Things to Do in New Delhi in March

March Weather in New Delhi

29°C (85°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature window - daily highs of 29°C (85°F) without the brutal April-June heat that reaches 45°C (113°F). This is Delhi's last comfortable month for daytime sightseeing.
Crystal clear visibility after winter fog clears - monument photography and city views are at their annual peak before dust storms intensify in April
Holi festival season brings Delhi alive with colors, street celebrations, and special cultural programs at major attractions like Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb
Pre-peak tourist pricing - accommodation rates are 20-30% lower than April-May when international visitors flood in for the post-monsoon season

Considerations

Dust storm season begins mid-March with 3-4 storms typically hitting the city, reducing air quality and visibility for 24-48 hours each time
Pollen levels peak from blooming neem and jamun trees, affecting sensitive travelers with seasonal allergies
Rainfall is virtually zero but when it does occur (10 scattered days), it often comes as brief dust-settling drizzles that turn streets muddy

Best Activities in March

Red Fort and Old Delhi Heritage Walks

March mornings (7-11am) offer perfect 20-24°C (68-75°F) temperatures for exploring the walled city's narrow lanes without summer's oppressive heat. The dust hasn't built up yet, and winter fog has cleared for excellent photography. Local guides are most active during this comfortable window before April's heat drives tourism indoors.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walks for early morning slots (8-10am) to avoid afternoon heat buildup. Licensed Delhi Tourism guides charge ₹2,000-3,500 ($24-42) for 3-hour Old Delhi tours. Book 5-7 days ahead through official tourism portals for best rates.

India Gate and Rajpath Evening Picnics

March evenings are ideal for Delhi's picnic culture - temperatures drop to comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) by 5pm. Locals flock to India Gate lawns with families, flying kites and enjoying street food. This is peak season for Delhi's outdoor evening life before summer heat makes it unbearable.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed - simply arrive after 4pm when temperatures cool. Budget ₹500-800 ($6-10) for street food and chai. Rent folding chairs from vendors for ₹50 ($0.60) if needed.

Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens Photography Tours

March's clear skies and 70% humidity create perfect conditions for monument photography without haze or harsh shadows. The gardens are in full bloom but not yet stressed by pre-monsoon heat. Golden hour light (6:30-7:30am and 6-7pm) is spectacular for Mughal architecture.

Booking Tip: Photography permits for professional equipment cost ₹500 ($6) at monuments. Sunrise photography tours typically run ₹3,000-4,500 ($36-54) for 4 hours. Book directly with Archaeological Survey approved guides 3-5 days ahead.

Chandni Chowk Food Trail Adventures

March's moderate heat makes navigating Old Delhi's food lanes comfortable before April's sweltering temperatures. Street food vendors operate longer hours, and you can sample hot paranthas and jalebis without summer's food safety concerns. The famous kulfi is refreshing but not essential for survival yet.

Booking Tip: Join morning food walks (9am-12pm) when vendors are freshest and temperatures stay below 26°C (79°F). Guided food tours cost ₹1,800-2,800 ($22-34) for 3 hours including tastings. Book through licensed food tour operators 7-10 days ahead.

Qutub Minar and Mehrauli Archaeological Park

The extensive outdoor ruins are perfect for March exploration when walking 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of pathways is pleasant rather than exhausting. Archaeological park's 100+ monuments spread across 200 hectares are impossible to cover in summer heat. March offers the year's best conditions for this underexplored area.

Booking Tip: Combine Qutub Minar with archaeological park for full-day exploration - entry costs ₹600 ($7) for monuments. Hire local guides at park entrance for ₹1,500-2,000 ($18-24) for comprehensive 4-5 hour tours. No advance booking required.

Yamuna River Cycling and Bird Watching

March marks peak migratory bird season along Yamuna's wetlands before summer heat drives species away. Early morning cycling (6-9am) at 16-20°C (61-68°F) offers comfortable conditions to cover 15-20 km (9-12 miles) of riverbank paths. This is Delhi's best kept natural secret during comfortable weather months.

Booking Tip: Rent cycles from Purana Qila area for ₹300-500 ($4-6) per day. Guided birding cycles cost ₹2,500-3,500 ($30-42) including equipment and guide. Book eco-tourism certified operators 5-7 days ahead for weekend slots.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Holi Festival Celebrations

Delhi's most vibrant festival transforms the city with color throwing, music, and massive street celebrations. Major events at Red Fort, India Gate, and local communities. Traditional sweets like gujiya flood markets, and the entire city participates in this joyous celebration.

Early to Mid March

Delhi Flower Show at Garden of Five Senses

Annual horticultural exhibition showcasing seasonal blooms and landscaping. Features over 50 varieties of flowers in full March bloom, cultural performances, and garden design competitions. One of Delhi's most Instagram-worthy events.

Late March

Delhi Book Fair at Pragati Maidan

Massive literary festival with publishers, authors, and book launches. Perfect indoor cultural activity for dust storm days. Features regional literature, international authors, and cultural programming alongside book sales.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight dust masks or N95s - dust storms hit 3-4 times in March reducing visibility and air quality for 24-48 hours each time

Layered cotton clothing - mornings start at 16°C (60°F) but afternoons reach 29°C (85°F), requiring 13°C (23°F) temperature adaptation

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index of 8 combined with Delhi's altitude of 216m (709ft) increases burn risk significantly

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - monument sites involve 3-5 km (1.9-3.1 miles) of daily walking on varied surfaces

Light rain jacket or windbreaker - not for rain but for sudden dust storm protection and early morning chill

Saline nasal spray - dust and 70% humidity combination affects sinuses, especially for first-time visitors to Delhi's air quality

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated is crucial but tap water requires treatment

Power bank and phone protector - dust storms can drain batteries faster and damage electronics

Anti-allergy medication - peak pollen season from blooming trees affects even non-allergic travelers

Cash in small denominations (₹50, ₹100 notes) - street vendors, auto-rickshaws, and many attractions don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Delhi Metro's Airport Express launched new carriages in 2024 with better air filtration - use this during dust storms instead of taxis. The Blue and Pink lines also added air purification systems.

Book Red Fort's evening sound and light show tickets online in advance - March's clear skies make this the best viewing month, but shows sell out 3-4 days ahead during Holi season.

Local Delhi residents visit monuments between 7-9am in March before dust builds up and temperatures rise - follow their timing for the best experience and fewer crowds.

Connaught Place's underground market (Palika Bazaar) becomes a refuge during afternoon dust storms - locals shop here when outdoor visibility drops, making it busy but functional shelter.

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor sightseeing during midday (11am-3pm) when temperatures peak at 29°C (85°F) and dust levels are highest - locals avoid this window entirely

Not carrying dust protection during March's 3-4 dust storms - tourists get caught unprepared when visibility drops to 50m (164ft) and air quality plummets

Booking accommodation in central Delhi without air purification - March's air quality requires filtered indoor air for comfortable sleep, especially during dust storm periods