March Weather in Kent 2026: A Complete Guide & What to Wear
March is when Kent truly begins to live up to its name as the “Garden of England.” While there’s still a crisp bite in the air, the landscape undergoes a massive transformation. The brown fields turn a green, and the famous Kentish orchards start to wake up.
It’s a month of “firsts”—the first bluebells walk of the spring, the first time you can leave the house without a heavy scarf, and the first sight of the lambs in the fields of the Weald.
What’s the March weather like?
March is the month of unpredictability. We often say it “comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” In early March, you can still experience bitter frosts and even late snow flurries (the infamous “Beast from the East” in 2018 hit Kent in March!). However, by the end of the month, you’ll often enjoy beautiful, mild spring days.
The average daytime high rises to 10°C (50°F), but on a sunny day, it can easily reach 13°C or 14°C. Nights remain chilly, averaging around 3°C (37°F), so you’ll still want the heating on in the evenings. The coastal breeze is still present, but it loses that “icy” edge it has in February.
Average temperatures in March
March sees a significant jump in temperature as the month progresses, making it feel much more like exploring weather.
- At the beginning of March: Highs are typically 8°C to 9°C. You’ll still see frost on the grass most mornings, especially in rural areas like the Elham Valley.
- By the middle of the month: Temperatures hit a steady 10°C. This is when the soil starts to warm up and the gardens really begin to bloom.
- Toward the end of March: We often see highs of 12°C to 13°C. On a lucky year, a southerly wind can bring a “mini-heatwave” with temperatures pushing 16°C, giving everyone a taste of summer.
March daylight
This is the biggest change you’ll notice. Not only do the days naturally lengthen, but the clocks go forward on the last Sunday of the month, suddenly giving us light until nearly 8:00 PM!
Kent Daylight in March 2026
| Week | Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Total Daylight |
| Week 1 | Mar 1, 2026 | 06:41 | 17:38 | 10h 57m |
| Week 2 | Mar 8, 2026 | 06:26 | 17:50 | 11h 24m |
| Week 3 | Mar 15, 2026 | 06:10 | 18:02 | 11h 52m |
| Week 4 | Mar 22, 2026 | 05:54 | 18:14 | 12h 20m |
| Week 5 | Mar 29, 2026* | 06:38 | 19:26 | 12h 48m |
| *Note: British Summer Time begins; clocks move forward 1 hour. |
The average snow weather forecast for March
Snow in March is rare but certainly not impossible. Kent usually sees 1 or 2 days of sleet or “wintry showers,” but it rarely settles for long. If it does snow, it’s usually early in the month. By the end of March, the sun is high enough in the sky that any morning frost or light snow melts away by lunchtime.
Humidity, Wind, and Fog
- Humidity: Drops slightly to around 78%. The air feels “lighter” and less damp than in mid-winter.
- Wind: March is famously breezy. Expect some blustery days, which are great for blowing the cobwebs away on a walk along the cliffs at St Margaret’s Bay.
- Fog: You might still get the occasional “sea fret” (coastal fog) in places like Thanet or Dover, but morning mists in the valleys usually clear quickly.
Average rain weather forecast in March
March is relatively dry, averaging about 45mm to 50mm of rain. You can expect about 10 to 12 days with some rainfall. However, March is the king of the “April Shower” (which often starts early!). You might experience a sudden 10-minute downpour followed immediately by bright rainbows and sunshine.
Average sun days in March
The sun makes a welcome comeback in March. We average about 115 to 125 hours of sunshine—a big jump from February. You can expect about 10 “mostly sunny” days. The light in March is beautiful for photography—it’s clear and bright without the summer haze.
How to read the local weather forecast
In March, keep an eye on the UV Index. Even though it’s not hot, the sun is getting stronger. If you’re spending the whole day hiking the North Downs Way, you might actually catch a bit of color on your face!
Also, watch for “Clear Skies” in the forecast. In March, a clear sky during the day means beautiful sunshine, but a clear sky at night means a sharp frost—so don’t plant your summer bedding plants out just yet!
What to Wear in Kent in March
March is the season of the “Mid-weight” jacket. You can usually retire the heavy Arctic parka.
- The Outer Layer: A trench coat, a quilted jacket, or a windproof softshell is perfect.
- The Layering: A light knit jumper or a cardigan over a T-shirt. You want to be able to “peel off” a layer when you’re walking in the sun but put it back on the moment you step into the shade.
- Footwear: Trainers are usually fine for the towns, but if you’re heading to the orchards or woods, stick to waterproof boots. The ground is still very soft and muddy from the winter rain.
What to pack for your Kent trip
- A compact umbrella: Essential for those sudden, short showers.
- Lightweight scarf: To protect against the “March winds.”
- Sunglasses: A must-have for driving and coastal walks.
- A reusable tote bag: For all the local produce (and maybe some hop-related souvenirs!) you’ll find at the spring farmers’ markets.
What does Kent’s nature look like in March?
I think that March is one of the most beautiful spring months, when everything blossoms. If the spring is very warm, we also get early bluebells flowering early and you can see them on one of my favourite bluebell walks in Kent.
- Daffodils: They are everywhere—carpeting the roadsides and the grounds of places like Hever Castle & Gardens (which hosts a “Dazzling Daffodils” event).
- Magnolias & Camellias: Look into the front gardens of Tunbridge Wells or the grounds of Mount Ephraim—the pink and white blooms are stunning.
- Orchard Blossom: Toward the end of the month, the cherry and plum blossoms start to appear in the orchards around Faversham and Sittingbourne.
Historic weather data in March
- The Warmest Day: In March 1968 and more recently in 2021, temperatures in the South East reached a balmy 24°C (75°F).
- The Great Snow of 2018: The “Beast from the East” brought heavy snow and sub-zero daytime temperatures to Kent in early March, causing drifts that blocked many rural lanes.
This blog post was originally published on 26 December 2025 and last updated on 26 December 2025
