Things to Do in Geneva in March

March Weather in Geneva

12°C (53°F) High Temp

2°C (35°F) Low Temp

61 mm (2.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Lake Geneva boat services resume March 15th with fewer crowds - enjoy 90-minute scenic cruises for CHF 18-25 versus summer's CHF 35-40
Perfect hiking weather on Mont Salève (1,379m/4,524ft) with clear Alpine views before summer haze - cable car operates daily from 9:30am
Spring museum season begins with extended hours at CERN (tours increase from 2 to 4 daily) and Patek Philippe Museum reopens after winter renovation
Geneva International Motor Show typically runs first half of March, bringing exclusive hotel packages and extended public transport hours until midnight

Considerations

Jet d'Eau fountain operates reduced schedule (weekends only until March 20th) due to maintenance and unpredictable wind conditions
Weather swings 15°C (27°F) between morning and afternoon - pack layers or risk being uncomfortable during long walking tours
Many outdoor terrace restaurants remain closed until late March, limiting lakeside dining options to indoor venues only

Best Activities in March

CERN Guided Tours and Science Exhibitions

March marks CERN's spring tour season with expanded availability and comfortable indoor temperatures. The 2.5-hour tours run 4 times daily versus winter's limited schedule, and March's cool weather makes the underground facility visits more comfortable than summer. Perfect time to explore the world's largest physics laboratory without summer tourist crowds.

Booking Tip: Free tours must be booked exactly 15 days in advance online. Tours cost CHF 0 but require valid ID. Book morning slots (9:30am start) for best availability and combine with afternoon city exploration. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Mont Salève Cable Car and Alpine Hiking

March offers crystal-clear mountain air and spectacular Alps views before spring haze develops. The 1,100m (3,609ft) cable car ride costs CHF 17 return, and March temperatures (8-12°C/46-54°F at summit) are ideal for 2-4 hour hiking circuits. Snow patches add scenic beauty without blocking main trails, and you'll have viewpoints mostly to yourself.

Booking Tip: Cable car operates daily 9:30am-6pm with departures every 20 minutes. No advance booking needed, but check weather conditions day-of. Combine with Annemasse market visit (Thursdays/Saturdays) for cross-border cultural experience. Hiking boots essential for 500m+ elevation trails.

Lake Geneva Scenic Boat Tours

CGN boat services resume full March 15th schedule with heated indoor salons and panoramic windows perfect for March's variable weather. The 90-minute Petit Lac circuit showcases lakefront palaces, the UN building, and Alpine backdrop for CHF 18-25 (versus summer's CHF 35-40). March's crisp air provides exceptional mountain visibility across to French Alps.

Booking Tip: Buy tickets at Jardin Anglais pier 30 minutes before departure - no advance booking needed for March. Choose heated boats with indoor seating due to 5-10°C temperature difference on water. Afternoon departures (2pm-4pm) offer best light for photography. See current cruise schedules in booking section below.

Old Town Historical Walking Routes

March's cool, dry weather creates perfect conditions for exploring Geneva's medieval Vieille Ville without summer heat or winter ice. The 2km (1.2 mile) circuit from Place du Bourg-de-Four to St. Pierre Cathedral takes 2-3 hours with comfortable 8-15°C (46-59°F) temperatures. March timing avoids cruise ship crowds while maintaining full attraction hours.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes cost nothing but consider audio guides (CHF 10) from Tourism Office. Start at 10am when cathedral opens and shops begin operating. Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and 200m (656ft) elevation changes. Combine with indoor chocolate tastings during potential rain breaks.

Chocolate and Watchmaking Workshop Experiences

March indoor activities shine during variable spring weather. Maison Cailler factory tours (45 minutes from Geneva) operate full schedules with chocolate-making workshops, while local watchmaking ateliers offer 2-hour introductory sessions. Perfect rainy day alternatives with Switzerland's signature crafts, priced CHF 25-85 depending on experience depth.

Booking Tip: Book chocolate factory tours 5-7 days ahead online for CHF 15 including tastings. Watchmaking workshops require 10-14 day advance booking and cost CHF 60-85 for 2-hour sessions. Schedule afternoon slots (2-4pm) for flexibility with morning outdoor activities. See current workshop availability in booking section below.

Jet d'Eau and Lakefront Photography Tours

Limited March fountain schedule (weekends only until March 20th) creates exclusive photo opportunities when operational. The 140m (459ft) water jet operates 10am-sunset on clear days, with March's dramatic cloud formations providing spectacular backdrops. Position at Bains des Pâquis pier for optimal angles without summer tourist crowds blocking shots.

Booking Tip: Free to view but check daily operation status on Geneva Tourism website - wind speeds above 25km/h (15.5mph) cancel fountain operation. Best photography light occurs 4-5pm in March. Combine with lakefront walking route from English Garden to UN building (3km/1.9 miles total). Weather-dependent activity.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Geneva International Motor Show

One of Europe's major auto exhibitions typically runs first 10 days of March at Palexpo, featuring world premieres and concept cars. Special late-night public transport operates until midnight, and hotels offer motor show packages. Advance tickets cost CHF 16 versus CHF 20 at door.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperature swings 15°C (27°F) between 8am and 3pm requiring adaptable wardrobe

Waterproof jacket with hood - March brings 10 rainy days with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 20-45 minutes

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - Old Town cobblestones become slippery when wet, expect 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily walking

Lightweight merino wool base layers - indoor heating at 22°C (72°F) contrasts sharply with outdoor 5-12°C (41-54°F)

Compact umbrella - essential for sudden weather changes, especially during 2-4pm afternoon shower window

Sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 4-5, intensified by lake reflection and Alpine snow glare

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains battery 25-30% faster, critical for navigation and transport apps

Day backpack - needed for layer management and weather protection during 6-8 hour sightseeing days

Thermal socks - feet get cold on extended outdoor activities, especially boat tours and mountain excursions

Light scarf or neck warmer - lake winds create 5-8°C (9-14°F) wind chill effect, particularly noticeable near waterfront

Insider Knowledge

Geneva locals embrace 'entre-saison' (between seasons) dining - indoor brasseries serve seasonal specialties like wild garlic dishes and spring vegetables unavailable in summer tourist menus

March apartment heating bills spike electricity costs citywide - many hotels offer extended checkout (until 2pm) and lobby spaces for warming up during cold snaps

Public transport runs winter schedule until March 21st - trams operate every 8-10 minutes versus summer's 5-6 minutes, factor extra connection time for tight schedules

Lake Geneva water temperature sits at 6-8°C (43-46°F) in March - even locals avoid lakeside activities until April, focus energy on mountain and city exploration instead

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming spring weather means warm weather - March mornings start at 2°C (35°F), pack winter layers for early departures

Planning outdoor lunch on terraces - most lakefront restaurants keep terraces closed until late March, make indoor reservations instead

Expecting full Jet d'Eau operation - fountain runs limited weekend schedule until March 20th due to maintenance and wind conditions