Things to Do in Cambridge in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Cambridge
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Cambridge at its most photogenic - fewer tourists mean unobstructed shots of King's College Chapel and the Backs without crowds clogging your frames
- Punting season begins mid-March when companies resume full operations after winter closures, with 30-45 minute waits versus 2+ hours in summer
- Daffodils bloom across college gardens and Jesus Green from early March, creating Instagram-worthy golden carpets that locals specifically visit this month to see
- University term is in session so you'll experience authentic Cambridge life with students cycling everywhere and college dining halls buzzing with activity
Considerations
- River Cam water temperature stays around 8°C (46°F) - if someone falls during punting, it's genuinely dangerous and unpleasant
- Unpredictable weather means outdoor plans get derailed frequently - college gardens close during heavy rain and punt tours cancel with 30 minutes notice
- Many college chapels have limited visitor hours due to Lent services and Easter preparations, particularly King's and Trinity which restrict access 2-3 days per week
Best Activities in March
Self-Guided College Walking Tours
March is perfect for exploring college courtyards without summer's overwhelming crowds. Trinity, St John's, and King's offer the most spectacular architecture, and you'll actually hear your own footsteps in the courtyards. The low-angle March sunlight creates dramatic shadows on medieval stonework that photographers specifically seek out. Most colleges charge £3-5 entry but waive fees for some areas when student activity is high.
River Cam Punting Expeditions
Mid to late March marks the sweet spot when punt companies resume full schedules but before Easter holidays bring chaos. Water levels are optimal after winter rains, and the 45-minute trips showcase weeping willows just beginning to bud. The cool air means you'll need layers, but experienced punters prefer March because the river isn't crowded with amateur student punters crashing into banks.
Cycling the Historic City Center
March weather is ideal for cycling Cambridge's flat terrain - cool enough to avoid overheating but dry enough for comfortable rides. Students are in full term-time cycling mode, so you'll blend into authentic Cambridge life. The 8km (5 mile) circuit hitting major colleges, the Backs, and Grantchester takes 2-3 hours with photo stops. Bike lanes are clearly marked and traffic is lighter than summer tourist months.
Traditional Pub Food Tours
March is prime time for Cambridge's historic pubs when log fires are still burning but beer gardens start reopening. The Eagle (where DNA was discovered) and The Anchor serve hearty British classics perfect for cool weather. Local students frequent pubs heavily in March term, creating authentic atmosphere. Traditional fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, and local Greene King ales are seasonal favorites.
Evensong Services at College Chapels
March Evensong services feature world-renowned choirs in breathtaking medieval chapels, with fewer tourists competing for seats. King's College Chapel choir performs Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 5:30pm, while St John's and Trinity offer equally spectacular acoustics. The 45-minute Anglican services are free but arrive 30 minutes early in March for best seats as university term creates local demand.
March Events & Festivals
Cambridge Half Marathon
Major running event through the city center with road closures and festive atmosphere. Thousands of runners pass historic colleges while spectators line the streets with cowbells and cheers. Even non-runners enjoy the energy and see parts of Cambridge usually restricted to traffic.
University Boat Race Training
Cambridge crews practice intensively on the River Cam preparing for the Oxford-Cambridge race. Early morning training sessions (7am-9am) offer glimpses of elite rowing, and locals gather along the riverbank to watch. The competitive atmosphere builds throughout March.