What to Pack for Paris in March: The Ultimate Packing List

March in Paris is a month of transition. Winter hasn’t fully left, but spring is quietly stepping in. The light feels softer, café terraces start to reappear, and you’ll notice more locals swapping heavy coats for lighter layers — even if scarves are still firmly in rotation.

What to pack for Paris in March is all about flexible layering. You’ll experience cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the occasional rainy or windy day. It’s less about deep warmth now and more about being prepared for shifting temperatures throughout the day.

If you’re still planning your trip, don’t miss my full guide to Paris in March: A Local’s Tips for the Best Visit for seasonal events, weather details, and what the city feels like this time of year.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to pack for Paris in March: the right coat, lighter knitwear, shoes for unpredictable weather, and a small capsule wardrobe that keeps you polished and comfortable.

What to Pack for Paris in March: Weather Cheat Sheet

March temperatures typically range from 6–14°C (43–57°F). It’s no longer deep winter, but it’s not truly spring either.

Expect:

• Cool mornings and evenings
• Frequent light rain and damp air
• Brighter, milder afternoons
• Occasional windy days
• Big indoor/outdoor temperature swings

Layering is still essential — but now it’s about versatility, not heavy insulation.

How to Plan What to Pack for Paris in March

When planning what to pack for Paris in March, think transitional layers, not winter gear.

Use the same capsule mindset, but lighten it:

5–4–3–2–1 method

• 5 tops: light sweaters + long-sleeve tees
• 4 bottoms: jeans, trousers, or a skirt with tights
• 3 shoes: but you’ll mostly wear 2
• 2 outer layers: one proper coat, one lighter layer
• 1 elevated evening outfit

Palette suggestion: Black, navy, grey, camel, ecru, and soft denim — plus one accent like dusty blue, sage green, or muted burgundy.

March light is softer than winter, so slightly lighter tones start to feel right.

Clothing Essentials: What to Pack for Paris in March

1. Outerwear

March still calls for a real coat, but you can move away from heavy winter styles.

Pack:

• One mid-weight wool coat or trench-style coat
• Knee-length or longer
• Neutral color
• Room for layering underneath

Second layer (very useful in March):

• Blazer, light wool jacket, or quilted liner
• Perfect for mild afternoons
• Ideal for café terraces and indoor/outdoor transitions

Skip: heavy puffer coats unless you run very cold.

For more outerwear inspiration, see my guide to The Only Parisian Coats You Need To Invest In.

2. Sweaters & Base Layers

March is prime time for light-to-midweight knits.

Pack:

• 2–3 wool, merino, or cotton-blend sweaters
• Crewneck or lightweight turtleneck
• 2–3 long-sleeve tees or thin base layers

Optional:

• Fine-gauge cardigan or knit blazer

You’ll wear these under your coat in the morning and sometimes just with a blazer in the afternoon. For more outfit formulas and seasonal styling ideas, see my guide to What to Wear in Paris in the Spring.

3. Bottoms

You still want full coverage, but March allows a bit more variety.

Pack:

• 1 pair straight-leg or relaxed jeans
• 1 pair tailored trousers (wool, ponte, or structured cotton)

Optional:

• Midi skirt with tights
• Dark denim for evenings

Thermal leggings usually aren’t necessary now unless there’s an unusual cold snap.

For more jean inspiration, see my full guide to The Best Parisian Style Jeans and How To Wear Them.

4. Evening Pieces

Evenings are still cool, but outfits feel lighter than in winter.

Pack:

• 1 knit dress or long-sleeve midi dress
• Works with tights + boots or loafers

• 1 dressier blouse (silk, satin, or refined cotton)
• Elevates jeans or trousers for dinner or drinks

March evenings in Paris often mean restaurants and wine bars rather than outdoor terraces, so polished layers still matter.

What Shoes to Pack for Paris in March

You’ll still walk 15,000+ steps a day — often on damp streets.

Sneakers in March?

Yes — more than in winter.

Choose:

• Minimal leather sneakers
• Already broken in
• Worn with warm socks

Perfect for dry or lightly damp days.

If you’re unsure which styles feel both comfortable and chic, I share specific picks in The Best French Sneaker Brands (That Parisians Actually Wear).

Boots: Still Useful

Pack:

• 1 pair ankle boots (leather, weather-resistant)
• Flat or low heel
• Comfortable for long walks

Optional second pair:

• Sleeker boots or loafers for evenings

Accessories to Pack for Paris in March

Accessories remain essential — just lighter than winter.

Pack:

• 1–2 scarves (wool, cotton, or silk blend)
• Light gloves (optional)
• Warm socks
• Compact umbrella
• Sunglasses (you’ll use them more than you expect)
• A statement belt that makes you look put together and intentional but goes with every outfit

In Paris, a scarf isn’t just for warmth — it’s part of the outfit. I break down simple, elegant ways to wear one in my French scarf style guide.

March also means drizzle and damp sidewalks. If rain styling stresses you out, here’s exactly How to Dress for the Rain Like a Parisian without looking like a tourist in survival mode. And if you’d like to build up your jewelry collection, see my full guide to Contemporary Parisian Jewelry Designers You Need To Know.

Other Essentials to Pack for Paris in March

Transitional weather can be drying and unpredictable.

Pack:

• Rich moisturizer + lip balm
• Hand cream
• Portable charger + adapter
• Compact umbrella
• Tissues

Pharmacies in Paris are excellent if you need heavier creams mid-trip. If you want to know more about what to buy at Parisian pharmacies, see my full guide to The Best French Pharmacy Products (That Are Actually Worth It).

A 7-Day Packing List for Paris in March

Wear on the plane

• Coat
• Sweater
• Base layer
• Jeans or trousers
• Boots or sneakers
• Scarf

In your suitcase

• 2 more sweaters
• 2 more base layers
• 1 pair trousers
• 1 dress
• 1 dressy blouse
• Sneakers
• Socks
• Tights
• Accessories

What to Pack for Paris in March for Men

• 1 mid-weight wool coat or trench
• 2–3 merino or cotton sweaters
• 2–3 long-sleeve tees or shirts
• 1 dark jeans
• 1 pair tailored trousers
• 1 waterproof leather boot
• 1 minimalist leather sneaker
• Scarf, warm socks

Final Packing Checklist for Paris in March

✔ Mid-weight neutral coat
✔ 2–3 sweaters
✔ 2–3 long-sleeve tops
✔ Jeans + trousers
✔ Boots + leather sneakers
✔ Scarf, umbrella, warm socks
✔ Skincare + charger + adapter

FAQs

Is March cold in Paris?
It’s cool but milder than winter. Expect chilly mornings and evenings, with more comfortable afternoons.

Can you wear sneakers in Paris in March?
Yes — leather sneakers are very common, especially on dry days. Bring boots for rain.

Do you need heavy thermal layers?
Usually no. Focus on sweaters and smart layering instead of deep-winter gear.

Final Thoughts: What to Pack for Paris in March

Packing for Paris in March is about balance. You need warmth in the morning and evening, but flexibility for milder afternoons. With a good coat, light layers, and walkable shoes, you’ll be ready for café terraces, museum visits, and long city walks — without feeling weighed down.

To see how March fits into the rhythm of the year, explore Paris, Month by Month: What to See, Do, and Love.