East Asia in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across East Asia in March.
Country Weather in March
| Country | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | 13° | 6° | 68 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Japan | 13° | 4° | 105 mm | moderate | Cold |
| South Korea | 10° | 0° | 48 mm | moderate | Cold |
| North Korea | 9° | -2° | 26 mm | moderate | Cold |
| Taiwan | 21° | 14° | 217 mm | high | Cool |
| Mongolia | -1° | -16° | 3 mm | moderate | Freezing |
Representative figures from each country's largest city. High / low are average daily temperatures (°C); “Feels” allows for humidity.
Mongolia & Inner Mongolia (northern China)
Late-winter thaws are patchy; March brings sudden temperature swings and the first strong dust storms that sweep out of the Gobi and across Inner Mongolia and northern China. Ulaanbaatar and the steppe can see wind, grit and poor air quality for a few days - not ideal for horseback trekking yet, though city sightseeing starts to open up. Layers remain essential, and travelers should allow extra time for overland legs as spring road repairs begin.
Northeast China & Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning including Harbin and Dalian)
By March the ice starts to thin on the Songhua River and coastal cities like Dalian show the first hints of thaw, but March is also when yellow dust and soot from the north can drift through Pulmonary health warnings appear sporadically. Travelers should prepare for gusty, dry winds and significant temperature swings between day and night; urban sightseeing is straightforward while mountain trails may still be muddy.
North & Central China Plain (Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shaanxi corridor including Xi’an)
March introduces early spring warmth to the plains and occasional sandstorms blowing from the north and northwest that can fog Beijing in gritty haze. The city’s cherry and peach blossoms begin to bud in neighborhoods and parks, making late March attractive for florals programs. Temperatures vary widely-pack both warm layers and lighter clothing for sunny afternoons.
Tibetan Plateau & Southwest Highlands (Tibet, Sichuan highlands, Yunnan)
By March the first signs of thaw appear in lower valley towns of Yunnan and western Sichuan, while Tibet itself remains cold and windy; some lower-altitude trekking routes reopen. Cultural travel to monasteries is feasible in drier spells, but major mountain access remains restricted until later in spring. Pack for temperature swings: daytime sun can be strong, but nights remain near or below freezing at altitude.