwear, trench coats, and jeans; or hoodies, leather jackets, and sweatpants. On most days, the noon is warm enough, and you can take the trench coats or leather jackets off.

Shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes, sneakers, or casual shoes are all OK choices.

Others:
1. During the Sakura season, people who are allergic to pollen need to prepare some masks.
2. When admiring the cherry blossom, it’s a good idea to experience the kimono, which is quite harmonious with these lovely pink flowers.

Highlights of Nara in March

1. Cherry Blossoms

If you plan to visit Nara in March, the beautiful Sakura, a representative view of Japan, should not be missed. From late March, the city’s cherry blossoms gradually bloom and reach their peak. Wondering where the best spots are for viewing the cherry blossoms?

(1) Sahogawa River: A 5-kilometer-long (3.1 miles) tunnel of cherry blossoms stretches along the river. The blossoms reflect in the flowing water, creating a serene scene with few crowds.
(2) Nara Park: You can see approximately 1,700 cherry trees in addition to the World Heritage sites of Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple, and adorable deer.
(3) Himuro Shrine: You will find giant weeping cherry trees over 100 years old.
(4) Mount Yoshino: Located about a 1.5-hour drive from Nara City, it is highly recommended if you have ample time. It stands as one of Japan’s most iconic cherry blossom viewing spots. By late March, 30,000 cherry trees bloom sequentially from the mountain’s base to its summit.

Sakura by Sahogawa River

2. Omizutori Festival

From March 1 to 14 each year, the significant religious festival Omizutori Festival is held in Todaiji Temple’s Nigatsu-dō. Every evening during the festival, monks carrying torches called Omizutori run through Nigatsu-dō, symbolizing the banishment of disease and calamity. The blazing light illuminates the surroundings, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Among these 14 days, March 12 and 14 have the most significant ceremonies: the former day is equipped with the largest torches, and the latter has ten torches burned simultaneously.

3. Plum Blossoms

Until mid-March, plum blossoms can still be seen in Nara. Tsukigase Plum Grove and Nara Tenmangu Shrine are both places where you can admire these delicate pink and white flowers.

Tips for Nara Trips in March

1. By late March, as cherry blossoms reach full bloom, visitor numbers in Nara surge significantly. Therefore, the top priority when planning your trip is to book flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid paying higher prices for last-minute reservations. Additionally, consider visiting during weekday mornings or evenings when crowds are lighter.
2. From about March 20, Mountain Wakakusa ends its closed period and begins to open.

Mountain Wakakusa in March

3. Visiting the deer should definitely be part of your March trip to Nara in 2026, however, you may want to know that their coats are brownish-gray this month.
4. If you wish to experience the festive atmosphere of the Omizutori Festival, check its detailed schedule and arrive early at Todaiji Temple to secure a good viewing spot.