What to eat in Edinburgh in March: Seasonal delicacies
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Fish supper with salt ‘n’ sauce
Classic fish and chips, with Edinburgh’s brown “salt ‘n’ sauce” option. In March, it suits unpredictable weather and is an easy, quick meal between museum visits. It is not vegetarian and may include allergens from batter. Tip: eat it hot, or take away to a sheltered spot if showers start. Try: Edinburgh (venue list includes The Tailend in Leith, details TBC).
Sausages served with mashed potato and onion gravy, a pub staple. In March, it works as a comfort meal after windy outdoor walks. It is not vegetarian unless you choose a meat-free option. Tip: pair it with a pint, then plan a short walk back via well-lit main streets. Try: Edinburgh (venue list includes The Dogs on Hanover St, details TBC).
A mix-and-match meal from multiple stalls, often with local craft beer options. In March, it suits longer evenings and flexible plans when weather changes. Vegetarian and vegan choices are usually available, but check stall ingredients. Tip: arrive early for best choice and shorter queues. Try: The Pitt Market, Leith (address details limited).
March is Edinburgh’s turning point. Average highs climb to 10°C (50°F), and daylight stretches past 6pm. The city shakes off winter with the first cherry blossoms in The Meadows and the lively energy of Six Nations rugby weekends. Crisp air and sudden showers keep you on your toes, but the city’s mood is buoyant—folk music spills from pubs, and the Science Festival’s buzz begins. March is a month of anticipation, where history, sport, and spring flowers collide.
Pro tips for visiting Edinburgh in March
Book accommodations early if visiting during Six Nations rugby weekends—city fills with fans.
Catch cherry blossoms in The Meadows late March; bring a camera for spring blooms.
Reserve tickets for Science Festival events and family workshops—these are popular with locals.
Expect unpredictable weather—carry a compact umbrella and wear layers.
Visit pubs for live folk music during Ceilidh Culture month.
Museums and galleries remain quiet on weekdays—ideal for crowd-free visits.
Take advantage of longer daylight for outdoor walks and photography.
Check for special Women’s Day events and exhibitions in early March.
Edinburgh in March at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 10°C
Minimum temperature: 2°C
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Daylight
Around 11 hours 30 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:45am
Sunset: 6:15pm
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Key events
Scottish Snowdrop Festival, Edinburgh Music Competition Festival, Six Nations Rugby Matches (Murrayfield), International Women’s Day Events
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Crowds
Fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and a quieter overall vibe, as locals may be on holiday.
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What to pack
Layered clothing, waterproof jacket, scarf, rugby jersey for match days, sturdy shoes.
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Seasonal treats
Cherry blossom picnics in The Meadows, spring lamb at local bistros, whisky tastings at The Scotch Whisky Experience
A seasonal garden programme showcasing snowdrop displays across Scotland, including Edinburgh viewing at the Royal Botanic Garden. It runs January 25 to March 12. Visit on weekday mornings for quieter paths. Weather is wintery, so dress for cold wind and damp ground.
A long-running amateur music competition where you can hear young performers across classical, traditional, and choral categories. It runs March 3-15 across multiple venues. Many sessions are easy to drop into. Check daily schedules so you can catch a genre you enjoy.
An informal month of extra folk sessions and ceilidhs across pubs and halls, described as happening in March. It is not a single ticketed festival, so the experience is flexible. Arrive early for seats in smaller pubs. You can watch first, then join dances when comfortable.
The final stretch of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival runs into early March, ending March 12. If you miss peak January viewing, March can still work for late displays. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden in daylight, since evenings are still cold. Combine with museums if weather turns wet.
One of Europe’s largest science festivals, spanning late March into early April. The 2026 dates are March 25 to April 10. Expect talks, hands-on exhibitions, and family sessions across venues like City Art Centre and Dynamic Earth. Book popular workshops early, especially during Easter holidays.
Scotland’s home games in the Six Nations take place on various February and March weekends (exact dates TBC). Match days bring a citywide pub atmosphere and busy transport around Murrayfield. Book accommodation early if you visit on a match weekend. Plan extra time for buses and trams due to crowd control near the stadium.
Talks, exhibitions, and workshops marking International Women’s Day, noted as happening on March 8 and through the week (March 8-15). Many events are free and hosted by civic venues, universities, and community centres. Check programmes in advance to find sessions that suit your interests. Arrive early for limited-capacity talks and workshops.
A whisky-focused event at The Scotch Whisky Experience featuring distillers, tastings, and masterclasses. Date is March 14, 2026. It suits travellers who want a structured introduction beyond a pub flight. Tickets include tasting tokens, and sessions can be busy. Eat beforehand and pace tastings to enjoy the full programme responsibly.
Edinburgh International Harp Festival (Preview concert)
A pre-festival concert featuring Celtic harpists ahead of April’s main Harp Festival. It takes place March 21, 2026 at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church on George Street. Tickets are required. Arrive early because church seating can be unassigned and sightlines vary.
A community-organised celebration of Holi in The Meadows, described as happening in late March around the Holi date (March 25-31, date TBC). Expect music and coloured powder outdoors, weather permitting. Wear old clothes and protect electronics. Check local listings first, since it is informal and can change year to year.
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