Pretoria in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Pretoria
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect autumn weather with comfortable 27°C (81°F) highs ideal for outdoor exploration before winter sets in
- Jacaranda season peaks in March - the city transforms into a purple great destination with over 70,000 blooming trees lining every street
- Post-summer crowds have dispersed but weather remains warm enough for outdoor dining and sunset drives through the Magaliesberg hills
- March marks harvest season at surrounding wine estates and local farmers markets offer peak seasonal produce at lowest prices
Considerations
- Afternoon thunderstorms arrive suddenly and can be severe - expect 45-60 minute downpours that flood low-lying areas and disrupt outdoor plans
- Temperature swings of 11°C (20°F) between day and night catch visitors off-guard, especially those coming from tropical climates
- University of Pretoria and UNISA students return from summer break, creating traffic congestion around Hatfield and city center during weekdays
Best Activities in March
Jacaranda City Walking Tours
March is the only month to experience Pretoria's famous jacaranda bloom at full intensity. The purple canopy peaks between early and mid-March, creating Instagram-worthy scenes along Herbert Baker Street and University of Pretoria campus. Morning walks (7-9am) offer the best lighting and fewer crowds. The blooms last exactly 3-4 weeks before April's first cold front strips the trees bare.
Cullinan Diamond Mine Historical Tours
March weather is perfect for the 45-minute surface tours at the world's most productive diamond mine, 40 km (25 miles) east of Pretoria. Comfortable 25°C (77°F) temperatures and low humidity make the outdoor walking portions pleasant. Underground tours operate year-round but March offers the best post-rain air quality and clearer views across the surrounding farmland.
Magaliesberg Mountain Hiking
March offers the last month of comfortable hiking weather before winter cold sets in. Morning temperatures around 18°C (64°F) are ideal for the this destination trails and Hartbeespoort Dam circular routes. Afternoon storms provide natural cooling but require early starts (6-7am) to avoid lightning risk in exposed areas.
Union Buildings and Government Precinct Tours
March's mild morning temperatures make the uphill walk to this destination (1.2 km/0.75 miles from city center) comfortable. The terraced gardens showcase late summer blooms alongside early autumn colors. Parliament is in session during March, offering guided tours of active government buildings unavailable during recess periods.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve Game Viewing
March marks the end of summer breeding season, making wildlife more active during cooler morning and evening hours. The reserve's 15 km (9.3 miles) of roads offer excellent self-drive game viewing with comfortable temperatures for open-window driving. Recent rains keep watering holes full, concentrating animal activity.
Pretoria Art Museum and Cultural Precinct
March's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential backup plans. The newly renovated Pretoria Yaounde showcases the world's largest collection of South African art. Combined with nearby State Theatre and Pretoria University museums, you can spend entire rainy afternoons exploring local cultural heritage.
March Events & Festivals
Jacaranda Festival
Pretoria's signature festival celebrating the city's 70,000 jacaranda trees in full bloom. Street markets, outdoor concerts in Burgers Park, and photography competitions take advantage of the purple canopy. Local restaurants offer jacaranda-themed menus and craft breweries release seasonal purple-tinted beers.
Heritage Month Cultural Events
March launches South Africa's heritage celebrations with traditional music performances at the State Theatre and cultural exhibitions at museums across the city. The University of Pretoria hosts international student festivals showcasing diverse cultural traditions.