Things to Do in Bruges in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Bruges
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Tourist season officially ends - hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to February and accommodation is readily available without advance booking
- Daylight extends to 6:30 PM by month's end - 2 hours more than December for exploring after traditional 5 PM attraction closures
- Spring awakens the medieval gardens - Begijnhof daffodils bloom mid-month and canal-side willows show first green shoots
- Weather creates dramatic photography conditions - morning mist over canals clears by 10 AM revealing golden light perfect for the iconic Rozenhoedkaai shots
Considerations
- Rain falls on 10 out of 31 days with sudden afternoon downpours lasting 45-60 minutes that can derail outdoor plans
- Temperatures fluctuate wildly - morning starts at 3°C (37°F) requiring heavy jacket, afternoon reaches 10°C (51°F) creating uncomfortable layering decisions
- Many outdoor terraces and canal boat tours operate reduced schedules due to unpredictable weather conditions
Best Activities in March
Medieval Architecture Walking Tours
March's cooler temperatures (10°C/51°F max) make extended walking comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Morning mist creates atmospheric photos of Gothic facades, and reduced crowds mean unobstructed views of Belfry and Basilica of Holy Blood. The variable weather adds dramatic lighting to cobblestone streets.
Chocolate Workshop Experiences
Perfect rainy day activity as March weather drives you indoors 30% of the time. Workshop rooms stay comfortably warm while it's cool outside. Spring season means chocolatiers introduce Easter specialties in mid-March. Smaller winter group sizes mean more personal attention from instructors.
Canal Boat Cruises
March winds are gentler than winter months, making 30-minute boat rides comfortable with provided blankets. Fewer tourists mean boats run half-empty, allowing movement for better photo angles. Spring light reflects beautifully off canal water, and medieval buildings look dramatic against March's cloudy skies.
Beer Tasting in Historic Breweries
Cool March weather makes warm, cozy brewery interiors especially appealing. Traditional brewing season runs through March, meaning freshest seasonal beers are available. Smaller tourist crowds create intimate tasting experiences with knowledgeable guides who have more time for questions.
Museum Exploration Days
March's unpredictable rain makes museum days strategic - Groeningemuseum, Memling Museum, and Church of Our Lady provide 3-4 hours of cultural immersion during weather breaks. Heating systems maintain comfortable temperatures while it's damp outside. Off-season means contemplating masterpieces without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Photography Workshops in Historic Districts
March's dramatic weather creates exceptional photographic conditions - morning fog, afternoon golden light breaking through clouds, wet cobblestones reflecting medieval facades. Bare winter trees don't obstruct architectural views, and minimal tourists allow pristine shots of iconic locations.
March Events & Festivals
Spring Awakening in Begijnhof
Daffodils and early crocuses bloom throughout the medieval Begijnhof complex, creating carpets of yellow and purple among the white houses. This isn't a formal festival but a natural seasonal transformation that locals anticipate. Best experienced early morning when mist rises from the grounds.