Things to Do in Bengaluru in March

March Weather in Bengaluru

32°C (90°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

35mm (1.4 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - March sits between the cool dry winter and scorching summer, with daytime highs of 32°C (90°F) and pleasant 20°C (68°F) evenings ideal for rooftop dining and walking tours
Peak season for outdoor activities - minimal rainfall (only 3 rainy days) makes it perfect for heritage walks, cycling tours of Cubbon Park, and day trips to Nandi Hills without weather disruptions
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation rates are 15-20% lower than peak winter months (December-February) but weather is still excellent, with flight prices dropping after February business travel surge
Festival season energy - March coincides with Holi celebrations and the start of classical music season, giving you authentic cultural experiences without the intense crowds of major festivals

Considerations

Temperature climbing trend - by late March, afternoon highs can hit 35°C (95°F), making midday outdoor activities uncomfortable and limiting sightseeing windows to early morning and evening
Air quality deteriorates - March marks the start of drier conditions that concentrate pollution, with AQI often reaching 150-200, particularly challenging for sensitive travelers
Pre-summer booking rush - hotels and popular restaurants start raising prices in anticipation of the brief April-May domestic travel season before monsoons arrive

Best Activities in March

Bangalore Palace and Heritage Walking Tours

March's moderate temperatures make it ideal for exploring Bengaluru's colonial architecture and royal history. Morning tours (7-10 AM) avoid the midday heat while late afternoon slots (4-7 PM) offer golden hour photography. The dry weather ensures unobstructed views of Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks 7-10 days ahead as March is popular for outdoor cultural activities. Tours typically cost ₹1,200-2,000 ($15-25) per person. Look for certified guides through Karnataka Tourism or established cultural organizations. Reference booking widget for current heritage tour options.

Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Cycling Tours

March offers perfect cycling weather with comfortable morning temperatures around 22°C (72°F). The parks are lush from winter rains but paths are dry and safe. Early morning tours (6-9 AM) let you experience local fitness culture and avoid afternoon heat that peaks at 32°C (90°F).

Booking Tip: Book cycling tours 5-7 days in advance, typically ₹800-1,500 ($10-18) including bike rental and guide. Choose operators providing helmets and offering multiple route options. See current cycling tour options in the booking section below.

Nandi Hills Sunrise and Trekking Expeditions

March is premium season for Nandi Hills - clear skies provide stunning sunrise views from 1,478m (4,848 ft) elevation, while comfortable temperatures make the trek enjoyable. The 1.5-hour drive from city is pleasant in cool morning air, and minimal rain means reliable sunrise visibility.

Booking Tip: Book Nandi Hills tours 10-14 days ahead as March weekends fill quickly. Day trips cost ₹2,500-4,000 ($30-50) including transport and breakfast. Choose operators with early 4 AM pickup to reach summit by sunrise. Check current Nandi Hills tour options below.

Traditional Food and Market Tours

March's dry weather is perfect for exploring local markets like KR Market and food streets in areas like VV Puram. Comfortable walking conditions let you sample street food safely, while seasonal produce like mangoes start appearing. Evening food tours take advantage of pleasant 25°C (77°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Food tours book quickly in March due to ideal weather - reserve 7-10 days ahead. Expect ₹1,800-3,200 ($22-40) for 3-4 hour tours including tastings. Look for small group tours (max 8 people) with local guides. See current food tour options in booking section.

Mysore and Srirangapatna Day Trips

March provides optimal conditions for the 3-hour drive to Mysore - clear roads, good visibility, and comfortable temperatures for exploring Mysore Palace and Tipu Sultan's fort. The dry season ensures all outdoor attractions are accessible and photography conditions are excellent.

Booking Tip: Mysore day trips require advance booking in March due to perfect weather conditions. Full-day tours cost ₹3,500-5,500 ($42-68) including transport, guide, and entry fees. Book 14 days ahead for weekend departures. Reference booking widget for current Mysore tour availability.

Rooftop Bar and Craft Brewery Tours

March evenings with temperatures dropping to 22°C (72°F) create perfect conditions for Bengaluru's famous rooftop scene. Clear skies offer great city views while comfortable humidity (55%) makes outdoor drinking pleasant. The transition from day to night provides stunning sunset timing.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours gain popularity in March due to pleasant evening weather - book 5-7 days ahead. Tours typically cost ₹2,200-3,800 ($27-46) including tastings and transport between venues. Choose evening tours starting after 5 PM for best weather. See current brewery tour options below.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Holi Festival Celebrations

March brings vibrant Holi celebrations across Bengaluru with organic color powder, traditional sweets, and community gatherings in parks like Cubbon Park. Hotels and cultural centers host special events combining traditional rituals with modern celebrations.

Late March

Bengaluru International Film Festival

This annual celebration of cinema features screenings across multiple venues, with March being the traditional month for independent and art house films. Venues include PVR multiplexes and cultural centers throughout the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight cotton shirts and breathable fabrics - avoid polyester in 55% humidity, especially for afternoon activities when temperatures reach 32°C (90°F)

Light sweater or jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) after sunset, making rooftop dining and evening walks surprisingly cool

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 9 in March, particularly intense at Nandi Hills elevation of 1,478m (4,848 ft)

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - ideal weather means lots of walking, plus some heritage sites have uneven stone surfaces

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - while only 3 rainy days expected, afternoon showers can be sudden and brief

Power bank for phone - excellent weather means more outdoor time and photography, draining batteries faster

Dust mask or N95 - air quality deteriorates in March with AQI reaching 150-200, especially important for morning runs or cycling

Layers for day trips - Nandi Hills can be 8-10°C (14-18°F) cooler than city center, especially at sunrise

Insect repellent - March's warmth brings mosquitoes, particularly in park areas and during evening activities

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated is crucial as temperatures climb, and not all areas have reliable water sources

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Indiranagar or Koramangala areas - these neighborhoods have better air quality than central Bengaluru and offer rooftop restaurants perfect for March evening weather

Start outdoor activities by 7 AM - locals know March afternoons get uncomfortable quickly, so morning markets, cycling, and heritage walks happen early before the city heats up

Avoid booking anything between 12-4 PM in late March - even locals retreat indoors during these hours as temperatures can spike unexpectedly to 35°C (95°F)

March is mango season beginning - local varieties like Alphonso start appearing in markets, and many restaurants feature seasonal mango desserts and drinks not available other months

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating afternoon heat intensity - many tourists plan full-day outdoor activities not realizing March afternoons require indoor breaks or air-conditioned transport

Not booking Nandi Hills tours early enough - March is peak season for sunrise trips and weekend slots fill up 2 weeks in advance, especially for smaller group tours

Ignoring air quality forecasts - March pollution can spike unexpectedly, and tourists with respiratory sensitivity should check daily AQI before planning outdoor activities