Things to Do in New Delhi in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in New Delhi
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect shoulder season temperatures - mornings start pleasantly cool at 16°C (60°F), warming to a comfortable 29°C (85°F) by afternoon. You can actually explore outdoor monuments like Qutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb without melting, unlike the brutal 45°C (113°F) days coming in May and June.
- Holi festival typically falls in March, bringing the city's most photogenic celebration. The color-throwing festivities happen across neighborhoods, and you'll see locals preparing gulal (colored powder) in markets weeks beforehand. March 14th is the likely date for 2026, though confirm closer to your trip.
- Delhi's gardens hit peak bloom - Lodhi Garden and Mughal Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan showcase roses, marigolds, and seasonal flowers that won't survive April's heat. The Mughal Garden opens to public only February through March, making this genuinely time-sensitive.
- Pre-summer pricing on accommodations - you're visiting after Republic Day crowds but before the wedding season surge in late March and April. Hotels in Connaught Place and Paharganj typically run 20-30% cheaper than peak winter rates, and you can book quality guesthouses 2-3 weeks out without issue.
Considerations
- Highly unpredictable weather patterns - that 10 rainy days figure is misleading because March sits in the transition between winter and pre-monsoon. You might get dust storms, surprise afternoon showers, or unseasonably hot days all in the same week. Pack layers and don't plan outdoor activities you can't reschedule.
- Air quality deteriorates as temperatures rise - March AQI levels typically range 150-250 (unhealthy for sensitive groups), worse than January and February. The combination of rising heat, construction dust, and crop burning in neighboring states creates hazy conditions. If you have respiratory issues, bring masks and limit early morning outdoor time when pollution concentrates.
- Late March wedding season chaos - Indian wedding season peaks late March through April, meaning popular restaurants book up for private events, traffic worsens around banquet halls, and hotel prices jump in the final week of the month. If your dates fall after March 20th, book accommodations earlier and expect weekend congestion in South Delhi neighborhoods like Hauz Khas and Vasant Kunj.
Best Activities in March
Old Delhi Heritage Walking Routes
March mornings offer the only comfortable window for exploring Chandni Chowk's dense lanes before summer heat makes it unbearable. Start at 7am when temperatures hover around 18°C (64°F) - you'll catch the flower market at its busiest, see jalebi being fried fresh at century-old shops, and photograph Jama Masjid in soft morning light. By 11am when it hits 26°C (79°F), you're ready to retreat indoors. The narrow gullies that feel charming in March become sweltering tunnels by May.
Yamuna Riverfront Cycling Tours
The riverfront paths from Wazirabad to Okhla become surprisingly pleasant in March before the water levels drop and summer stench sets in. Early morning rides at 6-7am offer cool air, bird sightings at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, and views of the city waking up. You'll cover 15-20 km (9-12 miles) comfortably in the 16-22°C (60-72°F) morning temperatures. This activity becomes genuinely unpleasant by mid-April when heat and reduced water flow create odor issues.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park Exploration
This 200-acre park holds 100+ monuments spanning 1,000 years, yet remains relatively empty because it lacks the name recognition of Qutub Minar next door. March weather makes the extensive walking feasible - you'll need 3-4 hours to see highlights like Jamali Kamali Mosque and Rajon ki Baoli stepwell. The tree cover provides shade, and the 70% humidity hasn't reached the oppressive 85-90% levels of monsoon season. Come after 3pm when temperatures start dropping from the day's peak.
Lutyens Delhi Architecture Tours
The wide boulevards and government buildings designed by Edwin Lutyens look spectacular in March's clear mornings before dust and heat create haze. This is also when Mughal Garden opens to public for its brief annual window, typically until March 15-20th. The geometric garden design, seasonal flowers, and Rashtrapati Bhavan backdrop create photo opportunities unavailable any other time. Walking or cycling the India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan route covers roughly 5 km (3.1 miles) and takes 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.
Hauz Khas Village Evening Culture Scene
March evenings hit the sweet spot of 22-25°C (72-77°F), perfect for the rooftop bars, art galleries, and outdoor seating that define this neighborhood. The area comes alive after 6pm when daytime heat fades - you'll find contemporary art exhibitions, independent bookstores, and the medieval Hauz Khas Complex ruins illuminated at night. The deer park adjacent offers sunset walks around the historic water tank. This scene becomes less appealing in summer when even evenings stay uncomfortably warm.
Sanjay Van Urban Forest Hiking
This 783-acre forest in South Delhi offers legitimate hiking trails just 30 minutes from Connaught Place, and March temperatures make it actually enjoyable. The forest stays 3-4°C (5-7°F) cooler than surrounding areas, with trails ranging from easy 2 km (1.2 mile) loops to more challenging 6 km (3.7 mile) routes through dense kikar and neem trees. You'll spot peacocks, nilgai antelope, and over 80 bird species. The forest becomes uncomfortably hot and dusty by late April, making March the last good month until monsoon.
March Events & Festivals
Holi Festival
The color-throwing festival likely falls around March 14th in 2026, though confirm exact dates as they follow the lunar calendar. The most intense celebrations happen in residential neighborhoods and public parks, where locals throw gulal colored powder and spray colored water. For visitors, the organized Holi events at hotels and cultural centers offer safer, more controlled experiences with music, traditional sweets like gujiya, and thandai drinks. Markets start selling colors and water guns 2-3 weeks before, creating festive energy citywide.
Delhi International Jazz Festival
This multi-day festival typically happens late March, bringing international and Indian jazz musicians to venues across the city. Past editions have featured free outdoor concerts at Nehru Park and ticketed performances at Siri Fort Auditorium. The festival coincides with pleasant evening weather, making the outdoor shows particularly appealing. Check exact 2026 dates closer to your trip as scheduling varies year to year.