Things to Do in Bengaluru in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Bengaluru
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Pre-monsoon comfort window: March sits in that sweet spot after winter crowds thin out but before the April heat becomes genuinely oppressive. Mornings are actually pleasant at 20-22°C (68-72°F), perfect for exploring Cubbon Park or Lalbagh without feeling like you're melting by 9am.
- Festival season momentum: You're catching the tail end of Holi celebrations (typically early March) and the lead-up to Ugadi (Kannada New Year, usually late March), which means markets are buzzing, special sweets appear in bakeries, and there's genuine energy in neighborhoods like Malleswaram and Basavanagudi that you won't find in guidebook months.
- Minimal rain interference: Despite showing 10 rainy days on paper, March rainfall in Bengaluru is basically negligible - those occasional evening drizzles last maybe 15-20 minutes and actually provide welcome relief. You won't be canceling outdoor plans or dealing with the traffic chaos that proper monsoon rains bring.
- Shoulder season pricing still holding: Accommodation rates haven't hit their April-May low-season discounts yet, but you're also avoiding the December-January peak pricing when domestic tourists flood in. Mid-range hotels in Indiranagar or Koramangala typically run ₹3,000-5,000 per night in March versus ₹5,000-7,000 in peak months.
Considerations
- Heat builds through the month: That 33°C (92°F) high is the average - by late March, you're regularly seeing 35-36°C (95-97°F) afternoons with 70% humidity. The combination is genuinely draining if you're not accustomed to it, and Bengaluru's famous pleasant climate reputation doesn't really apply in March.
- Air quality deteriorates: March typically sees AQI levels creeping up to 100-150 range (moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups) as pre-monsoon dust combines with vehicle emissions. If you have respiratory sensitivities or you're coming from somewhere with pristine air, the haze is noticeable, especially during evening traffic hours on major corridors like Outer Ring Road.
- Inconsistent weather planning: That 'variable conditions' description is accurate but frustrating - you might get three gorgeous days followed by sudden humidity spikes or unexpected evening thunderstorms. Makes it tricky to plan outdoor activities more than a day or two ahead, and locals themselves are constantly checking weather apps during this transitional period.
Best Activities in March
Early Morning Heritage Walks in Pete Area
March mornings between 6:30-8:30am are genuinely the best time for exploring the old Pete (market) areas - Chickpet, Avenue Road, Gandhi Bazaar. Temperatures are still comfortable at 20-22°C (68-72°F), shopkeepers are setting up, and you'll see the city's wholesale rhythms before tourist hours. The pre-Ugadi period means flower markets are particularly spectacular with marigold mountains and jasmine vendors. March weather makes this viable whereas April heat would have you wilting by 8am.
Nandi Hills Sunrise Excursions
March is actually ideal for the classic Bengaluru sunrise trip to Nandi Hills, 60 km (37 miles) north. You're avoiding the December-January fog that often obscures views, and temperatures at 1,478 m (4,849 ft) elevation are perfect - cool enough for light layers but not cold. Leave by 4:30am to catch sunrise around 6:15am and you'll beat both the heat and the weekend crowds that can number in thousands. The drive back by 9am means you're in the city before afternoon heat peaks.
Craft Brewery Crawls in Indiranagar and Koramangala
Bengaluru's microbrewery scene is genuinely world-class, and March evening hours (6-9pm) are perfect for hopping between venues as temperatures drop to manageable levels. The city has 50-plus craft breweries now, concentrated in Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield. March sees new seasonal brews launching before the summer slowdown, and outdoor seating areas are actually pleasant in evening hours. This is when locals are out networking and socializing before April heat drives everyone to pure AC environments.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden Photography Sessions
March is when Lalbagh's famous flower shows typically happen (usually around Republic Day aftermath or Independence Day prep, but special exhibitions run through March). The 97 hectare (240 acre) garden is best visited 6-8am when light is soft and temperatures haven't climbed. The glasshouse modeled on London's Crystal Palace becomes unbearably hot by midday in March, but morning visits are spectacular. Bougainvillea and frangipani are blooming, and you'll see serious photographers with proper equipment alongside morning walkers.
Bangalore Palace and Surrounding Area Exploration
The Tudor-style Bangalore Palace and its grounds are best visited in March during late afternoon hours around 4-6pm when the worst heat has passed but you still have daylight. The palace interiors stay relatively cool, and March means you're avoiding the peak tourist months while still getting good weather for exploring the surrounding areas like Sankey Tank nearby. The palace area gives you that colonial-era Bengaluru context that contrasts sharply with the tech city image.
Bannerghatta Biological Park Wildlife Safari
March is actually decent for Bannerghatta, 22 km (14 miles) south of the city, before April heat makes the animals completely inactive during visiting hours. Morning safaris starting 9:30-10am are best - animals are still somewhat active and temperatures are manageable at 28-30°C (82-86°F). The butterfly park and zoo sections are better visited in early morning before heat builds. March is off-peak enough that weekend crowds are tolerable, unlike peak season months when you're waiting hours for safari buses.
March Events & Festivals
Holi Celebrations
Holi typically falls in early to mid-March, and while Bengaluru isn't as intense as North Indian cities, you'll find organized color play events in tech parks, apartment complexes, and venues across Indiranagar, Koramangala, and Whitefield. Hotels often host Holi parties with music, organic colors, and traditional sweets. The tech crowd has made this more of a social event with DJ parties and day drinking. If you want authentic neighborhood celebrations, head to North Indian-dominated areas like Kammanahalli or Yelahanka.
Ugadi Preparations and Celebrations
Ugadi, the Kannada New Year, usually falls in late March or early April. The week leading up is when Bengaluru really shows its Kannada cultural identity - markets in Malleswaram, Basavanagudi, and Jayanagar explode with mango leaf garlands, special ingredients for Ugadi pachadi (the traditional six-taste dish), and new clothes shopping. On Ugadi day itself, expect many restaurants and shops to be closed, but temples like Bull Temple and Dodda Ganapathi Temple see massive crowds. This is when you see traditional Bengaluru rather than tech city Bengaluru.