Nanjing Weather in March

March: mild spring days

March feels cool rather than warm. Afternoons reach 16°C, but mornings and evenings can drop to 5°C. Rain falls on about eight days, and cloudy spells are common. You'll get some sunny hours, too, so it's a good month for walking around the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum or exploring the old streets near Confucius Temple.

The weather works well for sightseeing and gentle hikes on Purple Mountain. But wet paths can make longer walks slippery, and chilly evenings aren't ideal for lingering outdoors. Save a full beach-style day for somewhere else; Nanjing is better for city sights in March.

Plum blossoms and spring crowds

The Nanjing International Plum Blossom Festival is held at Meihuashan, where plum trees bloom in late winter and early spring. March can catch the blossoms, though timing varies with the weather. Weekends at the hill can feel busy during peak bloom.

If you hate crowds, visit Meihuashan on a weekday and leave the weekend for quieter city museums. March is usually calmer than April, when spring visitors arrive in greater numbers, and October, one of Nanjing's most popular months. It's generally a shoulder-season choice, though festival weekends may bring more visitors and firmer hotel prices.

Make the most of Meihuashan

Take Metro Line 2 to Xiamafang, then walk toward the Ming Xiaoling scenic area and Meihuashan. That route makes sense here: the plum trees sit within the wider historic site, so you can pair blossom viewing with a walk around the tomb complex.

Travelling with kids? Keep the outing flexible. If rain sets in, swap the hill for the Nanjing Museum, then warm up with duck blood vermicelli soup, a local noodle soup, near the city centre.