March · New Zealand
Best time to visit Nelson in March Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Nelson in March
Average temperature 13°C, 59 mm of rain, about 20 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 77% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
March score
8.8/10
Ranked #2 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 13°C
- Rainfall
- 59 mm
- Humidity
- 77%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 20
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$$ · Peak Season Rates ($$$)
March in Nelson scores 8.8/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#2). Expect around 13°C, 59 mm of rain, and roughly 20 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Nelson sits at the top of the South Island, with a long beach, gardens and Abel Tasman National Park nearby.
March is one of the strongest months in Nelson (2nd)
Temperatures hover around 13°C (56°F) — the kind of month where neither heat nor cold forces the schedule.
Budget for roughly 59 mm of rain this month — a flexible day or two helps — with about 20 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 12.3 hours of daylight to work around it.
On our climate-comfort scale this is one of the strongest months of the year for Nelson at 8.8/10 (2nd of 12), just behind January at 9.3/10.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening, a packable rain layer, footwear you can get muddy.
Budget for peak pricing, and crowds are moderate. You are paying the year's highest rates for the year's best conditions — book early or shift a few weeks either side.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Nelson in March?
- In March, Nelson averages 13°C, 59 mm of rain, and about 20 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 8.8/10.
- Is March a good time to visit Nelson?
- March earns a 8.8/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Nelson in March?
- Expect about 59 mm of rain in March. Average humidity is 77% and there are about 20 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
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Nelson, New Zealand. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.