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March is one of my favourite months in Dorset. Spring blooms fill the countryside, seasonal attractions begin to reopen, and you get the sense that the world is waking up.
With the countryside trails awash with daffodils and early spring lambs gambolling in the fields, it’s a great month for walkers. Dorset’s south-coast location means it’s one of the first places migrating birds reach in spring. March is still relatively quiet, and with the weather improving and days getting longer, it’s a great time to make the most of the empty beaches and coast paths.
At-a-Glance: Dorset in March
- Average temperature: 11.4°C high / 2.8°C low
- Rainfall: 62 mm
- Daylight hours: ~11.5 hours
- Sea temperature: ~8-9°C
- Tourism Level: Low-moderate
- Best For: Nature lovers, walkers.
Weather in March
The weather can be unpredictable in March. It can be mild one day, cold the next, and it’s not uncommon to experience “four seasons in a day”! Average highs reach around 11°C, but chilly winds and occasional frosts are still possible, especially early in the month. Rainfall is moderate, and daylight hours increase significantly. By late March, the landscape starts to turn green, and you’ll often get a mix of crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons.
What to Expect in Dorset in March
March is a transitional month, shaking off the winter and shifting into spring. There’s a real feeling that Dorset is starting to wake up: migrating birds begin returning, the landscape turns greener, days start getting longer, and seasonal attractions begin reopening (although some wait until April). Visitor numbers remain low, so it’s a great time for quiet walks and scenic drives.
Some attractions begin hosting spring events, including early Easter activities towards the end of the month, and cafés and pubs start to feel livelier at weekends. It’s a particularly good month for walkers, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys the arrival of spring.
Highlights
- Greener landscapes and early spring colour.
- Longer, brighter days.
- Quiet beaches and walking trails.
- Attractions beginning to reopen.
- Good availability and off-season prices.
Events & Festivals in March
- Meet Rembrandt art exhibition, Kingston Lacy (12 Jan – 22 Mar)
- Crocus Week at Forde Abbey (1-8 Mar 2026)
- Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala (27-29 Mar 2026)
- Dorchester Science Festival (6-15 Mar 2026)
- Easter Adventures at Kingston Lacy (21 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Vitality Bournemouth Bay Run (22 Mar 2026)
- Forde Abbey Easter Trail (28 Mar – 9 Apr 2026)
- Easter egg hunt at Corfe Castle (28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
- Easter at Farmer Palmers Farm Park (28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026)
Best Things to Do in March
- Spring blooms: Look out for daffodils, crocuses, primroses, and more in Dorset’s woodlands and at gardens like Kingston Lacy, Mapperton, and Forde Abbey. Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is famous for its camellia groves and magnolias in spring.
- Birdwatching: Portland Bill and Durlston Country Park are good places to spot early migrating birds. Or, you could take a birdwatching cruise in Poole Harbour (several local operators run winter and spring birdwatching cruises).
- Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala (27-29 March 2026): Discover Swanage Railway’s fleet of beautifully restored steam locomotives (plus a few visiting engines) and ride a vintage steam train through the countryside for incredible views of Corfe Castle.
- Family-friendly Indoor Attractions: Such as Splashdown Waterpark, Rock Reef climbing centre, or SEA LIFE Weymouth.
- Countryside walks: Soak up the signs of oncoming spring with a walk in the countryside. Try Maiden Castle, Hardy Monument, and Colmer’s Hill for views, or Ashley Wood, Powerstock Common, and the woodlands around Kingston Lacy for early spring wildflowers.
Wildlife Highlights in March
March brings the first real stirrings of spring, with more birds singing, early migrants arriving, spring lambs in the fields, and March Hares boxing in the grasslands.
Key species & where to see them:
Migratory birds arriving from the south: Chiffchaffs, wheatears, swallows, swifts, house martins and sand martins begin returning from March onwards. Read more.
Spring wildflowers: Daffodils, primroses, wood anemones, crocuses, and more.
Spring buds: Camellias, early Magnolias, and (depending on the conditions) cherry blossoms.
Birds of prey: Poole Harbour’s resident ospreys return around March.
Hares: In early spring, hares can be seen “boxing” and engaging in mating behaviour. They’re most visible at dawn and dusk around open farmland and chalk downland (such as on Cranborne Chase and the Purbeck Ridge).
Butterflies: Look out for small tortoiseshell and brimstone butterflies emerging from hibernation.
Quick Tips for Visiting in March
- Some attractions reopen this month, but some remain closed until the Easter Holidays, and many operate limited hours. Check opening times to avoid disappointment.
- Pack layers: the weather can shift quickly from winter to spring (and back).
- Early mornings are great for quiet walks and wildlife.
- Footpaths can still be muddy, so good boots are a must!
- Keep your plans flexible, in case the weather changes.
March is a lovely time to experience Dorset at a slower, nature-filled pace. With its early spring blooms, seasonal changes, and lower visitor numbers, it’s a great month for a quieter getaway, well away from the crowds of summer. Don’t forget to explore my other Dorset guides to help you make the most of your trip.
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*FYI: weather averages are taken from the Met Office’s official climate station page for Bournemouth Airport/Hurn. Source for daylight hours: timeanddate.com. Sea Temperature Source: Channel Coastal Observatory records for Weymouth.
Booking Your Trip
Airports Guide – An in-depth guide to the best airports for Dorset, including travel info for each one.
Booking.com – The best booking site for all types of accommodation. It usually has the lowest prices and the widest range. I highly recommend downloading the app to manage your bookings and search on-the-go (app prices are sometimes slightly cheaper, too).
Get Your Guide – Find and book tours and attraction tickets for your trip.
Discover Cars – Easily search for and book car hire for your Dorset trip.
Airalo – If you’re coming from overseas, buy a pre-paid eSIM for the UK to get online without roaming fees. Use code EMILY9237 to get £2.50 off your first purchase.
