Varanasi Weather in March

March: warm days, cooler mornings

Varanasi is in spring, but March already feels hot by afternoon. Days can reach 36°C, while mornings and evenings are much cooler. Rain is rare, and the air is usually dry and sunny.

You'll enjoy sunrise boat rides on the Ganges, when the ghats are active and the heat hasn't built. The lanes around Godowlia and the old city are easier to explore earlier in the day, too. Save long walks and the exposed stretch at Assi Ghat for morning or evening. Mid-afternoon sightseeing can feel punishing, especially near the end of the month.

Families with young children may find the gentler mornings more comfortable than a full day out.

Holi and local colour

Holi, the spring festival of colours, often falls in March, though its date changes each year. Varanasi's streets can get messy and crowded during celebrations, and coloured powder is part of the fun. If you'd rather keep your clothes clean, avoid busy street celebrations and enjoy the ghats from a boat or a quieter riverside spot.

Rangbhari Ekadashi, a festival linked with Lord Shiva, can also fall in February or March. Celebrations around Kashi Vishwanath Temple draw devotees, so expect extra activity in the old city.

Crowds and a useful tip

March is generally quieter than Varanasi's November-to-February high season, so you may find a calmer feel and softer accommodation prices. Holi is an exception: popular areas can fill with visitors, and streets may be harder to navigate.

For an easier temple visit, approach Kashi Vishwanath through the newer corridor from Lalita Ghat rather than getting caught in the narrow lanes around Godowlia. Afterward, try a lassi near the temple area; it's a welcome cool break before the warmer part of the day.