Nagano Weather in March
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Nagano in March
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In Brief: Bearable Cold & Huge Day-night Temperature Differences
March marks Nagano's final winter month with reduced urban snowfall, though mountain areas remain under heavy snowpack. As the month progresses, a thaw sets in, with urban roads clearing of snow and ice, and mountain trails becoming more passable for hiking and skiing.
Temperature
Avg. Temperature Range: -2~7℃/28~44℉
By mid-to-late March, the melting ice, snow, and more sunny days add warmth, especially during midday, when it might be up to 16℃ (61℉). But the temperatures vary significantly, dropping to about 0℃ (32℉) at night.
Precipitation
Snowfall: 270mmRainfall: 59mm
Avg. Snowy/Rainy Days: 17
In March, there are approximately 5 snowy days downtown and 12 in the mountains, mostly occurring from early to mid-March and providing fresh crisp powder snow to ski resorts. By late March, about 5-day rainfall melts snow, often in the form of moderate to heavy rain or sleet.
Sunrise & Sunset
In March, with sunrise from 5:34~6:17, and sunset from 17:41~18:08. there are 11.5~12.5 hours of daylight in Nagano. The best time for capturing the snowscape beauty by camera is from 2~5PM.Nagano March Travel Packing Guide
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Upper Layers
Opt for breathable base layers like cotton shirts and mid-layers like fleece-lined windbreakers or quilted jackets. Down jackets of light to middle thickness are ideal for outerwear.Lower Body
Thermal leggings with hiking trousers or fleece-lined jeans will help break March’s cold winds in Nagano.Footwear
Boots with deep treads are useful for both icy shrine steps and muddy downtown paths, such as snow boots and hiking boots.Accessories
Knitted hats, gloves, and scarves are necessary thermal accessories this month. Ice crampons and alpenstocks will ease the way when hiking in the mountains.Rain Gear
Bring raincoats or umbrellas to prevent unexpected rainfall or sleet.Note: In lowlands like downtown areas, umbrellas are effective, but avoid using them on exposed mountain paths due to potential strong gusts in March.
Top Things to Do in Nagano in March
Experience Hina Matsuri (March 3rd 2026)
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Dolls at Nagano Girl's Festival
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Hina Matsuri, also known as the "Doll Festival" or "Girls’ Festival", is celebrated in March to pray for the happiness and healthy growth of girls. This festival spans from late February to early April, peaking on March 3rd.
Suzaka Art Park in Nagano showcases a stunning 30-tier doll decoration during Hina Matsuri. These delicate court dolls, adorned in silk gowns, and each of unique facial expressions and kimono styles, resemble a miniature Heian-period court. Visitors can participate by dressing up as dolls, making it an ideal destination for couples and families.
Relax in Shirahone Onsen
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Go to Enjoy the Onsen in Yukata
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Hakubone Hot Springs, nestled in Nagano, are renowned for their rare milky blue water, rich in sulfur and bicarbonate, offering a silken-smooth sensation. In March, by Shirahone Onsen, milky mist mingles with crisp mountain air, creating a captivating interplay of warm and cold.
As you bathe in the 40°C warm water, tiny ice crystals form on your lashes, while snowflakes dissolve instantly on your bare shoulders, amidst swirling white steam. The surrounding ancient pine forest, bowed under the weight of snow, occasionally sees mountain birds flutter past, shedding snowflakes that silently cascade into the pools, adding a serene, natural ambiance to your soaking experience.
Tips
1. Some ski resorts close by late March, such as Togakushi Ski Resort and Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort & Snow Field, so plan accordingly.2. In early March, parts of Nagano’s expressways might be closed due to heavy snow or sleet, so pay attention to relative notices before your trip.
7-Day Nagano Weather Forecast